OVERVIEW 

Join renowned photographers Dave Brosha, Kahli April, and Kris Andres* on an unforgettable photography workshop in a land before time - the Azores.  

Picture yourself amidst a paradise of lush green landscapes, dramatic volcanic craters, and azure blue lakes that defy imagination. The Azores, with their rugged terrain and diverse geological features, offer a diverse playground for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. 

Located between Portugal (of which they're a part) and New York, this epic series of volcanically-formed islands are within a unique temperature zone which sees the area reasonably warm, lush and green even in November. A land of vistas, stunning drives, powerful natural features, calderas, sea stacks, sheep, good wine and food, and old European charm….the Azores are truly the Enchanted Islands.

Throughout this workshop, you'll receive expert guidance from our leader team, refining your composition, lighting, storytelling, and post-processing skills while en route. Don't miss this chance to capture the wonders of the Azore's with OFFBEAT!

Location: The Azores Islands of Sao Miguel, Faial, and Flores

Dates: Nov 5-14, 2025*  (please note the dates may shift by a few days, days to finalized by Nov/24)

Tour Leaders*: Dave Brosha, Kris Andres, and Kahli April. 

 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN 

• Learn to shoot both the intimate details of nature and capturing grand landscapes, with a village life thrown in.
• Astro photography and skills to shoot at night.
• Honing your vision as a storyteller in vast landscapes.
• How to develop your skills as a landscape photographer using filters and learning techniques such as long exposures.
• Developing your overall skills with your camera settings and equipment from beginner to pro.

 ITINERARY

(Note: subject to change)

Day 1  - Nov 5, 2025  // SAO MIGUEL ISLAND

After travelling to Sao Miguel and settling in your hotel, we will meet as a group with a delicious kick-off dinner at 6PM in the capital city of Ponta Delgada. Your group leaders will facilitate introductions and review the upcoming adventure and workshop in detail.

Day 2 - Nov 6, 2025 // SAO MIGUEL ISLAND

After breakfast we will set off on a big day of exploration and will photograph the Sete Cidades Massif, Furnas, and Ponta de Ferraria areas, returning to our hotel after sunset for dinner.

Day 3 - Nov 7, 2025 // TRAVEL TO FAIAL ISLAND

We will start the day with sunrise photography on Sao Miguel before checking out of the hotel and heading to the airport to fly to the picturesque island of Faial. We will check into our hotel in late afternoon, have a group dinner, and then set off for astrophotography if conditions allow.

Day 4 - Nov 8, 2025 // FAIAL ISLAND

Faial Island is a small island with stunning coastline. We will make the most of a big day of exploration, starting with sunrise photography and shooting until after sunset. If conditions allow, we will shoot astrophotography after dinner. This day will see us focus our attention on the erie volcanic area surrounding the Lighthouse of Ponta Dos Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores.

Day 5 - Nov 9, 2025 // FAIAL ISLAND

We will continue our exploration of this beautiful Island, spending time in the Island's capital of Horta. The group will spend time photographing its picturesque harbour and exploring its many narrow streets. This is a perfect "rest" day that will allow some time to enjoy a glass of wine in one of Horta's many restaurants/cafes.

Day 6 - Nov 10, 2025 // TRAVEL TO FLORES

After breakfast, we will depart for the Island of Flores - in our minds, the gem of the Azores. Flores boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the Azores, and the most picturesque drives in the world. We will do some roadside photography before checking into our hotel in mid-afternoon, followed by a sunset session.

Day 7 - Nov 11, 2025 //  FLORES

This will be a huge exploration of Flores, often described as an "Eden". This day will bring us to multiple waterfalls and the natural swimming pools of Santa Cruz das Flores.

Day 8 - Nov 12, 2025 // FLORES

We will continue our exploration of this lush photographic dream, including trips to the Poço do Bacalha waterfall and the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, which is a series of 20 waterfalls descending into a lake.

Day 9 - Nov 13, 2025 // FLY TO PONTA DELGADA

After morning sunrise photography around Flores, we fly back to the capital of Ponta Delgada on the largest island of Sao Miguel where we will check into our final night's hotel. This evening we will have a celebratory dinner and wine.

Day 10 - Nov 14, 2025 // PONTA DELGADA, DEPARTURE DAY

The workshop formally ends with after-breakfast transportation back to the airport.  Participants can choose to extend their stay on their (and perhaps explore other islands) if they so choose.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• Daily instructions/mentorship with Dave Brosha, Kahli April, and Kris Andres
• Accommodations (*based on double occupancy, single rooms available for additional supplement)
• All breakfasts during the workshop.
• Kick-off and finale dinner.
• Transporation in comfortable vans during the workshop.
• All "in Azores" flights between the various islands.
• All Park/Attraction Entrance Fees.
• Itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• International flights to or from the Azores to mainland Europe or North America.
• Lunches and Dinners (except initial and final dinner)
• Visa, vaccinations, passport fees
• Travel Insurance
• Souvenirs
• Gratuities & Tips for guides, servers, staff etc.
• Alcohol
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.
  

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $7900* (Based on double occupancy)

Payment options: Full payment or $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining four payments as listed below.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500

• Installment Payment #1 $1600 - July 30, 2024
• Installment Payment #2: $1600 - Jan 30, 2025
• Installment Payment #3: $1600 - April 30, 2025
• Installment Payment #4: $1600 - August 30, 2025

Single Room Supplement fee:  $1000

Note:  if you are interested in bringing your spouse/partner on this, we have a  discounted spousal/partner rate of $5000.

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, refunds will not be given but participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 PARTICIPANTS

• 8 minimum

We require a minimum of 8 participants in order to run this workshop. If the minimum numbers are not reached by June 2025 the workshop may be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.

 ACCOMMODATIONS

Your time for the duration of the workshop is split between comfortable hotels.

Important note:   please note that accommodations will be shared (two participants of the same sex per room). Accommodations are always made for friends/spouses traveling together to ensure you room together.  A single room may be available for a supplemental fee.

 WHAT TO EXPECT 

The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible with short hikes.

This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor + night photography, but participants are free to ask questions about and practice portrait photography as well. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite active in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop/tour. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length.

Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.