Locations we can photograph on this Workshop
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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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Google Map API Key TutorialWhy a private workshop? With a private workshop you can get my undivided attention, plus I can take you to locations that are not suitable for large groups, but ideal for 2 or 3 people. The workshop can also be tailored to your needs and interests.
Starts: Friday afternoon 17th 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 20th April after a sunrise photoshoot.
Accommodation is included from Fri- Mon (3 nights). We will be staying in the lovely Penzion Mayer, just a 5-minute walk to the lakeside.
Join me, Ian Middleton, for a private Slovenia 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 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
Fri 17th Apr – Sunset 19:54
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
Sat 18th Apr – Sunrise 06:12 – Sunset 19:55
Locations:
Jamnik Church, Vodnik Viewpoint, Bohinj Valley, Lake Bohinj
We’ll leave the guesthouse at 4:30am 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.
We’ll have lunch at Lake Bohinj, then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring the lake from all angles, and end here with a sunset and dusk shoot.
Day 3
Sun 19th Apr – Sunrise 06:10 – Sunset 19:56
Locations:
Saint Thomas Church, Srednji Vrh, Pericnik Waterfall, Lake Jasna
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.
After lunch we’ll head to Pericnik Waterfall, then on to Kranjska Gora for a sunset shoot at Lake Jasna.
Day 4
Mon 20th Apr – Sunrise 06:08
Sunrise at Lake Bled
For the last morning, we’ll return to Lake Bled for hopefully a misty dawn and sunrise
Check out after breakfast and end of workshop.
- 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
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Accommodation: 3 nights in a single room (I can arrange extra nights if required)
All transport on workshop days
All tuition and guidance
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 to Ljubljana, or British Airways from Heathrow to Ljubljana. Other nearby airports are Trieste in Italy or Venice, or Zagreb in Croatia. (Otherwise contact me for advice)
Airport parking:
If you are coming from the UK and driving to the airport, here are some useful airport parking websites:
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, 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.