Magical Madeira Photography Workshop - 23rd to 29th November 2025 - 6 nights/5 days tuition

£1,495 per person, 3 people maximum (£100 discount for up-front payment in full).

Join me on an exclusive landscape photography workshop in Madeira, a destination like no other. This immersive experience is designed for discerning photographers seeking to capture extraordinary images in one of the most magical and untamed environments on the planet. With its towering mountains, lush valleys, and ancient rainforests, Madeira presents an unparalleled canvas for creative exploration—and I’m excited to share its hidden wonders with you.

Having visited Madeira many times throughout my career, I’ve come to know its secrets intimately. This workshop isn’t about rushing through popular spots; instead, it’s about delving deep into remote, untouched locations that very few photographers have ever captured. Together, we will explore ancient temperate rainforests, photograph breathtaking woodland scenes, and venture to places where no one has yet stood with a camera. Imagine a landscape so ethereal that it seems pulled from a fantasy world—this is the reality you’ll experience with me in Madeira.

Small Group Setting: With a maximum of only 3 guests, this workshop ensures a truly personalised learning experience. Under the guidance of multi award-winning photographer Dem Oral (that's me!), you will receive a substantial amount of focused one-on-one attention, tailored feedback, and guidance to enhance your individual style.

I’ve selected the perfect time of year to host this workshop. While much of Europe retreats into the cold and damp of winter now that autumn will have passed, Madeira continues to enjoy moderate temperatures year-round. In November, we’ll have the best of both worlds—comfortable days and nights around 20 degrees, perfect for exploring without the intensity of summer heat. But more importantly, this time of year brings a higher chance of the cloud cover and atmospheric fog that can transform the landscapes into something truly magical. Picture standing atop a summit, right on the edge of the clouds, as the soft light of dawn breaks through—these are the moments that make for unforgettable images.

Accommodation: Where we stay is simply incredible - a modern and spacious seafront Madeiran villa right by the coast with magnificent views of the wild and rugged cliffs and Atlantic ocean, this will be our base. We will be living in the heart of a secluded traditional village in the island’s quiet north, where the charm and hospitality of the locals, along with some of the best food you’ll ever taste, will make you feel at home. We’ll have the flexibility to follow the ever-changing light and weather conditions, returning to iconic locations like the mystical Fanal Forest when the atmosphere transforms into fog-filled magic, or discovering new, unseen vistas that will inspire and challenge your photography. Each guest will have their own single occupancy room and we will share the bathroom and dining facilities. It is a wonderful place to relax, recharge, unwind and to plan our adventures.

Comprehensive tuition: Throughout this journey, I will guide you in perfecting your craft, from mastering the intricacies of woodland compositions to capturing the fine details that bring an image to life. We’ll practice shooting in diverse conditions, from atmospheric fog to black-and-white imagery, allowing you to create a portfolio of work that stands out. With my dedicated, hands-on instruction, you’ll have the opportunity to elevate your photography to the next level, whether you’re focusing on woodland scenes, mountain vistas, or coastal compositions.

Outline itinerary: Madeira’s photography potential doesn’t stop at the forests. Depending on the group’s preferences, we’ll chase the sun at high mountain summits, capturing epic cloud inversions, and photograph hidden waterfalls nestled deep within the island’s ravines. We will also explore and photograph the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Laurisilva Forest, a stunning ancient woodland recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. While you may have already seen countless images of the popular Fanal Forest, it remains a must-do and we’ll certainly spend time capturing its enchanting atmosphere. However, the area is vast, and I will guide you beyond the familiar, into untouched woodlands where few have ventured. Over the years, I’ve explored these undiscovered parts extensively, and it is here—away from the well-trodden paths—that the best photography opportunities lie. Together, we’ll create unique and exceptional images in these incredible, pristine landscapes, it is woodland photography at it's very finest. We will visit some of these woodland locations you have seen me share imagery of again and again, working in different light and conditions, whilst making sure we maximise our chances of getting some atmosphere. I will have multiple shooting options available on any given day and with a small group size we can be fleet-of-foot balancing coverage of varying locations but with a focus on ensuring we delve deep into the world class woodlands the island is renowned for to get those portfolio shots.

