Open to photographers with different skill levels, this is a chance to not only see the amazing locations we will be visiting at their most beautiful, but also learn many essential skills involved in capturing the spirit of places such as these: street photography, people, markets, rugged landscapes, wild nature, architecture and night photography and some post processing techniques. These photography workshops are designed to directly address issues such as understanding why certain images have a greater impact than others. There is a huge amount that will be covered.
The photography workshops will be 4 days to one calendar week long. They are intended to be an intense experience, days of full-immersion photography. The workshops will cover basic and advanced photographic principles and techniques, and enriching tips will be given. Participants will have the opportunity to put into practice their newly acquired skills out in the field and the images will be discussed by all of us as a group.
These are the ideal workshops for people who want to travel to Sicily, Malta or Scotland for a holiday with a purpose. The week will involve a mix of instruction and being out in the field shooting some of the destinations’ most stunning locations. The workshops will be led by professional photographer John Grech.
Their purpose is first and foremost to help you realize your photographic objectives. It is intended that, with your commitment, our dedication and a great deal of fun, each participant walks away satisfied that he or she has mastered a significant number of new skills. Beside the intrinsic significance of your surroundings, a workshop like this will help you learn to see them also as visual elements. You will learn how to look around you with a photographer’s eye, how to look for potential photos in every day situations, and how to use your own interpretation, vision and style to show something different, something unique. At the bottom of it all lies the belief that you can be taught to ‘see creatively’ and that great photography is within the reach of us all.
There are these sessions to choose from;
MALTA
March 2019 – Dates to be announced
July 2019 – Dates to be announced
SCOTLAND
May 2019 – Dates to be announced
SICILY
July 2019 – Dates to be announced
October 2019 – Dates to be announced
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Trying to fit so much into one week is not easy. We try to find the right balance, locations, variety, as well as time to teach. The itinerary is worked out so that we try as much as possible to be in the best places at the best time of day. If the weather is not in league with us, there is still plenty that can be done creatively.
Below you’ll find some of the technical and creative concepts that these workshops cover. If some of these concepts still seem a bit beyond your understanding, this workshop will help you bridge that gap. The less experienced you are in photography, the more you stand to gain. Every place we shoot at will allow for people who have different levels of skill to employ their creativity without losing out on the fun.
Below are some of the concepts and topics that these workshops will cover:
- Low Light / Night Photography
- Street photography
- Creative exposure control
- Using movement creatively
- Shooting landscapes, sunrises & sunsets
- Visualising and seeing differently
- Using filters creatively
- The difference between snap-shots and making photographs
- Shooting with different lenses and how they can change your image
No doubt, participants will go home with a collection of impressive images. Beneath the appeal of the images you will take, however, there will also be a real opportunity for acquiring new photographic techniques. The workshops provide challenges such as taking portraits, communicating with locals, using basic lighting, taking photos as documentary and “story-telling”. Each participant’s photographic interests and style will create a melting pot of different results as well as points for discussion. Someone may be interested in stunning portraits while someone else might prefer a more abstract approach. Another participant may be interested in events, the people and telling a “story”.
Once you have figured out how to operate your camera, your single concern and worry becomes the quality of your ideas and creativity. Simply knowing how to operate your camera will not make you a better photographer. As in all art forms, once the basic techniques have been mastered, the critical areas a photographer must work upon, are generating ideas and the quality of those ideas.
This workshop will also help develop your creative mind so that you will go home with a repertoire of ideas, which will hopefully be varied, original and interesting enough to tease you into producing more quality images.
The most important thing to stress here is that these workshops are designed specifically to appeal to amateur photographers and more advanced individuals who take their “hobby” seriously. Wherever we go as a group it is ensured that the participant is not out of his or her depth, or left un-challenged. We will do everything in our power to make the experience an inspirational one, regardless of how green you may be.
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The Maltese Islands are not quite like any other. Contrasts are made all the more visible since they are contained in such a small area. The islands have been conquered and led by almost all the powerful nations of the times, Romans, Arabs, Phoenicians, British, and maybe this diversity, rich history and heritage is what makes this place so intriguing and appealing to capture photographically.
Accommodation

Our accommodation for the Malta workshop will be at Tas-Silg, in what used to be a monastery but is now used a prayer house. Located on the south-eastern coast of the Island of Malta close to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, surrounded by nature and sea views, this extremely quiet setting lends itself beautifully as our base for the workshop.
