Autumn colors in Abruzzo

An educational experience for lovers of photography, who want to broaden their knowledge and discover beautiful places thanks to the expert support of some professionals of photography, and with the staff of Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park.

Abruzzo National Park, the most ancient park of Apennines, has had an important role in the conservation of some of the most important species of Italian fauna. Two-thirds of the Park are covered by beech forests, that are one of the biggest continuous extension of the Apennines. These beech forests are full of ancient specimens which allow the presence of some animal species, such as the Marsican Brown Bear and Lilford’s White-backed Woodpecker. In high altitude stony grounds, above the beech forest, we can find the mountain pine, that is rare in the Apennines. We can also find some species that live in these extreme environments, related to the vegetation of glacial periods, or we can find some endemic and localized species.

Choice of camera equipment;
Advices about photographic shooting;
How to use natural light;
Cleaning of camera equipment, recommendations for trips;
Exposure and focus: how to get the best from your camera;
How to use creatively the combination of aperture value and shutter speed;
How to use filters in landscape photography;

DAY 1 – Val Fondillo, tales of a special valley
Arrival in Pescasseroli (L’Aquila), in the morning check in and accommodation of participants in the hotel and introduction of the guide. At 2:00 pm there will be the presentation of the program and an introductory lesson in our offices, in Largo Molinari. Then, a short transfer by car and photo session through the woods and the springs of Val Fondillo. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
2h of walk · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent

DAY 2 – Terraegna, the enchanted forest
At dawn there will be a walk near Barrea Lake to spot grazing deers and in the morning. Beech forests and black pines give you a lot of photographic chances, observing the natural amphitheater of Camosciara. In the afternoon hike until the big plateau of Terraegna and visit of one of the old growth forest of the Park. After sunset, dinner and overnight stay.
4h of walk · 400 m ascent · 400 m descent

DAY 3 – Val Canneto, a sanctuary for humans and nature
In the late morning there will be a transfer by car in the Lazio side of the beautiful Canneto Valley; then packed lunch and photo session until late afternoon. Soft light of undergrowth give us the chance to observe the movement of water and to enhance creative photography. We will try to observe and to photograph a small population of Apennines Salamander (Salamandra salamandra gigliolii), that is present in this valley. In the evening departure of participants.
3h of walk · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent

Prices
€ 140 / photographer
€ 60 / participant not photographer

Umberto Esposito is a mountain guide entered on the register of Alpine Guides of the Abruzzo Region and a naturalist photographer. He works between Abruzzo and Molise regions where, among the immense beech forests in the mountains or in the meadows, you can still see some extraordinary animal species. At the end of the nineties the encounter with the bears of the valley and the emotion for the first photographs guided him to what has become his job. Growing he has explored and loved these mountains. He is the creator and the director of Wildlife Adventures project and now he tries to convey the emotions he felt when he was young to those who walk along the paths and the mountains of Central Apennines with him. He has published pictures and articles on Oasis, Trekking&Outdoor, DOVE Viaggi, DRepubblica, Speciale “Qui Touring” of Touring Club Italiano. It’s co-author of the project Forestbeat and of the book Il Segreto dei Giganti, to sustain the nomination of the Apennine beech forests as “UNESCO World Heritage Site” Lazio e Molise.

Accommodation can be organized by our tour leader, or organized in your own.

The hotels are cosy and family managed with shared rooms. Breakfasts will be continental style there will be a wide range of homemade bread, cheeses, honey, cakes and cereals and muesli to fuel you up for the morning. While for dinner will be a typical dishes. A packed lunch of sandwiches, fruit and nuts is provided for the daytime in the little shop in the village.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request on your passenger info form.

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: at 2.000 mt above sea level, in summertime too, it could be very cold. You must have hiking boots.

During the workshop we dedicate the whole day to the shooting phase, there will be a session in the classroom, the itineraries are planned to obtain the best of photographic shooting. Therefore, the laptop is not required. At the end of photographic weekend you will be invited in a private group where you can share your pictures with the tour leader and the participants, to comment and analyze the work.

SUGGESTED PHOTO EQUIPMENT
Wide angle zoom (es. 16-35 on full frame)
Medium tele zoom (es. 24-70 or 24-120 on full frame)
Telephoto zoom (es. 70-200 or 70-300 on full frame)
Macro lens (es. 60 or 105 on full frame)
Filters (circular polarizer, ND, GND, etc.)
Cleaning kit with air blower pump, microfiber cloth

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
CLOTHING
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Lightweight trousers
Lightweight t-shirts
Worn in hiking boots or shoes
Warm hat
Thin gloves

BAG AND SLEEPING
Rucksack (40+ litres)
Raincover
Headlamp
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 1 litre)