Holiday itinerary
This photography holiday based in the stunning pueblo blanco of Torrox is a great chance to improve your photography skills in this spectacularly scenic and vibrant undiscovered area of Spain. In a great location set inland just 17km from the seaside town of Nerja you can use the beauty of the Axarquia region of Andalucia as your canvas.
As well as learning the fundamentals of photography and getting to grips with your Digital SLR camera, you will explore your creative side getting out and about to explore composition, exposure, lighting, subject matter and more allowing you to produce photographs that go far beyond the usual holiday snaps.
During your holiday you will visit enchanting white villages and other secret photography locations, nestled in olive and almond groves, awash with wild flowers and steeped in splendid Moorish and Christian past that spans thousands of years of history.
Take advantage of the fact that everything is organised for you from your arrival transfer from Malaga airport to each day’s photo shoot also including meals and a consultation with your tutor before arrival.
You will stay in one of the charming, renovated Moorish houses in the delightful mountain and enjoy all the comfort of modern conveniences in a delightful traditional setting. All the houses have terraces with wonderful views over the village, the mountains.
Get more from your Digital SLR camera, learn photography in Spain, enjoy the local’s warm hospitality and take home images from this beautiful area to treasure for a lifetime.
Suitability
- Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 18 (younger students welcome if accompanied by an adult, please enquire at for more details)
- Courses are in small groups for personal attention and, singles are very welcome at no extra charge as you'll meet others with a passion for photography
- The course is mainly focused on digital SLR photography and you should bring your own DSLR camera with you
- PLEASE NOTE - point and shoot cameras are not suitable for this course
- If you would like advice on which DSLR camera to buy before your holiday, your tutor will be happy to advise once the holiday has been confirmed
- The accommodation on this course is location in the hillside village and some houses have steps to the entrance - if you have any mobility issues please make sure these are communicated to us at the time of booking and we will accommodate these requests where possible
Travelling Solo?
- This photography holiday makes a great singles holiday as it is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people
- There are no single supplements for a private room
- Solo travellers are particularly welcome, the inclusive atmosphere with friendly hosts will ensure that everybody has a really great holiday
Photography Holiday Start Days
- Photography courses start on set dates throughout the year
Typical Photography Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival And Pick Up
- You’ll be collected from Malaga airport and transferred to your accommodation in Torrox (around 1 hours drive)
- You will have time to settle into your accommodation before lunch on the terrace at your host’s house; Finca la Paz
- In the evening you’ll have a brief introductory session with your tutor Kevan to discuss the objectives and programme for the week
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with the group
Day 2
- NOTE: Breakfast is provided in a pack to your accommodation kitchen area each morning of tea/coffee/breads/fruits etc. for you to make your own breakfasts - it may be necessary to supplement the pack during the week
- Your course starts after breakfast with a further discussion with your tutor Kevan about what you personally want to achieve from the week to help the group understand and compare their existing skills, style to also give you the opportunity to highlight the areas you would like to improve in
- You’ll then head off to start photographing the local area under the guidance of Kevan
- Break for lunch tapas lunch
- Around 3.30pm there’ll be an introductory photography session in the village of Torrox
- At 6.00 pm you will enjoy a workshop session with your tutor and fellow guests
- In the evening join your fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant
Day 3
- Today you will be on location at the Kalachakra Buddhist Stupa and the Karam Guen Retreat Centre
- An area that the monks searched for far and wide before settling on this location and you will see why!
- The Stupa is nestled in olive and almond groves, awash with wild flowers in the spring, and there is a wonderful view of La Maroma which is nearly 7,000 ft high at its highest peak
- In the evening you will be served a Vegetarian Banquet at Finca La Paz
Day 4
- Start early today at 7am with a visit to the beautiful Lake Vinuela to catch the beautiful reflections on the mirror like surface before the wind starts blowing
- After you enjoy a picnic lunch in the stunning surroundings you will return to the pueblo to relax and take part in a review session at 6pm with your tutor
- In the evening enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant
Day 5 – Free Day
- Enjoy a free day today to spend as you please
- If you would like to spend some time with your tutor Kevan to review your work from the week, he will be delighted to help
- Today, you will be responsible for your own meals
Day 6
- This morning you will visit the beautiful white village of Frigiliana where you will be able to photograph the local market
- You will then visit Acebuchal - a pretty mountain village nestled in a charming valley where you will have an opportunity to photograph the mountainous location, hidden corners and delightfully restored village houses
- Lunch will be at Bar Restaurant Acebuchal, renowned for its home-cooked often locally procured meat and game dishes, and vegetarian options are also available
- In the evening you will enjoy a delicious tapas dinner at a local restaurant with the group
Day 7
- You will have an early morning start to visit La Caleta de Velez, a pretty town with superb beaches and an impressive marina with a working fishing fleet and repair yard where the fishermen mend their nets
- Caleta has a fishing village atmosphere with an attractive promenade, lined with palm trees and nesting green parrots as well as a vibrant fish market which makes a perfect subject for your photography
- After a picnic lunch Kevan will hold discussions on the week’s activities and there will be a slide show of all the photography guests work
- Afterwards you will enjoy a finale farewell dinner in a lovely local beach restaurant
Day 8 - Departure:
- After breakfast you will check out and be taken to Malaga airport for your return flight
What Will I Learn?
