Azores Photo Workshop
May 1 – 8, 2023
Workshop Summary:
Join us and discover Azores on this 8 day photo adventure. Discover the beauty and unique landscape of São Miguel, and Terceira Island.
In this crazy current Covid-19 world, it is natural that you might feel frightened of travelling. Here’s why you should consider this Photo Adventure in the Azores. It’s considered One of the safest destinations in Europe in 2021 from the European Best Destination Organization.
“In 2021, Azores is one the safest, most surprising, and comfortable destination. In this new reality, the 9 islands of Azores distinguish themselves by the security they offer.”
Explore the beauty of the Azores and its pristine islands with this one of a kind 8-day photo adventure workshop. Suitable for all levels of photographic knowledge, our goal is to show you the most photogenic locations in the Azores, away from the tourist crowd while staying in accommodations that provide you with the best experience.
When: May 1– 8, 2023
Where: Azores Islands
Cost: $4,990 double occupancy ($500 extra for single occupancy)
Group size: 10 maximum
Category: Photography Workshop
Tour Leader & Photography Instructor: William Yu, Kah-Wai Lin, Bruno Ázera
Workshop URL: www.williamyuphotoworkshops.com/azores
Contact: info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com
The cost of this workshop is $4,990/person for double occupancy, it includes:
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3 Professional photo guides
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Photographic field instructions
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Tips and tricks along the day
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Image reviews
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Whale watching with charted boat for group tour only
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Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
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7 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. Rooms with private bathrooms.
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All Breakfasts
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Park fees
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Local flight tickets to transfer between islands
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Hotel pickup and drop-off from the airport
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Post-processing and editing sessions
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Welcome lunch and farewell dinner
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Lots of fun
The cost does NOT include:
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Alcoholic beverages and other drinks
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Snacks, lunch, and dinners not mentioned in the inclusions
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Flight tickets to Ponta Delgada from the original departure point
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Visas (if needed)
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Gratuities for photo guides, local guides and/or drivers
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Personal Insurance (required) / We recommend IATI or World Nomads
Activity Level: Very easy, No long hiking.
Highlights:
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Visit 2 Islands
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Top spots of the Islands
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Epic views
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Whale Watching
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Discover the underground world
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Photograph inside a volcano
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Explore a mystical forest
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Hot springs
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Hike through endemic vegetation
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Long exposure techniques
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Taste unique local cuisine
The Azores are nine beautiful volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic ocean. The archipelago is green, volcanic, and remote. With breathtaking landscapes in its purest state and one of the largest whale sanctuaries, provides exceptional conditions for photography during any time of the year.
We will travel by private shuttle and commercial flights as we explore the different photographic sights of São Miguel, and Terceira Island. All transportation, local flights between islands, and accommodations are included in the workshop cost to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. This allows our participants to concentrate on enjoying and capturing the unbelievable scenery of the islands. The Azores are considered one of the best Whale Watching spots in the world, so we have to make the most out of it. We head out to the Atlantic in a charter boat just for the group tour with the guys at Futurismo. Their team of professional and enthusiastic experts share the same passion for the Azores as we do.
Immerse yourself in the amazing culture, the warm-hearted people, and the photographic gems of the Azores islands. From volcanic villages, hot springs to whale watching, as long as you have a sense of adventure, then this is the perfect travel photography tour for you.
One of the main topics that travellers also talk about when visiting the Azores, is that you don’t waste time driving from one location to another. Every photography spot is close by, in some cases just a 20-minute drive or less. Throughout the tour, your expert photo guides will be on hand, sharing their knowledge with you both in-field and out to ensure that you’ll have a well-rounded learning experience.
Although we have a specific itinerary planned, we also allow some flexibility to take advantage of photographic opportunities we encounter along the day.
Itinerary:
Day 1: SÃO MIGUEL / ARRIVAL
We welcome you at João Paulo II airport in Ponta Delgada. Upon arrival, due to Covid-19, you go through all the necessary health checks at the airport. We provide the transportation to your hotel. You have the morning to relax or explore by yourself the city and we will pick you up later for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch we head to the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea factory. Get to know the factory and explore its surroundings. The landscape here is unique, the shape and texture of the green tea leaf’s creates endless photography possibilities.
We make our way northeast to the beautiful and rugged landscape of Nordeste, exploring amazing places along the way like Ribeira dos Caldeirões and Poço Azul.
Next, is the Arnel lighthouse and its surrounding seascapes. You will be amazed by the views at Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, the ideal locations to also fly a drone.
To finish our first day we head back to the north coast for sunset.
Day 2 : SÃO MIGUEL
Our second day starts at Lagoa do Fogo, one of the highest points of the island. It usually tends to be cloudy or foggy during the day and ultimately ruin any potential view to be had, so we try your best early in the morning.
We head down to Salto do Cabrito waterfall. A place where you can explore it’s environment and play with long exposure photography.
Your jaw will drop with the next location. Bring your swimwear and enjoy a dip at Caldeira Velha hot springs pools. Surrounded by exotic green vegetation that looks unreal, this is a small paradise that you won’t forget.
Next, we travel west and explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, two multi-colored lakes of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It’s an incredible sight and the best way to have a sense of the surrounding area. If you have a drone, Lagoa do Canario by air reveals a really interesting shape.
Further along the dirt road, we arrive at one of the highlights of the Azores, Boca do Inferno viewpoint. The crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be viewed from several different viewpoints, but it’s hard to beat this spot. Not to mention, it doesn’t require much effort to reach the overlook.
For sunset, we drive through Sete Cidades down to Mosteiros beach to capture the last light of the day in a beautiful seascape photography location.
