Madeira, Portugal Photography Workshop
Madeira, Portugal | November 7-15, 2026
Madeira Landscape Photography Workshop — November 2026
Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira, Portugal, with our exclusive photography workshop held during the month of November. In collaboration with local photographer Duarte Sol, Face The Outdoors Photography invites you to explore and capture the stunning beauty of this island paradise. Whether you're a budding photographer or seasoned shutterbug, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to improve your photography skills and learn composition techniques amidst Madeira's dramatic backdrops.
Dive into the captivating world of landscape and nature photography and discover the serene art of seascape photography along breathtaking coastlines. Master long-exposure photography under Michael and Duarte's expert guidance, capturing the ethereal flow of waterfalls and the gentle dance of ocean waves. Each day will be filled with hands-on experience, allowing you to indulge in nature photography and immortalize Madeira's lush flora/fauna and majestic mountains on camera.
Workshop Features
- Diverse Landscapes: Explore Madeira's variety of landscapes, from its towering mountains to serene beaches.
- Moody Atmospheres: Utilize the enigmatic fog of the Fanal Forest, known for its ancient, moss-covered trees, to create unique and mystical photographs.
- Iconic Locations: Capture stunning images at Ponta de São Lourenço, with its dramatic coastal scenery ideal for sunrise and sunset shots.
- Waterfalls & Gardens: Discover the beauty of 25 Fontes waterfall, especially during the rainy winter months, and the serene Monte Palace Madeira gardens.
- Breathtaking Views: Ascend Pico do Arieiro for panoramic vistas and visit Cabo Girao for its stunning coastline views.
- Volcanic Wonders: Photograph the unique Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, formed by volcanic rocks, for extraordinary shots.
Workshop Information
Group size: 6
Price: $6,150pp
Dates: November 7-15, 2026
Workshop Difficultly: Easy / Moderate
Deposit: $2000 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking to reserve your spot with remaining balance due 90 days before the start of the workshop. Or you can pay in full.
Included: Lodging ( single room status ), Guiding/Transportation, *Meals, Permits and Entrance Fees, local guide/driver; ensuring photographers are positioned in the best locations to capture breathtaking images with ideal lighting and compositions to capture their own stunning images, post processing.
Not Included: Airfare, Alcohol, Meals outside of what's included, Lodging outside of workshop dates 11/7-11/15, Gratuities for instructors and/or guides.
Booking: Please note that full payment for the workshop is required 90 days prior to the event. After this period, refunds will only be issued if we can find a replacement for your spot. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
RETURNING FTO PARTICIPANTS GET 10% OFF AS OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT AND BUSINESS!
Reserve Your Spot Below!
Discover the Ultimate Photography Workshop in Madeira, Portugal
Experience the Art of Photography in One of the World's Most Breathtaking Destinations. Renowned as the "Hawaii of Europe," Madeira, Portugal, offers the perfect backdrop for photographers seeking to deepen their craft. Imagine capturing dramatic cliffs kissed by golden morning light, verdant valleys teeming with life, and serene seascapes that stretch endlessly into the horizon. This immersive photography workshop invites you to explore the island’s unparalleled natural beauty, refine your skills, and create stunning images that truly tell a story.
Madeira is a visual feast for any landscape photographer. From rugged mountain peaks shrouded in mist to the sparkling turquoise waters of its coastline, every corner of the island is infused with photogenic drama. Whether composing wide-angle shots of its lush valleys or snapping intimate details of its forested trails, Madeira’s diverse terrain provides endless inspiration. This workshop places you in the best locations at the right times for unparalleled shots that evoke the spirit of the island.
But it's not just about capturing stunning photographs, this workshop also offers valuable tips and techniques for improving your photography skills. Our experienced instructors will guide you through composition, lighting, and post-processing to ensure that you come away with not only breathtaking images but also a deeper understanding of the art of landscape photography.
In addition to honing your technical skills, this workshop also provides opportunities for creative exploration. With its rich history and culture, Madeira offers endless possibilities for incorporating unique elements into your photos. We encourage participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and use their surroundings as inspiration for their shots.
And don't worry if you're new to landscape photography or have never been to Madeira before. Michael and Duarte are dedicated to helping you improve your skills and will provide guidance throughout the workshop. This is a supportive environment where everyone can learn from each other and push their boundaries.
Furthermore, this workshop isn't just about taking great photos - it's also about developing your own personal style as a photographer. Through photo critiques and discussions, you'll gain valuable insight into how to create impactful images that truly capture the essence of a landscape.
