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A 5 day photo workshop October 22-26, 2012 for 6-9 participants in the beautiful Abruzzo, Italy at the best time for autumn colors and one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. The areas around Gran Sasso is the main target for this workshop. There are many angles to this landscape and pictoresque small villages nearby which may also be explored. The locations will depend on the weather. The altitudes vary from about 1000 to 2000 meters. Notice that the flexible 5-7 day workshop program will be continued in 2012.

The workshop is aimed at giving the workshop participant the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful areas of Europe and get some great pictures. You can find examples of pictures from Abruzzo here and in this gallery below (click slideshow). The instructor is Hans Kruse, owner of HansKrusePhotography. He is very experienced in landscape photography and in post processing techniques. More of Hans Kruse's landscape photography work can be found here.

The workshop will include

• instructions and guidance on composition, scene selection, post processing, etc.
• critique and discussion sessions about the pictures taken during the workshop
• morning and afternoon shooting sessions through the area with a selection of the most interesting spots for the time of year
• on location instructions and discussions about composition and technique
• opportunity to learn from and get inspired by fellow photographers
• online critique session after the workshop with commented critiques by the instructor and proposed examples of improvements via Lightroom and Photoshop

The schedule will be adapted to the weather conditions. On the arrival day the workshop will start at 15:00 with an afternoon shoot and welcome dinner in the evening at 20:00 at the hotel. The following 3 days will follow a schedule like the following:

• Morning shoot at sunrise (around 7:20) on a location and a drive through the area with stops at interesting locations. We will start early from the hotel around 6:15 (sometimes even earlier to catch the beautiful twilight) and have breakfast when returning around 9:00-9:30.
• Breakfast
• Meeting room where there will be class room sessions with critique sessions, lectures on composition and post processing, etc. and a light lunch. Although it is a tight schedule we will try to have about 4 hours in the class room for 3 days and split over the day due to early sunset at this time of the year. The class room sessions will contain 2 days with critique sessions on the third and fourth day of the workshop such that there is time to take pictures for critique and then take new pictures based on the critique and enter the best into the last critique session. In the class room there will be time for post processing and ad hoc presentations based on need by the participants, e.g. a 1-2 hour walk through of Lightroom post processing features. Color management and workflow are other topics. The second day in the class room will be dedicated to a presentation on composition and how to select interesting view points as well as some post processing time and other presentations.
• Afternoon shooting session starting at about 15:00 and return around 19:00-19:30
• Dinner at the hotel at 20:00.

On the day of departure there will be a morning shoot followed by breakfast at the hotel and the workshop will end at 11:00.

I generally recommend that you arrive one day before the workshop starts and stay one day after, if you have the time. During these extra days I will take those who would like to participate out on shoots. This gives extra time to revisit some interesting spots or new spots depending on the weather conditions.

There are no specific expectations for the skill level of the participants to get full value from the workshop. You will likely have been interested in photography for some years and have acquired a digital SLR and a few lenses. However less experienced photographers are equally welcome and equipment does not need to be a digital SLR. The workshop will be adapted for the individuals attending such that individuals who need more guidance in certain areas will have the attention of the instructor to get help with the settings of the camera. For landscape photography in this area the focal lengths from 24mm to 200mm in 35mm full frame terms will be adequate (approx. 15mm to 135mm on crop DSLR cameras). A wider lens can be useful and a longer lens also (16mm and 300mm in 35mm full frame terms). It is expected that you are familiar with your camera including the most typical functions, however any question about camera operation and features are welcomed. Bring a manual for your camera too. A solid and stable tripod is recommended and a cable/remote release for your camera. Also it is expected that you are comfortable setting your camera on the tripod and adjusting compositions. The workshop is not aimed at giving beginners basic training course in handling the camera and tripod, although help and advice is given during the workshop to all participants on all aspects of landscape photography.

The instructor uses Canon cameras and have detailed knowledge of these cameras, however photographers with any camera are welcome. For post processing the instructor will use and show Adobe Lightroom and with additional processing in Adobe Photoshop. For HDR and tone mapping Photomatix Pro is used. It is highly recommended that the participants bring their own laptop for post processing. For critique sessions you will need a laptop to process your own images. The focus will be on critique of images from the workshop. The temperature will fall to around the freezing point at this time of year in the morning, so please bring warm clothes and good, comfortable footwear for the time we will spend outdoors. Only short walking distances are planned from the roads (up to 15 mins).

