Volcanic Wild Landscapes workshop – Tenerife & El Hierro
Wild Landscapes destination Summary
In 2012 I made my first visit to the wild landscapes of the Canary Islands after being shown a book of landscapes by a local photographer, I was instantly blown away. This was not the image of Tenerife that I had in my head.
Since then I’ve been back over a dozen times and photographed all 8 Islands. So with a host of dramatic locations, colour, culture and warm sunshine in the winter months, it makes for the ideal photography retreat.
This will be the third Lightstalkers visit to the wild landscapes of Tenerife as a winter retreat workshop but this time I’m adding little El Hierro into the mix.
El Hierro (the meridian island) is the second smallest and second least populated island and is a wonderful mixture of pine cloud mountains, green / azure pools surrounded by black volcanic rock and vertical steep cliffs. The islands symbol is the “Sabina” or wind swept Juniper tree that resemble the form of dramatic human dancers ( to me anyway ).
So shake off those preconceptions and prepare to create your own canvas of colour and drama on this Lightstalkers Volcanic Landscape Photo Workshop featuring the Island of Eternal Spring and the meridian island.
El Hierro
A UNESCO Biosphere, get lost amongst the twisted Sabina trees and below the soaring Caldera by the azure volcanic pools. Return flight from Tenerife Norte is included.
Mount Teide and Roques de Garcia*
Villaflor & El Tiede , a soaring volcano and Spain’s highest mountain at over 12000ft with lava landscapes, rocky columns and ravines to explore.
Anaga Mountains and Roques de Anaga
The lush verdant hillsides of Anaga with twisting mountain roads plunge over mountain passes down to wild coastlines littered with volcanic rock seastacks and remote Canarian villages.
Islas Canaries winter retreat workshop
You’ll be one of only 4 participants on this Wild Landscapes Photo Workshop. You’ll be a million miles away from the tourist resorts staying in mountain villages and small towns.
We’ll be sampling local tapas, mountain staples and authentic Spanish cuisine with a Canarian twist.
The Learning
Your guide Glen has 20 years experience as a photo educator. You’ll be immersed into the process of camera control, shot selection, composition, light quality, use of filters, long exposures and final execution of image capture at a variety of handpicked destinations.
Tenerife / El Hierro photo workshop compositions – Seascapes, culture , mountain scenery , abstract, night sky, architecture.
The Accommodation
Venues TBC – a mixture of small guest houses and small hotels – single occupancy and breakfast* where available
Villaflor – 2 nights – Volcanic landscapes around El Tiede
Anaga – 2 nights – Lush forested mountain peaks, colourful pueblos and volcanic seascapes.
El Hierro – 3 nights – raw volcanic landscapes, misty mountains and azure pools.
**single occupancy dependant on availability.
Extra information
Start time meet up between 12:00 and 15:00 in El Medano Tenerife on the 2nd March.
Pick up / meet up location – In El Medano a pleasant Canarian coastal town 10 mins from Tenerife South Airport.
If arriving the night before I recommend staying at the Hotel El Medano a short taxi ride from the airport.
End time 9th March 14:00 ( approx ) in El Medano or Tenerife South airport You may wish to extend your trip and stay a further night in this pleasant laid back town which attracts locals and surfers.
Getting there Tenerife – by air from major UK and European airports 3.5 – 4.5 hr flight.
Essential camera equipment – A lightweight kit is preferable for portability with medium camera backpack SLR or Mirrorless camera systems that can take a filter system are ideal. Lenses – ultra wide angle to telephoto lenses – 16 mm full frame to 200mm ( or DX equivalent) , good quality solid tripod that is easy to use and a waterproof camera bag. Lens clothes and lens issue.
Clothing Good quality lightweight and wind proof down jacket for cooler times. Light gloves for dawn shoots around Teide as it can be cold. T shirts / shorts and long pants . Lightweight hiking boots or shoes that are waterproof and maybe Teva type sandals for standing sea water.
Non essential but recommended Polariser, neutral density graduated and straight neutral density filters would be useful. I use Lee ND filters both hard and soft. A Laptop with Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop or other image editing software. Good quality lightweight and waterproof camera bag.
Weather
Average 21 degrees C during the day with cooler evenings and the chance of odd rain shower too.
Fitness and mobility
A reasonable degree of fitness and agility is required for one or two of the walks.
Not all locations will be by the roadside, some locations are easy to reach, some require a little effort, walking sometimes on uneven surfaces . This can involve short walks across rocky and uneven terrain.
*Roques de Garcia a circular 2 hour walk (for photography) with descents and slight uphill section
All ages above 18 years are welcome but a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required, regardless of age in order to fully participate and appreciate a Lightstalker’s photo adventure or workshop. If you have any doubts of your suitability for a specific trip please contact Glen directly.
** accommodation options will vary depending on availability.
March 2nd - 9th 2024 - 7 nights 8 days
Places available: max 4 - sold out
Trip fee: £2495.00
Booking deposit: £200.00
Starts / ends: El Medano - Tenerife
Near Tenerife South airport
Includes
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast*
- Guiding to locations and detailed itinerary
- Transport / pick up & drop off El Medano close to Airport.
- Return inter island flights to El Hierro
Not Included
- Meals or drinks
- Flights to from Canary Islands.
- Travel Insurance
Lightstalker Highlights
- Volcanic Wild Landscapes
- Seascapes and mountain scenery
- Wild locations
- Canarian culture and cuisine
- Detailed itinerary
- Hands on tuition and guidance
- Lightstalkers Beanie
As always, this Canary Island trip didn’t disappoint! Put aside your thoughts of timeshare apartments and beer swilling beach go-ers, this trip takes in all the beauty that this volcanic island has to offer…from the majestic Mount Tiede to stunning crashing seascapes - glorious food and perfect post winter weather. Glen has researched to his normal high standards to put together a trip full of variety - with just the right amount of time spent travelling vs time on location. J Packham Volcanic Landscapes 2022