Tuscany 2009
We were sad to see everyone leave, but the workshop was wonderful! I think we enjoyed it as much as our participants did. Our last day, we visited a beautiful walled medieval village with ancient wine cellars and a local organic farm where they make amazing sheep cheese, among other wonderful things. We had what was very nearly my favorite meal of the trip at the farm, which is saying a lot. And of course the adorable great pyrenee puppy- nearly 5 weeks old- won all our hearts! I think everyone was impressed by their own photographs at our “Greatest Hits” slide show.
Joel and I are now in Le Marche and hope to find some treasures to photograph in the area. We are going to a town celebration dinner tonight, which should be a lot of fun… and tasty of course.
Ciao!
Here’s part of our group shooting “the zig-zag road,” which has become a symbol of Tuscany. It is a beautiful spot, I must admit! This was a fun day and we ended up having another wonderful dinner. Tomorrow morning, we’ll shoot in the morning, then tour a sheep farm where they are famous for their cheese… we’ll get some samples too!
Ciao!
This is what happens when you hang out with a bunch of photographers! You end up with some silly photos… but we’re definitely having fun! And the garden and its grounds were fabulous!
This morning we got up for sunrise and were rewarded with the most spectacular view of the Val d’Orcia yet! There was beautiful fog in the valley which created distinct layers across the rolling green hills- amazing!
This afternoon, we head to a well known estate and garden to shoot during sweet light, to be followed by, no big surprise, another spectacular meal! Our day off yesterday was much needed, actually got some work done…
Ciao!
www.joelwolfson.com
Here’s our group having a 3-course “tasting” lunch at a local winery. It’s in a beautiful location with stunning views in every direction, so our workshop particpants also managed to shoot some pictures! We also stopped off at a well known abbey for some late afternoon light. Joel says in Tuscany, the “sweet light” lasts much longer than in the US. This way, we have more time to shoot pictures while the light is good.
Tuesday is our “day off,” so after class in the morning, we get to relax or go for a walk through the countryside… once I get this posted, I may do just that!
Ciao!
This morning we went out with the group to shoot sunrise over the Val d’Orcia. The weather was clear except for some fog in the valley which made for wonderful photos! I think we were all glad we got up early… We also took a guided walk through the town of Pienza (these are photos from our walk).
Tonight, we will visit a small walled village near Pienza and take a scenic drive on some country roads. Tomorrow will also be a busy day! Oh, and for the record, I did not take these two!
Ciao…
www.joelwolfson.com
Apparently there has been a little confusion regarding the photos I’m posting to the site- they are all mine. I certainly have my own private tutor… and a good one at that 
but unless I state otherwise, the photos are taken by me.
All our workshop participants have arrived safely! We’ll have our welcome dinner tonight at one of the best restaurants in town- more fabulous Italian food- with a sunrise shoot in Pienza tomorrow. I think we’re doing enough walking because all of my clothes still fit!
We went to Siena Thursday and although it was overcast for part of the time, the sun came out while a storm was brewing and made for a very dramatic photo. Joel always says- go out during inclement weather to get the best photos. We drove a back way on our return to Pienza through some very scenic hills during the “sweet light” near sunset, another great time to shoot photos! Our workshop participants arrive tomorrow, so I may not be able to post everyday… Ciao!
www.joelwolfson.com
Italian gardens are typically very geometric in design like this one. I think this makes them interesting to photograph. As far as flowers, we’re seeing climbing wisteria and peonies, and the roses are just starting to open- they all smell nice!
