Alpe Devero Workshop
10 - 13 September, 2026
A 3-day immersive photography workshop exploring the fundamentals of landscape photography in the stunning alpine scenery of Alpe Devero.
Through guided field sessions, practical theory, and personalized feedback, you’ll build the essential skills to elevate your outdoor photography—no matter your starting point.
Workshop highlights
Photography in one of the Alps’ best-kept secrets
Alpe Devero is a hidden gem - less crowded than many famous alpine spots, yet incredibly rich in photographic opportunities. From quiet forests and alpine lakes to dramatic peaks, you’ll experience the kind of raw beauty that still feels untouched. Perfect light, no crowds, pure inspiration.
Enhance your photographic eye
This workshop isn’t just about camera settings. It’s about learning to see. Through a mix of theory lessons and field coaching, you’ll improve your composition, understand how to work with natural light, and learn how to tell compelling stories with your images—regardless of your gear.
Local expertise at your side
I grew up in these mountains and I know them like the back of my hand. Every location we visit has been chosen to give you the best possible experience—whether that means catching first light over alpine lakes or adjusting the plan based on weather. You’ll get real insight, not just a roadmap.
Only 8 spots available for this immersive photography experience in the heart of the Italian Alps.
When?
Sept 10-13, 2026
Group Size
Max 8 people
Price
790€ pp*
*including tuition, accommodation in shared room and meals
Experience
This workshop is perfect for beginner and intermediate photographers who want to strengthen their outdoor photography skills. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to solidify your technique, you’ll be guided every step of the way.
Expect clear instruction, personal feedback, and a supportive environment where you can ask questions, try new techniques, and come away with a deeper understanding of both technical and creative aspects of landscape photography.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
This is an active workshop designed for photographers in good physical condition. Expect moderate hikes of up to 400m elevation gain, with two such hikes likely on Day 2. Trails are well-marked but can be steep in sections, so a reasonable fitness level and comfort carrying your gear uphill are essential.
You don’t need to be a mountain athlete— if you’re used to hiking with a backpack and enjoy time outdoors, you’ll be right at home.
What makes it special?
This isn’t just another landscape photography workshop — it’s a deep dive into the places where my own photographic journey began. Over the course of three days, I’ll guide you through some of the most meaningful and inspiring locations in the Alpe Devero area, sharing not only the techniques I use, but the thought process behind every shot.
You won’t just walk away with a checklist of settings — you’ll learn how to conceptualize a photograph, even when conditions aren’t perfect. We’ll work on how to respond to light, shape a story, and build your images with intention.
The goal is to help you find your voice, not just copy someone else’s. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or refining your creative direction, this workshop will give you the tools, mindset, and support to pursue your own vision long after the trip ends.
What will I learn?
How to read natural light and expose intentionally to match the mood and atmosphere of a scene
How to set up your camera for landscape work — from sharp focus to depth of field and dynamic range
How to simplify compositions using layering, balance, leading lines and subject separation
How to work with changing light across sunrise and sunset, including bracketing and filters
How to approach different focal lengths — from wide scenic views to tighter, intimate landscapes
How to develop a photographic mindset that helps you build strong, story-driven images
The foundations of a clean and efficient editing workflow in Lightroom — from import to final color grading
Detailed schedule
Day 1 – Sept 20th: Arrival & Composition Fundamentals
Participants are expected to arrive at our hotel in Baceno by 13:30. After a brief check-in, we’ll gather for a welcome introduction, go over the schedule and learning goals, and ensure everyone is set up with their gear.
At 14:30, we’ll begin the first classroom session covering photography basics, how to read natural light, and how to adapt your camera settings based on subject, mood, and light direction. We’ll also introduce concepts like focus stacking and HDR for landscape work.
Around 17:00, we’ll drive up to Alpe Devero (30 min) and then begin a short 30-minute hike to reach our first photo location, a beautiful open alpine basin with dramatic light in the evening.
From 18:30 to 20:00, we’ll shoot sunset applying the compositional foundations discussed earlier.
We’ll be back at the hotel by 21:00, where we will have a group dinner and informal photo chat.
Day 2 – Sept 21st: Light, Exposure & Seeing Differently
Early start! At 04:15, we’ll hit the road and after about 1h15 hike we will reach our sunrise spot, a beautiful alpine lake at about 2000m altitude, in time for the first light.
