I provide you with the luxury of being able to relax, be carefree, and completely immerse yourself in your photography adventure while soaking up the local atmosphere and making the most of your valuable time. You’ll be coached by a professional photographer who has extensive inside knowledge of the best locations, vantage points, and lighting conditions. A flexible approach that provides as much or as little attention as you require, as well as constructive post-shoot critique and advice sessions and the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other photographers. My priority is to meet your expectations while also providing excellent value for money, creating exciting itineraries and transforming them into relaxing vacations for others to enjoy.
The climate in central Italy is typically mild, providing a variety of conditions and opportunities for vacationing all year. Tuscany, with the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea, guarantees pleasant temperatures and little rain. There are welcome differences depending on when and where you visit, whether by sea, hilly hinterlands, or mountain ranges. The lowlands along the west coast, as well as the valleys, have the warmest Mediterranean climates, as opposed to the snow-capped Apennine mountains to the north. March, April, and May usher in an early spring with variable weather, very mild temperatures, and sporadic showers.
Sunny days with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) are common, making them ideal for all outdoor activities due to the longer and warmer daylight hours. The Tuscan summer is known for its long periods of atmospheric stability, with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius in June, July, and August. September’s stable weather leads into autumn, when temperatures drop to 25 degrees Celsius, October is very mild, and November sees more rainfall, with temperatures averaging 10-12 degrees Celsius. Winter is generally mild, becoming colder in late December and January; there is occasional drizzle or rain, and snowfall has been a frequent visitor in recent years.
Every day is distinctive and different because you will be seeing places and learning about topics that we have jointly chosen while receiving individualised instruction or in small groups of no more than six students per instructor. You’ll be taking photographs in a variety of interesting places, from the best vantage points, at just the right times, and in the most beautiful light.
Daily schedule outline
We’ll leave at 05:00 a.m. with the intention of arriving at our shooting location in time to begin creating captures as dawn’s first light breaks through the banks of mist and fog around these Tuscan valleys (you may prefer to sleep in).
Utilising the best light, we will plan compositions and make sure our camera settings are ideal. You are free to independently explore the lovely villages of Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Montalcino during our weekday classes when the light turns harsher and less usable.
On rare occasions, if we are a long distance from our lodging, we will stop for a hearty breakfast nearby or on the way back.
When we return, we recharge batteries, control our equipment, and download our captures, freeing up your memory cards in preparation for another location after lunch.
Followed by viewing and analysis of the captures made during the dawn sessions We will advise you on the best post-production techniques.
We meet at 1530 for a briefing before heading to the nearby hills between San Quirico and Pienza for a late afternoon session. We’ll arrive and set up in our final location, ready, waiting, and observing shadows to capture the most spectacular array of images from the evening’s glorious golden hour and sunset.
When the best lighting conditions have passed, we will proceed to our evening meal, which will consist of a variety of traditional local dishes.
Fortunately, inclement weather days are uncommon in Tuscany; however, they provide an opportunity to focus on post-production or, if space is available, studio-based sessions, exploring the local area, or even braving the elements to capture that incredible post-storm environment.
You have the option of working in or selecting from hand-picked locations in Tuscany’s Parco Val d’Orcia. The Val d’Orcia truly offers a more diverse range of shooting opportunities than other Tuscan provinces.
Come as you are, or bring a friend, family member, or partner, but most importantly, come with an open mind. All of our photography adventures include assistance in booking any available activities that non-participating partners may enjoy.
I encourage you to bring your laptop if you are comfortable editing images and downloading; editing images will enhance your learning experience. During reviews and critiques, you will learn new image editing methods and workflow tips using Photo Mechanic, Lightroom, Adobe Bridge, and Photoshop. Even if you’ve used some of these programmes before, I recommend brushing up on them before the workshop by watching the free tutorials on YouTube or Adobe.com. If you don’t want to bring your laptop, you can still submit images for daily review using your media storage cards.
I am happy to assist you in purchasing any necessary pre-workshop equipment, and I also offer a variety of equipment rental from professional rental outlets in Florence and Siena.
We provide ground transportation with plenty of room for you and your belongings.
Workshops are available with and without lodging.
I devote time to selecting accommodation (including all meals if necessary) in a variety of styles, primarily with pool and studio facilities. During the workshops, guests may have exclusive or shared use of the property’s facilities. The quality of service, layout, and number of required facilities are all taken into account, with an emphasis on the best location.
Professional Photo Guide
Training with your camera (Workshop Participants)
Masterclass Instruction
Workshops are available with and without lodging.
Personal Travel and Medical Insurance.
Transfers from and to the airport.
Fees for admission to cultural attractions or events.
Alcohol, snacks, and beverages.
A deposit of £250 payable via bank transfer, is required to secure your place in our workshops. All payment information required to reserve your spot or book your trip will be sent to you separately via email. We will send you an welcome pack specific to your workshop once you have paid your deposit.
Payment Schedule
A £250 reservation fee will secure your spot.
The remaining balance is due 120 days before your workshop.