We believe that photography is both an art and a form of self-expression, so we encourage participants to experiment with different techniques and perspectives. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!
Madeira’s location ensures breathtaking light during sunrise and sunset—every photographer’s dream. The workshop takes full advantage of golden hours, guiding you to spots where the light enhances natural textures, casts dramatic shadows, and paints the sky in fiery hues. You’ll learn how to harness these optimal conditions to create evocative, atmospheric photographs that stand out in your portfolio.
Capturing the perfect shot is just the beginning. This workshop also includes dedicated sessions on photo editing, teaching you how to bring out the best in your images. Using industry-standard software, you’ll explore techniques for adjusting contrast, sharpening details, refining color tones, and more. These sessions ensure your final photos reflect the vibrant beauty of Madeira exactly as you experienced it.
Photography is more than a solitary pursuit—it’s also about sharing perspectives and stories. This workshop is not only an opportunity to develop your skills but also a chance to network with fellow photographers who share your passion. Exchange ideas, inspire each other, and leave with both better photos and new friendships.
Location Details
Unique Features of Madeira
Madeira, Portugal, is a captivating destination for landscape photographers, offering a rich tapestry of natural features that captivate the lens. The island is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and rugged coastlines, where the contrast between volcanic rock formations and the vast Atlantic Ocean creates stunning vistas at every turn. The Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a lush, mystical backdrop with its ancient, moss-covered trees and abundant flora, offering a perfect setting for capturing ethereal forest scenes. Additionally, Madeira's diverse microclimates present a fascinating array of landscapes, from sun-drenched terraces and vineyards to serene, cloud-kissed mountains. The island's vibrant palette, combined with ever-changing light conditions, ensures photographers always find fresh perspectives and moments to document. Whether it's the golden hues of a sunrise over Pico do Arieiro or the tranquil beauty of a hidden waterfall, Madeira is a treasure trove for those seeking to encapsulate the essence of nature's grandeur through photography.
Workshop Instructors
Led by Michael Schultz, founder of Face The Outdoors Photography, this photography workshop offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance your photography skills. With Michael's experience in landscape and nature photography, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the workshop. Renowned for his relaxed and engaging teaching style, Michael creates an environment where photographers of all levels can confidently explore camera gear, settings, composition, and advanced techniques. As an aurora tour guide in Alaska, Michael leads participants to breathtaking locations and sites, providing them with the perfect setting to practice their photography skills. Michael has captured stunning imagery across various locations including Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Ireland, Australia, the Philippines, and Morocco. This workshop is designed for photographers at all levels, aiming to enhance skills and elevate photography to new heights.
Co-Lead with Duarte Sol an award-winning photographer from Madeira Island, Portugal. Since picking up a camera in 2010, he’s used photography as a creative balance to his career in Economics and Public Management. Inspired by Madeira’s striking landscapes, Duarte evolved from self-taught enthusiast to workshop leader, connecting with photographers worldwide. His work—deeply rooted in nature—has earned him recognition and partnerships with brands like F-Stop, Haida, and Leofoto.
What Will We Photograph
- Dramatic Landscapes
- Dramatic Coastlines
- Lush Forrests & Flora and Fauna
- Mountainous Terrain
- Volcanic Landscapes
- Terraced Vineyards
- Levadas
- Dramatic Sunsets/Sunrise
- Seaside Villages
- Milkyway
Accommodations
We will be staying at the VILA GALÉ SANTA CRUZ
The Workshop Overview Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: You’ll need to arrive in Madeira on November 7th, 2026. Welcome meet/greet dinner at 8pm in our hotel VILA GALÉ SANTA CRUZ.
Day 1 - November 8th, 2026
You will be collected from the hotel lobby in the morning to photograph the sunrise at Siberia da Janela; later in the afternoon, you'll explore Fanal Forest before capturing the sunset at PSL North.
Day 2 - November 9th, 2026
We will reconvene in the hotel lobby to proceed to PSL Middle of the path for the sunrise, with an option to return via boat. In the afternoon, we will visit a wine vineyard for wine tasting and photography opportunities. Our sunset photography session will take place at Pico Arieiro.
Day 3 - November 10th, 2026
Leave the hotel lobby in the morning for a sunrise photography session at Barro. In the afternoon, explore and capture photographs of the coastal scenery with a leisurely hike along Ponta do Sol, Porto da Cruz, and Larano. The day will conclude with a sunset shoot at Pico Ruivo.
Day 4 - November 11, 2026
The sunrise photography session will commence at Beach Seixal. In the afternoon, we will resume our exploration and photography in Fanal Forest, concluding with a sunset shoot at Ponta do Sol.
