"Dog Photography and Mindfulness Adventure"
Dolomites, Italian Alps
A new way of experiencing photography… with your own dog
Slow down, mindfulness, wellness
Unleash your creativity
Learning shooting techniques, sharing with your pairs
Streams, waterfalls, night in a refuge under the milky way
Living the flow of the nature with your camera
Capturing unique moments
Feeling the peace and the connection with your dog
Understanding a new dog photography to capture its meaning
Let's see what is expecting you...
Adventure
A new way of experiencing dog photography…
Because we are passionate about dog photography, because we want to slow down the rythm of our hectic lives, because our dogs teach us how to live in the moment...
We offer you an exclusive new experience: the Dog Photograpy and Mindfulness adventure on the Dolomites, Italian Alps.
For 5 full days (6 nights), accompanied by your own dog if you wish, we will walk between streams and waterfalls, on the spectacular mountain paths...
Mixing photography and mindfulness, slowing down the time, we will reconnect with our essentials and discover the beauty of the Dolomites through our lenses, in consciousness and with a liberated mind, leaving all the space for our creativity.
You will benefit from my teaching of shooting techniques and share a unique experience with other photographers, staying in a cozy hotel with wellness.
Are you tempted to photograph your dog on a tip of a mountain at sunrise, in front of a waterfall, under the starry sky and to spend a night with him at altitude in a refuge? Register now!
Overview of that unique experience
About details :
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Date : from 20 to 26 July 2025
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Where : Dolomites, Località Calamento, 38050 Telve Italia
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Accomodation : Hotel Aurai, in a single or double room, spa, wellness included
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Number of spots : 10
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Price : ALL INCLUSIVE with hotel and meals included (see details below). Choose your option:
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4.500 euro (6 x 750)
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4.050 euro (3 x 1.350) => SAVE 450 euro
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3.500 euro (one payment) => SAVE 1.000 euro
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Photography level : from beginner to advanced, for amateurs and professionals
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Physical level : light moderate trekking
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Material : camera, lenses, laptop
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Topics : Dog photography (portrait and action) and mindfulness in breathtaking mountain landscapes
What is included ?
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6 nights accommodation (5 at the hotel and 1 at the refuge), one dog included
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Breakfasts, lunches and dinners with non-alcoholic drinks
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Access to the spa and wellness
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Transfers to the shooting spots
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Head torch and gym mat
What is not included ?
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Flights/transportation to the hotel (supplement)
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Travel insurance
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Dog's food
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Trekking and photo equipment
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Extra drinks
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Extra nights
Schedule:
Day 1
Free arrival in the afternoon. Accommodation in the room.
Introductory evening of the workshop with a dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
First mindfulness experience in the forest where I'll guide you to some techniques to connect with your dog - teaching of the basic and advanced informations about the camera settings, shooting techniques and then practice with a shooting in the Pupille's magical forest. Lunch at the Hotel. In the first afternoon we'll check the photos of the morning all together. Then, we'll reach the stream and little waterfalls in Val Calamento for an unforgettable sunset shooting. Dinner at the Hotel.
Day 3
The third day, we'll drive to the unique waterfall of Castello Tesino for a portrait shooting in that magical place. We will also experiment new way of taking pictures. After a lunch in a typical restaurant, we'll experience a shooting of “Disc Dog” in the waterfall's field, surrounded by the mountains. Dinner at the Hotel. After dinner we will have a briefing all together watching the photos of the day.
Day 4
The morning will be devoted to shootings in Val Calamento, mixing stream, waterfall and forest spots. After lunch at the hotel, we'll drive to the departure of the trekking to the amazing refuge Consèria.
At that magical place, we'll enjoy a shooting at sunset before dinner in the refuge and then I'll teach you to shoot your dog in the tent under the starry sky and the milky way. We'll sleep in the refuge, with our dogs.
Day 5
In the very early hours of the morning when it's still dark, we'll walk with head torches to the summit "Socede" (2173 m) and after enjoying mindfullness in that peaceful place with our dogs, we'll experiment a sunrise shooting on the peak to catch the magic.
After sharing a breakfast on the summit, we'll walk down to the lake "Lasteati" for another fantastic shooting.