The cost of the workshop is 1095 Euro which include hotel, meals and wine (breakfast, lunch time refreshments and evening dinner and drinks including wine). The hotel is a really nice 4-star SPA hotel on the mountain side of the Appennines towards the Adriatic Sea. The hotel is located with easy access to the areas we will be shooting during the workshop. A single room for each participant (couples will be in double rooms). The price do not include any of the spa facilities at the hotel. If you decide to come early and stay after the workshop you will pay these extra days directly to the hotel. Any extra shoots outside of the workshop is free of charge and is made as a service to the participants.

The price does not include transport to and from the hotel (air fare, rental cars, etc.) and transport in the area. It is planned that the 6-9 participants and the instructor will drive in 3 cars for the shooting (the instructor in his car and 2 cars from the participants). To share a car e-mail addresses will be exchanged among the participants such that sharing of rental cars can be planned in advance. The distance from Fiumicino (airport of Rome) to the hotel is around 3 hours by car. A rental car no smaller than a Fiat Punto is assumed for 3 photographers per car including their equipment. Every day changing who is driving together. The reason for not including transportation is that it would add substantial extra cost to the workshop to include this and most participants would likely combine a workshop with a stay in the area. The hotel has conference facilities for class room sessions. Only registered participants are allowed to participate in any aspects of the workshop, no exceptions. If you would like to bring a spouse or friend to the workshop, then please indicate this in the registration e-mail and we will try to accommodate such requests on a space available basis. A GPS unit is highly recommended (if you have one please bring it) and mobile phones to get reconnected, if getting lost. The instructor will have a mobile phone operational at all times.

Please book space on the workshop by sending an e-mail to Hans Kruse at hans@hanskruse.com or if you would like to ask additional questions about the workshop. You will get infomation about payment details and liability limitations. If you are not able to join this workshop or it is sold out, then please consult the workshop schedule or contact Hans Kruse. As the time of the workshop approaches (1-2 weeks in advance) you will get updates on the detailed schedule and meeting times and additional relevant information. You are welcome to divide the payment of the 1095 Euro into a non-refundable deposit of 245 Euro at sign-up and payment of the 850 Euro September 1st, 2012. If the workshop needs to be cancelled a full refund will be paid.

Feedback from workshop participants

Thank you for a wonderful workshop. I don’t normally like joining workshops but I’m really glad we joined yours. You’re a great instructor and have been very generous with sharing your knowledge of photography. The hotel was good, food was great and Werner is a great host. The locations and weather have been a panorama photographer’s paradise! -- Joe Santos, USA

Thank you for your energetic efforts, enthusiastic teaching and sympathetic listening - I learned a lot from you. -- Provash Ganguli, Canada

Indeed l had a great time and wonderful learning experience during the entire workshop. I admit l met a group of very nice people there and l did enjoy the wonderful fellowship everyday. I told my friends here that the workshop offered me something that l won't be able to learn over in my country! I'm definitely looking forward to the future workshop likely next year in Tuscany. -- Marc Tan, Malaysia

After joining the photo workshop in the Dolomites June 2012 a new door has opened in my photo life. It was a great experience to be inspired to take pictures in the places that Hans knows so well and to experience the importance that the light in the mornings and late afternoons have on the pictures. And not the least to have the patience to get the right light and clouds. The combination of the photographing, post processing and photo critiques in the workroom was the right approach for me. I can highly recommend everybody to take a week out of your busy schedule for such a workshop and return spirited from the experience. And I advise you to come relaxed as it will be a very busy and intensive week J -- Jørgen Fynsø, Denmark

I attended Hans' workshop in Tuscany 21-25 of Nov 2011. This was my first workshop and I was looking forward to see Italy for the first time. I was certainly not disappointed ! The landscape is wonderful and to experience the Italian people was also a joy. Later on I learned that this was Hans' first workshop in Tuscany. You would never have guessed. Lovely sites to see every day and lots of coaching from Hans made the workshop a great experience that I can recommend for sure. The hotel provided the necessities and the company was top notch. We had a really nice time. So if you want to learn landscape photography and at the same time enjoy yourself, I suggest that you book one (or several) of Hans' workshop. I sincerely hope to join in again. -- Tonnya Borghill, Denmark

