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INTRODUCTION

Safari Dates: March 17 – 23, 2024

Embark on a unique photographic adventure with professional photojournalist Alain Gutierrez in the heart of Andalusia! During this six (6) night/ seven (7) day photography workshop in the dazzling cities of Seville and Granada, you will discover the magic of capturing the essence of these cultural gems through your lens as you explore diverse styles of photography, from historic architecture to vibrant street photography to captivating landscapes.

Unlike many other travel photography workshops, when traveling with Alain you will have a full-time hands-on photographic guide and instructor at your disposal. In addition, he offers personalized sessions throughout the workshop on how to use Adobe Lightroom to help you bring your images to life and unlock your full creative potential.

Whether you are a beginner, amateur or semi-professional photographer, Alain will be there to share his knowledge and experience so that you can take your passion for photography to the next level.

Join Alain for this enriching experience filled with learning, inspiration, and of course, incredible opportunities to capture lasting memories!

MEET ALAIN GUTIERREZ
Alain is a professional photographer, born and raised in Havana, Cuba, with more than 25 years of experience. With a background in photojournalism, his extensive portfolio includes documentary-style photography, portraiture, cultural travel photography, street photography, action shots, landscapes, food and night photography. As a native Spanish speaker, Alain engages easily with the locals, and thus offers his clients a more authentic traveling experience.

Alain is a frequent instructor with Washington Photo Safari and has led several previous international workshops for WPS. Here is what two of his clients had to say about him:

“Another great class with Alain on Friday night. Being largely self-taught in photography, I have come to appreciate formal instruction late in life. Enjoyed learning a bit about time lapses.”
P. West, Davidsonville, MD

“I enjoyed the photo shoot: an enjoyable group of people and Alain was a great instructor. This was my first serious use of the OM System 90mm macro.’
M. Salo, Olney, MD

EXPERIENCE AND DIFFICULTY OF THE TRIP:
This workshop is for beginners, amateurs, and semi-pro photographers, who use a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
You will be doing a lot of walking in Seville, and there are many hills in Granada. In addition, many of the side streets and architectural sites you will visit have uneven or cobblestone streets and pathways.

**If you have mobility issues, this is NOT the workshop for you.**

PLANNED ITINERARY*:

Day 1/Night 1: Seville

The journey starts in Madrid. You will meet Alain and the rest of the travelers early in the morning at a point in the city across from the Madrid-Atocha train station. From there you will travel by train to Seville.

• Arriving in Seville
  The train trip to Seville should take about three hours. You will travel on the AVE, one of the fastest trains in Spain. After you arrive in Seville, you will make your way to the hotel to settle in where there will be time for everyone to grab some lunch on their own or take a siesta.
• Sunset at the Guadalquivir River
  After you have freshened up, Alain will gather the group to make your way to the banks of the Guadalquivir River to enjoy the sunset and capture the city in the glow of the “golden hour.” As the sun begins its gradual descent behind the picturesque city of Seville, a mesmerizing and enchanting scene unfolds over the tranquil waters of the Guadalquivir River. The vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold paint the sky in a breathtaking display, casting a warm and soft beauty across the riverbanks and bridges.
  This is also an opportunity for those who enjoy street photography. On Sundays in particular the people of the Seville come to the river with families and friends.
• Welcome dinner (Included)
  Celebrate your first night together as a group with a dinner at one of Alain’s favorite restaurants in Seville serving traditional Spanish tapas and other specialties. Joining you for dinner will be a local Sevillian singer and musician who will share his love for his city and culture. Alain may even convince him to play a song or two!

