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A two-day field workshop dedicated to nature photography. An experience accessible to all, designed to introduce you to photography and nature.
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€ 99,00
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Located in the heart of the Maremma Tuscany, This area represents one of the richest territories in biodiversity in central Italy. During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to explore two of the most important natural areas in the region: the Maremma Park and the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve. The Maremma Park, established in 1975, extends over 9,000 hectares of coastal pine forests, pastures, sand dunes, wetlands, and Mediterranean scrub. Thanks to its wide variety of habitats, it is home to a rich wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for observing and photographing deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey, and numerous other species typical of the Mediterranean environment. The Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve is one of Italy's most important wetlands and a major stopover and wintering site for migratory birds along the Tyrrhenian coast. This vast lagoon environment hosts year-round flamingos, herons, marsh harriers, ducks, waders and many other species related to aquatic ecosystems. During the most favorable seasons, it's also possible to observe and photograph cranes and greylag geese. The combination of these two environments allows for a complete photographic experience, alternating the search for typical Mediterranean mammals with birdlife photography in the spectacular Maremma wetlands, immersed in some of Tuscany's most evocative landscapes.
Hotel not included in the price
Andrea Benvenuti
Edward Ciavattini
A unique experience designed for those who want to take their first steps in the world of nature photography.
This two-day workshop is ideal for those who want to approach this discipline and discover the basics of narrating nature through images.
You'll be accompanied by professional nature photographers on a journey that combines theory and practice. Through stakeouts, active research outings, and monitoring activities, you'll learn fundamental techniques and approaches for photographing wildlife and landscapes while fully respecting the animals and their habitats.
From the wetlands, home to thousands of migratory birds and elegant colonies of pink flamingos, to the hinterland populated by fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, and even the mysterious wolf, each activity will be designed to guide you step by step through the discovery of nature photography and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Maremma.
For those who do not have their own equipment, it will be possible to take advantage of special photography rental offers, with complete kits designed to allow anyone to fully enjoy this experience and experiment in the field with professional tools.
The training course begins with a introductory theoretical lesson In the hotel classroom, a professional biologist and nature photographer will guide participants through the fundamental steps of nature photography. The presentation will provide the foundation for understanding how to observe, interpret, and narrate nature with respect and awareness. We will move straight from theory to practice: in the afternoon we will enter the Maremma Park For a first field trip, dedicated to recognizing animal signs, analyzing the environment, and learning the correct approach methods. With the help of accompanying photographers, you'll learn how to set up a photographic hide, using Camouflage and other equipment provided to ensure an authentic and discreet experience. The next morning we will move to the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve, one of Tuscany's most important wetlands for birdlife. The photo session will alternate observation sessions from a hide with itinerant activities throughout the reserve's various environments, offering the opportunity to photograph flamingos, herons, ducks, waders and numerous other species linked to lagoon ecosystems. During the most favorable periods, it will also be possible to observe and photograph cranes and greylag geese during migration and wintering. After lunch, we will return to the Maremma Park to continue our field experience. Through itinerant activities, we will explore different habitats in search of the mammals that inhabit this protected area, putting into practice the techniques learned during the workshop and refining our approach to nature photography. For those who do not have their own equipment, it will be possible to take advantage of special photographic rental offers, with complete kits designed to allow anyone to fully enjoy this experience and experiment in the field with professional tools. This gradual approach, which combines theory, observation, and field practice, will make the workshop a perfect opportunity to acquire concrete skills and experience nature photography through two of the most representative and fascinating environments in the world. Maremma Tuscany.
For those who do not have their own equipment, it will be possible to take advantage of special photography rental offers, with complete kits designed to allow anyone to fully enjoy this experience and experiment in the field with professional tools.
This gradual approach, combining theory, observation, and field practice, will make the workshop a perfect opportunity to acquire concrete skills and experience nature photography in the extraordinary setting of the Maremma Park.
The meeting point And accommodation for the start of the tour will be at the
Hotel Restaurant Le Querciolaie dei Ricci, a welcoming and well-kept structure, located in an ideal position to easily reach the main photographic locations of the area.
The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional local cuisine, and common areas perfect for relaxing after field activities.
Here we will also have a room dedicated to theoretical lessons, where we will explore topics related to nature photography and preparation for outings.
The group dinners and the evenings together They will represent a special opportunity to exchange ideas, analyze the day's shots, and fully experience the spirit of the trip.
A place with attention to detail, immersed in tranquility and designed to offer us comfort, conviviality and inspiration —the ideal starting point for our photographic adventure in Italy's national parks.
Find out how the days will unfold and which activities make up the experience
Meet in the morning at the accommodation and have an introductory lesson in nature photography. We'll then move to the field for a first exploratory outing dedicated to knowledge of the territory: we will analyze traces and signs of the presence of fauna and we will study the habitat main ones.
From this introductory phase we will move on to a first stakeout with 3D camouflage clothing in a woodland or clearing environment, looking for the most active subjects in the evening hours, such as deer, foxes and, with a bit of luck, other forest species.
In recent years the wolf It is increasingly present in the park, and although direct observation remains rare, we will study it tracks, behaviors and areas frequented, learning to recognize the signs on the territory.
