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Spring in Slovenia 2026

23rd - 27th Apr 2026
Deposit to secure your place: £300
Cost: £1200
5 days / 4 nights
4
Spaces Available

Payment Options

Starts: Thursday afternoon 23rd April – Meet at guesthouse or pick up can be arranged from Ljubljana airport or your departing hotel nearby. Once settled in to the guesthouse, we will head down to Lake Bled for an evening and sunset photoshoot.

Ends: Monday 27th April after a sunrise photoshoot.

Accommodation is included from Thurs- Mon (4 nights). We will be staying in the lovely Penzion Mayer, just a 5-minute walk to the lakeside.

Join me, Ian Middleton, on my Slovenia in Spring photography workshop in the stunning alpine region of this amazing country. We’ll visit some beautiful glacial lakes: Lake Bled, Lake Jasna and Lake Bohinj, and travel through picturesque alpine valleys and mountain vistas, visit waterfalls, rapids and gorges. We’ll photograph lovely castles and churches, on lakes, beside lakes and on hilltops, all with magnificent backdrops.

We will be based at Lake Bled. This workshop is timed for late spring, During these times the colours in Slovenia are incredible. You can photograph beautiful mountains still possibly adorned in their winter snow covering. Spring is a beautiful time where the landscape is awash with a myriad of changing colours as the land awakens from its winter slumber.

We’ll visit Vintgar Gorge and Pericnik Waterfall where you can learn how to photograph fast flowing water effects, and can also photograph the Bohinj Valley and Julian Alps from a stunning viewpoint.

This workshop will include early mornings in order to catch the dawn and sunrise. 

Possible Locations

Locations will depend on weather conditions:
Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Vodnik Viewpoint, Lake Jasna, Pericnik Waterfall, Vintgar Gorge, Jamnik hilltop church, Saint Thomas church view, Local villages.

Example Itinerary: The exact itinerary could likely change around depending on the weather and conditions or tailored to your individual wishes, but will consist of roughly the following:

* Sunrises are optional. If you decided to miss one, please let me know the night before *

Day 1

Thursday 23rd Apr – Sunset 20:02

Meet at guesthouse at 15:00 – check in at 14:00.

Afternoon, Sunset and Dusk shoot at Lake Bled

Once checked in at the guesthouse, we will head down to Lake Bled for an afternoon, sunset and dusk photoshoot. We will shoot the lake from two different perspectives, including the only place you can capture the castle and Julian Alps together.

Day 2

Fri 24th Apr – Sunrise 06:01 – Sunset 20:03

Locations:
Jamnik Church, Vodnik Viewpoint, Bohinj Valley, Mostnica Gorge, Lake Bohinj

We’ll leave the guesthouse at 4:15am and head for a dawn and sunrise at Jamnik Church.

After breakfast we’ll explore the Bohinj Valley, head to Vodnik viewpoint for a stunning view over the valley and lake, then take a walk into the lovely Mostnica Gorge to capture some rapids.

We’ll have lunch at Lake Bohinj, then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the lake from different angles, and end here with a sunset and dusk shoot.

Day 3

Sat 25th Apr – Sunrise 06:00 – Sunset 20:04

Locations:
Saint Thomas Church, Srednji Vrh, Jezersko Valley & Lake

Today we’ll leave at 4:00am and head for a sunrise shoot at Saint Thomas Church. 

After breakfast we’ll drive to a lovely little village called Srednji Vrh for a picture postcard view of the Julian Alps, then on to Peričnik Waterfall.

After lunch we’ll head up to the lovely mountain village of Jezersko where we can walk into the Ravenska Kočna Valley and photograph a stunning view of the eastern edge of the Kamnik Alps across a lush green meadow. After which we’ll head back down to the gem of the town, Planšarsko Lake and photograph the sunset from there.

Day 4

Sun 26th Apr – Sunrise 05:58 – Sunset 20:06

Locations:
Lake Bohinj, Zelenci Nature Reserve, Vršič Pass, Lake Jasna

Today we’ll leave the guesthouse at 4:30am to experience Lake Bohinj at sunrise. 

After breakfast we’ll drive to the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, stopping at Zelenci Nature Reserve along the way. We’ll visit some great viewpoints from which to photograph the Julian Alps, and also a woman’s face in the mountainside

We’ll head back down to Kranjska Gora for an evening and sunset shoot at Lake Jasna.

