Photography Course in Italy with Genevieve Girling
Dates: 21 - 28 Aug 2027
Venue: Villa Michelangelo, Veneto, Italy
Course Leader: Genevieve Girling
£1945 per person
The Veneto provides a wealth of inspiration for our 2027 photography course with Genevieve Girling. From the graceful architecture of Vicenza to the textures, colours and changing light of the Italian countryside, this beautiful corner of northern Italy offers endless opportunities to explore the world through a lens. Genevieve’s thoughtful, encouraging approach helps participants develop their photographic eye, experiment with new ideas and discover fresh ways of seeing, whatever their experience.
Our base for the week is Villa Michelangelo, an elegant historic residence set among the rolling hills of the Colli Berici. With its classical architecture, leafy gardens, terraces and beautiful views, the villa offers plenty of photographic possibilities without even leaving the grounds. The changing light throughout the day, from the softness of early morning to the warmth of the evening sun, brings its own opportunities for creative exploration.
Nearby Vicenza is a delight for photographers, with the extraordinary architecture of Andrea Palladio providing a fascinating interplay of shape, symmetry, perspective and detail. Its bustling piazzas, quiet streets and richly textured buildings offer subjects at every turn. Beyond the city, our excursions will take us further into the Veneto, where historic towns, vineyards and varied landscapes provide an abundance of contrasting photographic opportunities.
The course combines practical photography with opportunities to review images, exchange ideas and develop individual interests, all within the relaxed atmosphere of a Helicon Arts holiday. Alongside the creative activities, there will be time to enjoy the villa, explore the region and share good food and conversation with fellow participants. It is an opportunity not only to take photographs, but to slow down, look more closely and experience the pleasures of Italy from a fresh perspective.
The aim of this course is to develop your photographic skills in many ways with opportunities to put theory into practice. After an introductory session at the start of the week, participants will be given creative and technical direction in various aspects and themes of photography such as street, architecture, travel, landscape, portraits and more, as well as how to develop personal style through experimentation and storytelling.
Mornings will be spent at the hotel in group workshops, followed by afternoon excursions offering opportunities to photograph the landscapes, architecture and distinctive character of the Veneto. Visits to Vicenza, Verona and other places of interest are included in the course itinerary, providing a varied range of photographic subjects and settings.
One-to-one tutorial sessions will be offered where participants can benefit from individual feedback on any aspect of their work. Each day, participants will share their images for discussion with the rest of the group.
As well as providing a rewarding creative experience, we aim to give participants the opportunity to enjoy a truly memorable holiday. A typical day will include a morning workshop session followed by a buffet lunch, after which there will be small group or individual sessions. Afternoon excursions usually depart at around 3.30pm and return in time for dinner, with the exception of the excursion to Vicenza which will depart at lunchtime and return late evening.
The photography course runs alongside our choral and classical guitar courses, bringing together people with different interests for meals, excursions and social activities. On the penultimate evening, we enjoy an al fresco dinner with informal musical performances and a slideshow of selected photographs taken during the week.
The Veneto is one of Italy’s most rewarding regions, celebrated for its extraordinary artistic heritage, beautiful historic cities and landscapes stretching from the foothills of the Alps to the Venetian lagoon. Shaped by centuries of trade, culture and the influence of the Venetian Republic, it is a region of magnificent architecture, lively piazzas, long-established vineyards and rich musical traditions.
Alongside the course sessions, a small number of carefully chosen excursions are woven into the week, offering varied settings and subjects that complement the photographic focus of the course and provide fresh perspectives on the region.
All of the above excursions are included in the price of the course.
Originally built in the 18th century as the country residence of the aristocratic Tomi family, Villa Michelangelo retains much of its Palladian character, with high ceilings, antique furnishings and traditional Venetian floors. Set within five hectares of grounds, with mature trees, olive groves and sweeping views across the Berici Hills, the villa offers a peaceful and comfortable setting for our stay. The lovely swimming pool, with its panoramic views, is an inviting place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Accommodation is in comfortable double and twin bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. If you are coming with a friend, or wish to share a room with someone in particular, please let us know.
For those travelling on their own, we have a number of comfortable, smaller single bedrooms, which we encourage guests to consider. A limited number of double rooms for single occupancy are also available, subject to a supplement. Please indicate your preferred room type when booking.
Please note that if you wish to share a room, your sharer’s name must be provided at the time of booking; otherwise the single room supplement will be applied. Full details are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
Accessibility: Some areas of the hotel have steps, and excursions involve coach travel and walking. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so that we can discuss the facilities and arrangements with you.
The Veneto is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, fresh seasonal ingredients and excellent local wines. Throughout the week, we will enjoy a selection of regional dishes and Italian specialities prepared by Villa Michelangelo’s chefs. Meals will include a varied breakfast, a lighter lunch and a delicious three-course evening dinner, accompanied by carefully selected wines.
We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements; please let us know of any on your booking form.
Participants are required to book their own travel to Venice Marco Polo Airport, where a coach will collect the group for the transfer to Villa Michelangelo, approximately one hour away.
Please arrange to arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport by 15:15 on Saturday 21 August and book your return flight for no earlier than 12:30 on Saturday 28 August, to coincide with the group coach transfers.
Recommended flights are as follows:
OUTBOUND: Saturday 21 August 2027
The coach will leave Venice Marco Polo Airport once passengers on the final recommended flight have arrived and cleared the airport. The exact departure time will be confirmed nearer the course.
RETURN: Saturday 28 August 2027
The coach will leave Villa Michelangelo in time for the earliest recommended departures. Exact transfer arrangements will be confirmed nearer the course.
Please note: Flight schedules are subject to change. We recommend checking flight details carefully before booking and informing us of your confirmed travel arrangements and any subsequent changes.
If you prefer to travel independently or hire a car, parking is available at Villa Michelangelo. Please let us know in advance and we will provide directions.
Why not extend your stay?
With so much to discover in the Veneto, why not extend your holiday by a few days? Venice offers magnificent architecture, art and culture, while Verona is home to the celebrated Verona Opera Festival, with spectacular performances in its ancient Roman Arena. Both cities are easily accessible by train, with Verona just 25 minutes from Vicenza.
The total cost of the course is £1945 and includes everything except your return flight to Italy.
What’s included?
To reserve your place, please complete the online booking form and send your deposit to us (£275 per person) within seven days. Your booking confirmation will follow. The balance is required eight weeks before the start of the course.
More information on the booking process, along with payment details, is available here.
Please refer to the Find out more section for booking details, terms and conditions and frequently-asked questions.
We’d love to hear from you, so do contact us or you can request a ringback and we’ll call you as soon as possible.
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“Genevieve imparted her love of photography to all students. She provided an approach which allowed each student to use their passion for photography in a manner which focused on their unique viewpoint and perspective. She inspired us to transform a picture into an image which communicated an emotion - storytelling was truly an experience I valued as it showed me how to create moments, for the viewer, which implied more than what is seen, such as creating drama and communicating implications. By identifying the skills of each student, Genevieve challenged us to create drama and enhance visual communication.”
"Thank you so much for organising the Helicon Arts photography course. This was my first photography course and first Helicon Arts holiday and I was made very welcome: great location, great accommodation, great food, great company and an excellent course where I learned a lot from Genevieve who was a fantastic tutor, and other course members. Thank you for a great holiday and a great course."