Day 5 - November 12, 2026
The sunrise shoot is scheduled to occur at Juncal. In the afternoon, we will tour the city of Funchal before heading to a viewpoint overlooking Funchal for the sunset shoot.
Day 6 - November 13, 2026
The sunrise photography session is scheduled to take place at Santa Catarina. We will explore the city of Camara de Lobos before the sun sets, and our evening sunset shoot will occur at Praia Formosa.
Day 7 - November 14, 2026
The sunrise photo session will occur at Pico Arieiro, followed by an afternoon hike along the Levada Walk to the 25 Fontes Waterfall to capture images of various waterfalls on the route. The sunset photography session is scheduled for Ponta da Laderia. The location for the included farewell dinner is yet to be decided.
Day 8 - November 15, 2026
Today marks the conclusion of our time at this remarkable destination. As we prepare to depart, let us reflect on the memorable experiences we have shared and the beautiful images stored on our SD cards. These memories will remain with us forever. We will facilitate a safe transfer to the airport for all participants returning home. Thank you for being a valued part of this journey.
PLEASE NOTE: As we remain at the mercy of Mother Nature, we will strive to ensure that all participants are situated in optimal locations with the best lighting conditions, allowing you to capture the finest photographs safely. Also the departure times from the hotel lobby will be determined prior to the shoot. We will also take time in between shooting sessions by going over post processing our amazing images from the previous shooting adventures as time allows. We will also keep an eye on the weather to plan for those that would like to set out and shoot the Milky Way. We will shoot this in the Fanal Forest with the dramatic twisted weathered trees underneath the Milky Way.
What Is Included
- Transportation during the workshop
- 8 nights accommodations at the hotel VILA GALÉ SANTA CRUZ
- Local native guide/driver
- Breakfast at hotel
- Single room status
- All necessary permits & licenses and fees
- Photography Instruction and assistance in the field
- Post processing assistance and instruction
- One on one with guides
- Hands-on Learning: Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced photographer wanting to refine your craft, we’ll provide tailored instruction to suit all skill levels
- Epic Locations: Explore the most photogenic spots in Madeira, including the iconic Fanal Forest and Pico do Arieiro, Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto Moniz, and 25 Fontes Falls, and some secret locations that will leave you in awe
- * Meet and greet dinner/and farewell dinner
- Visit to local winery and wine tasting
What Is Not Included
- Airfare to/from Madeira
- Equipment/Travel Insurance
- *Meals (outside of what’s provided)
- Gratuities for guides
- Incidentals and Alcohol
- Valid Current Passport
How To Get There
To get to Madeira, the most convenient and common method is by flying to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Santa Cruz, which is the main gateway to the island, with many international flights, including direct flights from some European cities and even from New York City.
PLEASE NOTE: If your flight will be going through the UK, you will need to acquire a UK ETA ( Electronic Travel Authorization) even when making a connecting flight. This went into effect Jan 8, 2025. You can read more on this and apply for it at this link. Also, you'll need to apply for a ETIAS ( European Travel Information and Authorization System ) to enter countries within the Schengen Zone Countries. You can find out more information as well, apply at this link.
Who Is This Workshop For
This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to refine your craft or delve deeper into the art of creating stunning images, this experience is ideal for you. There's no need to feel hesitant if you're just starting out; everyone has to begin somewhere, and the supportive environment here will foster your growth.
For those interested in building a portfolio, you won't find a better backdrop than the breathtaking scenery we'll explore together. Passionate about the outdoors and photography? This workshop caters specifically to you.
Please keep in mind that capturing remarkable photos often requires us to be on the move. The light will not wait, so we must be prepared to seize those fleeting moments that make for extraordinary images. Our workshops focus on enhancing your photography journey, but the main takeaway is the experience!
What To Expect From This Workshop
- Expert instruction in landscape, seascape, and nature photography.
- Hands-on learning to improve your photography skills and master composition techniques to enhance your photographic storytelling.
- Special focus on long-exposure photography in stunning natural settings.
- Guided tours through Madeira's most picturesque sites, led by Michael and local expert Duarte Sol.
- An immersive experience in capturing the unique beauty of Madeira’s landscapes and seascapes.
- Opportunities to develop your personal style in a supportive and inspiring environment.
- Suitable for photographers of all levels seeking to enrich their skills and artistic expression.
- Small group sizes for personalized instruction and feedback.
- Networking opportunities with fellow photography enthusiasts in a vibrant locale.
