There is a specific moment at Lake Bled, right before sunrise, when the autumn mist hangs over the water and everything goes quiet. Then the light hits, and the church silhouette cuts through the fog. It’s the shot every photographer dreams of. This workshop is built entirely around these moments. We aren’t here for quick snapshots; we are here to capture the moody, atmospheric side of the Alps.
Small Group. Expert Guidance. Unforgettable Scenes.
On this 7-day Slovenia photography tour, you will go far beyond the standard postcard locations. We handle every logistical detail so you can focus entirely on chasing the light and the drama. You will explore the emerald torrents of the Soča River valley, framing waterfalls against fiery red foliage, and wander through traditional villages where ancient hayracks stand guard in the morning fog. From the rugged peaks of the Triglav National Park to the mirrored reflections of Lake Bohinj, every stop is timed to capture nature’s most spectacular show.
Whether you are mastering long exposures in the Mostnica Gorge or refining your composition with a hilltop church in frame, you’ll be doing it in a small, supportive group with expert guidance by your side. We don’t just take you to places; we take you to the right place at the perfect moment. Experience the Julian Alps at their most atmospheric.
TOUR INFO
| Dates | Oct 12 – 18, 2026 – only 3 spots available! Oct 11 – 17, 2027 – Confirmed On Request – choose your dates |
| Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Group size | 3 – 6 guests |
| Price | €2650 |
| Single Supplement | €400 |
| Pro | Jaka Ivančič or Luka Esenko |
| Arrival | Ljubljana Airport |
| Departure | Ljubljana Airport |
Who is it for?
This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, who share a passion for landscape and nature photography. It is perfect for those who value authentic local experiences and want to go beyond the guidebooks, appreciating the first-hand knowledge and unique insights that only a local guide can provide.
Activity level
Moderate & Rewarding. We believe the best views are earned, but we aren’t mountaineering. Expect moderate walks on established trails (20-40 mins) to reach our shooting spots. If you can walk up a few flights of stairs comfortably, you’ll be fine! Sturdy hiking boots are a must to keep you comfortable on the trails.
In May 2014 I participated in a photography Bootcamp run by two excellent photographers, Luka Esenko and his co leader Jeremy Woodhouse. We were a small group and... read more
March 27, 2020
I had wanted to go to the Plitvice lakes in Croatia for a while and it was all i hoped it would be thanks to Lukas' amazing guiding. We took... read more
March 25, 2020
We had a great time with Luka during the 2020's winter. The accommodation provided was simple but very comfortable, everybody was welcoming. We also enjoyed the food - we would... read more
February 2, 2020
Slovenia Photography Tour ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrival & The Golden Hour at Lake Bled
Your Slovenia photography tour begins the moment you touch down. We pick you up from Ljubljana Airport and transfer you directly to the heart of the Julian Alps: Lake Bled. Depending on the light, we’ll head straight out for our first session. We aim to capture the “blue hour” over the lake, where the illuminated church on the island contrasts beautifully with the cooling alpine twilight. We wrap up with a welcome dinner, getting to know your fellow photographers and discussing the strategy for the week.
Days 2–3:
Misty Lakes & Alpine Gorges (Bled & Bohinj)
We dedicate these two days to chasing the specific conditions that make Slovenia world-famous. Our mornings are split between the shore of Lake Bled—waiting for that first light to hit the island—and the high ridges above. We will take you to the iconic hilltop churches of Jamnik and St. Thomas, perfectly positioned against the backdrop of the Kamnik Alps. These spots are all about layers; we wait for the mist to separate the foreground church from the mountains, creating that classic painterly look. Later in the day, we shift focus to the wilder Lake Bohinj. Here, the mountains drop straight into the water, offering dramatic reflections. We’ll also explore the surrounding villages to photograph traditional hayracks (kozolec) and alpine architecture, documenting a rural lifestyle that is disappearing elsewhere in Europe.
Days 4–6:
The Emerald River & High Passes (Soča Valley)
We leave the lakes behind and drive over the Vršič Pass, the highest road in Slovenia. The views here are jagged and dramatic—perfect for telephoto compression shots of the limestone peaks of Triglav National Park. Descending into the Soča River Valley, the landscape changes completely. The water here is a shocking, vibrant emerald. We will hike along the riverbanks to find hidden gorges and waterfalls, using polarizing filters to cut the glare and reveal the river’s incredible color against the autumn foliage. We also explore WWI remnants and chase the light in the high alpine meadows near the Italian border.
Departure from Slovenia
We squeeze in one final sunrise shoot to capture any atmospheric conditions we might have missed—perhaps a final layer of fog over the river or a sunstar bursting over the ridges. After a hearty breakfast and a final image review, we transfer you back to Ljubljana Airport, with memory cards full of the autumn colors of Slovenia.
Chasing Light, Not Schedules
Landscape photography requires agility. We keep our itinerary flexible to ensure we are always in the best location for the specific weather conditions. If the fog is lingering in the valley, we stay. If a storm is clearing over the mountains, we move.