7 Day Schedule
The schedule below is just a guideline of what a typical workshop would look like. There will be a mix of lectures, out-in-the-field photography, discussions, lunches and dinners together. There will also be some free time, which can be used to work on the images you capture during the week or spend the time in whichever way you please.
Day of Arrival
- 12:00 – 17:00 Arrival of Participants
- 17:00 – 19:00 Introduction & Welcome drinks
- 20:00 – Dinner
Day 1
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:00 Participants present portfolio & Discussion
- 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch
- 16:00 – 19:30 Mdina & sunset shoot
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
- 22:00 – Maltese Festa & Fireworks
Day 2
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:00 M’Xlokk fish market
- 12:30 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:30 – 16:30 Lecture
- 17:00 – 19:00 Evaluation & discussion
- 20:00 – 22:00 Dinner
Day 3
- 08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 12:30 Fishing boat trip
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 19:00 Southern villages and coastline
- 19:00 – 20:30 Free time
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 4
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 13:00 Birgu & Market Shoot
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 16:00 Free Time
- 16:00 – 20:00 Evaluation & discussion
- 20:00 – Dinner
Day 5
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:30 Marsovin Estates & Cellars
- 13:00 – 14:30 Lunch
- 15:00 – 19:30 Harbour Cruise & Shoot
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 6
- 08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 11:00 Pitkalija farmers’ market
- 11:30 – 13:00 Agricultural farming
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 16:00 Olive Grove
- 17:00 – 19:00 Evaluation & discussion
- 20:00 – 22:00 Dinner
- 22:00 – 23:00 Participants’ Presentation of Photographic Work
- 23:00 – Final Drinks
Day of Departure
- 08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 11:30 Final discussion
- 12:00 – Departure of participants
Dates & Costs
May 2019: 02-05-2019 – 09-05-2019
July 2019: 04-07-2019 – 11-07-2019
Workshop Cost: € 1,400.00 (go to the information tab to see inclusions and exclusions)
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Given its geographical position, Sicily has for centuries been a key player in what went on in the Mediterranean arena: battles, culture, politics, commerce, art . . . all this has given shape to much of our civilization. Yet, in spite of all that it stands for, Sicily is a place which to a great extent still remains undefiled by global commerce and trade. On this island, deeply fascinating as it is, time seems to be irrelevant. As a photographer, one wants to explore and discover things, and this place is the perfect destination for such a person, for Sicily has so much in its character that awaits discovery, artistically speaking.
In as much as history, art and culture are the soul of Sicily, any visual artist, above all others, must not overlook the physical character of the place. There are mountains, valleys, lakes – beautiful landscapes and seductive coastlines that render the place a mecca for photographic exploration. Roads winding through the mountains take you through picturesque villages whose friendly inhabitants make your visit a unique experience.
We are very much accustomed to hearing of Tuscany and Provence as perhaps the places more synonymous with landscape and light. Sicily, however, holds some very pleasant surprises for the inquisitive visitor. Our days will be spent immersed in spectacular photographic opportunities – smooth, rolling hills of varied textures; fields of endless colour palettes dotted at times with architectural gems, at others with forgotten ruins; small villages, precariously perched on hills that overlook breathtaking sceneries. Isolated winding roads will lead us through undulating landscapes into ancient towns where time seems to have wiped itself out. Whilst the main emphasis of the workshop will be upon landscape photography, there will also be many other opportunities to capture Sicilian life on your digital “film”.
And then, there is the gastronomic experience. Sicilians live to eat – that’s a well known fact. Food is what makes them who they are and what nourishes their day-to-day culture. Cooking and dining is for Sicilians a way of extending their hospitality and strengthening relations. Their cuisine is an expression of their identity.
These are some of the major reasons why Sicily has been chosen as a setting for our photography workshops. During the week, we will have the opportunity to explore part of the island (Enna Region and whereabouts) and its people, learn the right techniques to help you take pictures that are artistically superior, understand photography better and the creative process which leads you there. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your work with your peers and receive guidance from a professional who has been in the field for years.
Accommodation

La Rosa dei Venti - Villa D'Arte - Enna - Sicilia
“La rosa dei venti – Villa d’arte” is a place where guests come home to. . . It is a place of tranquility, enchanting colours, fragrances and landscapes. The old house, surrounded by 10 hectacres of olive groves and fig orchards, is situated a few kilometers from the town of Enna, in the middle of Sicily. Its location is strategic for visiting all the cultural and natural highlights of Sicily.
