Within the inspirational atmosphere of central Italy, we will tour the regions of Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany to gather a series of fantastic images of the classic subjects of art: portraiture of the working people, still lifes, fantastic dishes of food, landscapes, historic architecture, and gardens. Prime examples of this amazing culture will all be delivered to you. Photography students of all levels are welcome as well as painters. The key element of light will be studied with the use of available light, flash lights, reflectors, HDR and small electronic flash units. Understanding lighting will help you discover and fine-tune your own reactions to our subjects with effective use of composition, color and texture. It is important to understand in practical terms how these elements define the nuances of form, space and atmosphere. Nancy Ori, photographer and workshop leader offers a challenging opportunity to explore and photograph the countryside, people and small villages of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany by private bus. Then take time out to visit the local shops to photograph, taste the wonders prepared by our private chef, and learn about the local olive oil and wine through sessions with the expert.
You are encouraged to bring a significant other to share this rewarding experience overflowing with history, beauty, warmth, fantastic food and time for shopping. Guests are certain to have an equally wonderful time and are welcome as an integral part of the workshop. They will travel with us each day and can join you while shooting, listen to the teaching sessions or find other things that interest them at each location. Nancy enjoys the structure of a well-organized workshop but with the freedom to stop along the way for any interesting photographic opportunity. A tried and true itinerary is available for review. This is the fourth workshop that Nancy is giving at this location so the options have been narrowed down to the very best and the support staff has been hand-picked. Nancy will also be joined by at least one of her assistants. The workshop begins several weeks before our departure to Italy with a reception in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey to welcome any of the participants who can make it. At this meeting we will get to know most of our traveling companions and view photographs of what you can expect to see on our trip. In Lazio, we will be staying in the medieval city of Casperia in the heart of the Sabine Hills. Casperia is totally without vehicles and tourists, giving us the opportunity to experience the charm, tranquility and hospitality of classic village life. The surrounding area, rich in natural beauty, offers the chance of discovering the real Italy. The narrow cobblestone walkways, architecture, local gardens and balconies create a mood straight out of Romeo and Juliet. We are the only tourists staying in the town. It is an amazing and unique experience.
In Umbria, we will travel over rolling hills, past fairy-tale castles, walled villages, and Roman ruins to get to Orvieto. Its commanding, dramatic position on a great square rock is an amazing sight, dominating the countryside for miles in every direction. Because of its position, hardly any new building has ever been done, giving the town an almost perfect medieval character with the black and white stone Duomo and plaza as the centerpiece. In Tuscany, we will be concentrating on the smaller, lesser-known hilltop towns as well as the landscape. Whole towns have scarcely changed in appearance since the end of the 16th century. Our quest will be to avoid the tourist locations, which means that we will be working in more private areas where we can talk and move around easily and safely with our equipment. Rural Tuscany is beautiful and possesses a pace all its own. This is far more conducive for a workshop than the relentless clamor of the more well-known but crowded towns. The Tuscan landscape has remained unspoiled. A typical farm combines olive groves and vineyards with fields of corn and barley to feed cattle and chickens. Steep hillsides are edged with cypress trees and farmed by cutting terraces and holding the soil in place with stone walls. Evening time slots and several daytime teaching sessions offer an opportunity to review camera and lighting information as well as give orientation of the itinerary for the following day. Students with laptops will be able to share their images more easily for critique. This is a shooting workshop. In order to use your time well, students should already have an awareness of how their camera works. Private instruction is available prior to the trip. Accommodations and Meals: La Torretta, your home for the duration of the workshop, is a recently restored 15th century B&B located in the historical center of the romantic town of Casperia in the region of Lazio just south of Tuscany and Umbria. Casperia is a vehicle-free village with narrow winding streets. Maureen and Roberto Scheda, our hosts, will assist us with all the details of translating a wonderful trip into English. Maureen is a 25-year veteran of Perrillo Tours and Roberto is an architect with special interest in art and archeological sites. La Torretta is not only an inspiring setting for photography with views of the valley and medieval architecture from our balcony, but also a place to enjoy the regional food and wines. You won’t have to go far to find the best olive oil, an excellent local wine, friendly people and breathtaking sunset views of the Sabina Mountains and terra cotta rooftops from our balcony shown below.
La Torretta retains the ambience of an historic bed and breakfast complete with frescos, but has all the amenities expected by a 21st century guest. They will be hosting a multi course dinner for the evening of your arrival. A second dinner is included during our olive oil and wine tasting day in the countryside. One other fantastic meal is also included in your fee and will be at La Tacita, with a 2 star Michelin chef. Both single and shared accommodations are available. Prices are based on double occupancy. All rooms are good-sized and well appointed with period furniture. Baths are private. Not all rooms will be in La Torretta. As registration fills, students will be placed in other near-by beautiful apartments with balconies. Breakfast is included each day for the whole group at La Torretta. Lunch is on your own while we are on location. We can also make adjustments for special dietary requests due to food allergies. Instructor: Nancy Ori is respected internationally as an industrial photographer, video producer, instructor and fine art exhibitor. She has been affiliated for many years with the Ansel Adams Workshop in CA, and is on the faculty of numerous museums and art centers in NJ. In 1990, she began the Heritage Workshop Series in Cape May and in 1995 founded the NJ Photography Forum for serious photographers interested in exhibiting their work. Joining Nancy will be at least one assistant and tour guide when needed. Cost: $2950. Fee includes tuition, NJ get-together, all breakfasts, three gourmet meals, wine and olive oil tastings, shared accommodations, tour guide, entrance fee to garden, transfers to and from the train station, luggage transfer in Casperia, tips, private bus. A deposit of $1000 per person will hold your space in this unique workshop. Students will make their own airfare & mandatory trip insurance arrangements. Upon registration, students will receive a detailed itinerary, instructions and travel info. Single supplement: $500 for the week. For registration and questions.
