Dates: September 13–20, 2008
Where: Cortona, Italy
Cost per person (includes workshop, fees, hotel, most meals): $2765
Limit: 8 students
You will spend the week at lovely Hotel Oasi, a 13th century renovated monastery situated among private gardens and olive groves with spectacular views of the valley. http://www.hoteloasi.org/homeing.htm
Register for the workshop at the Arcangelo Productions website:   http://arcangeloproductions.com/
 
Beyond the Snapshot and Off the Beaten Path is offered through Arcangelo Productions and will be advertised in the hugely popular Somerset Studio magazine in the Nov/Dec issue. If you are interested in the workshop, you might consider signing up before that issue hits the stands.

Tuscany's gastronomical delights are matched only by its buffet of visual treats. How the sun skims across the olive groves near Montelcino, the allure of medieval and Renaissance architecture, the old priest shuffling across the bustling piazza in Cortona....all of these things and much more are what make Tuscany one of the most exciting places I have photographed. Italy is exotic without being intimidating. Tourists sites are wonderful to behold, but wouldn't it be even more exciting to turn onto an inconspicuous street, observe local artisans at work and have access to structures that are normally closed to the public? There are so many hidden treasures! We will explore the road less traveled and be inspired, together, to photograph Tuscany in a more intimate and artistic way. 

In the beginning of the week there will be a slide presentation that illustrates various ways to interpret a subject and how to utilize basic design sense. Most days, we will focus on a particular assignment. Each day we will will gather in a comfortable place to discuss the art of photography and review photos we've taken. Each participant will also receive a tailor-made booklet with shooting tips and artistic inspiration.


And now, without further ado, here is the itinerary:

Day 1 • Saturday, Sept. 13
Arrival in Cortona
7pm - Welcome reception and wine tasting at Il Pozzo Gallery 
http://www.cortonagiftshop.com/

Day 2 • Sunday, Sept. 14 
Field Trip: Wine tasting and Gregorian chant at Montalcino, a medieval hill town known for Brunello wines. An excellent opportunity for photographing!
8am - Bus to St. Antimo, a famous cathedral in Montalcino to hear the monks chant  
www.antimo.it
1pm - Arrival at one of the noted Brunello wineries in Montalcino for an afternoon of eating and wine tasting. 
http://www.montalcino.net/
We head back to Cortona late afternoon.

Day 3 • Monday, Sept. 15
9am–5pm -  All day photographing in Cortona
8:30pm - Dinner at local trattoria

Day 4 • Tuesday, Sept. 16
Field Trip: A Day in Firenze (Florence)
8am - Bus departs from Cortona. Train leaves at 8:30am for Firenze. We will spend the day exploring and photographing this amazing birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Lunch provided.
Return to Cortona early evening.

Day 5 • Wednesday, Sept. 17
9am–5pm -  All day photographing in Cortona
Picnic lunch in park
6:30pm - Cooking demonstration in local home by Italian Signora. Home cooked dinner to follow.

Day 6 • Thursday, Sept. 18
Field Trip: A day in Orvieto, a beautifully preserved Umbrian hill town.
http://www.orvieto.ch/
10am - Bus/train departs for Orvieto
We will spend the day exploring and photographing Orvieto, stopping for lunch and of course some refreshing gelato 
Return to Cortona early evening

Day 7 • Friday, Sept. 19
9am-5pm - All day photographing in Cortona
8:30pm - Farewell dinner at fabulous La Bucaccia Ristorante 
http://www.labucaccia.it/index_eng.html


Day 8 • Saturday, Sept. 20
Morning departure of students. Arriverderci!