May 12 – 17, 2026
Only a few Spots left
Anna Akhmatova’s words capture why I return to Italy again and again. Of all the places I’ve travelled, it’s the one that stays with me the most. Nowhere else offers the same blend of beautiful light, distinctive landscapes, remarkable food, and deep cultural history. In Tuscany, it often feels as though everything—whether shaped by nature or by people—sits exactly where it belongs.
As a photographer, I’m drawn here like nowhere else. The question is never, “What should I photograph?” but rather, “How can I possibly photograph everything I’m seeing in the time I have?”
Join me for a photographic workshop in this very special region. From our home base, we’ll explore the rolling countryside of the Crete Senesi and the iconic landscapes of the Val d’Orcia. We’ll wander through historic hill towns, greet the sunrise over misty valleys, and watch the last light of day slide across stone walls and tiled rooftops.
Who is this workshop for?
This immersive workshop is designed for anyone who wants to grow as a photographer and move from simply “taking pictures” to “making images.”
We welcome all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. This is not a traditional classroom-based, assignment-driven workshop. Instead, the focus is on creativity and thoughtful risk-taking in the field. Rather than long technical lectures, we spend our time where images are made—on location—learning how to use the elements of visual design to create stronger photographs. We’ll talk about lens choice and point of view, and we’ll study how changing light throughout the day affects form, mood, and atmosphere in our images.
If you are a beginner, you’ll benefit most if you already know the basics of operating your camera: for example, how to switch to manual mode and adjust shutter speed and aperture. If that feels challenging, don’t worry—we’re happy to help. More experienced photographers will be pushed to refine their visual design skills and deepen their awareness of light and its qualities. Group size is kept small so there is plenty of time for individual guidance.
About your instructor
Mark English is a photographer and educator with over forty years behind the camera. A founding instructor at Bryan Peterson’s online school, he’s known for his clear, down-to-earth approach to teaching. In his workshops, from local classes to trips in Tuscany and Provence, Mark focuses on visual design, thoughtful editing, and helping photographers grow at their own pace.
Workshop details
Workshop Fee: USD 2,695
Includes:
All ground transportation within the region
Daily morning and afternoon/sunset photo sessions
Instruction tailored to your needs and interests.
Image review and discussion
Post-processing sessions
Not included:
Accommodation
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses
Air/rail travel to and from Italy
Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own accommodation.
Additional Terms and Conditions are described on the Workshop Checkout pages
After pickup at Florence airport, we’ll drive directly to Siena for the first two nights. On the morning of the third day, we’ll move about 50 km south to Pienza, in the heart of the Val d’Orcia (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
I have reserved a block of rooms at a preferred hotel in Siena for the group, but you are welcome to choose other nearby accommodation if you prefer. We will begin and end each day’s activities at the preferred Siena hotel. In Pienza, I will provide a list of recommended hotel options, or you may book alternate lodging that suits you.
What to Bring With You
Camera: Preferably an interchangeable-lens DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Lenses: A large collection of lenses is not necessary and can sometimes get in the way. Ideal coverage for this workshop:
Full-frame: 24–100mm
APS-C / crop-sensor: 16–65mm
A single zoom covering this range is often all you need.
Helpful additions:
Wide-angle zoom (e.g., 16–35mm full-frame / 10–23mm APS-C)
Telephoto zoom (e.g., 70–200mm or longer / 50–150mm APS-C)
Spare camera body (optional)
If you have a second body, it’s useful insurance in case of equipment problems.
Tripod
Essential. A tripod opens up many creative possibilities and helps in low-light situations.
Polarizing filter
If you own one, bring it—it’s particularly useful for landscapes.
Laptop and software
A laptop with Adobe Lightroom and/or Photoshop is recommended if you want to participate fully in the post-processing sessions. If you choose not to bring a laptop, please ensure you have some way to back up your images.
Pack light
Carrying too much gear will slow you down and make it harder to respond quickly to changing light and fleeting moments. Heavy, large-aperture telephotos (such as a 300mm f/2.8) are best left at home for this trip.
This workshop is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the light, landscape, and culture of one of the most photogenic regions in the world. Each day will offer new subjects, new challenges, and fresh inspiration for your photography.
I hope you’ll join us.
Or, for more information, email me: info@pacificlight.ca