Creative Light
Photography in Tuscany
September 20-27 2025
Photography is, in essence, capturing light. How many different ways can our camera interpret this light? Come explore the majestic countryside of Tuscany, one of the most beautiful locations in the world, as we expand upon our understanding of how to capture this light.
This workshop will be centered around not just documenting a space in time, but interpreting the essence of the land. By studying the light the same way that the impressionist masters once did, students will develop a greater understanding of their own photographic knowledge, building skills they can develop in the field and take on future adventures forever.
We’ll utilize new techniques such as taking advantage of backlighting, finding subjects from the macro to the micro, testing unique angles and much more. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops or tablets for daily editing exercises, as our camera only does half of the creative work!
Find your true individual style with our editing sessions in Lightroom, no experience required! We’ll learn a multitude of techniques to culminate in building presets to solidify your photographic style.
Join Sara Keith, Director of the Atlanta School of Photography, on an unforgettable journey.
Meals and our “Home” Dinners are prepared by our personal chef using local and seasonal ingredients to make every meal a feast! We’ll eat together in the dining room each evening. Breakfast is served buffet-style. You are free to eat indoors, out on the terrace or in the garden – or go to town to enjoy a cappuccino with the locals! There is a lovely private pool at the end of the garden which makes for the perfect end to a long day writing. The villa is across the street from a historic castle and within easy walking distance of the town where there is a grocery store, cafe, restaurant and even a weekly outdoor green market. You can easily be independent to meet and interact with the locals.
Additional Activities: Our daily photography will be combined with other adventures such as:
excursions to the medieval towns of Pienza and Montalcino
introduction to truffle hunting traditions
optional local winery tour
visit to nearby botanical gardens Il Bosco della Ragnaia created by an artist who turned his talents from painting and sculpture to designing and maintaining this beautiful space
After excursions, we’ll return each evening to relax in our 1,000 year old monastery to enjoy the surroundings, have a glass of wine, and relax after the day’s rich experiences. Then we will move to the dining room (the authentic refectory where the monks used to assemble) to enjoy our local chef’s authentic, homemade Tuscan meal, recapping the day’s adventure with good company.
Where You’ll Stay:
San Giovanni d'Asso
This is part of our new Il Chiostro Nobile series. We will be hosted for a week in an authentic, elegantly appointed villa that was at one time home to a noble Italian family. The palazzo includes a formal garden, private swimming pool with inspiring vistas. Inside there are 8 twin, double or single bedrooms in the villa, each with a private bathroom. The rooms are decorated in authentic, elegant family antiques.
Common spaces include 2 elegant living rooms, a terrace overlooking the garden, large fireplace, kitchen and formal dining room.
The villa is across the street from a castle and within easy walking distance of the small town. You can easily be independent to meet and interact with the locals.
Click here to learn more and click on “Accommodations” at the top of the page
Florence will be our meeting point on the first day of the workshop. A van will pick up the group at the train station at about 3:30 pm on Saturday afternoon.
We recommend that you fly into either Florence, Pisa or Rome (Milan is a bit too far away). Florence is closer but it doesn`t have an intercontinental airport, so there are no direct flights from the US. You would have to change planes in a larger European city. From the Florence airport you must take a shuttle bus (Volainbus) into the center (20 minutes).
There are more scheduled flights from the US to Rome, many of them direct. From Rome, you will need to take a train to Florence (about 2 1/2 hours).
Important! In making your return flight arrangements, if you are flying home on Saturday after the workshop, try not to book a flight too early. From our location allow 1½ hours to get to the Florence airport or 3 ½ hours to get to the Rome airport.
For suggestions about getting to Rome or Florence, accommodations or other logistics, please consult our Traveling to Italy link in the main menu bar above. Renting a car from all the major rental agencies is possible if you prefer to be more independent during the week.
Click here to learn more and click on “Getting There” at the top of the page
Getting There
Price: $3,495 per person
non-participant friends and family $3,195
Supplement: $485 for single room, limited availability
Non-refundable $500 deposit due upon registration. Balance due by April 15.
Does Not Include:
Airfare
Independent meals and sight-seeing
Photography equipment or supplies (equipment and supply list will be provided)
Gratuities – much appreciated by your hard-working staff.
Pricing
What’s Included
Shared double room with private bathroom in villa (single room available for $485)
Daily traditional breakfast and dinner, (including wine) prepared by our personal chef
Daily photography lessons with Sara in photographing and editing
Excursions to nearby towns like Montalcino and Pienza
Transportation and guide for all local excursions
Pick up from Florence train station at 3:30pm on arrival Saturday
Transfer to train station in Buonconvento on final day (not Florence) for connections to Rome, Florence or beyond
What’s
Not
Included
Airfare
Independent meals and sight-seeing
Photography equipment or supplies (equipment and supply list will be provided)
Check out images from Sara’s last international trip!
Have questions?
Schedule a call with Sara!
More info
Location details, timing and specific itinerary will be provided upon registration. You will also be provided with Sara’s direct contact information shortly before the workshop. Sara will stay in constant contact all the way up to the day of departure!
This workshop will require much walking, including uphill.
What To Bring
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
At least two lenses, (wide angle to telephoto)
Sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes for a range of tempertures
Valid Passport
Any questions? Contact us here!