Day 5

Mon 27th Apr – Sunrise 05:56

Sunrise at Lake Bled

For the last morning, we’ll return to the western end of Lake Bled for dawn and sunrise.

Check out after breakfast and end of workshop. Drop off at Ljubljana airport is available if required.

Photography skills you can learn on this workshop

As well as being a photo tour, this is also a workshop and tuition is available to whoever may need it. Below is a list of some of the skills and techniques that I can teach you during your time with me. This list is not exhaustive, and I will also be ready to cover anything else you require.

Technical Skills

– The effects of shutter speed, aperture and ISO

– The exposure triangle, understanding the relationship between these three

– Use of ND grad filters and/or exposure bracketing photography for high-contrast mountain and valley scenes

– Focus stacking techniques for macro photography of flowers and insects

– Long exposure methods for photographing waterfalls and flowing streams

– Golden hour and blue hour timing for optimal lighting

– Using the histogram and zebra stripes to control exposure

 

Landscape Photography

– Composition techniques using Slovenia’s dramatic Alpine scenery

– Maximising depth of field for front to back sharpness in landscapes

– Capturing seasonal transitions from snow-capped peaks to blooming valleys

– Stitched panoramic photography of expansive mountain vistas

– Using natural frames like tree branches and rock formations

 

Location-Specific Techniques

– Photographing iconic Slovenian locations like Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

– Capturing the emerald green lakes, rivers and waterfalls

– Architectural photography of medieval castles and churches

 

Use of Filters

– Use of polarising filters to enhance skies, control reflections of water and other non-metallic surfaces

– Use of ND grad filters to balance the contrast between the land and sky

– Long exposure techniques with an ND filter

Accommodation is provided for the duration of the workshop in the lovely Penzion Mayer just a 5 minute walk from the lakeside.

Private room, ensuite with breakfast.

Required
  • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
  • Tripod.
  • Remote shutter release cable.
  • Spare batteries.
  • Battery Charger
  • Memory Cards
  • Lens Cloth
  • Electric Plug Adapter
  • Raincover (or umbrella).

Recommended

  • Polarising filter
  • Neutral density filter
  • ND grad filters
  • Head or small hand torch
    (for working, and getting back to the vehicle in the dark)
Watch some of my videos from Slovenia

Locations we can photograph on this Workshop

View across Lake Bled to the island church, clifftop castle and Mount Stol in all it's spring glory, Slovenia.
Lake Bled
Man on his boat in the morning at Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Lake Bohinj
View down to Srednja Vas Lake Bohinj and the hills of Studor and Rudnica in the Bohinj Valley from Vodnik viewpoint, Triglav National Park, Slovenia.
Vodnik Viewpoint
View at sunrise from Rantovše hill across to Sveti Tomaz nad Praprotnim (church of Saint Thomas) and the Kamnik Alps, Slovenia.
Saint Thomas Church
Jamnik church of Saints Primus and Felician at sunrise, perched on a hill on the Jelovica Plateau with the kamnik alps and storzic mountain in the background, Slovenia.
Jamnik Church
Lake Planšarsko in Jezersko is a little heart-shaped lake that was made by local inhabitants in memory of a larger glacial lake that had drained away, and after which Jezersko got its name. The mountains behind are several peaks of the Kamnik Alps.
Planšarsko Lake
Pericnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley, Julian Alps, Slovenia.
Peričnik Waterfall
Zelenci Nature Reserve near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Zelenci Nature Reserve
The fairytale cottage in Srednji Vrh village with the Julian Alps behind, near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Fairytale Cottage
The Julian Alps seen across Lake Jasna near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
lake Jasna
The Russian Chapel on Vršič Pass in Slovenia
Russian Chapel
Stunning view of Mt, Prisank wall from Vrsic Pass, Slovenia.
Mt. Prisank View
The Pagan Girl, also known as "Ajdovska Deklica" in Slovene, is entwined with local folklore, symbolizing a mythical giantess who was turned to stone.
Pagan Girl
Show Places
View across Lake Bled to the island church, clifftop castle and Mount Stol in all it's spring glory, Slovenia.
Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a true fairytale, and our base for the duration of the workshop. The lake transforms into a photographer's dream during spring, when the iconic island church and medieval castle perched on its rocky promontory are reflected in waters that shift from turquoise to emerald beneath the changing light, while the Karavanke Alps, their peaks possibly still dusted with snow, create a majestic backdrop against fiery skies at sunrise or sunset. Dawn mist sometimes drifts mysteriously over the glassy surface, offering ethereal conditions as golden hour bathes the scene in warm light, rewarding early risers with perfect reflections in the still morning water.

