Course of Photography
Each ‘Photography Course’ lasts 8 days with 6 days of lessons and one free day. We are flexible in our approach and believe it is important to cater for everyone’s needs that is why we limit groups to a maximum of eight – this ensures a happy holiday group and allows for the right amount of personal attention from the course instructor.
Although the course is limited to eight people, we are happy to welcome non-participating friends, family or partners to Il Castello di Santa Cristina. There is so much to do at the Castello and in the surrounding area that non-participants will never be at a loss. To fully enjoy what the region has to offer, non-participants may need to hire a car if they want to explore the region beyond the Castello grounds. The nearest village, Grotte di Castro, is 2 miles away.
Non-participants will not take part in the daily routine of those attending the course – they will however, join the group for the evening meal should they wish.
‘Spring ‘08’ - The Wonders of an Italian Spring - Dates: 14-21 April 2008
In spring-time this amazing ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ can surprise as well as delight visitors – especially photographers. Everything is blooming against a back-drop of snow-capped mountain ranges, amazingly lush green meadows and hidden valleys and gorges offering up babbling streams and ancient Estruscan ruins to surprise and delight the visiting photographer.
The local market, where the farmers and artisans meet, in the sunshine of early spring, after the winter’s work, is the ideal place to experience a way of life that has not changed in hundreds of years. Their freshly harvested spring produce on colourful display and the rustic nature of their stalls and the ambiance will present you with a host of shooting opportunities.
‘Summer ‘08’ – Amazing Sun-sets & Shadows of Tuscia - Dates: 10-17 June 2008
As with the autumn and spring courses there is so much to photograph on this holiday. Naturally, the sun is a major factor – from ‘early summer’ sun dawns across lake Bolsena to balmy evening sun-sets, bathing the glorious countryside in a glow of gold, orange and red hues - what great days for the photographer!
In the local villages you can find wonderful shades of light and dark playing tricks with medieval architecture. You might catch local villagers sitting on benches and nodding off in the afternoon sun. Beautiful window boxes decorate the walls of an ancient casa.
Explore the forest glades and catch the dappled sun-light filtering through the leafy trees. There will be fishermen sorting their day’s catch and tending their nets and boats as well as a host of other lake-side sailing and water-sports activities.
Is it here, by lake Bolsena that you will make your best shot – the one that we will print and frame for you as a gift and a thank you for choosing Santa Cristina for your Italian photography holiday?
’Autumn ‘08’ - The Magical Colour Experience - Dates: 4-11 October 2008
This holiday is a must for those looking for an explosion of rustic autumnal colours. Santa Cristina is at its colourful best at this time of year and of particular spectacle are the grounds of the castle and the nearby national parks and protected forests.
Some of the trees are hundreds of years old and therefore are splendid in their environment and majestic in presentation – just waiting to be photographed by someone who can capture the magic of the autumn sun filtering through the forest glade. You may even get the chance to photograph the early morning hunters setting off to ‘bag’ a wild boar or two!
Imagine the experience of an evening barbecue by the lake, watching the sun go down, camera in one hand and a glass of smooth local wine in the other. You don’t have to imagine the scene - you can be there and experience the moment for yourself!