Madeira Photography Workshop guided by Jabi Sanz, 14 – 19 April 2027

Madeira Photography Workshop guided by Jabi Sanz, 14-19 April 2027

Tour leader – Jabi Sanz

Embark on an extraordinary six-day photography workshop led by Jabi Sanz, and allow the enchanting island of Madeira to ignite your creativity. This immersive experience will take you on a journey through breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, lush forests, and charming villages, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the essence of this paradise through your lens. Join us as we delve into the art of photography, refine your skills, and create images that reflect your unique vision.

Day 1, 1 April, Arrival and Welcome to Madeira

– Morning/afternoon: Arrive at Funchal Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of Funchal. Take a moment to soak in the captivating views of the city’s picturesque harbor and vibrant streets, setting the stage for an unforgettable photographic adventure.

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is a melting pot of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its charming streets, historic architecture, and colorful markets offer endless opportunities for capturing the soul of this coastal gem. From the bustling marina to the quaint old town, Funchal will inspire your creative vision from the moment you arrive.

Meet your workshop leader and fellow photography enthusiasts during a welcome reception and orientation. Engage in lively conversations, share your excitement for the days ahead, and receive an overview of the workshop’s itinerary.

Prepare for an extraordinary sunset experience at Pico Ariero. We arrive at the summit in the late afternoon and position ourselves to capture the ever-changing hues of the sky as the sun begins its descent. Pico Ariero offers a truly breathtaking experience, with its misty mountains and sweeping panoramas that stretch as far as the eye can see. It is quite often you can be above the sea of clouds here!

Delight in a delectable dinner together, savoring the flavors of Madeiran cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring Madeira coastline

Morning: Rise early before dawn to embark on an enchanting sunrise experience at Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of Madeira. As you make your way to the rugged cliffs and coastal trails, anticipation builds for the breathtaking spectacle that awaits you. Set up your equipment and prepare to capture the magic of the first light as it paints the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Ponta de São Lourenço is a ruggedly beautiful península, characterised by dramatic cliffs, jagged rock formations, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

After a hearty breakfast, venture out to explore the captivating streets of Funchal. Stroll through the historic old town, capturing the vibrant colors, intricate details, and the unique blend of traditional and modern architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the charming village of Santana, renowned for its triangular thatched-roofed houses, and immerse yourself in its rural charm. Wander through the verdant countryside, photographing the idyllic landscapes that surround the village. Capture the unique architecture, with its vibrant doors and windows, nestled against the backdrop of rolling hills.

Santana is a picturesque village, where traditional thatched-roof houses, known as “casas de colmo,” coexist with nature in perfect harmony. As you traverse the countryside, capture the tranquility and simplicity of rural life, framed by the rolling hills and blooming flora.

Discover the cultural heritage of Queimadas by visiting the traditional thatched-roof houses and the historical water mill. Dive into the local history and learn about the symbiotic relationship between the people and the land. Capture the rustic charm of the houses, adorned with vibrant flowers.

Queimadas is a place where nature and human history intertwine. The traditional thatched-roof houses, known as “casas de colmo,” stand as a testament to the island’s architectural heritage. The water mill, with its rustic machinery and flowing stream, adds a touch of nostalgia to the scene.

At sunset we will head out to Pico Ruivo to the old trees – walking on a great smooth path above the sea of clouds! One of the next days we can also try to shoot the milky way here, if conditions permit.

Day 3

Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Cabo Girão, one of the world’s highest sea cliffs. Capture the interplay of light and shadows as the first rays of the sun illuminate the rugged coastline and the picturesque village of Camara de Lobos below.

Cabo Girão is a photographer’s dream, offering panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. As the sun rises, the colors intensify, providing a stunning backdrop for your images. Frame the colorful fishing boats, the crashing waves, and the sheer magnitude of the cliffs to capture the raw beauty of this coastal wonder.

– Afternoon: Journey to the picturesque village of Paul do Mar or Sao Vicente with capelinha de nossa senhora de fátima, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and captivating seascapes. Explore its pebble beaches and rocky shores, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the ocean and capturing the essence of this coastal haven.

Paul do Mar is a hidden gem on Madeira’s southwestern coast, offering a glimpse into the untamed power of the Atlantic Ocean. The rugged cliffs, the swirling waves, and the enchanting play of light provide an extraordinary canvas for your photography. Interact with the locals, document their way of life, and capture authentic moments that reflect the spirit of this fishing community.

– Gather for a photography workshop focused on seascape photography techniques, post processing and composition. Learn how to capture the motion of the waves, experiment with long exposures, and master the art of balancing exposure in challenging lighting conditions.

We will share expertise on composition and capturing the essence of landscapes. Learn how to utilize leading lines, perspectives, and creative framing techniques to create visually compelling images.

Reflect on the day’s adventures and enjoy a delectable dinner together, sharing your favorite images and stories.

Day 4: Enchanting Forests and Waterfalls

Morning: Venture into the mystical Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its ancient trees, lush vegetation, and hidden waterfalls. Embark on a tranquil hike along the Levada dos Balcoes trail, immersing yourself in the ethereal beauty of the forest and capturing its mesmerizing ambiance.

The Laurissilva Forest is a haven of tranquility, with its dense foliage, moss-covered trees, and gentle whispers of nature. As you meander along the levada, be prepared to encounter hidden waterfalls, delicate ferns, and enchanting sun-dappled paths.

– Afternoon: Continue your journey to Rabaçal, a paradise of cascading waterfalls, where you’ll encounter the magnificent Risco Waterfall and its awe-inspiring power. Experiment with different compositions and long-exposure techniques to capture the ethereal beauty of the cascading water against the vibrant green backdrop. Rabaçal is a photographer’s paradise, offering a multitude of waterfalls and lush greenery. The Risco Waterfall, with its sheer drop and thunderous roar, will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur.

Alternatively visit Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela for seascapes – rock formations with green boulders around.

Discover natural pools and soak in warm waters. Long exposures practise with rocks in the water.

Day 5

Morning: Rise before dawn to embark on an exhilarating adventure to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. Ascend through mist-covered landscapes, capturing the ethereal beauty of the hike. Reach the summit and witness the sun’s golden rays piercing through the clouds, revealing the grandeur of Madeira’s landscapes from above. Usually the milky way is best here before sunrise – so we can wake up earlier to catch some beautiful night sky!

Pico Ruivo offers a truly breathtaking experience, with its misty mountains and sweeping panoramas that stretch as far as the eye can see. As the first light of the day breaks through, the landscape is transformed into a spectacle of colors, illuminating the rugged peaks, deep valleys, and undulating hills. Capture the vastness, the layers, and the interplay of light and shadow that define this awe-inspiring vista.

Afternoon we may try Laurissilva Forest again because often the fog comes here creating an absolutely magical atmosphere!

– Evening: Engage in an insightful workshop focused on capturing panoramic vistas and incorporating storytelling elements into your images. Learn how to compose wide-angle shots to emphasise the grandeur of the landscape and tell captivating visual narratives. Reflect on your growth as a photographer and savor a farewell dinner, cherishing the camaraderie and memories forged during the workshop.

Day 6, 19 April

Morning: sunrise session in one of the epic locations we already visited before – depends on the weather.

Enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible moments shared during the workshop. Bid farewell to the captivating island of Madeira, carrying with you a treasure trove of breathtaking images and a renewed passion for photography.