Zagori in slavic means “The place behind the mountains” and this is exactly where this workshop is taking place. In a relatively unknown part of Europe away from tourists and distractions Zagori awaits to be explored by true adventurers. Surrounded by mountains with jagged peaks above 2000m and a variety of vegetation ranging from low bush to huge centenarian trees this area, riddled with tiny picturesque villages, stone bridges and rivers is Greece’s best hidden secret.

This workshop is aimed towards the adventurer who wishes to experience the mountains in their purest form away from roads and people. It is a hiking experience combined with photographic tuition without giving away comfort since our overnight stays will be based in luxury traditional guesthouses and mountain huts. We begin the tour from the famous village of Metsovo with easy access to the highest artificial lake in Greece and the surrounding peaks that offer fantastic photographic opportunities. From there onwards we will be moving to our second base the, picturesque village of Aristi in the central Zagori area exploring alpine peaks and deep gorges until we leave for our third and final stop the Astraka mountain hut where we will be walking at alpine fields, visit the famous “DragonLake” and all with the best photographic guidance the area has to offer.

Early spring in the Greek mountains is the ideal time to walk and explore since heat hasn’t settled in and nature is literary blooming. The area is famous for the variety of wildflowers and herbs that grow both inside the gorge and on higher ground. Snow will still be present at the peaks and all the alpine rivers and lakes will be filled with fresh water. We will be photographing among wild horses and if we are lucky we might have chances to encounter more elusive wildlife. Our most demanding treks will be supported by mules that will be carrying our equipment so that tiredness won’t be a limiting factor into being creative.

The Zagori workshops that run thrice per year are a personal project unique to the world of landscape photography focused solely in photography as an art and a true way of expressing ourselves. They are workshops in the true meaning of the word and not just guided phototours where the instructor just offers trivial knowledge about location, composition and technical stuff. Participants are actually required to work hard with themselves, their background their personalities and their beliefs in order to shed all the layers that have been accumulated throughout their years in order to find that clear vision they had as child that represents their true self. It is a process that requires time thus we spend ten days into nature and it is a process that need to happen in an environment away from people and cliché spots. The aim of my workshops is to rekindle the joy of photography to anyone who wishes to make the step and roam outside the box as defined by internet and social network standards. True creativity and inner dialogue is what I pursue and whilst it sounds easy it requires true dedication and the right guidance to set you on the right track.

As a local to the area I know all of its secrets, I have logged many trekking miles in my time here and I can provide to all of the participants an experience unique and far different than all the other photo tours that operate in the area. Beyond the main attractions and the tourist spots. Hidden spots and in total peace and quiet photographing in the heart of unspoiled nature experiencing a feeling of true immersion. From locations to food and accommodation you will get the best the area has to offer from someone who decided to call this place home.

If you are interested, open minded and want to be part of this ten day journey that will alter your perspective about landscape photography please contact me through my contact page and request a PDF with the full itinerary and other details about the workshop or any other information that you require.