The property is the ideal getaway from the daily rush and routine. Ten acres of Mediterranean vegetation offer a colourful background for excursions on foot or on horseback. Traditional accommodation with a warm and welcoming style and excellent Sicilian food brings flavour into each day. This enterprise even boasts its own products, which include olive oil, olive pates and jams, to mention just a few. Besides, a good network of roads and highways makes day trips around Sicily easy. The charming owners will ensure that your stay in their house is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
For more information about the
place we will be staying at,
you can visit
7 Day Schedule
The schedule below is just a guideline of what a typical workshop would look like. There will be a mix of lectures, out-in-the-field photography, discussions, lunches and dinners together. There will also be some free time, which can be used to work on the images you capture during the week or spend the time in whichever way you please.
Day of Arrival
- 15:00 – 18:00 Arrival of Participants
- 19:00 – 20:30 Welcome & Introduction
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 1
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:00 Participants present portfolio & Discussion
- 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
- 14:00 – 17:00 Lecture 1
- 18:00 – 19:30 On Location (Calascibetta)
- 20:30 – 21:30 Dinner
- 22:00 – 01:00 Night Shoot (Enna)
Day 2
- 05:00 – 08:00 Sunrise Shoot
- 08:30 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 12:30 On Location (Lago Nicoletti)
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at accommodation
- 14:00 – 16:00 Free Time
- 15:30 – 19:00 Lecture 2 & Evaluation
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 3
- 08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 19:30 Mount Etna
- 21:30 – 23:30 Dinner
Day4
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 10:00 Departure to Location (Sperlinga)
- 10:00 – 13:00 On Location (Sperlinga)
- 13:30 – 15:00 Lunch in Gangi
- 15:30 – 18:30 On Location (Gangi)
- 18:30 – 20:00 Departure from Location
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 5
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 10:30 Departure to Location (Petralia)
- 10:30 – 13:00 On Location (Petralia)
- 14:00 – 15:30 Lunch in Castelbuono
- 15:30 – 18:30 On Location (Castelbuono)
- 18:30 – 20:30 Departure from Location
- 21:30 – 23:30 Dinner
Day 6
- 08:30 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 12:30 Final Discussion & Evaluation
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at accommodation
- 14:30 – 19:00 Last Trip to Enna / Free Time
- 20:00 – 21:30 Dinner
- 21:30 – 23:00 Presentation of Participants’ Work
- 23:00 – Wine
Day of Departure
- 08:30 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 10:00 – 12:00 Departure of Participants
Dates & Costs
October 2019: 06-10-2019 – 13-10-2019
Workshop Cost: € 1,900.00 (go to the information tab to see inclusions and exclusions)
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From the North Sea to the Irish Sea, the Highlands to the Lowlands, the landscapes of Scotland may take your breath away. Rugged, colorful, and feisty, Scotland stands apart. From its stony architecture to its wild landscape, the woodlands, windswept moors, deep lochs, to the more laid-back nature of its people, Scotland is distinctly not England. This is exactly what makes Scotland such an interesting place to visit even from a photographic perspective.
Filled with more natural and historical mystique than people, the rocky Highlands are where Scottish dreams are set. The evocative “Weeping Glen” of Glencoe aches with both history and natural beauty. Legends of Bonnie Prince Charlie linger around crumbling. The Highlands are the most mountainous, least inhabited, and for many, the most scenic and romantic part of Scotland.
Although it has a reputation for unpredictable weather, the rugged and remote Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s best scenery, and it rarely fails to charm. Narrow, twisty roads wind around Skye in the shadows of craggy, black, bald mountains. We will drive around the appealing Trotternish Peninsula, visit a pair of castles, go for a hike in the dramatic Cuillin Hills, sample a peaty dram of whisky, and walk across a desolate buff to a lighthouse at the end of the world.
Accommodation

Skye - Argyll & Butte - Scotland
Our accommodation for the first four days of the Scotland workshop will be in a detached holiday home located on the north-western coast of the Isle of Skye region. The cottage enjoys magnificent sea and rural views. It is set in a quiet location in natural croft land with magnificent views of Loch Pooltiel, Dunvegan Head and on a clear day the Outer Hebridean Islands. With no light pollution, at night, there are amazing starry skies and if we are lucky it is also possible to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Highland cattle and sheep graze here in front of the cottage and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen.