- Discover Madeira's hidden gems with the help of a local photography expert, Duarte Sol.
- Personalized feedback and tips to improve your photography skills.
- Daily photography excursions to explore and capture stunning locales.
- Opportunity to photograph unique and picturesque landscapes during November, when the island's beauty is at its peak.
- Relaxed and intimate workshop setting, ensuring personalized attention and immersion in the learning experience.
Essential Gear And Skill Level Recommendations For This Workshop
Some shooting locations may involve short hikes over uneven terrain with mild elevation gains. These remote spots offer stunning views, ideal for enhancing your landscape photography experience. Recommended clothing and equipment are listed below to ensure you’re prepared for this photography workshop
Clothing: Lightweight moisture wicking (avoid 100% cotton)
Fleece jacket and a rain jacket/pants
SPF rated long sleeve shirts/sun protection hat
Footwear: Hiking boots (sturdy and weatherproof)
Equipment: Headlamp with a red light (essential for low-light conditions in preserving your night vision)
Essentials: Water bottles, snacks (for those long and chilly nights of photography)
Optional: Rubber boots for shooting on the beach and around water that are knee high and/or wadders which will give you more flexibility in your compositions
LIST OF RECOMMENDED CAMERA GEAR
Note that items marked with (*) are optional.
- DSLR or mirrorless or camera that can handle high ISO values of 10,000
- Lenses: 12-16mm wide angle, *20mm Prime, 24-70mm, *70-200mm, *100-500mm
- Wide angle lenses should have a minimum aperture of F2.8 for shooting the Milky Way
- Solid tripod with a ball head (It is advisable to avoid low-quality tripods, such as those made from inexpensive plastic)
- Remote shutter release or built in 2 second delay
- Filters (Circular Polarizing Filter, Graduated ND Filters and Solid ND filters for daytime/sunset exposures)
- Extra batteries; and charger keeping at least 3 full batteries charged and on your person every night; don't get caught out in the field with dead batteries.
- Memory Cards & Card Reader
- Microfiber Lens cloths, rocket blower, etc, keep your gear clean in the field lessens the chances of dust spots showing up in your photogrpahs
- Make sure to bring chargers (US Citizens need an US to European plug adapter)
- *Drone
- *A laptop, MacBook Pro or even a tablet with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom installed. It is also highly recommended to bring an external hard-drive for backups on the road.
- If you have questions regarding gear/your gear and equipment please contact Michael. We don’t want anyone to show up not prepared and not equipped properly!
Attendees of this workshop can enjoy discounts on high-quality photography equipment, courtesy of our partnership with FLM.
INSTRUCTION PROVIDED DURING THE WORKSHOP INCLUDES
- Long exposures night time photography
- Shooting in manual mode (Shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field)
- Lens selection for composition and lighting
- Master composition techniques to create more impactful photos. Creating stunning compositions (rule of thirds and simplicity)
- Finding foreground elements
- Capturing grand landscape photos
- Creating panoramic images
- Focus stacking, bracketing, understanding your histogram
- Small Group Experience: Our intimate workshop size ensures personalized attention and plenty of opportunities for one-on-one feedback from the instructors
- Understanding the concept of capturing fine art landscape and nature photography
- Understanding visual design, composition and the use of negative space
- Understanding and working with light
- Understanding the methodology behind long exposure and night photography
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Any changes or cancellations will incur a $500 USD change fee per person.
- All payments after the August 7th period will need to be paid in full.
- At the time of booking, you have the option to pay a $2000 nonrefundable deposit or the full workshop amount. If you pay the deposit, the remaining balance will be sent for remaining balance due August 7th (8/7/2026). After August 7th the amount due will be 100% at time of booking to attend.
- For cancellations 121 days from start of workshop - Full refund, Less Non-Refundable Deposit
- For cancellations 120-91 days from start of workshop - 75% refund, Less Non-Refundable Deposit
- For cancellations 90-61 days from start of workshop - 50% refund, Less Non-Refundable Deposit
- For cancellations 60-0 days from start of workshop - Not eligible for refund, unless we’re able to fill your spot of which then and only then will a refund be issued. If we cannot fill your spot, you won’t receive a refund
We strongly recommend that all participants purchase Travel Insurance to cover any non-refundable deposits and workshop fees and unforeseen incidents. Workshop must be paid in full on 8/7/2026. Refunds are not available after the 90 day mark unless we can find another person to fill your spot.
**We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for travel expenses or equipment damage and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover such costs. Please read the Terms and Conditions for more information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
