- Length & Dates: 7 Nights | Mar 20-27, 2026 | Nov 12-19, 2026
- Description: A photography-focused practicum to improve & share skills while capturing Crete’s famous historical, cultural and photogenic landscapes in seasonal light. Morning & evening field trips during the magic-light hours will alternate with sessions to share work and techniques, as we learn from & enjoy the camaraderie of others in the group. With a day-long seminar & critique from a professional Greek landscape photographer, this is a great program that will use an inspirational place and inspirational colleagues to inspire great photographs from each participant.
- Who Should Come: Anyone who loves or wants to learn more about the art & craft of taking great photographs and wants to share that passion with others. Field trips and sharing-sessions will allow those with strengths in some areas (lighting, composition, etc.) to help others while learning from others in the group. A willingness to share, learn from, and enjoy the company of others is all you need.
- Limitations: Participants must bring a digital camera, as we will share work digitally and without film or dark-room facilities. (Phone-cameras are not recommended but will suffice if the person understands the camera’s limits and wants to expand their own skills beyond nominal use.)
- Highlights:
- Lodging among the olive groves of Western Crete at beautiful Villa Koukouvayia Farms.
- Morning & Evening-Light field sessions at dramatic locations such as Elafonisi Beach, Xania’s Old-Town, Omalos Plateau, and the Kallergi Refuge above famous Samaria Gorge.
- A one-day seminar and customized 1-on-1 critique with a local professional photographer.
- Post-production & sharing sessions with supportive critique and commentary from others.
- Free day for individual exploration.
- Great meals & social times to deepen friendships with those we’ve brought & develop friendships with those newly met.
- Cost: €1,950 | Group Size: 6 (min) to 12 (max) | Min Enrollment Deadline: 31 Jan ‘26
- Pricing Discounts & Options:
- 5% discount for groups of 3 or more signing up together.
- 5% discount for sign-ups received before 31 December, 2025.
- €200 discount for sharing Villa Koukouvayia’s no-view “Swallow’s Nest” bedroom.
- $250/€350 discounts for accepting triple-occupancy or quad-occupancy accommodations when available.
- €500 supplement available for private room accommodations.
- €500 supplement available for Villa Koukouvayia’s luxury suite.
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👋 Welcome to Villa Koukouvayia!
Hi! We're Heidi and Richard. After 23 years on Crete and in Greece, we're excited to share our corner of the world with you.
We've crafted four unique, hassle-free retreats for 2026, combining adventure, history, culture, and, of course, amazing food and friendship.
The retreat dates start with the March Photographer's Collaborative and run through the November Olive Harvest.
Ready to explore? Get in touch and let the planning begin!
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