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Photography Tour of the Algarve

Highlights

  • 4 - star hotel accommodation with pools and onsite spas.
  • Daily excursions to see new places and diverse landscapes to shoot.
  • 25 hours of personalised photography tuition and a full time host.

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Give us a call or email to request your preferred dates and we’ll get in touch with our host to see what’s available.

What you'll do

Overview

Learn how to photograph the Algarve's legendary sunrises and sunsets, and make the most of the Algarve's incredible diversity on this 7 night photography holiday as you travel from east to west, changing base midway through to capture a range of varied inspiring subjects.

Next available date: 22-29 April 2023 - last few spaces remaining!

This 7 night photography holiday has been designed with an artist’s eye in mind to allow the stunning landscapes, rich culture & people, along with hands-on tuition from a professional photographer, to greatly improve your craft.

Whether you’re a beginner or have been a photographer for years, each day is packed with new sights and creative inspiration on excursions chosen to give even a seasoned traveler something new to use as a subject.

During the 25 hours of hands-on tuition, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot on foot, by boat, and have plenty of diversity in water, land, and wildlife to bring something new to your collection and the improved skills to capture it perfectly.

Your photography tutor for the week, Pat, will also bring along some extra tools for the trade if you would like to try something new. Bear in mind there is no editing on this holiday; you are encouraged to see new things daily in a new way and vastly improve your shots and enjoy your time in this stunning area.

You’ll stay in 2 different 4-star hotels, each carefully chosen for their comfort, modern facilities and perfect locations. Your first hotel places you just 5 minutes from the centre of Tavira, with plenty of places to explore; including medieval churches, riverfront cafes, and culture. Your second location will be in the beautiful town of Lagos, close to the old town and marina, perfect for you to enjoy your evenings and get some night-time shots.

Don’t forget this is your holiday too and there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. As well as free time in the evenings, there is also a free day for you to explore the area at your own pace or take advantage of the hotel’s wonderful facilities. Both hotels have large swimming pools and onsite spas for you to enjoy and that’s what makes this photography so special.

Arrival

– Arrive and check-in to your hotel in Tavira
– The afternoon is yours to enjoy the hotel, including indoor/outdoor pools and spa facilities, or to step out and have a stroll around Tavira
– 7pm: meet up for pre-dinner drinks on the rooftop bar, followed by dinner at the hotel

Where will I stay?
– During your photography week, you will be staying in 2 different 4-star hotels, both offering double ensuite rooms, both with the same facilities and high standards
– Your first 4 nights will be spent in just a 5 minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town centre along the river Gilao
– For the last 3 nights of your holiday, you’ll be staying at a 4-star hotel  in the heart of the Lagos and within easy walking distance of the old town, marina and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

The Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira has the following features
– An indoor and outdoor pool
– Spa facilities
– Rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city
– All the rooms are fitted with tiled floors, wooden furniture, and large windows with great views
– Each room has a mini bar, satellite TV, hairdryer, and WiFi
– You’re in walking distance to great churches, history and culture right on your doorstep

The Tivoli Lagos hotel has the following features
– The decor is a reflection of local culture, from the decoration by Maria José Salavisa, to the white and blue walkways which connect the rooms, patios, restaurants and bar
– State of the art spa and a courtyard with sun terraces and a swimming pool
– Rooms are bright, airy and spacious
– Each room has a mini bar, satellite TV, balcony and WiFi
– Enjoy the fantastic location and try out one of the many bars and restaurants, and take in the night life

Explore Tavira & Cacela Vehla

– After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with an introductory workshop on the basics of aperture, exposure, ISO and composition for those who would like to attend
– Spend the morning exploring Tavira where there are many opportunities for photography, including the Ponte Romana, the castle, traditional tiled houses, and some of the finest churches in the Algarve
– After lunch in Tavira, you’ll move on to the local salt pans, which will provide some very interesting shots before travelling east to  the picturesque village of Cacela Vehla ,with its ancient fort perched on the cliffs and offering glorious views along the coast
​- For those who wish to enjoy an early evening aperitif and share their favourite images from the day, everyone will meet at the rooftop bar, followed by dinner in a local restaurant