Man on his boat in the morning at Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Lake Bohinj

In spring, Lake Bohinj is stunning as the snowmelt from the Julian Alps feeds its crystal-clear waters, creating a perfect mirror for the surrounding peaks still likely capped with snow. The shoreline bursts with wildflowers—yellow marsh marigolds and purple crocus—while the ancient beech forests awaken with fresh lime-green foliage that frames the lake's perfect reflections. Early morning mist often hovers just above the water's surface, creating ethereal conditions for landscape photography, while the golden evening light bathes the church of St. John the Baptist in warm tones, providing a picturesque foreground against the dramatic mountain backdrop. Spring brings a perfect balance of tranquillity and vibrant renewal to this hidden gem of Slovenia's Triglav National Park, making it an ideal time for photographers seeking both dramatic landscapes and intimate natural details without the summer crowds.

View down to Srednja Vas Lake Bohinj and the hills of Studor and Rudnica in the Bohinj Valley from Vodnik viewpoint, Triglav National Park, Slovenia.
Vodnik Viewpoint

The Vodnik viewpoint overlooks the Bohinj Valley and Lake Bohinj. This vantage point offers breathtaking views across the lush green valley as it awakens from its winter slumber. From this viewpoint you get a clear view of the Julian Alps framing the lake, and there might still be some morning mist lingering in the valley.

View at sunrise from Rantovše hill across to Sveti Tomaz nad Praprotnim (church of Saint Thomas) and the Kamnik Alps, Slovenia.
Saint Thomas Church

Saint Thomas Church (Sveti Tomaž) offers photographers a breathtaking composition that has become an iconic image of the country. Perched atop a gentle hill in the mist-shrouded countryside near Škofja Loka, this quaint church creates a perfect focal point against the dramatic backdrop of the Kamnik Alps. The location is particularly magical during sunrise when golden light bathes the scene, or on foggy mornings when the church appears to float above a sea of clouds.

Jamnik church of Saints Primus and Felician at sunrise, perched on a hill on the Jelovica Plateau with the kamnik alps and storzic mountain in the background, Slovenia.
Jamnik Church

The Church of St. Primož and Felician in Jamnik village stands as one of Slovenia's most captivating photography locations, perched dramatically on a hillside on the Jelovica Plateau with the majestic Mt. Storžič and the rest of the Kamnik Alps as its backdrop. The church is lit, so it’s a perfect scene to photograph during the blue hour and at sunrise when the sun comes up behind the Kamnik Alps, transforming the modest church into an ethereal vision that perfectly captures Slovenia's enchanting blend of architecture and stunning alpine scenery.

Lake Planšarsko in Jezersko is a little heart-shaped lake that was made by local inhabitants in memory of a larger glacial lake that had drained away, and after which Jezersko got its name. The mountains behind are several peaks of the Kamnik Alps.
Planšarsko Lake

Lake Planšarsko (Planšarsko jezero) in Jezersko, Slovenia is a breathtaking alpine gem that offers photographers a perfect fusion of pristine waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. This small, emerald-green lake is backed by the towering eastern peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The surrounding meadows and traditional wooden structures provide compelling foreground elements, while the dense forests and limestone mountains create natural framing opportunities throughout the seasons.

Pericnik Waterfall in the Vrata Valley, Julian Alps, Slovenia.
Peričnik Waterfall

Peričnik Waterfall is located in the Vrata Valley, one of three beautiful valleys cutting into the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. It’s actually a dual waterfall, with the upper part being the smallest (16 metres) and lower part, as seen in the photo, the largest (52 metres).

Situated beneath Mt. Sleme and Višek mountain pasture, it is one of the highest and most famous waterfalls in Slovenia. The upper fall cascades into a small pool which then feeds the larger fall below. This one cascades down the wall of a wide rockface.

Zelenci Nature Reserve near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Zelenci Nature Reserve

Nestled in the northwestern corner of Slovenia near the Italian and Austrian borders, Zelenci Nature Reserve offers photographers an enchanting landscape dominated by its emerald-green pools of spring water. The reserve's crown jewel is its main spring of the Sava Dolinka River, where crystal-clear waters bubble up through white limestone sand, creating a mesmerizing palette of blues and greens that shift with changing light conditions. Photographers will be captivated by the wooden boardwalks that wind through lush wetlands, the dramatic backdrop of the Julian Alps, and the ethereal morning mist that often hovers above the water's surface at dawn.