- As you are learning in a small group, you’ll have expert guidance and tuition will be adapted to your own individual needs whether it be getting to grips with your DSLR camera or taking your existing skills to the next level
- You will get to know the basics such as composition
- You will develop your understanding depth of field, lens choice, exposure- ISO, shutter speed and aperture
- The tuition will help to develop your awareness of different photography styles as well as developing your feel and instinct for light and situation
- As you progress through the week you will find you’re thinking more thematically and conceptually about your photographs
- Workshop sessions are arranged most days so that you can discuss your work and your progress with your tutor
- You will also have a chance to explore Landscape, Seascapes, People, Abstract and more
Your Photography Tutor
- Passionate about photography, your photography tutor Kevan Keith has over 20 years experience in photography
- He has a wealth of knowledge and skills including experience of lighting, composition, apertures and shutter speeds
- Kevan also has professional management experience working for Canon UK Limited where he has developed a range of experience of printing techniques - ranging from magazine and newspaper printing to large format printing of Fine Art and Photographic output
- He is proficient in modern software that brings enhancement and a further depth of dimension to photographs, including Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Through the adoption of such software, techniques can be applied to make photographs both individual and interesting, whilst still retaining the personality of the photographer
- Kevan recognises that all photography is unique to the individual – each photographer being driven by their own interests and their own vision, and his aim is to help you to use your camera to record, develop and share this
- This involves looking at the basics, such as “how to hold your camera” to “advanced digital techniques”. His approach is to discuss all individuals’ levels of experience, ability, requirements, expectations, styles – with a view to assisting in increasing their knowledge and skills
Your Hosts
- Dave and Gill have lived and worked in this area of Spain for over 10 years
- They speak the language and work with local people wherever possible to ensure that you can enjoy a truly authentic experience
Accommodation and Meals
- You will stay in one of the 8 charming renovated Moorish houses in the beautiful village of Torrox
- These old Spanish houses have been skillfully renovated and are well equipped with all modern conveniences, including washing machine, fridge, iron, ironing board, hairdryers and showers
- Most houses have English TV/DVD and all have terraces with wonderful views over the village, the mountains in the background or the sea
- Wifi will be available from November 2012 in the accommodation and is also available in cafes and bars in the village
- Your hosts have dogs, therefore we suggest you notify the school beforehand if you have any allergies
- The houses have between 1-3 bedrooms and you’ll have your own private bedroom and private bathroom
- Each house has a small shared lounge, kitchen
- The village also has a really lovely square with a range of bars and restaurants
- The surrounding countryside is a paradise for walkers
- You will be within eight minutes drive of the beach to which a regular bus service also operates
- Please note that all transport is included to and from Finca la Paz where you will have some meals and any photography shoot locations so you don’t have to worry about driving or taxis during your stay
- All main meals are included except on your free day
- NOTE: Breakfast is provided in a pack to your accommodation kitchen area of tea/coffee/breads/fruits etc upon arrival for you to make your own breakfasts - it may be necessary to supplement the pack during the week
Transfers and Transport
- A pick up from Malaga airport with a transfer to your accommodation in Torrox is included in the price although please note that transfers are arranged usually between 11am and 12.30pm and return to Malaga between 8am and 10am in the morning
– If your flight arrives outside of this time, please contact us as private transfers can be arranged at extra cost £45 each way
- You will be out and about for most of the day and all transport will be included
Weather Conditions And Itinerary
- Your photography tutor will alter the itinerary if the weather doesn’t offer the best conditions for photographing the area
What To Bring
- Bring your own digital DSLR camera (with manual), charger, memory cards, tripod, filters and flash if you have them
- Point and shoot if you have one
- Please bring suitable footwear for walking as you will be spending a lot of time exploring the different areas and a sun hat
Want To Stay Longer?
- If you wish to extend your stay, extra nights accommodation can be added for £35 per room per night on a room only basis. Please email with your dates to check availability.
Be inspired by the changing landscapes, flora and fauna of Andalucia for an unforgettable holiday experience. Take your skills to a new level on this photography holiday with a difference.