Viewed from any angle, the island’s semi-circular volcanic caldera, surrounded by towering reddish-brown cliffs and crowned by whitewashed houses perched perilously above the sea, is simply awe-inspiring.
Before the tourist season, Santorini is in relax mode ... yet to arrive are the cruise ships, tourists and honeymooners, so this twinkling island of iconic whitewashed homes perched on steep seaside cliffs, is all ours.
On our Santorini Weekender, we'll try out a mix of new shooting styles that will make your work zing, show you all the cool spots behind the scenes, plus all the bells and whistles you'd normally expect from Creative Escapes trip, all packed into three days.
Days
3
Shoots
5
Level
All levels
Tuition
1-to-1. Max 8.
"Great weekend, great tutoring, great group of people - and lots of laughs. Til next time!"
PETER WHITING, LEWES WEEKENDER
SANTORINI
Itinerary.
Perhaps the most enduring and magical image of the Greek islands is the iconic view of blue-domed churches overlooking a cobalt sea. This postcard-perfect scene is the signature shot of Santorini and has made the Cycladic isle a staple on many a bucket list - and now its made ours.
The 0735 from London Gatwick arrives just after one, so we have the whole day to explore. We'll transfer to the south of the Island, to our boutique hideaway, Marillia Village, just 80 meters from the seashore. After a healthy lunch, we'll break out our cameras, and get to grips again, getting our eye in along the stunning beaches of Perivolos.
Later, we'll head to the summit of Thera, for spectacular views of the island, and to the Monastery of Prophet Elias, built in 1712, where at sundown you can see as far as the neighbouring island of Hydra, the Aegean Sea and the coasts of Peloponnese.
And being Friday night, we'll head to a local taverna, for a vibrant evening of fantastic local food, music and dancing, under the twinkling island stars.
Up early, we’ll board our 50m ketch; first stop at Nea Kameni, where you can take the path to the crater of the active volcano, then to Palea Kameni, and swim - and shoot photographs - in the volcanic hot springs.
Later, we’ll head to Thirassia Island – completely untouched by tourism and modern lifestyle, where you’ll have free time to photograph this charming village. Finally, it’s a quick peek at Manolas, accessed by winding stairs, or by a donkey ride up to the village – the best place on the island to see the volcano.
Finally, we'll head north to Oia, and to the most iconic sunset scenes in the whole of Greece, all without the tourists. We'll let you endlessly roam to capture that perfect shots, team on hand to give expert advice the whole way, before meeting in a local hostelry to toast our success, and review the best images of the day.
On our last day, we'll head for a late morning tipple at one of the fabulous vineyards in the island, before trying our hand at environmental portraiture, in the backstreets of Akrotiri.
The art of portraiture is revered by all, but requires specialist skills to get right. This morning, we'll reveal those tricks of the trade which separates professional photographers work apart from the rest, then get some dutch courage tasting the island's flagship variety, Assyrtiko, acidic, with a hint of salinity, fruity, earthy, pinned its flag on the world wine map with its beautiful structure and personality.
After lunch, we'll pair up in teams and find subjects meandering through the streets of Akrotiri, testing out our portraiture skills - and pigeon Greek - to craft images you never thought you could take. We'll be on hand to help you, before having a big review of all the best images of the day.
We've just time for one final glass before we board our EasyJet flight back to London Gatwick at 2120, armed with a collection of fabulous images, some new skills and friends, plus some lasting memories of a late summer paradise island.
YOUR HOTEL
Marillia Village.
Upscale hideaway just 80 metres from the beach.
MEET YOUR TUTOR
Jon Cunningham is a professional photographer, tutor and founder of Creative Escapes.
His work has been published in The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Country Living and more, shot 7 books for Penguin and Dorling Kindersley, taught photography internationally across 16 countries, mentored dozens of photographers from beginner to professional, and is the author of ‘Teach Yourself : Your Complete Photography Course’ (Hodder).
Book Now.
10 - 12 May 2024. Limited Spaces.
£890 includes:
2 nights own room accommodation at the Marillia Village.
3 days tutoring from a professional photographer
Transfers to and from our specified flights
All transportation around the island
Day boat tour
All materials, guiding
1-to-1 session with your tutor
EasyJet fly from London to Santorini return from £156.