Due to some delays I was the last one to join my group (Dolomites October 2011) and I was overwhelmed by the friendly and warm welcome.This team spirit was growing during the week – and at the end ten good friends said good by to each other. Hans Kruse is a most competent and experienced workshop leader, very friendly and always with an open ear to the wishes/questions of the participants.. He has a good sense of humour and enjoys a hearty laugh. At the same time he is a person who exactly knows what he wants and is not easily dissuaded from his targets….I am sure that he has stored a long list of all the interesting places of the Dolomites in his computer as secret data. His knowledge of the location is phenomenal. Hans shares his personal knowledge of the scenery with his group. Before this workshop I had been in the Dolomites three or four times, and all I brought home were boring nice-weather images. That all has changed totally: Every morning, we were up to see how the sun’s first rays formed breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and every night we could see the most marvellous spots disappear with the sun. After a strict and merciless selection of their pictures all participants of the workshop went home with about one dozen images of the highest quality. Our hotel with its comfortable rooms was run by a pleasant, obliging family, whose friendliness, excellent cuisine and service thrilled the whole group. …Looking at Hans’ program for 2012, I wonder which travel would fit my timetable best. Tuscany? Abbruzzen? -- Peter Heinsch, Germany

I have attended 2 workshops during 2011 (Abruzzo and Tuscany) with mr Kruse, and it was everything I hoped for and more. I learned so much about chasing the light, approaching the location, framing, composition, Lightroom, how to operate my gear etc etc. Just observing a master photographer like Hans, was just tremendous and I feel I learned a lot and developed my skills of landscape photography. Hans is not only extremely good at what he does, he is also a great guy to be around, and he is more than happy to help and giving advices and instructions anytime. Hans really makes a strong effort to give every participant of his workshop the tools to giving his or hers best and develop. I really think he is a great teacher, mentoring us and making us more confident in what we do. I particullary like the critique sessions, and that we get the chance to re-visit some of the best locations as our skills develop, it is very fascinating to come back to a beautiful spot when we have more knowledge of what to do, and how to try and improve it. Hans is also easy to be around, and if you come with the right attitude and motivation, I can guarantee that your knowledge will expand and develop. I think I came back from both workshops with the most essential: a bunch of good photos on my hard drive. I cannot thank Hans enough for the doors he has opened, and I am also extremely grateful for the extra day Hans offered at the end of the workshops. I would not hesitate participating again, it was an amazing experience from A to Z. -- Petter Furuseth, Norway

Great locations, comraderie, and accommodations sums up a great photographic experience on Hans' Dolomites workshop (October 2011). I was impressed by the level of talent of all participants in what was a week of fun and good collaboration. Of course Hans puts it all together wonderfully and is quite accomodating in assuring each participant gets something meaningful out of the workshop. I would not hesitate in recommending this or any of his workshops to anyone seeking a fulfilling photographic getaway. -- Sam W. USA

It was by pure coincidence that I discovered the site advertising the workshop led by Hans "Tuscany in November" but it will not be a coincidence when I sign up for another of his workshops. I had the opportunity to learn not only to read a landscape, to describe it in the appropriate light, to use my camera correctly but also to edit my photos with Lightroom...the entire programme was delivered with such expertise, humor and dedication by this lovely person Hans. Thank You Hans for these wonderful moments under your guidance. I also want to thank my enthusiastic fellow workshop participants for their cheerful company during these unforgettable days. "See you soon" I say, as I just want to have another experience like this! For those who read my posting: Don't expect to rise late in the morning!!! -- Rosemarie Mühlematter, Switzerland

I have now done all 3 of Hans' current workshops and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I am looking foward to Hans coming up with a fourth so that I can once again return! Highly recommended. -- Alistair Owens, UK

I just came back from my second workshop with Hans Kruse (Tuscany November 2011) and I'm
already looking forward to the next. Highly recommended. -- Bård Johannessen, Norway