From 06:30 to 08:00, we’ll capture sunrise practicing bracketing, exposure timing and use of leading lines. After the session, we’ll hike down and return to Baceno by around 09:45. A hearty breakfast will be served around 10:00, followed by a short break.
At 11:00, we’ll gather for the second classroom session: “Composition & Visual Foundations” — diving into layering, subject separation and creating flow within a landscape.
At 13:00, we’ll have lunch and some rest. Optional 1:1 review sessions with Paolo will be available during the break.
Around 16:00, we’ll begin the afternoon field outing where with another hike will take us on a high mountain viewpoint with rich evening side-light.
From 18:30 to 20:00, we’ll shoot sunset focusing on foreground anchors & color contrast — experimenting with mid-range lenses and layering in complex terrain.
After the hike back and drive down, we’ll return to Baceno around 21:30. Quick dinner and off to bed for some well deserved rest.
Day 3 – Sept 22nd: Mood, Editing & Visual Storytelling
We’ll depart at 05:00 for our final sunrise session, reaching Lago di Devero and exploring our creative vision there..
From 06:30 to 08:00, we’ll explore the themes of mood, minimalism and abstract scenes — working with fog, backlight, or quiet forest scenes - whatever the weather will provide us.
We’ll return to Baceno around 11:30; your room will still be available so you can take a shower and relax a bit before checking out.
After lunch (at 13:00) we’ll close with a final classroom session focused on post-processing and visual storytelling:
• File organization and backup
• Basic editing in Lightroom
• Building image sequences
• Color grading and local adjustments
We’ll wrap up by 16:00, with final Q&A, feedback, and goodbyes — and hopefully a few portfolio-worthy images and new creative tools to carry forward.
Only 8 spots available for this immersive photography experience in the heart of the Italian Alps.
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3 days of immersive outdoor photography instruction in the Alpe Devero area
2 nights of hotel accommodation (shared double occupancy unless single supplement is requested)
Full board: breakfast, lunches, and dinners with fixed menu
2 sunrise and 2 sunset photography sessions in spectacular alpine locations
3 indoor theory lessons covering light, exposure, composition, and post-production
1 full post-processing session with practical Lightroom workflow guidance
1-on-1 time available for portfolio review, gear setup, or technical support
Pre-scouted shooting locations optimized for season, light, and accessibility
Continuous coaching and feedback throughout the workshop by Paolo Sartori
A supportive, beginner-friendly environment with a small group of like-minded photographers
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Travel to and from the workshop base (Baceno – VB)
Mealtime drinks beyond included water
Snacks and beverages outside of meals
Single supplement (on request - subject to availability at the time of booking)
Any purchases of a personal nature
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Credit card or PayPal fees (if applicable)
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The workshop is limited to 10 seats to ensure a high-quality learning experience. You can apply via the button at the bottom of this page. If there are still spots available, you’ll receive instructions to confirm your place.
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The price of the trip is 590 €.
A deposit of 390 € will be due to confirm the booking.
The remainder will be paid in the hotel at checkout.
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To reserve your spot we do require a 390€ deposit. That deposit is only refundable for 48 hours after booking.
Once you pay for the rest of your trip you can receive the following refunds on the rest of the trip (deposits not included):
More than 90 days before the trip = 100% refund.
Between 90 and 60 days before the trip = 50% refund.
Less than 60 days before trip departure = 0% refund.
We highly recommend trip insurance.
We may cancel a trip prior to the start date for reasons including (but not limited to) insufficient participation, weather conditions, or other instances that may impede trip operations. In this case, you will receive a refund for funds paid towards the trip cost. You will not receive any refund for hotels, flights, or transportation you booked before or after the trip.
A legal language version of our trip cancellation is this...