For the following three days we will be staying at a cottage in Onich, between Fort William and Glencoe. The property is 3 minutes walk from the beach and 16 km away from Ben Nevis. Located on a steep hillside with a wonderful view of the coast and the mountains of Glencoe, the site is a former croft and is surrounded by native woodland with nature trails.
7 Day Schedule
The schedule below is just a guideline of what a typical workshop would look like. There will be a mix of lectures, out-in-the-field photography, discussions, lunches and dinners together. There will also be some free time, which can be used to work on the images you capture during the week or spend the time in whichever way you please.
Day of Arrival
- 11:00 – 15:00 Arrival of Participants in Fort William
- 15:00 – 18:00 Distillery – Whiskey Tour
- 19:00 – 20:30 Dinner
- 21:30 – Arrival at Skye accommodation
Day 1
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:00 Participants present portfolio & Discussion
- 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
- 14:00 – 19:00 Cuillin Mountains
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 2
- 05:00 – 07:30 Sunrise Shoot
- 08:30 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 12:30 Old Man of Storr
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 19:00 Quiraing
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 3
- 08:00 – 09:30 Breakfast
- 09:30 – 12:30 Neist Point
- 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 – 19:00 Cuillin Mountains
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 4
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 12:00 Leave Skye
- 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
- 13:00 – 15:00 Drive to Glencoe accommodation
- 16:00 – 19:00 Glencoe
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 5
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 15:30 Glen Etive (packed lunch)
- 16:00 – 18:00 Sunset Shoot
- 18:30 – 20:00 Image analysis & evaluation
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day 6
- 08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
- 09:00 – 16:30 Black Mount (packed lunch)
- 17:30 – 19:30 Final Discussion & Evaluation
- 20:30 – 22:30 Dinner
Day of Departure
- 07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast
- 08:00 – 11:00 Depart from Glencoe – Drive to Airport
- 11:00 – Arrival at Edinburgh airport
Dates & Costs
February – March 2019: 28-02-2019 – 07-03-2019
Workshop Cost: € 1,850.00 (go to the information tab to see inclusions and exclusions)
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TRANSPORT
Since the workshops are not always based in one accommodation but various ones across the country we will always remain together as a group and transport throughout the whole week will be catered for and included in the price of the workshop.
ARRIVING BY PLANE
MALTA: Workshop starts and ends at Malta International airport. We meet at the airport’s info desk in the arrivals lounge on arrival day at 11:00am.
SICILY: The closest and most practical airport is Fontanarossa Catania. From there you can easily reach the train station by bus and then get a train directly to Enna. We are about 90 minutes away from the airport. Arrangements can be made for you to be collected from the airport. Please advise us well in advance.
Depending on your flight schedules, other airports are Palermo and Trapani. Train connections from these airports to Enna are not direct and the journeys are over 3 hrs and 6 hrs long respectively, due to the fact that you would need to change trains at a number of stations en route.
SCOTLAND: Workshop starts and ends at Prestwick airport. We meet at the airport’s info desk in the arrivals lounge on Thursday at 11:00am.
ARRIVING BY TRAIN IN SICILY
The closest station is Stazione di Enna. From there, we can arrange a free pick up service on Sunday afternoon. It is 5 minutes distance from La Rosa dei Venti. For train schedules, please consult the website www.trenitalia.com.
ARRIVING BY CAR IN SICILY
GPS: 014o22’06.34”E 037o34’43.24”N
For those driving from Catania, take motorway A19 (Catania-Palermo). The exit is ENNA direction Pergusa, then take SS117 and turn left towards Valguarnera to take the SS192. Drive for 5 Km and turn left to cross the train tracks onto SP121. Turn right on SP121 and then right again (crossing the train tracks once again) to get to Strada Extraurbana Rossi. Follow the signs “La Rosa dei Venti” for 2 Km.
For those driving from Palermo take motorway A19 (Palermo-Catania) and exit at ENNA. From here on directions are as above.
WHEN SHOULD YOU ARRIVE
MALTA: You should be at the Malta International airport information desk on arrival day at 11:00am. From there we will proceed to our accommodation.