After the trekking back to the parking, we'll enjoy a lunch at the typical "Maggiolena" restaurant and then go back to the hotel for a free afternoon to rest after that great adventure and relax in the spa and wellness before a convivial dinner.
Day 6
After breakfast, we'll walk with a very light trekking to the beautiful lake "BUSE" and shoot our dogs in that exceptional place. We'll lunch at the "Passo Mangen" before going back to the hotel.
The afternoon will be dedicated to share our feelings about that week of adventure and emotions, have a look on your photos and I'll explain you my editing of one we'll choose together.
We'll close the week by a dinner in the very typical refuge "Il Crucolo" and visit their wine and cheese cellar.
Day 7
After breakfast, everybody will come back home, the head full of emotions and memories.
The times are communicated for information purposes and are likely to change according to the weather and the times of sunrise and sunset.
The teacher : Claudio Piccoli
Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Claudio, hailing from the picturesque village of Ivrea nestled in Italy. Alongside me is my beloved companion, Leep, a spirited border collie who has shared my journey for the past nine years. I've had the pleasure of training her myself, and whenever possible, she accompanies me on my photography workshops, adding an extra dash of joy to the experience.
As a professional photographer specialized in the captivating realm of "dog photography," I've had the honor of being recognized as a Nikon Ambassador for Italy and a Nikon School Master. Additionally, I've collaborated on the creation of the esteemed "Master di Fotografia" program in partnership with Corriere della Sera, Gazzetta dello Sport, and Nikon.
My journey into dog photography stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for canines, which naturally evolved into a love for capturing their essence through the lens. Over the years, I've discovered immense fulfilment in merging my passion for dogs with the artistry of photography, continuously striving to enhance both my craft and my life through these cherished companionships.
Recognising the complexities inherent in dog photography, I've made it my mission to share my wealth of knowledge and experience through photography workshops held worldwide. Transforming my once-hobby into a fulfilling career, I'm driven by a profound sense of purpose to educate others while championing the welfare of dogs in need.
During my workshops, I endeavour to unveil the vast world of dog photography, particularly in the realm of action shots, highlighting its transformative impact on both personal and professional lives. Each photograph tells a unique tale, and I pour my heart and soul into every shot and editing process, aiming to showcase each dog in the best possible light, evoking admiration from viewers worldwide.
In essence, my journey is fueled by an unwavering love for dogs and a deep-rooted passion for capturing their boundless spirit through the lens, all while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.
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Which gear do you I need?DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lens - for portrait shootings: wide lenses like 35mm and/or 24mm and/or 14mm (also zoom lenses like 14-24mm are welcome), 50mm and/or 85mm and/or 105 are perfect (24-70mm, 70-200mm, 70-300mm are good as well if you have it) - for action shooting: (focal length from 200 to 300mm or equivalent are perfect for action. This means that these lenses are ok: 70-200mm, 70-300mm, 200mm, 300mm).
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In which language is the workshop ?I will speak English.
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Which clothes do I need to participate the workshop ?You can wear whatever you prefer to feel comfortable with yourself. During the trekking and shooting instead, I suggest wearing comfortable sport clothes, trekking shoes, a towel to dry the equipments or yourself when we are at the streams and waterfalls, and some changes in case you get wet (socks, pants, etc.). I suggest also to bring a portable water bottle to fill every day before leaving the hotel.
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What happens in the case of rain ?We will be shooting in nature and it's normal that it can rain sometimes. Dogs usually love the rain! I strongly suggest to bring waterproof protection for your camera and lenses (you can find them in amazon for cheap prices around 10-20 euro) and bring a raincoat for protecting yourself. Or else.... Plastic black bags and black tape work too!
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Which photography level is required to participate ?It is necessary that you know the basics of using your camera, including shooting in manual or with aperture priority. Amateur and professional are welcome because during the workshop I will guide you individually.
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Can I participate if I don't have a dog?Yes, you can participate and your shooting models will be the dogs of your pairs.
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Can my partner follow me in this adventure?Yes, we will ask him/her to pay 2.000 euro for Hotel, meals and restaurants, keeping in mind that it won't be possible to follow us everywhere in the shootings.
