Do you want to learn all my secrets and techniques to shoot fairy-tale sensual portraits without a single piece of artificial light or studio equipment? Ever thought about location scouting, finding the right models, seeing the perfect light or post-processing your people shots? Don’t know the settings, have questions about the gear, or simply curious and want to bring unique photos back home?

Photos from our previous natural light photography workshops:

Join me in this unique workshop in which we will travel to the heart of the Swiss Alps and spend a night near the majestic Aletsch glacier in a cosy hotel. We will learn and practice planning, shooting, and post-processing of one-of-a-kind photos with beautiful Heidi from Denmark. Daria, our Swiss make-up artist, will assist in a friendly and fun atmosphere.

Workshop Program

During the day in a short lecture, I will share my secrets about approaching, planning, and shooting creative and artistic portraits in the nature and in the city using only available light.  I will explain how I create my own works. We will dive into gear, settings, location scouting, weather conditions, color schemes, clothing, finding models, posing, shooting in extreme conditions, expressing feelings, composition, and various portrait genres - from headshots to artistic nudes. We will review your photos (optional) and will define areas for improvements which we will then practice outdoors. 

Possible locations where we are going to create stunning photography (shot during various times of the year and my trips in the area):

During the sunrise (Day 1) and sunset (Day 2) we will shoot with Heidi in several locations and with several looks, which we will discuss beforehand. In between, we can have simpler portrait exercises either in the forest or nearby. Our options will include an alpine lake, glacial forests, mountain ridges and, weather permitting, a location near the glacier itself. With our small group (4 people max) everybody will have enough time to realize ideas and practice, while I (will) help you and give hints. Thanks to our sponsor Tamron Schweiz we will be able to test some of the finest portrait lenses in addition to your gear - just let us know your camera models in advance!

After our shoots, we will return to the hotel and will continue with post-processing techniques. You will get handouts, checklists, and cheat sheets that I’ve compiled during my years of photography projects.

This workshop doesn’t have any serious prerequisite requirements - both beginners and experts are welcome! See below info for all the details, itinerary, recommended gear and everything else. In case you have any questions, just drop me a mail ( alex @ alextseli.com ) or DM me on Instagram @alex_tseli . See you in August!

Alex

Our Accomodation

What is included:

• 3-star Hotel stay in Bettmeralp, VS, Switzerland (1 night, Single Occupancy, Breakfast included)

• Photography lectures and personal coaching(s) during 2 days with Alex Tseli (Lectures Day 1: 1pm - 5pm, 9pm-10pm; Day 2: 10am - 1pm + coachings throughout) in a small (5 people max) group. 

• Photography sessions with a model and a make-up artist in a small (5 people max) group ( Day 1: 6pm - 8pm, Day 2: 06am - 8am; several looks, at least 3 locations, portrait, environmental portrait, art-nude (weather permitting), personal coaching;). Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in the mountains, we might not be able to shoot for 2 hours in a row or longer. We guarantee, however, that there will be an opportunity for everyone to shoot planned looks as we have planned locations for every possible weather and will explain how to do it in any conditions :)

• Test usage and tips to use the best portrait lenses from Tamron Schweiz . Please let us know your camera model in advance!

What is NOT included:

• Travel expenses to/from Bettmeralp, VS

• Travel, medical and any other kind of insurances (incl. basic, travel, cancellation, extra return, accident and others)

• Lunch and Dinner

• Cable car tickets (in case we will go to Bettmerhorn)

• Anything else not explicitly mentioned in ‘What is included’ section above

Payments

You can use the automatic secure payment form with credit card on top of the page, otherwise email me at alex@alextseli.com for alternative methods (bank transfer or PayPal). You can either make a full payment for early bird rate valid until 01.08 or make a deposit (see available options in the payment form) and pay the rest until 01.08.2019. See cancellation / refund policy below.

Other important stuff

Language: The workshop language is English. However, personal advice and coaching can be done in German (and a bit French :) ) as well.

Gear to bring: Your camera (full frame DSLR/Mirrorless preferred for best results) and prime lenses (50mm and/or 85mm with at least f1.8). During the workshop, we will have some Canon lenses available to test

Workshop level: Photographers of any level are welcome, whether you want to learn the basics or discover nuances. We will try to accommodate any demands thanks to the small size of the group!

Hiking: We will try to reach our locations with cable cars, but in case of good weather we might stay there longer or go there very early on foot, so they require a basic level of fitness:  You should be able to hike 3-5km and 200-250m uphill (T2) per day. Ping me if you have doubts and we will figure out the best option for the group. 

Cancellation / Refund Policy: In case of the unlikely even of cancellation from our side 100% of the price will be refunded. If you wish to cancel within 60 days (01.07.2019) 100% of the price will be refunded. 50% refund will be given within 30 days (01.08.2019). No refunds will be given after 01.08.2019.

Getting there: Bettmeralp is a car free village which can be reached by cable car from the Betten train station (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn). Betten can be reached by train from either Zurich Airport (ZRH) or Geneva Airport (GVA) in about 2.5-3 hours.

Fine Print: See our Terms and Conditions if you want to see legal stuff.