SICILY: You should arrive between 3 and 6 p.m. on Sunday: that will give you time to check into your room and relax before your first meeting at 7 p.m. where you will meet your instructor and the other participants.
The workshops end at 10 a.m. on the following Sunday. All participants are to check out from their room by not later than 11 a.m.
SCOTLAND: You should be at the Prestwick airport information desk on Thursday at 11:00am. From there we will proceed to collect our rented car.
ACCOMMODATION
MALTA: Our accommodation will be at Tas-Silg, located on the south-eastern coast of the Island of Malta close to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Rooms will be comfortable with basic facilities and own or shared bathrooms
SICILY: Our centre will be La Rosa dei Venti – Villa D’Arte, a beautiful holiday house in the region of Enna. The place, 10 hectares of it and at an altitude of 550m, is run by a charming and energetic young couple who manage to make all their visitors feel as though they have never left home. A good part of the land at this facility is used to grow olives and figs.
Surrounded by hills, vegetation and clean air, the place is a perfect setting for these workshops, a perfect place where to relax and have the time to practice your passion without any interruptions.
The friendly nature of Sandro and Irene and their warm hospitality will surely contribute to your memories of a workshop not to be forgotten.
Rooms are spacious, comfortable and with own private bathroom.
SCOTLAND: Since we will be moving from one place to another, accommodation here will be at selected cottages and guesthouses. Rooms will be comfortable with basic facilities and own or shared bathrooms.
MEALS
All of you should go home with very fond memories not only of the landscapes, friendly people and great experience, but also of the food experience. Meals are an important communal moment to relax, exchange opinions and ideas.
Malta: Due to the nature of this workshop it is impossible to have a designated place for our meals, however we will be eating at chosen restaurants where we will be guaranteed good traditional local cuisine. The meals in this workshop are not included in the price.
SICILY: The food is hearty and traditional Sicilian country food. It is possible, upon request on registration, to have vegetarian meals. All meals at La Rosa dei Venti – Villa D’Arte are included in the workshop price. The few meals we will have at restaurants on location have to be paid by the participant.
SCOTLAND: Due to the nature of this workshop it is impossible to have a designated place for our meals, however we will be eating at chosen restaurants where we will be guaranteed good traditional local cuisine. The meals in this workshop are not included in the price.
INTERNET SERVICE
There will be Wi-Fi Internet connection at all the accommodations in Malta, Sicily and Scotland.
COMPANIONS
Photography is a passion shared by many. Participants may choose to travel with their husbands, wives, partners or friends, who may or may not share this passion. It is possible, and encouraged, to come with a companion, who will not take active part in the workshop. We do our best to make non-participating partners as welcome as everybody else. Should you wish to attend with a partner, who might opt to or not to follow the workshop, and require a double room upgrade, please state this upon registration. We will contact you with further details and a quote. There is no risk of getting bored: especially in the case of the Malta & Sicily Workshops your companion can use the week to visit the surrounding region, take walks or bike rides, swimming, horse riding or any other activity.
One has to bear in mind however that in the case of the Scotland Workshops, even though we still do encourage companions, since we will be constantly on the move from one location to another, the freedom of companions doing things other than the photography part of the workshop will be greatly affected.
TRANSFER
There will be no charge for transferring between workshops, as long as John Grech Photography is notified at least two weeks in advance of the workshop start date. (No transfers can be made once the workshop has started).
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Seven days of tuition during the entire workshop
- Seven nights of accommodation where most rooms have own bathroom and some with shared bathroom
- All transportation during the entire workshop
- Sicily workshop – Daily breakfast, most lunches and dinners
- Scotland workshop – Daily breakfast
- Malta workshop – Daily breakfast, all lunches (packed – since most of the day we will be on the move)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International air travel to Malta, Sicily and Scotland
- Transfer to and from airports unless otherwise agreed upon
WHAT TO BRING
Photographic equipment you normally use, make sure that it is in perfect working condition. Some sessions might need a tripod. A selection of your work for the first meeting with your instructor and the other participants is essential. This will be very useful to the instructor in order to evaluate your photographic level and you will be able to see the steps you have made by the end of the workshop.
IMPORTANT
It is useful to bring a lens cleaning kit, we work in the country and it is a good habit to keep your equipment clean to avoid dust problems.
We suggest that you bring your own laptop: you will have the independence to work on your files without having to wait for our computers to be available.
LANGUAGE
All workshops are conducted in English and/or Italian.
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