Return to the facility for a group dinner and a time to discuss the day's sightings.
Wake up before dawn and transfer to the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve, one of the most important wetlands in Tuscany and a reference point for birdlife photography
The morning will be dedicated to the observation and photography of aquatic birds, alternating sessions from the cabin with itinerant photography along the reserve's paths. We will have the opportunity to photograph flamingos, herons, egrets, ducks, waders and numerous other species associated with lagoon environments. During the most favorable periods, it will also be possible to observe cranes and greylag geese during migration and wintering.
During the session, the following will be discussed in depth: topics related to bird photography, at the light management in the early hours of the day, at composition in open environments and observing animal behavior.
Free lunch or lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon we will return to the Maremma Park for a new session of traveling photography dedicated to mammals and the typical fauna of the Mediterranean scrub. We will explore the park's various habitats in search of deer, wild boars, foxes, roe deer and birds of prey, putting into practice the techniques learned during the workshop.
We will end the weekend with a photo session at sunset, taking advantage of the best lighting conditions to create environmental images and behavioral photography of wildlife.
End of activities in the late afternoon, farewells and return.
A Tuscan nature photographer, he cultivated a passion for photography from a young age, driven by a desire to experience and capture the nature that surrounds him. Raised in the heart of Maremma, between the Maremma Natural Park and the Orbetello Lagoon, he developed a deep connection with wild environments and the wildlife that inhabits them. His work focuses on mammal and bird photography, adopting an ethical and respectful approach that values the animals' natural behavior. Through his shots, he tells stories of balance and freedom, seeking to convey authentic emotions and an awareness of nature conservation. His images have won awards in competitions and been published in nature photography magazines and platforms.
Nature photographer from Rome, he has cultivated a passion for photography since the age of 18, fascinated by the animal world since he was a child. Having graduated in Environmental Sciences with a thesis on the man-wolf conflict, he then obtained a master's degree in Ecobiology. Develop global photography projects integrated with bird and mammal conservation initiatives. He has won national and international competitions and published in magazines such as National Geographic.

Nature photographer from Rome, he has cultivated a passion for photography since the age of 18, fascinated by the animal world since he was a child. Having graduated in Environmental Sciences with a thesis on the man-wolf conflict, he then obtained a master's degree in Ecobiology. Develop global photography projects integrated with bird and mammal conservation initiatives. He has won national and international competitions and published in magazines such as National Geographic.

A Tuscan nature photographer, he cultivated a passion for photography from a desire to experience and capture the natural world around him. Raised in the heart of Maremma, between the Maremma Natural Park and the Orbetello Lagoon, he maintains a genuine connection with its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife. His work captures the moment when gazes meet, expressing emotions of strength, fragility, and harmony in stories of nature and freedom. For him, nature is balance and wonder, a world to be experienced and protected.















Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips















Signing up is easy!
Just follow the booking procedure by clicking on “Book Now” at the top of the page. After entering your personal information, you'll be asked to pay for the workshop via bank transfer, PayPal, or card. You can contact the support team if you require other payment methods.
At the end of the operation the registration will be confirmed, and you will receive an official confirmation email with your order number once the procedure is completed.
The meeting point and overnight stay will be at Hotel Restaurant Le Querciolaie dei Ricci, located near Talamone, in the heart of the Maremma.
The structure is surrounded by nature and offers an ideal position to easily reach the photographic locations of the workshop.
The cost is €85 for a double room and €75 for a single room with breakfast included.
The meeting with the group is planned at 11:00 in the morning on the first day, directly at the hotel.
Important note
Close to the event, all participants will be placed in a dedicated WhatsApp group, where they will receive detailed information on what to bring, updated timetables, conditions weather forecast and any other useful communication to best prepare for the experience.
The workshop is suitable for everyone, even those with no experience or professional equipment.
To participate, you will also need binoculars, ideal for those who want to gradually approach nature photography.
For photographers, we recommend using SLR, mirrorless, or bridge cameras with lenses of at least 300mm, and—if available—a tripod for stakeouts.
In the Maremma Regional Park, at the end of October, temperatures vary on average between 10°C and 20°C. We recommend that you bring:
During our stakeouts, we use camouflage material to minimize disturbance to the animals. If you don't have one, you can rent a complete kit (pants, jacket, and blanket) for €10, or purchase individual items (pants, jacket, poncho/blanket, gloves, and hood) upon prior order.
Important note
Close to the event, all participants will be placed in a dedicated WhatsApp group, where they will receive detailed information on what to bring, updated timetables, conditions weather forecast and any other useful communication to best prepare for the experience.
This workshop is designed for all nature and photography lovers, without experience limits.
It's an event base, ideal for those who want to learn to approach wildlife in an ethical way.
An educational, engaging, and accessible experience for all, to experience nature photography while respecting nature and its rhythms.
