Erin Babnik is known for her expressive style of photography and for her adventurous approach in the field, both of which she developed over years of exploring unique locations in Europe and North America. She has devoted much of her time to the Dolomites, gaining great knowledge of the region’s diverse array of massifs, independently discovering seldom-seen, highly photogenic vantage points above the typical valley destinations. Her photographic expertise, her location knowledge, and her extensive teaching experience combine to provide an expert level of instruction, delivered with great dedication and enthusiasm. In her writing and public speaking engagements, Erin explores topics of both philosophical and instructional value, making her one of the most notable voices among the current generation of landscape photographers. She brings this same joy of discussing ideas to interactions with her workshop participants, offering a unique dimension to the workshop experience.

Sean Bagshaw is a household name for landscape photographers around the world due to his distinctively elegant style of photography and his reputation as one of the pioneers of progressive image development. His contributions to the art of using luminosity masks have made him one of the world’s top experts on the subject. Aside from his popular educational videos on image development, Sean’s instructional résumé includes more than a decade of leading photography workshops in dozens of states and countries. His many accolades include numerous photography awards and magazine features.

Erin and Sean are both team members of the illustrious nature photography team Photo Cascadia.

After a 2:00pm rendezvous at Venice Marco Polo Airport on February 5, we will depart for the Dolomites, arriving at our first hotel in time to get settled before enjoying an orientation dinner. We will kick off our first full day with a sunrise outing and breakfast before heading off for a series of destinations over the next week. We will be on the move almost every day, taking in a variety of locations and making the most of each one with photography outings planned to maximize the photogenic potential around us. Our lodging will be a mixture of hotels and beautifully situated alpine huts that put us as close as possible to the best locations for winter photography.

On our last full day we will return to our first hotel for a substantial processing session in the comfort of a hotel conference room. Transfer back to Venice Marco Polo Airport will follow breakfast on February 12, getting us back to the terminal by about 1:00pm with good road conditions.

Please note that winter conditions can bring sudden heavy snowfall and/or fog that could slow our travel on any given day, including the day that we return to the airport. For this reason, we recommend that participants schedule flights later in the day on the 12th or else plan to stay a night in Venice and depart the following day instead. Alternatively, you may prefer to remain in the Dolomites to enjoy other winter activities such as skiing or sledding. We will be happy to help you to coordinate for these other activities if you choose to extend your stay in the Dolomites.

Our exact itinerary will be determined according to snow conditions and therefore will be made available to registered participants as late as possible.

TRANSFER FROM VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT:

The nearest major airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), about a two-hour drive from the Dolomites. Transfer to and from this airport is included in the cost of the workshop. We will rendezvous at VCE on February 5 at 2:00pm. We recommend that you enjoy some time in the historic city of Venice in advance of the workshop and take the convenient train between the islands of Venice and the airport. We will return to VCE after breakfast on February 12, reaching the airport in the early afternoon.

PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM ELSEWHERE:

Please contact Erin for arrangement of a private transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo from any airport  or city of your choice. A private car from Venice Marco Polo Airport typically costs about €230 for up to 4 passengers each way.

• Your Camera. You can choose to use any camera you like, but a digital camera with full manual control and interchangeable lenses is highly recommended and will give you the best experience.

• Lenses. There will be opportunities to use any and all focal lengths, so bring all that you can carry, wide to long. If you want to carry only two lenses, an ultra-wide-angle zoom (such as a 16-35mm) and a 70-200mm zoom would be good choices.

• Tripod. We will often be shooting in low light, requiring longer exposure times.

• Filters. Generally all you will need to use is a polarizer and neutral density filters. Although, it is possible to get great shots without either.

• Other gear. Several batteries, plenty of memory cards, a remote trigger, lens cleaning supplies.

• Clothing & shoes. Weather conditions in the Alps during this time of year can be quite cold. Bring insulating layers: a good set of base layers, mid-layers for warmth such as fleece and down. A shell jacket and quick-dry hiking pants will help to protect against the elements as well. Good snow boots or insulated hiking boots are advised. Having a warm hat and gloves is essential. A face cover, such as a balaclava, may also help you to be more comfortable in windy conditions.

