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