Important note
Close to the event, all participants will be placed in a dedicated WhatsApp group, where they will receive detailed information on what to bring, updated timetables, conditions weather forecast and any other useful communication to best prepare for the experience.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
Sabina Capoferri16/04/2024Mio marito ed io abbiamo partecipato al viaggio in Costa Rica organizzato da Just Explorers con Michele Bavassano e Sharon Vanadia. Esperienza fotografica fantastica, ottima organizzazione e professionalità. Un viaggio completo che comprende i Lowlands e Highlands per poter vedere e fotografare un'enorme varietà di specie diverse. Consigliamo vivamente di fare quest'esperienza. Conserveremo un ottimo ricordo e sicuramente faremo altri viaggi con loro!wouter faasse08/04/2024We hebben genoten van de workshop in Costa Rica. Alles was goed geregeld van de lodges en het eten tot aan de foto sessies. Dit was onze 4e reis met Sharon en Michele en zeker niet de laatste!ANDREA MAZZOLI04/04/2024Costa Rica Tropical Wildlife - Just Explorer con Michele BAVASSANO e Sharon VANADIA. Un viaggio fotografico nell’entroterra del Costa Rica appagante e appassionante, che consiglio a tutti i fotografi, perché in grado di regalare momenti e scatti esaltanti !!gian luca Toncelli03/04/2024che dire …. è stata per me la quinta esperienza Wild Life con Michele e Sharon, ed e’ proprio grazie a loro ed alla loro straordinaria professionalità che ogni volta imparo sempre di più….. ma soprattutto sono persone fantastiche disponibili ed estremamente preparate. grazie davvero !!!! non vedo l’ora di ripartire con loro !!! una nuova avventura mi aspetta !!! l’ho gia’ prenotata!!! e sarà l’ennesima nuova meravigliosa esperienza Wild life pura !!!!! grazie ragazzi 💪💪💪marcondes pereira03/03/2024WE HAD A DREAM TRIP. ALL PLANNING AND LOGISTICS CARRIED OUT VERY WELL, INCLUDING THE CHOICE OF THE SUITABLE LOCATION AND TIME OF YEAR TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH INCREDIBLE ANIMALS AND STUPENDOUS LANDSCAPE, ALL IN COMPLETE SAFETY AND WITH THE COMPANY OF EXPERIENCED GUIDES. PERFECT FOR ENJOYING NATURE AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.TIVEMOS UMA VIAGEM DOS SONHOS. TODO PLANEJAMENTO E LOGÍSTICA MUITO BEM REALIZADO, INCLUINDO A ESCOLHA DO LOCAL E ÉPOCA DO ANO ADEQUADOS PARA ENTRAR EM CONTATO COM INCRÍVEIS ANIMAIS E ESTUPENDAS PAISAGENS, TUDO COM TOTAL SEGURAÇA E CONTANDO COM A COMPANHIA DE EXPERIENTES GUIAS. PERFEITO PARA APRECIAR A NATUREZA E FAZER NOVOS AMIGOS. ALTAMENTE RECOMENDÁVEL.Virginio Passera26/02/2024Mi è stato regalato il workshop "Winter gran paradiso" dai miei familiari, regalo azzeccatissimo,sono stati 4 giorni intensi e meravigliosi nella splendida Valsavarenche.I nostri accompagnatori Sharon e Jonathan sono stati splendidi,sempre disponibili per consigli e suggerimenti su come scattare e avvicinare gli animali presenti.consigliatissimoWanda Serrao25/02/2024Gran Paradiso, 4 giorni meravigliosi, Sharon e Jonathan bravissimi, molto competenti e professionali, oltre che simpaticissimi. Posti meravigliosi dove è stato possibile fotografare stambecchi, camosci, volpi avvicinandoci con rispetto ma garantendo ottime posizioni per lo scatto. Consiglierei a chiunque di fare workshop con loro.JOAQUIN FUENTES05/02/2024Michele and Sharon were the best hosts a photographer could ask for. They are two of my heroes and are some of the best wildlife photographers in the world. This was the trip of a lifetime! We had luxury accommodations and 5 star meals daily. Each photographer had our own row in the vehicles. Highly recommend booking with Michele through his official website if you’re interested in any type of wildlife photography tour. We had all advanced photographers on our trip, but I understand that all levels are welcome to join. What a fun group and experience! Note that the all inclusive photography experience actually cost much less than what you would have to pay on your own! It would have cost around twice as much to reserve the rooms, transfers and private vehicle for a week. I’m really looking forward to my next tour with Michele and Sharon!Josef Gelernter04/02/2024It was truly an amazing and unforgettable experience ! Extremely well organized and managed ! I have to thank Sharon and Michele for their wonderful support and guidance ! They both are not only fantastic photographers, but also wonderful tour leaders ! I would go on any tour with them as it is well worth every single penny spent ! Thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart Sharon and Michele and see you very soon on another of your tours ! All the best ! JoeFrancesca Baravelli02/12/2023Ho partecipato al workshop Winter sibillini con Jonathan e Michele, è stato tutto emozionante, divertente e professionale. Due giorni fuori dalla realtà immersi in un contesto paesaggistico unico nel suo genere. Assolutamente da consigliare a tutti gli amanti della natura e della fotografia naturalistica!Valutazione complessiva Google 5.0 su 5, in base a 148 recensioni
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