THE SWEET LIGHT OF TUSCANY
photography workshop on the Mediterranean coast
with Frank Grisdale
June 19-27, 2010

An intense photo tour and field photography immersion for those who know how to work their photographic equipment. Maximum 8 students.

Join fine art photographer Frank Grisdale during the warmest low angled sunlight and focus on dawn and dusk skies over the Mediterranean Sea and the Tuscan countryside. Experience some of the most legendary places in Italy -- Rome, Florence, and the Tuscan wine region near Bolgheri -- in a small group setting with someone who knows and loves the country well.

HOW WE WILL WORK
We will arrive at our nearby shooting locations on foot or by bike and at our more distant locations by transport when the light is at its finest so you can be positioned to make fantastic early morning and late afternoon images.

In between the dawn and dusk shoots there will be time for you to sit with Frank in our lovely spot near the sea and review your results (bring your laptop) and watch him edit down the best of his results, get his opinion on what you should be keeping and rejecting, and learn how he works with his field results and builds his final images.

There will be ample opportunity to share experiences and techniques with other participants and Frank will be on hand to answer questions and help with specialized techniques in the field. More info on the workshop...

THE INSTRUCTOR
Frank Grisdale is a self-taught photographer whose early work was shaped by the vast spaces of Canada and the landscapes of Africa. His work has been exhibited internationally, and is in permanent government collections in Japan, Mexico, and Canada. He was recently named a Color Master by the UK based International Color Awards. Frank resides in Canada where he continues to experiment with his photographic technique. For Frank's full CV, visit www.frankgrisdale.com.

WHERE WE WILL STAY
In Rome we will stay at La Casa di Amy, a charming, conveniently located bed & breakfast. In Tuscany our small, cheery hotel Il Bersagliere is very near the sea in the lovely resort town of Castiglioncello with its marvelous beaches, buzzing centro and open air weekend market. It is also very well connected by bus and train. Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre and Florence are nearby.

Please be aware the accommodations are very nice but they are not luxury villas, ancient farmhouses or amenity-laden hotels. At this time of year in Italy we live outside and the environment is the spectacular thing. Our lodgings are tastefully decorated with inviting colours and have fans (AC in Rome), TVs, phones, wireless internet, daily maid service, and gracious, English speaking staff.

WHERE & WHAT WE WILL EAT
In Rome, we have a couple of fun group meals planned during which we'll teach you about the food and the Italian dining experience. One dinner will be traditional pasta/pizza at La Gallina Bianca and the other will be innovative cuisine based on traditional Roman recipes at Urbana 47.

In Tuscany, breakfast and dinner are at your leisure in the hotel's charming restaurant. Dinner includes a choice of a primo (usually a pasta) and a secondo (usually a meat or fish) plus fruit or dessert. Our daytrip to Florence includes lunch at Zeb Gastronomia, where delicious home cooking (including very Florentine fare) is served in modern, elegant surroundings.

WHAT WE WILL SEE
In addition to experiencing small town Italian life by the sea, we will go to some marvelous places:

-The Eternal City of Rome (2 nights); guided tour includes Colosseum & Forum
-Florence (day trip)
-Chiappini winery for their delightful tasting followed by lunch in the Medieval hamlet of Bolgheri

LA BELLA VITA
Above all, we hope during your time with us you discover la bella vita -- the beautiful life in which we slow down and take time to enjoy a place, its food, its art... and each other.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1, 2010