Slovenia Lakes and Mountains

A small country it may be, but Slovenia is packed full of treasures. A landscape characterised by towering mountains, picture-perfect lakes, deep gorges and the most incredible turquoise rivers; this is an area of immense natural beauty, rich in photographic opportunities. The northernmost Alpine region is the focus of our four-day workshop as we take in Slovenia’s stunning lakes and mountains. Triglav national park, which contains a range of mountains known as the Julian Alps, is nothing short of breathtaking. Its jewel is Lake Bled, a glacial lake in the foothill of the Julian Alps. Picturesque Bled Island, with its 15th-century church, set against the backdrop of a medieval castle and towering mountains, is one of the most photogenic spots in the area. This photography workshop has been timed for the autumn colours; a fabulous time to visit. At this time of the year, there is also a high possibility of misty mornings, adding further atmosphere to the landscape. Just a short drive away lies the picturesque valley of Bohinj. Its lake, backed by mountain peaks and surrounded by colourful beech woods, offers beautiful reflections and is especially magical at dawn. Two very picturesque churches are found in this area and we’ll be photographing them both. St Primoz’s church, near Jamnik, is one of the most beautifully located and a magical sight early in the morning. The other; the church of Saint Thomas with a backdrop of the towering Kamnik Alps, is one of Slovenia’s most iconic views. The dramatic 1.6-kilometre long Vintgar Gorge is another of our locations. Carved by the Radovna River 150m deep into the mountains, its’ waterfalls, pools and fast flowering waters provide plenty of opportunities for photography. A visit to Slovenia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Soča valley, which lies in the heart of the Julian Alps. Home to turquoise rivers and breathtaking waterfalls, we’ll be taking time to explore this area, travelling over the spectacular Vršič Pass en-route to capture some dramatic alpine scenery. One of the most impressive waterfalls here is Kozjak. At fifteen metres high, it is located in a striking rocky amphitheatre with a beautiful emerald green pool at its base. Our base here is Pension Mayer, a comfortable mid-range guest house situated in the heart of Bled, just a short distance from the lake. We’ll be rising at dawn each day to make the most of the soft light and to hopefully catch some early morning mist. The days are not long at this time of year, with later sunrises and sunsets. We’ll also take the time when possible to critique some of the images we have taken, before dinner at a carefully chosen Slovenian restaurant, where we will have the chance to try the local cuisine.