Capture Italy: A Photographer's Journey Off the Beaten Path
Discover the hidden gems of Italy through your lens on this exclusive 8-day photographic adventure. From Venice's secret canals to Porto Venere's colorful coastline, immerse yourself in authentic Italian beauty rarely seen by tourists guided by a cinematographer with roots in Italy.
Your Photographic Journey
Venice: Lose yourself in hidden canals and local neighborhoods
Vicenza: Capture Palladian architecture away from the crowds
Lucca: Frame medieval walls and cobblestone passages in golden light
Florence: Uncover the city's artistic soul beyond the typical tourist spots
Porto Venere: Conclude your journey along the colorful Italian Riviera
Work by your guide Mike Schreurs
What Sets This Trip Apart
Small Group: Limited to just 4 photographers for a truly intimate experience
Flexibility: Ample free time to explore and shoot at your own pace
Local Insights: Access to hidden spots known only to residents
Authentic Experiences: Interact with locals and capture genuine moments
Expert Guidance: Led by an experienced photographer to elevate your skills
What's Included
For just $6000, your adventure includes:
7 nights accommodation in characterful local hotels
All ground transportation between destinations
Welcome and farewell dinners
Expert photography guidance and workshops
Access to unique, off-the-beaten-path locations
Small group experience (maximum 4 participants)
Please note: Airfare is not included in this price. This allows you the flexibility to arrange flights from your preferred departure location, use airline miles, or extend your trip as desired. We're happy to provide recommendations for flights to Venice to start your journey.
The comprehensive itinerary outlines an 8-day photography adventure across iconic Italian locations, detailing daily activities, shooting opportunities, and learning focuses.
From sunrise shoots in Venice to coastal explorations in Porto Venere, this schedule ensures participants maximize their photographic potential while experiencing the diverse beauty of Italy.
Please note that all participants are scheduled to arrive on the 14th and will have a room reserved for them.
Day 1-2: Venice (Oct 15-16)
Morning: Dawn shoots of empty canals
Midday: Technical workshops
Evening: Golden hour at Rialto Bridge (capturing scenes like this image)
Night: Blue hour photography
Day 3-4: Vicenza (Oct 17-18)
Morning: Palladian villas at sunrise
Midday: Historic center
Evening: Basilica Palladiana
Night: City squares photography
Day 5-6: Florence (Oct 19-20)
Morning: Duomo area
Midday: Market photography
Evening: Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
Night: Ponte Vecchio
Day 7: Lucca (Oct 21)
Morning: Wall walk photography
Midday: Historic center
Evening: Plaza life documentation
Night: Medieval streets
Day 8: Porto Venere (Oct 22)
Morning: Harbor sunrise
Midday: Castle visits
Evening: Gulf of Poets sunset
Final portfolio review
Each day includes:
Dawn/golden hour shoots
Technical workshops
Location photography
Evening review sessions
Mike Schreurs
Mike brings the eye of a seasoned cinematographer to this Italian photographic adventure. With over 14 years of experience in video and short film production, Mike has honed his skills in framing, lighting, and visual storytelling. As your guide, he'll help you see Italy through a filmmaker's lens - from Venice's winding canals to Florence's Renaissance splendor.
His expertise will shine as you capture Vicenza's Palladian architecture, Verona's romantic streets, and Porto Venere's colorful coastline. Fluent in Italian and with deep family connections to the country, Mike provides insider access to authentic moments often missed by tourists. Join him on this journey to create compelling visual stories that blend cinematic artistry with the immediacy of still photography.
As a retired combat veteran and photographer living with PTSD, ADHD, and the effects of past concussions, I’ve honed a unique set of skills that elevate my approach to photography. My hypervigilance, a trait developed to preserve my life in combat, has become an unexpected asset in my artistic journey. This heightened awareness allows me to focus on minute details that often go unnoticed by others, capturing fleeting moments and subtle nuances in the world around us.
My ability to quickly assess developing situations, once crucial for survival, now enables me to anticipate and capture powerful photographic opportunities as they unfold. Through the lens of my camera, I’ve found new ways to channel my experiences, transforming challenges into creative strengths.
On this tour, I’ll share not just photography techniques, but also my distinctive perspective on observing and interpreting the world. While we may need to take occasional breaks or adjust our pace, I’m committed to providing an enriching and unforgettable experience. Together, we’ll explore how photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling, healing, and connecting with the world around us in ways you might never have imagined.
Join me on this journey to sharpen your photography skills, develop your unique vision, and learn how to use your personal experiences – whatever they may be – to create compelling, emotive images that tell your story.
Cheers,
Mike