Any cancellation by the client must be made in writing. The date on which the letter/email is received will determine the cancellation charges applicable. These charges are expressed as a percentage of the total workshop price, and are as follows:
If you cancel within 10 days of booking your workshop, there is no charge.
Reservation fees are non-refundable after 10 days but may be applied to a future workshop event.
Cancellations made less than 90 days before the workshop are subject to a 25% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made less than 60 days before the workshop are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to a workshop date are not refundable. If your place is successfully re-let, a refund of monies paid minus the deposit shall be made.
Payments can also be saved as a credit to be applied to any future or rescheduled workshops.
All workshop participants must obtain their own trip cancellation insurance.
Cancelled Workshops
Cymon Taylor Productions reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason, including insufficient signup, logistical issues that may prevent a workshop from taking place, hotel closures, or acts of God. CTP will be released from any further liability if all fees are refunded. CTP is not liable for any expenses incurred by workshop participants as a result of a cancelled workshop. In the event that there are insufficient signups to make a workshop possible, a notice and refund will be sent 90 days before the workshop
I continue to welcome and encourage all levels of participation, regardless of ability or interest. To get the most out of your photography vacation, we recommend that you understand the very basic functions of your camera, such as manual mode operation, independent adjustment of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and file type selection (RAW or jpeg). The advantages are amplified if you are familiar with downloading and backing up your valuable memories.
I provide pre & post-trip online individual lessons via internet video (Google hangouts, Skype, FaceTime or Zoom). Please contact me for more information and pricing.
I am proud to be one of the market leaders, specialising in locations throughout Tuscany; let me know where you want to go!
I go out of my way to accommodate any guests who have special requirements due to allergies, weight, or physical limitations. Age is unimportant if you are a good walker and physically fit. Your daily itinerary is entirely tailored to your requirements. I meticulously tailor all aspects of your vacation while balancing physical ability and your exact specifications. You should consider keeping your luggage as light as possible because you will be carrying it on flights and while exploring towns, villages, and locations that may require some walking.
My primary goal is to assist all participants who seek my advice. I carry a camera with me to help with tuition through practical demonstration. My photography tours are formatted so that participants can mimic your leader’s professional approach while exploring the full potential of any location. We kindly remind all guests that Cymon Taylor Productions (CTP) reserves the right to photograph and film the workshop events, participants, and locations, and to use the material for marketing and promotional purposes, including, but not limited to, social media, websites, and blogs. I gladly make available your highlight moments with priceless images of times spent together exploring photography and Tuscany.
Participants and guests must sign a liability waiver, which releases Cymon Taylor Productions from any damage or personal injury liability while participating in any My Photography Workshops, Tours or Courses. CTP will request a copy of your current travel insurance, which is required for all participants. Personal medical expenses, personal liability, lost or stolen luggage, and damaged camera equipment should all be covered by your travel insurance.
Participation in any outdoor activity carries certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated, including, but not limited to, theft, loss or damage to personal property, bodily injury, illness, temporary or permanent disability, and death caused by acts of nature, negligence, or the actions of others.
By registering for any CTP Workshops, Tours or Courses, or other outdoor activities, you acknowledge that you are aware that such hazards, dangers, and risks exist and cannot be eliminated. You are also aware that other dangers and risks, both known and unknown, may exist. Your application constitutes a complete assumption of all risks by you, your heirs, personal representative, or assigns, as well as a release of our liability.
You also acknowledge that you have accepted responsibility for selecting an activity appropriate to your physical abilities and interests from those proposed by CTP. You are personally responsible for being in good enough health to participate in such an activity. By accepting our Terms and Conditions and paying the deposit, you certify that you do not have any physical or other disability considerations that would pose a risk to you or other participants.
CTP retains the right to request a doctor’s certificate of good health.
You acknowledge that, in certain foreign, remote, wild, and mountainous areas, medical services and facilities, including medical care, the presence of physicians, and medication, may not be readily available during all or part of the Workshops, Tours or Courses. You understand that instructors may lack the necessary training or equipment to deal with any incidents that may arise. In the event of an injury, accident, illness, or inability to complete the Workshop, Tour or Course you will be responsible for the full cost of any additional transportation or evacuation procedures performed by CTP or others.
In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, your registration in any Workshops, Tours or Courses, or any other activities that CTP or their assigns may be conducting, you hereby voluntarily release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Cymon Taylor Productions, Cymon Taylor, their employees, assigns, independent contractors, or anyone involved.
You certify that you are participating in these CTP activities voluntarily and that you accept all risks, consequences, and potential liability associated with your participation.
I consider loyalty to be an important component of future relationships with new friends. Having learned a plethora of new skills and techniques during your photo-centric adventures, you may find it difficult to remember everything. As a result, please contact me to inquire about the cost of online individual lessons and live via internet video options (ZOOM, Google hangouts, Skype, FaceTime or Zoom). If you need information or help booking additional adventures with CTP, we reward loyalty by offering discounts to students who return for another vacation, complete each level of our structured courses, or make recommendations that lead to others studying with CTP.
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