Day 3: SÃO MIGUEL
We start our day at Vila Franca do Campo, home to the Instafamous Nature Reserve Site of Vila Franca Islet. A drone here is highly recommended, the overview of the islet is fantastic from above.
Next we drive to Lagoa das Furnas, a spectacular crater lake where you will have the chance do photograph mud pools and other steaming geothermal features. The newly renovated Grená Park with its “pure and untouchable vegetation” it’s next on our list. Depending on the weather we do the hike to Salto do Rosal waterfall.
We will try the famous local dish known as Cozido at Vale das Furnas restaurant, which is unique to this town and is cooked by volcanic steam, as well as the sweet muffins called bolo lêvedo.
Terra Nostra Park is our next spot and considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, with the added bonus of having thermal pools. Be sure to bring your swimwear, with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, provides a sensation of rest and relaxation for the rest of the day.
We’ll finish our day exploring the beautiful landscapes at Ribeira Quente.
Day 4: SÃO MIGUEL
The Azores are considered one of the best Whale Watching spots in the world, so we will make the most out of it. Early in the morning we head out to the Atlantic with the guys at Futurismo in a charter boat just for the workshop group, a trip designed just for photographers at the best light of the day. Plenty of room to explore and capture all the best moments without any distractions.
We head back for a quick lunch because in the early afternoon we travel to another island.
Day 4: SÃO MIGUEL – TERCEIRA
Afternoon flight to Terceira Island. Home of the UNESCO world heritage site of Angra do Heroísmo. After setting in at our accommodation, we have some free time to enjoy the city, before heading out and discovering the Island. The viewpoint of Monte Brasil is the perfect spot to start.
Next we stop at the Black Forest. A unique location due to its dense vegetation, light has a really hard time penetrating these trees. Depending on the weather, photographing here is never the same.
Along the way we explore beautiful forest roads, some of the best hidden gems are found here.
For sunset, we visit the popular summer spot of Biscoitos. A picturesque town, known for its wine growing region and even more for its beautiful natural pools. The rugged black colored lava fields sculpted by waves makes for really interesting landscapes.
Day 5-7: TERCEIRA
Big views and seascapes, that’s our plan for the day. We start early with a drive to Serra da Ribeirinha. On top of the southern rim of a volcano, we have a panoramic view of the coast. With Serra do Morião and Serra Santa Bárbara on the right side, overlooking Monte Brasil and two more Islands in the background, São Jorge and Pico.
Next, we head to one of our favorite locations of the Azores, Pico Dona Joana. The volcano cones with Ilhéu das Cabras in the background is one of the most unique perspectives you will see in the Azores.
At noon, we arrive at Praia da Vitória to have lunch and enjoy the view of the beach. Terceira Island is known to have the best food of the Azores, so we have to make the best out of it.
After lunch we go straight to one of the highlights of the Island, Algar do Carvão. The only volcano in the world that you can walk inside it. Unfortunately, tripods are not allowed, so bring the fastest and widest lens you have.
We head out to the north part of the Island, to Ponta do Mistério. One of the Islands most attractive coastal areas. A mysterious green-glazed lunar landscape, with the blue Atlantic ocean in the background, creates an amazing sight.
Considered the most beautiful viewpoint in Portugal, we reserved the best for last. The unique view to the interior of the island, known as the “patchwork”, consisting of walls of volcanic stones dividing the farmer fields into square-shaped figures, makes Serra do Cume the epic spot to photograph the last light of the day.
Day 8: TERCEIRA – DEPARTURE
Our last day in Terceira. The best way to say goodbye to the Azores is to photograph the amazing sunrise of Terceira. After our sunrise location, we head to the airport to catch the flight to Lisbon.
We hope you cherish all of these amazing memories and fantastic photographs from the Azores.
Itinerary Disclaimer:
Our workshop’s itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our Photo Guides depending on factors including but not limited to weather, road conditions, transportation delays, and other factors beyond our control. We will check the weather forecasts and road conditions and plan our day to optimize shooting conditions. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to visit all the locations on the itinerary.
Meet the guides:
Recommended Photography Equipment:
A recommended list of gear will be sent out as soon as you book to give you ample time to prepare for your adventure.
FAQ:
How do I sign up and pay for this workshop?
A deposit of $200 is required for this workshop to hold your spot, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal via PayPal.com or send a check (U.S. residents only). The balance is due on Feb 1, 2023. All participants must sign William Yu Photography Workshops/Tours Liability Waiver Form and show the proof of travel insurance before the tour starts.
How many participants do you allow?
Photo tour size is limited to 10 attendees, which ensures that every attendee will get full attention.
What photographic skill level is required to benefit from this workshop?
Any people who has a basic understanding of exposure all the way to the advanced amateur and professional who is in search of a fresh perspective!
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
The are no refunds for cancellations or changes made less than 100 days before the workshop start date. However, if we/you are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment minus a $200 processing fee.
William Yu Photo Workshops (William Yu LLC) reserves the right to cancel or reschedule tours and workshops due to Force Majeure or impossible weather conditions where safety of the buyer cannot be guaranteed. We will strive to make every attempt to reschedule the workshop or tour within 2 years of the original scheduled date. No refunds will be given but participants will be reserved a spot on the rescheduled tour or will receive credit for use towards another workshop or tour.
In the very unlikely event that a tour or workshop is canceled, we will refund the workshop fee to participants. Expenses related to travel and accommodations not provided by us will not be refunded. We require that you obtain Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip with us. Proof of coverage is required 90 days before the workshop starts. Please contact us for any additional questions with regards to our cancellation and refund policy.
Please note that some of our workshops with partner companies may have non-refundable deposits. We will be happy to apply your deposit to another one of our future workshops instead.
No Refunds for USD200 deposit if cancelled.
I have some questions, how do I learn more?
Please send email to info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com