The Dolomites is an inspiring place, where mountains tower at almost 11,000ft over some of the most impressive and stunning scenery in Europe. The jagged peaks, alpine hills, wooden huts and the gorgeous lakes that offer some amazing reflections of the mountains that dominate the region. Add to that the stunning changing of the colours as autumn takes hold and you have the recipe for a fantastic week’s landscape photography.
The Italian Dolomites has found its way deep into my heart, for I am always moved by the sheer scale, grace and beauty of the varied scenery that I am so blessed to experience. One of the most remarkable places that I have ever visited has to be the awe-inspiring Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This amazing landscape is vast and breathtaking as you navigate your way behind and around the three spectacular monoliths of Cima Piccola (Little Peak), Cima Grande (Big Peak) and Cima Ovest (Western Peak), the highest standing at 2,999 metres. Witnessing a glorious sunset from the 2,405 metre viewpoint of the Rifugio Locatelli hut is a memory that will stay with you forever, as it certainly has with me.
However, the Dolomites has many more gems on display such as the hugely impressive and distinctive 2,519 metre Seceda mountain near Ortesei, which involves a ride in two cable cars to reach the station at the summit. The famous Alpe di Siusi and it’s stunning and dramatic Sassolungo mountain range is Europe’s highest alpine meadow. Devoid of vehicles between 10am-5pm, this gorgeous meadow allows for a peaceful appreciation of the vast scenery while spending a few hours until sunset photographing its delights.Â
Then there are the wonderfully photogenic churches of Santa Magdalena, St Johann Church and Chiesa di Santa Barbara in South Tyrol. All positioned with perfection with stunning backdrops of the mountains behind. If there’s one thing the Italians do well, it is creating beautiful churches in some jaw-dropping locations.  Â
With all that in mind, this six night landscape photography workshop will provide you with wonderful opportunities to capture and create you own images with guidance and tuition from me if required. Our accommodation consists of two hotels based in both Ortesei and Cortina d’Ampezzo and have been selected for their high quality, superb service and excellent convenience as they are perfectly positioned to reduce the amount of time spent driving, leaving more time for your photography.
I look forward to you joining me for an amazing week of landscape photography in some of the most beautiful scenery this side of the world.Â
Here is a detailed itinerary outlining our schedule. While the itinerary looks fixed, it is really only an indication of the locations we will be visiting and the decision to alter our plans depending on the weather and light will be taken if needed.
Day 1Â – Saturday 5th October 2024
Marco Polo Airport Venice – Ortisei
I will collect the workshop participants at Marco Polo Airport in Venice on Saturday at 10am, before heading to Ortisei in the comfortable nine-seater minibus. After checking into the hotel, we will head out for a sunset shoot at St Johann Church before returning to the hotel and retiring for the evening over a good meal at the hotel.
Day 2Â – Sunday 6th October 2024
Seceda, Val di Funes, St Johann Church, Santa Maddalena Church
Today’s locations include a mid-morning visit to the 8,000ft high Seceda mountain range via the gondola before moving onto the Val di Funes region where the quaint small mountainside church of St Johann Church awaits us once again followed by a sunset session at the iconic Santa Maddalena Church.
Day 3 – Monday 7th October 2024
Alpe di Siusi
Day three starts with a hearty breakfast in the hotel before taking the ten-minute drive to the Gondola station in Ortisei. A ten-minute ride up in the gondola followed by a brief journey down into Europe’s largest high-alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi, where we will spend the entire day wandering around at our leisure photographing the glorious sights of the rolling hills, quaint wooden huts, and the dramatic backdrop the Sassolungo mountain. We will stay and capture the sunset before our taxi returns us to the hotel to finish the day off with another fine dining evening at the hotel.
Day 4Â – Tuesday 8th October 2024
Passo Giau, Malga Ra Stua Waterfalls
We will be up early to drive the 90 minute journey to the high mountain pass of Passo Giau where a glorious sunrise beckons (hopefully). A couple of hours enjoying the mountainous scenery as the sun rises and illuminates the peaks of Ra Gusela and the Tofane. Then onto Cortina d’Ampezzo for breakfast. The afternoon will be spent at the waterfalls of Malga Ra Stua.
Day 5 – Wednesday 9th October 2024
Lago di Braies, Rifugio Locatelli Hut Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The day starts with a visit to the utterly gorgeous views of Lago di Braies, the iconic lake complete with the wooden steps down into the water and the wooden rowing boats too. Late morning we will head for lunch before spending the full afternoon taking in the outstanding and breath-taking views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo as we embark on the six mile long track that loops around the base of the 10,000ft Lavaredo to the Rifugio Locatelli hut where sunset will be enjoyed and shot before walking back to the minibus and returning to our accommodation, stopping en-route in Misurina to eat.
Lunch will be taken at Misurina after which the full afternoon will be spent taking in the outstanding and breathtaking views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo as we embark on the six mile long track that loops around the base of the 10,000ft Lavaredo. Sunset will be enjoyed before walking back to the minibus and returning to our accommodation.
Day 6 – Thursday 10th October 2024
Lago Misurina, Lago Antorno, Rifugio Malga Langalm Hut Tre Cime da Lavaredo
Sunrise shoot at Lago Misurina to capture the reflections of the Tre Cime peaks in the still water. Back to our accommodation for a well deserved breakfast followed by visit to Lago Antorno. The afternoon will see us return to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo National Park to walk the shorter route to the Rifugio Malga Langalm hut and its two small lakes that reflect the peak of the Lavaredo in them. We will be taking in the sunset from the hut before walking back to the minibus and returning to our hotel restaurant.
Day 7 – Friday 11th October 2024
Marco Polo Airport, Venice
Early check out at the hotel this morning to arrive at Marco Polo Airport for 7.30am followed by the flight home to reflect on what will be a trip of a lifetime. If you have always promised yourself a photography holiday of a lifetime, this one will take some beating. I hope you can join me.
I will collect all the workshop participants at 10am from Marco Polo Airport on Saturday 5th October 2024
Tripadvisor Reviews ( Read all reviews here )
Dolomites October 2018 Reviews belowÂ
If you want some fun, adventure, fantastic scenery and great photographic opportunities then I would strongly recommend that you go on a photographic workshop/tour with Melvin Nicholson to the Dolomites. This 6 day tour had everything and Melvin’s organisation, planning and research were second to none. However he was always happy to make changes in order that we got the best out of the light and the weather.
To get the most out of the location and light you needed to be up for a bit of walking and rising way before sunset: but the rewards are well worth it.
The accommodation and food was first rate and with a great bunch of fellow photographers, along with Melvin’s wit and bonhomie you can’t fail to have a great time and come back with some fabulous photographs
I can’t recommend this tour too highly.
Brian Law – UK
Well Iv’e been home a week now after a week on Melvin’s Dolomite recce tour, and have started to review some of my images. Considering this was just a recce trip I have got some very pleasing images and far more than I had hoped for.
Straight away I enjoyed Melvin’s sense of humor and everyone jelled into a friendly team spirited group with lots of banter.Â
Our accommodation was always excellent as was the food and there always seemed plenty of time to enjoy my surroundings without feeling rushed or stressed.Â
I would not hesitate to go on one of Melvin’s workshops as nothing was too much trouble for Melvin to ensure we all had a great time and were always in the best possible positions for the best light.
I have come away with great memories and images, the walk out to the The Dolomite’s Tre Cine Rifugio Locatelli was mind blowingly spectacular and something I will never forget.
Richard (Ricky) Hunter – UK
