Landscape Photography tours & workshops

I have recently returned from a photo workshop in the Dolomites (mid-October 2023). Well, what can I say ? That young Mr Collins (aka Tyler) is one seriously top bloke with the result that I had an absolutely fantastic time, and enjoyed the workshop far more than I could ever have imagined. And to think that at the last minute I wasn't going to go as the forecast was seemingly rubbish. I should know based on the vagaries of the British weather that forecasts more than five minutes hence should be taken with a pinch of salt. With his motoring dexterity at times rivalling that of a Dutch F1 driver, Tyler took us to a number of iconic photo locations where I and others in the group pretended to know what we were doing whilst Tyler oversaw our efforts offering tips and tricks where appropriate. So, even though the conditions were not wall to wall sunshine, 28 degrees in the shade and cloud inversions aplenty (as we had been promised 🙂), we had favourable weather offering ample photo opportunities. Fortunately, Tyler also managed to deal with my ineptitude behind the camera and came to accept (well almost) my mantra of ‘just one more pic’ 🙂. The accommodation at two separate locations was excellent and both were well located such that none of the chosen photo locations was too far away. And importantly, Tyler ensured the itinerary remained flexible, both to accommodate the local ambient conditions but also to suit the wishes of the workshop participants. I’d never previously set foot in the Dolomites but I was blown away by the scenery. The time of the workshop meant that we were treated to Autumnal colours that made their way into many of our images. The small group size was an added bonus, not to mention the cost of the workshop which doesn’t break the bank (although I’m not suggesting a retrospective price hike Tyler 🙂). And not having to plan the day beyond getting up, taking photos, retiring to one’s pit and going through the ‘rinse and repeat’ cycle for seven days was all very relaxing and something I could get quite used to. But, personally speaking, what made the workshop so enjoyable was everyone in the group. We were all pretty chilled (it was only around 12 degrees 😲) but always keen to get a good shot, even when the conditions tested our patience somewhat. Most importantly for me, we had a good laugh from start to finish making the days entertaining throughout. Furthermore, courtesy of the individual group members, I am now significantly wiser in many subject areas including where the Isle of Sheppey is, the behavioural tendencies of dragonflies with respect to the ‘birds and the bees’, handstands make for epic photos in the ‘puddle’ at the Passo di Giau, Minnesota provides amazing fall colours and that one can always rely on a Welsh Brummy to find suitable foreground and lead-in lines 🙂. I also managed to conduct a survey regarding the popularity of the British band The Smiths. The minor inquisition of asking fellow hikers and photographers was spawned by our illustrious guide not having heard of such icons from the 80s in spite of his somewhat eclectic musical tastes ranging from Icelandic singer songwriters to popular Italian pianists (the latter in the form of Einaudi). Interestingly, responses to what became the ubiquitous question ranged from a mono-syllabic no, through to a yes, with in one instance a follow up to an affirmative response being 'who hasn't ?' Well, I could think of one person in our midst who hadn't 🙄. The overall conclusion was that it was equally split as to whether the Smiths had migrated over the channel. Take note, I'm not on commission for conducting such surveys in mountainous terrain 🙂. As a final word, if you are contemplating going on a Photo Workshop, either to hone your photographic skills or just to share your ambitions of travelling to photogenic locations, I would have no hesitation in recommending Tyler and Chasing Light Tours. You certainly won’t be disappointed and you’ll return home with memories that will stay with you for a loooong time !!

What an amazing trip. Thanks Tyler for all your tuition. I feel I have learned a lot about composition, editing, and how to set up the camera best for each condition. The week was jam packed with visiting a variety of locations, and Tyler’s knowledge of the area and best time of day to visit each location was outstanding. And even when the weather turned against us one evening, we had a great session about photo editing. Thanks for everything, now to book the next trip….

The Dolomites tour was incredible! The scenery was stunning and got better throughout the tour! Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves the mountains. One longer hiking day (4hrs) manageable by anyone used to the hills.

A great trip to the Dolomites. Tyler was helpful throughout, and was happy to take us to all the locations we wanted to visit. Always willing to provide help when asked, and patient throughout the whole trip.