Philosophy & goal:

The focus is not on quantity, but on depth, quality and experience – from conscious observation on site to the careful selection and compilation of a personal portfolio. The aim of the retreat is to take time: to observe, to return, to understand the light and atmosphere, and to build a lasting, personal relationship with the place. Over four days, a curated series of expressive photographs emerges that reflects your individual style.

Schedule & content:

You will explore Venice off the beaten track on foot and by water taxi. We usually start in the early morning, when the light is soft and the city seems almost untouched, or at night, when it appears silent and mysterious. The programme also includes breakfast together in authentic cafés, as well as discussions about photography, stories of Venice, and visual storytelling.

The workshop combines:

• intensive practical sessions on site
• personal image critiques
• daily joint image editing and discussions
• in-depth discussions on composition, light and visual language
• The number of participants is deliberately limited to a maximum of five to ensure individual coaching and optimal learning outcomes.

Photographic focus:

Possible topics during the workshop include:

• Long exposures – flowing water, calm surfaces, atmospheric condensation
• Minimalist composition – reduction to the essentials
• Black and white photography – conscious use of contrasts, textures and structures
• Lines & shapes – architectural elements as design tools
• Structures & textures – façades, walls, bridges and surfaces
• Light & shadow – making targeted use of the special Venetian light
• In addition to working together, there will be individual phases, as concentrated viewing and photography require space for solitude.

Target group & requirements:

The workshop is aimed at ambitious photographers who have a basic knowledge of camera technology (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, focus, focal lengths). Please bring your preferred camera and lenses. While a laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom for image editing would be helpful, it is not essential. You are of course free to use tripods, filters, flash units or other accessories if you would like to, but the focus will be on photographic composition rather than technical equipment. As we will be travelling mainly on foot, you will need a good level of basic physical fitness.

Organisation & times:

Course times are flexible depending on light, weather and subjects. Early morning and late evening photography sessions are an integral part of the programme and are arranged individually.

Logistics:

• Meeting points etc. will be sent to participants in a detailed description by email.
• Discussions and image editing will take place in the seminar leader’s private accommodation.
• Each participant is responsible for their own safety.
• I accept no responsibility for self-inflicted injuries, accidents or the loss or damage of photographic equipment.
• Maximum 5 participants.
• Duration: 4 days.

Languages:

German and English

Price:

€1,495 incl. VAT

Not included in the price:

• Camera or Notebook equipment
• Individual travel to Venice
• Accommodation for the duration of the seminar
• Meals and drinks
• Local boat transport
• Insurance

[ We will of course assist you with finding accommodation, restaurant recommendations, vaporetto tickets, etc. ]

Course instructor:

Thomas Menk – Fine Art Photographer

Born in 1962 and having discovered the camera as a means of expression in the late 1970s, Menk demonstrated early on his innovative approach to photography as a medium that goes far beyond mere documentation. His work is characterized by a constant exploration of loneliness and melancholy, which create an almost meditative, calming atmosphere in his images. His preference for playing with black and white is striking. This reduction allows him to emphasize contrasts and create a mysterious, almost unreal connection between the image and the viewer. As an artist, he not only interprets moments, but also manages to freeze the fleeting in such a way that the viewer can immediately experience the underlying moods and sensations. His urban landscapes, which often appear deserted, subtly point to the tension between human presence and the harmony of nature. These compositions reveal not only an artistic reflection on the vulnerability of everyday life, but also a critical examination of our relationship with the environment. Thomas Menk’s own words succinctly summarize his artistic approach: “For me, photography means giving time to the moment. My photographs do not show reality, and certainly not what is supposedly true. I want to freeze and capture my mood and feelings about a place or object. In this way, I try to trick time and represent the perception of time in a single moment.” This statement underscores Menk’s desire to reveal not only the outer appearance but also the inner dimension of a moment—a concern that is equally important in modern art theory and photography. In teaching, his work inspires us to understand the creative process as a journey that goes far beyond the obvious and leads into the depths of subjective experience.

This retreat is more than just a photography course:

it is a privileged, profound experience that will sharpen your perception, deepen your visual language and have a lasting impact on you as a photographic artist.