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Il Chiostro
241 W. 97th St., 13N
NY, NY 10025
800-990-3506
fax: 858-712-3329

Tuscan Light - Landscape and Panorama Photography
with Bryce and Linda Denison
June 21-28, 2008
Price: $2,450
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San Fedele nestled in the Chianti hills

Your home in Tuscany is San Fedele, a medieval monastery artfully renovated into deluxe accommodations, preserving the spirit and architectural detail of the historic structure.

Program Description:

Bring your digital camera and laptop computer to scenic Tuscany. This is Wine County! Spend 7 days and 7 nights in a historic monastery. Enjoy gourmet food! Photograph vineyards, classic architecture, the flora and fauna of Italy. Learn about how to develop your personal style and connect with the landscape.

This workshop is appropriate for film shooters as well. The first three days involve at least six hours of shooting and three hours of classroom. The last four days, is all field shooting. You will learn about batch file processing raw files, workflow management, Photoshop techniques including using Wacom tablets, and many other digital techniques such as exposure stacking panorama stitching and focus stacking for the ultimate macro photos of flowers.

Bring your laptop computer. A basic understanding of shutter speeds and f/stops is presumed. Bring your portfolio. This workshop will be conducted in English. Workshop is limited to 12 students.

Vineyards in the mist, photo by Michael Ferris

About the Instructors:

Bryce Denison - holds a BFA from the College for Creative Studies; The College of Art and Design, and a MA from Wayne State University in photography. He travels and lectures around the country at colleges and at various photographic events, and presents workshops in both the U.S. and Canada. Bryce lectures on behalf of Ilford Corporation and is a representative for Westcott Corporation at national meetings and conventions. He currently works as a forensic photographer for the City of Detroit Fire Department. His work has been exhibited nationally and his work is represented in the permanent collection of several museums and galleries, as well as private collections across the country.

Linda Denison holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University and a masters degree in Education from THE University of Michigan (Go Blue!). She is an award winning photographer who's expertise in the natural sciences: geology, Biology zoology and other ologies make her an excellent teacher. In addition to teaching at Midwest Photography Workshops she also teaches "short people" in the Grosse Pointe Public Schools system. She likes taking long walks with her black Labrador Retriever Einstein (who thinks she is a scientist because she comes with her own "Lab Coat". While Linda is a master teacher, she is also particularly adept in the use of duct tape.

Click here to visit their web site...

Activities:

Our exploration of Tuscany for the week will include some of these highlights:

• Daily photography instruction and critiques with Bryce and Linda
• Authentic Tuscan breakfast and dinners prepared at the house, using only local and traditional products-wine included (independent lunch)
• Visits to local hilltowns like Radda, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, etc.
• Excursion to the Medieval city of Siena
• Wine tour and tasting at a local vineyard
• Optional morning hikes through the Chianti hills and fields surrounding the complex
• Selected evening activities such as art history lecture, concerts, olive oil tasting, etc .

Accommodations:

San Fedele is an historic monastery dating back to the 13th century, painstakingly renovated in 2005-07. Every room is deluxe with modern amenities: heating/air conditioning, modern bathrooms,mini-fridge, internet access, TV, etc. This beautiful facility also has several efficient common spaces for classrooms and social gathering. For full details about San Fedele and photos of the restored rooms, please click on the Settings and Accommodations link.

Exploring the Area:

In addition to your workshop, optional activities offered with this program will focus on the cultural, gastronomic, historical and artistic heritage of Tuscany. This area has been an inspiration to countless people for centuries. What Tuscany offers its visitors is truly astounding:

• Art - San Fedele is located conveniently between the cities of Medieval Siena and Renaissance Florence packed with some of the most famous masterpieces in the world.
• Wine -You are in the heart of the Chianti region, synonomous with the most famous wine that Italy produces. But the innovative Tuscan vintners are also producing Super Tuscans, red varietals that are quickly ascending the ranks of world-class wine.
• History - this area was settled by the Etruscans centuries before the Romans were a civilized society. Their necropoli dot the fields throughout the area. Nearby towns like Radda, Vagliagli and Castellina date from the early Middle Ages. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. San Fedele witnessed most of this from its panoramic perch atop the hillside.
• Food - cucina povera is the typical Tuscan cuisine that has become popular around the world. The recipes are simple, emphasizing local and seasonal products: porcini mushrooms, salumi, legumes, vegetables, pasta, bread and game meats. Visiting the outdoor food markets, you will understand the wisdom of this very healthy cuisine.
• Crafts - perhaps the harmony of the landscape has been the inspiration for many local craftsmen. Exquisite hand-painted ceramics are the prime example, closely followed by mosaics, leather, woodworking, and textiles.

About Your Il Chiostro Hosts: Linda and Michael, who will be hosting your San Fedele program, have been organizing workshops in Italy since 1995. Please read more about them by following the About Il Chiostro link. The owners of San Fedele, Nicolo and Renata, live on site. They will be available throughout the program to talk about the history of the monastery, the renovation and this area of Tuscany they call home.

Getting There: Florence will be our meeting point on the first day of the workshop. For suggestions about getting to Florence, accommodations or other logistics, please consult our Travel to Italy link. Renting a car from all the major rental agencies is possible if you prefer to be more independent during the week.

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Price and Registration: $2,450 p/p
Jr. Suite Supplement - $150 p/p
Suite Supplement - $300 p/p
Single Supplement - $500 (limited availability)

Includes:

• 7 nights in the restored monastery San Fedele
• Daily photography classes with critiques
• Authentic Tuscan breakfast and dinners prepared at the house, including wine (independent lunch)
• Excursions to Siena and selected hilltowns
• All local transportation
• Pick up in Florence on first day of workshop
• Optional activities and excursions
  

Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Lunch
• Workshop supplies
• Independent meals and sight-seeing

To Register:

• Download Registration Form by clicking button at left
• Print, fill out and sign Registration Form
• Mail or fax it to Il Chiostro with a non-refundable deposit of $500 (address and fax number are on the Registration Form)
• You will receive a registration confirmation and subsequently, relevant information about your workshop, travel to Italy, arrivals, suggested supplies, etc.
• Or call us at 800-990-3506 to register by phone

Come to the table, photo by Denise Riesen

The Torre del Mangia in Siena, photo by John Motondo

Wine Glasses, photo by Linda Mironti

Seasonal m arket in Siena, photo by John Motondo

The nearby hilltown of Monteriggioni, photo by Michael Ferris