• Snacks and hydration. Maintaining energy and hydration is very important when out in the wilderness. Energy bars, nuts, seeds, and water are recommended. At times we could find ourselves in very remote areas, far from the nearest store, so it is a good idea to have a stock of snacks packed when you arrive.

• Willingness to learn and discover.

While adventure and great photos are our main goals, your safety is a priority along with treating the land that we travel on with respect, practicing “leave no trace” ethics. Erin and Sean are seasoned backcountry travelers, and Erin is certified by Wilderness Medical Associates as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). In order for participants to have a comfortable experience where they can concentrate on the photography, it is highly advised that you have proper attire consisting of non-cotton outdoor dedicated clothing, including an assortment of layers to keep you warm down to temperatures well below freezing.

MOUNTAIN HUTS:

The cost of the workshop includes seven nights of lodging. In order to position ourselves with optimal proximity to our mountain destinations, our accommodations will be a mixture of hotels and charming mountain huts. Called “rifugios,” these huts allow hikers to spend the night at wilderness locations in relative comfort and without the necessity to carry typical backpacking gear (such as tents, stoves, heavy sleeping bags, etc.). The huts are more like simple hotels than wilderness shelters, providing an unusual level of comfort for wilderness dwelling.

Even though we will be in the wilderness, we will sleep in actual beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. We will enjoy hot meals and showers and will have access to lavatories with flush toilets and running water. While staying in huts, participants should expect to bunk in dormitory-style rooms with anywhere from two to six total occupants, although we will try to secure double rooms wherever they are available. Single-occupancy rooms are typically not available at the mountain huts. All of the huts have bars that serve snacks and an array of beverages, including juices, soft drinks, teas, coffee, beer, wine, and liqueurs (available at an extra charge). Some of the huts even have WiFi available, which is typically free when offered to guests.

HOTEL:

The final night of the workshop will be spent in a four-star hotel with spa facilities available.

INCLUDED:

• Seven nights of lodging (six in alpine huts and one in a 4-Star spa hotel).
• Transportation between workshop locations.
• Three meals per day (some are picnic meals in order to maximize our time out in nature).
• Guidance to unique photography locations.
• In-field instruction on capture technique (composition, compensating for high dynamic range, focus stacking, shooting for advanced blending techniques, etc.).
• A substantial post-processing instruction session.
• Storage of extra luggage, including skiing equipment (please note that we are not responsible for lost or stolen items).
• Awesome adventure!

NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights.
• Travel and cancellation insurance.
• Snacks, beverages, and other personal purchases. Please note that drinking water is a beverage that must be purchased at most of the mountain huts as bottled water, even at meals.
• Gratuities.

COST:

The cost of the workshop is $4895 and includes everything listed in the “What’s Included” tab.

PAYMENT:

A non-refundable deposit of $1500 is required to reserve a space on this workshop. The final balance of $3395 is due and payable 45 days before the workshop begins. Full payment is due at this time, and there will be no refunds on the full amount owed if you cancel after final payment. However, If we find another client to fill your space, you will receive a full refund, minus your non-refundable deposit. Payment can be made using the sign-up button of this web page using a credit card or via PayPal. If you would like to pay by another method, use the contact form on this page to ask Erin about options for sending a personal check or bank transfer.

INDEMNITY WAIVER:

All participants are required to sign a standard workshop indemnity waiver: here.

CANCELLATIONS:

Cancellations require us to re-open enrollment and/or to engage in additional promotional efforts to fill the workshop on short notice, so our policy is that there will be no refunds after the 45-day deadline, with one exception: if we find another participant to fill your space and the workshop is ultimately full when it begins, then you will receive a refund, minus your non-refundable deposit. All refunds are subject to a 4% processing fee. We highly recommend that you obtain travel/cancellation insurance for all workshops.

Use the sign-up button on this page to place a deposit with a Credit Card or via PayPal. If you would like to pay by another method, use the contact form on this page to ask Erin about options for sending a personal check or bank transfer.