Day 2/Night 2: Seville

• The Alcázar
  On our first morning in Seville, the group will make their way early to the Alcázar so that you will be some of the first to enter that day. This place is truly spectacular, especially in the morning light. Together, you will explore the ornate corridors, serene courtyards, and lush gardens of this historic palace. With your camera in hand, you can work at capturing the interplay of light and shadow as it dances across the intricate tilework and delicate carvings, creating a symphony of textures and colors. Whether you’re a novice photographer seeking to hone your skills or a seasoned pro looking to add breathtaking shots to your portfolio, this morning photography tour of the Alcázar promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with artistic inspiration and timeless beauty.
• Break for Lunch (On Your Own)
• Adobe Lightroom Session and Critique (Limited to 2 clients/session)
  Every afternoon, Alain will offer private instruction on working with Lightroom and a critical review of the images taken during the trip. If you are not familiar with this software, this will be an excellent opportunity to learn how to edit and organize your work. If you already use Lightroom, this can be an opportunity to learn new ways to use the software to enhance your images. There is always the opportunity to learn something new.
• Break for Dinner (On Your Own)
• Night Photography Walk
  The group will meet after dinner to immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of nocturnal beauty on a Night Photography Walk through the vibrant streets of Seville. This will be a captivating journey into the realm of low-light photography, where historic architecture and modern urban scenes come alive under the mesmerizing glow of streetlights and stars. Alain will lead you through winding alleys and bustling squares, offering valuable insights into the art of capturing stunning nightscapes and composition techniques that bring out the true essence of Seville after dark.

Day 3/Night 3: Seville

• Morning at Plaza de España
  Early in the morning, before the tourists arrive, the group will make their way to the captivating Plaza de España in Seville. This is a true gem of Spanish architecture and culture, renowned for its stunning blend of Renaissance and Moorish influences. The morning light casts a beautiful glow on the intricate ceramic-tiled benches and bridges that encircle the semi-circular plaza. Amidst the lush gardens and flowing canal, Alain will guide you in capturing both grand panoramic vistas and intimate close-ups, allowing you to create a diverse portfolio of images that encapsulate the Plaza’s rich history and architectural splendor.
• Break for Lunch (On Your Own)
• Adobe Lightroom Session and Critique (Limited to 2 clients/session)
• Sunset at Las Setas (The Mushrooms)
  The group will meet at the “golden hour” to capture the stunning interplay of light and shadow that dances across the iconic architectural marvel of The Metropol Parasol. This wooden structure, the largest in the world, consists of six large mushroom-shaped parasols, whose design is inspired by the vaults of the cathedral of Seville and the ficus trees of the nearby Plaza del Cristo de Burgos. You will make your way to the top of this structure whose vantage points offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. After it gets dark, this structure comes alive with a multi-color lightshow which offers another fabulous opportunity for capturing unique images and playing with composition in your camera.
• Break for Dinner (On Your Own)

Day 4/Night 4: Seville

• Private Flamenco Photography Session
  This is the time to immerse yourself in the passionate world of Flamenco. This traditional Spanish art form typical to the Andalucía region is comprised of three (3) elements: song (cante), dance (baile) and music (toque). You will have the unique opportunity to experience and photograph a live Flamenco presentation performed just for the group. With your camera in hand, you’ll be able   to freeze the dramatic poses, dynamic footwork, and intensity and emotion in every expression and intricate movement of the Flamenco dancers.
• Break for Lunch (On Your Own)
• Adobe Lightroom Session and Critique (Limited to 2 clients/session)
• Getting lost in Seville´s Streets
  This afternoon, the group will walk through the charming alleys and bustling squares of Seville to capture the soul of Seville through your lens as the sun bathes the city and its historic architecture in its last light of the day. This is an opportunity to frame candid moments, vivid street scenes, and the genuine spirit of daily life. Seize the opportunity to freeze time and tell the story of your trip to Seville through your photographs.
• Break for Dinner (On Your Own)