I have been following Hans' workshops with great interest over the last 3 years. I was amazed at his wonderful work and it made me want to explore landscape photography; being primarily a sports shooter, I really wanted to learn about landscape photography. Well my wish came true and I had the privilege to participate in Hans' October 2011 Abruzzo workshop. I was not disappointed....He knows the area very well. He was very well prepared hence we didn't waste time "looking" for places to shoot. Hans was very approachable with questions and concerns. I came away from the workshop with a better knowledge of composition, f stops for landscape, anticipate a "great" shot with changing light conditions. I also became more comfortable with Lightroom and camera settings with Hans' help. The accommodations and meals were first rate. I will be participating in another workshop soon.......Well done Hans. -- Nando Tedeschi, Canada

I had a great trip with Hans Kruse to Abruzzo in October 2011. It was a real WORKshop with very early and late shootings and great working/training sessions with lightroom/postprocessing - that convinced me to use Lightroom instead of Photoshop for my pictures in the future. A great presentation by Hans containing (almost) every thing needed - showed me that I had used too high apertures previously and why. That one bit of information have made all my future landscape pictures much sharper. Great tips on why you should use liveview and a lot of other tings to use for getting better landscape picures – much appreciated. Hans’ has done his homework and researched the locations very thoroughly on previous visits and also just before the participants arrive. He put long hours into getting everybody up to speed whatever their needs. Camera, lightroom, compositional or other picture or technical issues were covered on an individual basis only possible with many years of experience and great passion for photography. Hans’s great pictures was what convinced me to go for the workshop but Hans’ enthusiams is contagious and it is very likely that I will return for another workshop to benefit more from Hans’ experience and great location knowledge. What really speaks for me about a great workshop are the 100+ great photos I took during that week. -- Jesper Kiehn, Denmark

Thanks for some great days in the beautiful Dolomites. A wonderful group to be a part of and especially learn from with you Hans, who again found some exquisite beautiful places to take pictures of. The weather was with us and as always, you knows beautiful places to photograph morning or evening. Enjoy meeting so many new wonderful people with the same humour and passion for photography and openness to give and learn from each other. Hans, your exciting workshops open up for many possibilities and learning, so I will return again.....;-) -- Helle Lorenzen, Denmark

In October 2011, I attended the Dolomites Photography Workshop led by Hans Kruse, and I came away with inspiration, new knowledge, and great memories of absolutely beautiful landscapes. Hans is an excellent leader, with great technical expertise (in the field and post-processing) as well as an appreciation for photographic art. In addition, he has a genuine gift for working with people. Hans is energetic, humorous, and sensitive to the needs of workshop participants. Hans prepared very thoroughly, scouting locations beforehand for the best photo opportunities. He knew the right timing for shooting and was well prepared for weather conditions. ~ I absolutely want to attend another of Hans' workshops! Hans gives 100% plus! -- Kit Ogburn, USA

Thanks for an outstanding, well organised, breath-taking photographic workshop to the dolomites. Truly enjoyed your encouragement, your passion, your inspiration which indeed did put up new benchmark for us all. Can only highly recommend your workshops. Will for sure be back! -- Niels Klaris, Denmark

I would like to thank you for participating in your photo workshop in the Dolomites. I went for two reasons; to share my pasion for photographing with other like-minded photographers and to become a better photographer. Both goals, were met.
Through working on locations and the subsequent workshops and critique sessions, I had strengthened my technical and compositional abilities. I got the opportunity to share experience with other photographers as well as through direct coaching.
I can only give the warmest recommendations no matter what level you are on. -- Hans-Peter Henriksen, Denmark

Many thanks for the workshop. I enjoyed it very much, learned a lot and had, despite the weather, a nice short holiday. All my friends are very enthusiastic about the images and they all agree that bad weather conditions can lead to some nice pictures. I agree. If I look up to a dark sky now, I can see the potential in it, never looked at dark sky's that way earlier. -- Hans Krusemann, Holland

Thanks for the workshop, loved it! -- Ricardo Liberato

This is my second time to attend a workshop organised by Hans (previously attended Abruzzo). The format of Hans workshops are superb. The combination of sunrise / sunset location shoots, classroom sessions, critiques, team spirit, energy and support from Hans combined with the Dolomite locations and hotel facilities was first class. Another key reason for my attendance is the benefit of Hans research into the most suitable locations. This effort cannot be underestimated. Thanks Hans for such a good experience. -- Matt O’Brien, Ireland

After having a great experience participating in your Abruzzo workshop and in my own opinion having improved my skills since last workshop my level of expectation was high. Meting you and the other participant was great. The days went very fast, but the outcome from discussion with the other people in the group and your great experience an knowledge concerning the area, made it another great Workshop. Your follow up on my pictures was great as well. I will be more than happy to recommend your workshop to other photographers. Thanks again. -- Finn Worsøe, Denmark.

