Top 5 Places for Photography Holidays

Most of us return from holiday with our camera’s memory-card filled to capacity... or perhaps a suitcase full of photographic film begging to be developed for the more traditional among us. But do your photographs live up to expectations and reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the places you visited, or are they a mixed bunch of blurred landscapes and dodgy portraits accompanied by crys of ‘oh no, delete that one’?  If they are, they why not combine a photographic course with your next holiday? At least you can guarantee returning home with some decent photographs.

If you do decide to go on photography holidays, your number one priority is probably location. After all, what’s the point of learning to take beautiful photographs if there’s nothing worth taking pictures of? Bearing this in mind, we have assembled our pick of 5 of the most picturesque places to refine your photographic skills.

Essaouira, Morocco

If an ancient North African town is something of interest, then Essaouira in Morocco should be right up your street. Follow the labyrinthine streets through this ancient city, and there is bound to be a photographic opportunity lurking at every turn, including the UNESCO world heritage site, the Medina of Essaouira, a well preserved example of a late 18th century European fortified seaport town.

Dordogne, France

The Dordogne is famous for being one of the most beautiful areas of France, and with a landscape that varies between verdant valleys, limestone plateaux and thick woods of oak and pine, it is easy to see why. Over 1500 chic French chateaux are scattered throughout the area which make the perfect subjects for any photographers interested in architectural forms.

Costa Rica

If a tropical setting is more of your thing, then Costa Rica is the ideal location. There is a huge variety of locations in which to indulge your new-found photographic inspirations, from the jungle to the beach, to the towns. Costa Rica is also renowned for its glut of wildlife, and with 25% of the country’s landmass consists of protected areas, this is the perfect country for the wildlife photographers among us.

Andalucia, Spain

The Southern-most area of Spain is one of the most popular among tourists, but away from the packed beaches are its hidden treasures; beautiful fishing villages dotted along the coast, mixed with the stunning inland flora for which Andalucia is famous, and the glistening inland lakes, nestled amongst towering mountain peaks.   

Umbria, Italy

If variety is the spice of your life, then Umbria is the perfect location for a photography course. With scenery that fluctuates between towns nestled amongst the mountains, filled with Roman and medieval architecture, to tumbling waterfalls and the woods of Tuscany, there are photographic delights at every turn.