Accommodation

The Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira 

Fishing ports, markets & more

– After breakfast, you’ll head to Olhao – a busy, traditional fishing port with large indoor fish and vegetable markets and a maze of narrow, winding streets to explore with your camera.  From here, you’ll make our way to Barril, a stunning beach with a unique anchor graveyard
​- Next, continue along the southern coast of Portugal to the fishing village of Santa Luiza, where you’ll stop for a look around and lunch. Later you’ll return to Tavira by boat to enjoy some stunning coastal landscapes. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some flamingos
​​- Once again, those who wish will meet at the rooftop bar to look at the day’s images before dinner in the hotel

Accommodation

The Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira

 

 

Free day

– You may choose to spend today at leisure, relaxing and unwinding, enjoying the facilities in the hotel, or exploring Tavira further; perhaps taking a water taxi across to the beautiful beach on Tavira Island
– Alternatively, you may like to take a trip to the far east of Portugal, visiting the town of Villa Real and taking the short ferry trip across the River Guadiana into Spain
– In Spain, have the opportunity to  visit the picturesque coastal town of Ayamonte, with its narrow streets and beautiful squares.
– Dinner is not included on this day; you may decide to eat in the hotel or try one of the many other excellent restaurants in Tavira

Accommodation

The Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira 

En route to Lagos

– After breakfast today, you’ll be checking out and heading to the other side of the Algarve to your new hotel
– On route, you’ll go through the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, where you can see the diverse wildlife and landscapes
– There is a 3km trail which you can walk and shoot
– After a lunch stop, you’ll have some time to spend at the cliffs of Praia da Marinha
– You’ll have some time to walk the cliff trails or head down to the beach and capture the scenery and incredible rock formations
– This afternoon you’ll be checking into your hotel at Lagos, and you can settle in and unwind before dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel Tivoli Lagos

Mountains & white-washed villages

– This morning’s focus is all about the Serra de Monchique mountains, complete with views from the highest point in the Algarve
– You’ll have a birds eye view from Cape St Vincent in the west, all the way to Faro in the east
– To take in some images and culture in the charming old market town of Monchique, filled with the whitewashed houses typical to the area, with winding, medieval cobbled streets
– You can take your time here, have some lunch, and meet up for your last stop of the day, Silves
– In Silves you’ll have the opportunity to explore and shoot one of the finest medieval castles in Portugal before heading back to the hotel.

Dinner is not included tonight, you may want to try one of the many local restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel Tivoli Lagos

Beaches & coastlines

– Your last full day is all about the coast! You’ll find spectacular scenery as you take in the cliffs, beaches and ocean
– Keep an eye out for vegetation only found in this area of Europe and barren landscape shots, along with the sea birds
– This day will also cover a fort, lighthouse, and other beaches, offering amazing images with light at different times in the day
– There will be a picnic lunch ready for you when you need a break.

On this your last evening there will be time to review and reflect on the images taken today and throughout the week before our final dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel Tivoli Lagos 

Departure

– After breakfast and check out, you’ll be heading back to Faro airport, with images that will last you a lifetime

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in 2 different 4-star hotels in a private double ensuite room
  • Full 5 day itinerary with morning and afternoon photography sessions
  • Please note: there is a free day during the week, lunch and dinner will not be included
  • Breakfast daily at the hotel
  • Buffet dinner in hotel on three evenings (including wine)
  • 2 x 3 course dinners taken in good quality local restaurants including beer/house wine and water
  • All transport to photography locations and necessary entrance fees
  • Guidance and tuition from experienced photography tutor and services of a personal Tour Leader
  • Check in anytime after 2pm on day 1 and check out by 12pm on day 8
Your local host

Mary & Pat

Mary and Pat have been running their photography holidays for the last couple of years now…

Your holiday host, Mary
– Mary has worked in travel for the past 20 years and has hosted groups for many different companies
– She is extremely detail oriented and hands-on to ensure everything runs like clockwork so her guests have the best holiday experience possible and cover a range of areas and sites
– In addition to taking care of all logistics, Mary makes sure your week is filled with fun, laughter and enjoyment

Your photography tutor, Pat
– Pat has combined her love for photography with her former career of education.
– She began as a self-taught photographer w... Read All

Mary and Pat have been running their photography holidays for the last couple of years now…

Your holiday host, Mary
– Mary has worked in travel for the past 20 years and has hosted groups for many different companies
– She is extremely detail oriented and hands-on to ensure everything runs like clockwork so her guests have the best holiday experience possible and cover a range of areas and sites
– In addition to taking care of all logistics, Mary makes sure your week is filled with fun, laughter and enjoyment