Day 5/Night 5: Granada

• Travel to Granada
  This morning the group says goodbye to Seville and hello to Granada. After breakfast, you will make your way to the train station in Seville to board the high-speed train to Granada. This relaxing journey should take about 3 hours. This is an excellent time to catch up on some rest after the intensity of the trip so far or perhaps to work on your computer and organize or edit your work. Alain will be at your disposal if you need help or have any questions. This is a journey to learn and enjoy. Upon arriving in Granada, the group will make their way to our hotel to settle in. There will be time for everyone to grab some lunch on their own.
• Break for Lunch (On Your Own)
• Adobe Lightroom Session and Critique (Limited to 2 clients/session)
• Sunset at El Mirador de San Nicolás
  The group will meet up again late afternoon to make their way to the El Mirador de San Nicolás which offers one of the best panoramic views of Granada. Nestled against the iconic backdrop of the Alhambra, this vantage point presents a spellbinding fusion of history and nature. Alain will be there to lead you through the intricacies of capturing the perfect shot.
• Getting lost in Granada´s streets
  The group will make their way downhill from El Mirador de San Nicolás through the heart of Granada’s historic Albaicín neighborhood, Granada’s oldest neighborhood famous for its Moorish influences, narrow Medieval lanes, intimate courtyards, cobbled streets, and stunning white houses. From the warm glow of traditional streetlamps casting intricate patterns on ancient walls to the candid moments of locals and visitors navigating the labyrinthine alleys, this is a unique opportunity to explore and embrace the allure of Albaicín at night through your camera’s lens.
• Break for Dinner (On Your Own)

Day 6/Night 6: Granada

• Visit the Alhambra
  You will head out early to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Alhambra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the heart of Granada, the Alhambra stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, a true testament to the rich history and cultural fusion of the region. As you make your way through the Palacio Nazaríes and the Gardens of Generalife, the Alcazaba, and the Palacio Carols V, you will be transported back in time to when the Moors ruled this region of Spain in the 13th and 14th centuries. You will have plenty of time to photograph the intricate geometric patterns, ornate tilework, and enchanting gardens that evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Together, the group will work on capturing the play of light and shadow, the delicate details, and the grandeur of this site to create unique and breathtaking images.
• Getting lost in Granada´s Streets
  After your visit to the past, the group will explore the enchanting streets and hidden corners of the Albaicín neighborhood this time during the day, capturing the essence of everyday life in captivating frames. Against the backdrop of Granada’s rich Moorish architecture, bustling markets, and lively locals, you will learn the art of storytelling through candid shots, dynamic compositions, and masterful use of light.
• Break for Lunch (On Your Own)
• Final Photo Presentations
  The group will gather on this final night to share with everyone a selection of the images taken throughout the trip. It always fascinating, and educational, to see how others have captured the same places and things. It provides a unique opportunity to learn how others see the world. Even more importantly, you will be able to appreciate how much your way of taking photography and seeing the world through your camera has evolved during this experience.
• Farewell Dinner (Included)
  Celebrate your last night together with a traditional Spanish dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

Together, the group will make their way to the train station in Granada where you will catch the train to Madrid. The journey ends where it begins – at the Madrid Atocha train station. From there, you are on your own, perhaps to extend your travels in Madrid, or another Spanish city, or to make your way to the airport for a flight home. There is no doubt that at the end of this photographic adventure, you will take with you not only incredible images, but useful skills that will enhance your photography for years to come.

*All activities are subject to change depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen events.

What is and is not included:

Included:

• Train tickets from Madrid to Seville, Seville to Granada, and Granada to Madrid
• Taxis to/from the train stations in Seville and Granada to/from the hotels
• Transportation to the Alhambra and El Mirador de San Nicolás in Granada
• Welcome and Farewell dinner with two drinks
• Bottled water each day
• All accommodations in Seville and Granada
• Entrance fees for locations (e.g., the Alcázar, Las Setas, the Alhambra). Fees for other locations to be paid on your own.

Not included:

• Air transportation from and to the United States
• Accommodations in Madrid
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• All meals except Welcome and Farewell dinners
• Additional drinks not included in the tour, souvenirs, incidentals, etc.
• Mini-bar or additional expenses at the accommodations in Seville and Granada

Class size is limited to 6 participants.

Book your space by calling (202-669-8468) or emailing ([email protected]) Washington Photo Safari!