I was lucky to participate in October 2010 Abruzzo Workshop. It was a great pleasure and very educational to meet others interested in photography from other countries. Hans is very serious and thorough in his workshop. He has humor, is open and attentive to people's differences, where he is good to teach in different levels. He knows the beautiful area with stunning countryside really well and know where it is best to photograph whatever the weather. There is a fine line between teaching, photography and especially finishing when we get home, which makes me feel to have learned a lot. It makes me want to join a new workshop to see and learn more. Thanks for a super week and in great company with the whole group. -- Helle Lorenzen, Denmark.

My second attendance at a Hans Kruse workshop and it was again superb. Great locations, well researched and good company. I will be back! -- Alistair Owens, UK

It was a great pleasure to participate in the OCT 2010 Abruzzo workshop. Every thing was well organized and there was a fine mix between shooting in the field and class room sessions. Thorough research carried out by Hans in advance combined with his knowledge of the area made it possible to go to the right places at the right time. Hans is very enthusiastic and willing to share his experience with the participants. The workshop was conducted in such a way that there was fine interaction between Hans and the group and within the group itself. I learned many things about composition and technical matters in connection with landscape photography and got lots of inspiration from Hans and the group. -- Ib Corneliussen Nielsen, Denmark

As a restarter re more serious photography after doing only snapshots for the last 20 years I very much appreciated the Abruzzo workshop in early June 2010. A gorgeous landscape in the best time of the year and different weather situations provided an excellent frramework for very good shots even if due to high sun we didn't get much to sleep during the four days. Especially to mention the abundance of flowers af all kind which covered the hills like colourful tapestry: Guided by Hans with his excellent knowledge of the area, his high professionalism and his patience with me as a restater the WS became a full success. The goup also helped very much because I got in touch with and learned much from experienced semi professionals like Gary, Sam and Toon. The atmosphere in the group was fabulous and food and wine was good. At the end I was very satisfied with the results not knowing before that I can achieve such wonderful shots with the adequate consultancy. -- Volker Dietz, Germany

I participated in the Abruzo workshop June 2010, together with 5 other enthusiastic photographers. It was amazing how many good shots we all made during this workshop. Hans knew the area and where to go, to find the optimal spot, independent of the sometimes fast changing weather conditions. Although I photograph already for more than 35 years I learned a lot at the workshop. The way to select your subject, go back to a location several times. You will see more details and photograph at different weather and light conditions. The use of different lens types was demonstrated in the field and its result in the lectures. Also Hans enthusiasm for photography and his knowledge of the surrounding, made it an unforgettable workshop. Thanks, Toon Mouws, Holland

I truly enjoyed my photographic workshop to Abruzzi with Hans Kruse. Wherever you may be in your photographic journey, Hans' technical and artistic expertise will help move beginner or expert along in their development. The workshop was well organized and Hans' knowledge of Abruzzi allowed everyone to maximize their photographic opportunities while in the Appenine mountains. Accomodations where excellent and quite accomodating to our demanding schedules. I would recommend his workshops without reservation. -- Sam W. USA

I participated in one of Hans' workshops in Abruzzo in October 2009. The workshop was well prepared and it was characterized by Hans' extremely good knowledge of the area and his talent for finding optimal photo possibilities with regard to landscape, timing and weather. Although we had less fortunate weather conditions some of the time, this was compensated by this talent, by good classroom sessions and by a willingness to being flexible regarding the workshop schedule. Through the workshop I achieved better knowledge of landscape photography, of post processing with Lightroom and a batch of nice photos! :-) -- Morten Storm, Denmark