Your photography tutor, Pat
– Pat has combined her love for photography with her former career of education.
– She began as a self-taught photographer whose focus was on portraits and weddings but has progressed throughout the years into a passion for travel and nature
– Pat is a natural teacher and loves encouraging others to find their own style and unique subjects of interest
– She is very hands on and will be involved with every individual, ensuring that you go at your own pace and help you master your own techniques
– Pat’s work has been exhibited in London and she is a Member of the Royal Photographic Society, and has taken part in a number of RPS projects

Mary & Pat image

Location

This unique holiday offers a dual location in Tavira, then in Lagos, so you experience the best of the Algarve and its diversity. Your accommodation is in two excellent 4-star hotels and your hosts will provide you with an incredible array of subjects and landscapes for your photography every day. Both 4-star hotels offer modern facilities, large swimming pools as well as onsite spas and both are within a short drive from Faro airport.

Nearest airport:
Faro (35 minutes by car)

Pre-booked transfers:
Transfers are included in the price from Faro airport to your hotel in Tavira on arrival day, and from Tivoli Lagos to Faro airport on departure day ( times tbc). Please be sure to pass on your flight details prior to arrival.

What our travellers are saying...

On way home from brilliant holiday in Algarve with Pat and Mary. Have learnt so much this week, taken some wonderful photos, great company and friends. Would recommend this trip and can't wait for their trip to Corfu... well done ladies.

Lin

Pleased that my understanding ,skills & knowledge of photography have improved after a great week in the Algarve with Pat & Mary. Really good not to have to worry about transport in the Algarve or hotels to be researched! Thank you both for a really interesting & useful week. Good company too!

Corinna

FAQs

When can I start?

- This holiday runs on specific dates each year
- Photography holidays are for 7 nights / 8 days
- If you wish to stay for extra nights, please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you

What will I learn?

- Rules of composition (and when not to use them)
- Confidence and your own eye for details and subjects of interest
- Using exposure and ISO to best effect
- About using 'depth of field' to focus on your subject
- How to master whichever type of camera you own (including phones), and to utilise their essential modes and functions to the best of your ability
- Landscape, wildlife, portrait, architecture, and close-up photography techniques

What should I bring?

Essential
- A DSLR/SLR camera or a point and shoot camera with manual controls (If you are using a camera that does not allow you to change lenses, then an optical zoom of at least x10 will be useful)
- CF or SD memory cards with sufficient capacity for the number of photographs you might take
- Spare batteries for your camera
- A battery charger and a European plug converter
- A camera bag, large enough to hold all the equipment you need (don’t forget to check your airline’s size restrictions for carry-on luggage)
- Rain covers for your camera and camera bag (bin liners work well for this purpose)
or
- A smartphone with at least 5 megapixels and a xenon flash (anything less will give a poor image quality)
- Phone charger

Useful additional extras
- A tripod, useful if you have a long, heavy telephoto lens or want to shoot long landscape/night time exposures but not necessary if you have a small camera which is easy to handhold
- A laptop/tablet for downloading, storing and sharing images (a card reader is an easy way to download images; I use a dual slot Lexar USB card reader - it accepts both SD and CF cards)
- If you have a lot of images and a small laptop memory you might also want to bring a storage device, either a USB stick with a large memory or a portable backup device

DSLR/SLR users may also wish to bring
- A general purpose lens, ranging between 28-100 mm
- A telephoto lens, ranging somewhere between 70-400mm
- In addition, these lenses may be useful: a wide angle lens e.g. 17-40mm (good for wide landscapes) and a macro lens (good for close-up plant and insect photography)

*Please note: your tutor, Pat will have a spare Canon EOS 6D body and a range of canon lenses (17-40mm, 100m macro and 100-400mm mk 1) if you would like to work with any of these

What can I do in my free time?

- Both your accommodation options for your holiday week have been chosen so there is abundance of culture, natural beauty, restaurants and architecture to explore during your free time
- Also be sure to use the hotel pool, loungers, and spa facilities if you need a break
- Your host would be more than happy to help you plan out a good hike, cultural points of interest, or transportation to make the most of your free time

What is the terrain of the photography locations?

- Please note that many of our photography locations are remote and require walking on uneven tracks

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