The fairytale cottage in Srednji Vrh village with the Julian Alps behind, near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Fairytale Cottage

Located in northern Slovenia, near to Kranjska Gora, is this lovely location known as the Fairytale Cottage. It sits in the small hillside village of Srednji Vrh with the Julian Alps forming a sublime backdrop.

The Julian Alps seen across Lake Jasna near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
lake Jasna

Lake Jasna is a pristine alpine gem nestled at the foot of the Julian Alps near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters perfectly mirror the dramatic peaks of Prisank and Razor mountains, creating ideal conditions for reflection photography, especially during golden hour.

The Russian Chapel on Vršič Pass in Slovenia
Russian Chapel

The Russian chapel is also a place that can be photographed even on overcast days. The chapel is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. Built by Russian prisoners of war in 1916, this small wooden chapel serves as a memorial to those who perished while constructing the treacherous road over the pass. Its simple yet beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere make it a lovely scene to photograph.

Stunning view of Mt, Prisank wall from Vrsic Pass, Slovenia.
Mt. Prisank View

The mountain road to Vršič pass offers multiple beautiful stops for photography. This one offers great views on Mt. Prisank north wall.

The Pagan Girl, also known as "Ajdovska Deklica" in Slovene, is entwined with local folklore, symbolizing a mythical giantess who was turned to stone.
Pagan Girl

The Pagan Girl on Vršič Pass in Slovenia is an interesting rock formation depicting the face of a young woman. It is located on a steep rock face along the Vršič Pass road, which is a high mountain pass in the Julian Alps. The Pagan Girl, also known as “Ajdovska Deklica” in Slovene, is entwined with local folklore, symbolizing a mythical giantess who was turned to stone. The relief stands as a poignant reminder of the historical events and the cultural legends of the region.

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Panoramic view across the beautiful Lake Bled, island church of the assumption of Mary, and hilltop castle at dawn, Slovenia.

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Accommodation: 4 nights in a single room (I can arrange extra nights if required)

All transport on workshop days

All tuition and guidance

Free ebook guide to photography

Flights

Lunch and Dinner

Travel insurance
(Guests must ensure they have their own travel insurance)

DSLR or Mirrorless users ideally (but some advanced compact or bridge SLRs may suit. Contact me to discuss whether your camera is suitable or not).

Relatively easy but good footwear needed. Most locations and viewpoints are close to where the car will be parked. There will be a fair bit of walking on grassy terrain which could likely be wet and muddy. Good sturdy, water resistant boots are advised.

(If coming from the UK I recommend Easyjet which flies direct from London Gatwick or Edinburgh to Ljubljana. Other nearby airports are Trieste in Italy or Venice, or Zagreb in Croatia. (Otherwise contact me for advice)

For other flights try:

Skyscanner

Ebookers

Airport parking:

If you are coming from the UK and driving to the airport, here are some useful airport parking websites:

Luton Airport parking

Or for any other airports check here

We will be based at Lake Bled. Bled is a 20-minute drive from the airport, or a 30-minute drive from Ljubljana. From Ljubljana airport, or the other airports nearby such as Venice, Trieste or Zagreb, I recommend you take the Go-Opti shuttle. Use this code to get a 5 euro discount on your first booking: RFLIBK8ABCQA

Alternatively if you plan to stay longer you might want to hire a car.

In spring the days can be quite mild to warm, but the mornings and evenings colder, so warm clothes. Ideally layers that can remove or put on as we’ll either be shooting before sunrise or after sunset, in the dark, when it will be colder.

Group bookings are available on request.
Contact me for more info

 

You can book online either by selecting the deposit option or paying the full price. Payment can be made either by bank transfer or by credit card using Stripe secure online payment service. Your credit card details will not be seen by me. Should you choose to save your details they will be stored on the Stripe server and not this website.

If your workshop is cancelled for any reason by me then a full refund will be given, or you will have the chance to join another group. Should you cancel for any reason after payment has been made then a full refund will be given up to one week before the workshop date, but after that a full refund will only be given if I have a minimum of three people on the date of your booking.

Full terms & conditions here.

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