What to Expect Each Day:
- Sunrise: We start in the dark. We aim to be on location for the blue hour and the first light of day.
- Recharge: After the morning shoot, we return for a well-earned breakfast and a few hours of rest to recharge.
- Daytime: We utilize the midday hours for travel, scouting, or capturing details in the forests where the light is more forgiving.
- Sunset: We end every day on location, capturing the golden hour and staying until the last color fades from the sky.
- Community: Evenings are for dinner, wine, and connecting with fellow photographers.
- Education: We use downtime and bad weather intervals for image critiques and post-processing sessions, ensuring you leave with not just great photos, but better skills..
What’s Included in Your Adventure
Everything is Taken Care Of We believe that a workshop should be stress-free. You focus on the images; we handle the logistics. This tour is fully all-inclusive:
Accommodation: 6 nights in comfortable, high-quality guesthouses chosen for their proximity to our locations. Private single rooms are available for a small surcharge.
All Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, along with drinks.
Transfers: All transport in a comfortable tour van, plus airport pickup and drop-off (LJU).
Tuition: Expert 1-on-1 guidance in the field and post-processing reviews.
Entrance Fees: Access to all national parks and restricted locations is covered.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Jaka Ivančič
“Autumn here isn’t just colourful; it’s dramatic. My favorite moment is waiting in the silence above Lake Bohinj, watching the mist swirl and reveal the mountains. That moody, ethereal atmosphere is exactly what we chase.”
Luka Esenko
“The best photos happen when the weather gets interesting. I love when the rolls in the valley and around mountain peaks, mixing with those fiery autumn colours. We don’t hide from the mood; we use it to create images with real soul.”
Autumn Photos of Slovenia
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Waterfall heaven workshop
Join our 4-nights workshop to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia! Read more about the workshop here. We will explore two national parks, Una River national park and Plitvice Lakes national park. Scheduled, guaranteed departure.
More of Slovenia
We want to show you more of Slovenia during peak autumn season! Join us to photograph vineyards, primeval forests and hilltop churches surrounded by fog. Available on request – let us know your wishes and we will do our best to make it happen!
Discover Slovenia’s Julian Alps at their most beautiful during the peak Autumn colours season!
FAQ: Autumn in Slovenia Photography Workshop
Autumn in the Julian Alps is dynamic and beautiful, but changeable. Expect crisp mornings (around 5°C – 10°C) and pleasant days (15°C – 20°C). However, rain and fog are common—and often desired for moody atmospheric shots! We recommend dressing in layers so you can adapt quickly.
Waterproof hiking boots are a must, as grass can be wet during sunrise shoots. Bring a good waterproof jacket, a warm mid-layer (fleece or light down), and comfortable hiking trousers. A hat and gloves are recommended for pre-dawn starts.
We recommend covering a range from wide-angle (16-35mm) for the grand vistas of the Julian Alps to a telephoto zoom (70-200mm or 100-400mm). The telephoto is excellent for isolating details in the forest, compressing layers of mountain ridges, and capturing the church on Lake Bled from a distance.
Yes. We shoot during the “golden hour” and “blue hour” when light levels are low. We also do long exposures at Soča River and waterfalls. You will need a sturdy tripod to get sharp images.
Yes, absolutely! While Slovenia has specific drone regulations (especially within Triglav National Park), there are still beautiful locations where you can fly. Your guide is experienced with local regulations and will advise you exactly where it is safe and legal to launch. Additionally, if you are new to drone photography, our guides can provide instruction on flying techniques and aerial composition.
Not at all. This workshop is suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. The small group size (max 6) allows us to provide one-on-one tailored advice, whether you need help with camera settings or advanced composition techniques.
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is the most convenient option. We advise scheduling your arrival before noon on Day 1; this allows us to pick you up and transfer to our B&B in time for the first afternoon photography session. For departure, please book flights for noon or later on the final day so you can enjoy one last morning photo shoot. If you need to arrive earlier or stay later, we can assist you with booking pre- or post-tour accommodation.
The difficulty is “Moderate.” We aren’t climbing mountains, but we will be walking on uneven terrain. Some viewpoints for the churches involve uphill walks of 20-30 minutes. If you can walk 3-5km a day comfortably, you will be fine.
Yes! Slovenia is a stunning destination for nature lovers. While our schedule revolves around the best light (sunrise/sunset), partners who enjoy hiking, reading by the lake, or simply soaking in the scenery are very welcome.
Slovenian cuisine is hearty, but most restaurants are very accommodating. We can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Please let us know on your booking form so we can ensure suitable options are available at our selected guesthouses.
We embrace it! Overcast weather creates soft, even light perfect for forest scenes and waterfalls (like the Soča River) where high contrast sun is actually bad. If the weather is torrential, we use the time for post-processing sessions, image critiques, or discussions on workflow and composition in a warm environment.