We reserve the right to cancel any trip, at any time, prior to the scheduled departure date for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, insufficient participation, local weather conditions or logistical problems that, in our sole judgment, may impede trip operations. In the event we cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever other than a force majeure event, your sole and exclusive remedy shall be the refund of all payments we received from you as of the date of cancellation. The payment of the refund shall release us from any and all other or further liability in any way related to such cancellation. We may make payments to our suppliers (permits, transportation companies, etc.) far in advance of the scheduled trip departure date. Accordingly, if a trip is cancelled due to a force majeure event (e.g. war, labor strikes, earthquake, flooding or any other cause beyond our control), we will undertake commercially reasonable efforts to promptly refund the portion of any amounts paid by you that have, in turn, not already been advanced to suppliers. In addition, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to recover and refund to you the balance of your payment amounts that were advanced to suppliers, less our expenses, if any, of such recovery, as promptly as possible. However, we do not guarantee you recovery of any portion of advance payments made to our suppliers. We are not responsible for, and you hereby release and forever discharge us from, any expense or cost incurred by you in preparing for or arising or resulting from a cancelled trip. If you cancel your trip, we will refund your payment as follows: (a) cancellation 90 days or more prior to trip departure – 100% of your payment will be refunded, with the exception of the deposit amount; (b) cancellation between 90 - 60 days prior to trip departure - 50% of your payment will be refunded, with the exception of the deposit amount; or (c) cancellation less than 60 days prior to departure, or during trip – no refund will be made.
Camera Equipment
This workshop is designed to help you build a solid foundation in outdoor photography — from expansive alpine landscapes to more intimate details of the mountain environment. All field sessions will take place on foot, so your gear setup should be lightweight, versatile, and ready for changing light conditions.
Camera Bodies
A mirrorless or DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses is highly recommended. Systems with manual control and the ability to shoot RAW files will give you the most flexibility when it comes to post-processing and creative control.
Bridge cameras (with integrated zoom lenses) can also work — as long as they allow RAW capture and full manual settings.
Do not bring any drones - we will be within a protected area where drones are strictly forbidden.
Lenses for Landscapes
A wide-angle zoom is essential — something like a 16–35mm (full-frame equivalent) is ideal for capturing sweeping alpine vistas, dramatic skies, and dynamic foregrounds.
A standard zoom such as a 24–70mm works great for more general-purpose framing and is often enough on its own.
A telephoto zoom (e.g. 70–300mm, 70–200mm, 100–500mm) or any prime telephoto lenses will be useful for compressing distant peaks or isolating interesting details in the landscape — but are completely optional.
Other Essentials
Tripod – Strongly recommended for all sunrise/sunset sessions and for experimenting with long exposures, HDR or bracketing.
Memory cards and spare batteries – Bring at least one extra battery and multiple memory cards — expect to shoot several hundred photos per session.
Photo backpack – A comfortable hiking backpack with room for gear, snacks, layers, and water.
Laptop (optional) – If you’d like feedback on your current portfolio or post-processing workflow, bring a laptop with Lightroom or similar software installed.
Clothing & Outdoor Gear
Alpine weather can shift quickly — expect temperatures ranging from below freezing in the early mornings to 20–25°C in the afternoon.
We recommend:
Layered technical clothing (thermal base layers, fleece or softshell and a packable down jacket)
Waterproof outer layer (rain jacket and pack cover)
Comfortable hiking pants
Waterproof hiking shoes or boots (no need for heavy mountain boots, but good grip and weather resistance are a must)
Beanie, gloves and sunglasses
Hiking times range from 30 minutes to 2 hours minutes, with up to 400m elevation gain. A moderate fitness level is required.
Need Gear Advice?
Not sure what to bring? Paolo is happy to help. Whether you’re deciding between lenses or thinking of renting something new, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’ll help you arrive confident and prepared.
Getting there
The workshop takes place in the quiet alpine village of Baceno, nestled in the upper Ossola Valley in northern Piedmont. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding peaks, forests, and alpine lakes of the Alpe Devero region. You’ll receive the exact address and arrival instructions upon booking.
Participants are expected to arrive at the accommodation by 13:30 on Day 1 of the workshop. From there, the experience begins with a welcome briefing, theory session, and a first sunset outing in the field.
Recommended Travel Options
By Car:
Baceno is easily reachable by road:
From Milan – around 1.5 hours drive
From Turin – approx. 2.5 hours
From Switzerland – 1 hour from Brig, via Simplon Pass
By Air:
The closest airports are:
Milan Malpensa (MXP) – approx. 1 hour by car
Milan Linate (LIN) or Milan Bergamo (BGY) – approx. 2–3 hours by car
From any of these airports, you can rent a car or contact us to arrange private transfer options.
Free parking is available at the accommodation for all participants.