This workshop has been very giving for me, and all my high expectations were more than fulfilled. Despite to the fact that Italian authority, just before the workshop started, did cancel all hotel reservations in the area, Hans did manage to find another Hotel in a very short time and make the workshop come through. For that I am Hans very thankful. Hans know the area very well, and have a very pleasant way of telling you, how to improve your technical knowledge, and your way of simply looking at a landscape, spotting the essential things, and catching the right moment. While in Abruzzo I through that we spent too little time with Lightroom, but this has been more than compensated when we returned home. The following month we have sent a lot of E-mails with photos and criticism to each other, and Hans has done a good job, coming with suggestions and positive criticism of every single photo. For me this workshop has been very educational, and has changed my way of making landscape-photos. -- Bjarne Tulinius, Denmark

Despite uncomfortably long driving ranges (due to circumstances beyond Hans' control) Hans' thorough knowledge of photography as well as the terrain of Gran Sasso and its scenic potential afforded us memorable opportunities for shooting beautiful landscape images. His generous but succinct critique of our efforts led to lasting improvements of our photographical qualifications. -- Jørgen Aage Jensen, Denmark

When I joined Hans Kruse's workshop in Abruzzo, I hoped for some inspiring days with good company in one of the most scenic parts of Italy. The workshop exceeded my expectations. Hans knows all the best spots and more. The group was a committed one, we spent every single minute of beautiful morning and evening light out in the field. Our memory cards filled quickly up with mostly good shots thanks to the experienced advice given by Hans during the workshop. -- Bård Johannessen, Norway

Hans' workshop was an incredibly intensive and immersive experience. The days were crammed with shooting, discussion, reviewing and learning. To give an idea, each day we did 5 hour trips before breakfast at 9am! And then the same before dinner... Hans offered an expert but flexible itinerary which helped ensure we got the most of the conditions and the group's preferences. In particular, there was just the right balance of exploring some areas more than once to learn how beneficial it is to revisit locations under different conditions, and some just the once to maximise the diversity of the landscapes we visited. Great fun, very worthwhile, highly recommended. -- Gavin Shurmer, UK

Hans' enthusiasm for photography and Italy came shining through the workshop I attended. There was a nice balance of landscape photography, hands-on with digital editing software, and individual help on images. He shared his expertise and experiences with all in a very positive way, encouraging everyone to advance no matter their skill level. Thank you Hans for an excellent workshop experience ! -- Peter Marker, Denmark

.... I am even more hooked up on this hobby as I was before. My recommendation to other photographers is to go for it if you like landscapes. It is a wonderful area, and Hans know where to go. -- Finn Worsøe, Denmark

.... Hans did a good job of integrating a group of people, many who never met the others before. Overall, a very good experience. -- Matt O’Brien, Ireland

I really enjoyed Hans' Abruzzo workshop. The area offers some amazing landscapes and Hans does a lot of preparation beforehand, is familiar with the area and scouts out some great locations. Through this workshop I feel I have started to understand how to indentify, isolate and capture the essence of the landscape and to get some great images. -- Alistair Owens, UK

.... But to sum it all up: A very pleasant and very giving experience. Not the last time I enroll on a Photo Workshop. And it could well be with Hans Kruse once again. -- Frede Hansen, Denmark

.... Hans Kruse leads a very friendly and informal photographic workshop to well researched locations. I look forward to future workshops. -- Des O´Riordan, Ireland

I enjoyed the workshop very much, my enthusiasm for landscape photography got reinforced, and I decided to enroll on some more photography workshops in the coming years. More.... -- Fabian, Germany

This workshop turned out to match my expectations, which were pretty high in advance. It is not because I learned a few new tricks with the camera (I did), or the crash course on Lightroom 2. It is because I had the chance to witness a new attitude, a new and absolutely inspiring way to look at a landscape. Driving next to Hans and listening to his small comments on the hills, ridges, shapes or sheep passing by, and learning why we didn't stop there was a revelating experience, even so in such an amazing landscape where I could easily spend days just by looking at it, and contemplating on what to shoot next day, or maybe the day after that. The experience of being there at the exact spot where the rapidly changing interaction between light and land happens, and having an experienced photographer next to you, who tries to build on your thougths on what you see, instead of forcing you to think like he does, is really invaluable and I just can't think of anything else which can replace this opportunity. -- Dávid Udvardy, Hungary -- http://www.motifnation.hu/