At night, Madeira’s clear skies provide unparalleled opportunities for astrophotography. The Milky Way, meteor showers, and galaxies are all on offer in a pristine, light-pollution-free environment—imagine shooting under the stars in one of the most spectacular locations in Europe. If time and conditions allow we will shoot astro in the magical Fanal Forest or high up in the mountains under the stars - or both!

The perfect retreat: This workshop is as much about the experience as it is about the photography. You’ll have time to relax, swim in natural ocean pools, or hike to remote waterfalls. We’ll enjoy delicious meals together and unwind in the evenings, reflecting on the day’s work. And when we’re ready, I’ll offer insights into post-processing techniques, helping you bring out the best in your images, so they reflect the beauty you’ve captured.

Designed for passionate photographers looking for an extraordinary adventure, this workshop is the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most captivating landscapes. You’ll walk away not only with portfolio-worthy images but also with memories of an unforgettable journey.

If you're ready to push your boundaries and create exceptional landscape photography, join me for this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Madeira. I look forward to sharing this magical island with you.

Included:

- Six nights' accommodation in your own single occupancy room
- Five full days of dedicated tuition in the field
- Daily post-processing sessions to enhance your images
- Airport pick-up on Sun 23rd Nov, all transportation through-out the workshop in Madeira and airport drop-off on Sat 29th Nov.

What’s not included: Flights, travel and camera insurance, breakfast, lunch or evening meals, drinks and snacks - We will be staying nearby to some wonderful local eateries and small local bars and within a short drive from local stores (supermarket, butchers, bakery, green grocers) where supplies can be bought to cook and make food in our villa if we prefer not to dine out. Food and drink on the island is not expensive, yet in my worldly experience is some of the best cuisine you'll ever have. Much of it is locally sourced and home grown on the island so to say we'll be eating well, healthy and for a reasonable price is understating things!

This is a valuable opportunity within a small group setting to refine your skills, challenge your creativity, and create a stunning portfolio of photographs. Whether you are a novice or an experienced photographer, this workshop will inspire, educate, and provide unforgettable memories.

How to purchase/book: All bookings and payment for your workshop place is made via this website. You can secure your place in one of two ways:

1) With a non-refundable deposit of £500 via this website, with the remaining balance payable direct to Demiray Oral no later than 6 weeks before arrival day ie. 12th Oct 2025 (once the remaining balance is paid this is also non-refundable) - I will be in touch nearer to the payment deadline to arrange collection of the final balance amount (£995) from you - Select the 'Deposit only' option to book your place in this way.

2) Payment in full up-front via this website, this is non-refundable but you get a £100 reduction in the total price for advanced payment - Select the 'Payment in full' option to book your place in this way.

1. A non-refundable deposit (if required) of the amount stated in the workshop description is required at the time of booking. It will only be refunded upon cancellation by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s), or upon his/their discretion. However there is a grace period of 14 days in which a booking may be cancelled and the deposit refunded. 1-to-1 and small group workshops do not require a deposit however the 14 day grace period still applies.
2. Any cancellation by the Client must be made in writing or by email within 14 days to be eligible for a refund.
3. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) accepts no responsibility or liability for Clients who are unable to attend due to (but not limited to) illness, flight cancellation, family emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. Such eventualities are the responsibility of the Client. It is advised that appropriate insurance is sought to cover these scenarios. This is of significant importance where multi-day workshop tours are concerned.
4. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) reserves the right to cancel any workshop. Cancellations by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) will be subject to a full refund of the workshop fee, however flights and other bookings made by the Client will not be refunded. Cancellation will only occur due to force majeure or long in advance of the start date subject to under booking. It is advised that appropriate insurance is sought to cover cancellation. Force majeure is unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond my/our control such (but not limited to), fire, flood or adverse weather.
5. In the event of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) being unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances beyond my/our control the workshop will be cancelled and a full refund applied.
6. Photographic workshops are highly susceptible to weather and other factors. For this reason the outline itinerary and the workshop description must be taken as an indication of what may take place on the workshop, and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s).
7. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) does not accept liability or responsibility for death, bodily injury or illness caused to any clients booking a workshop with Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) unless arising from the negligent act and/or omission of the company’s employees (whilst acting in the course of their employment). Any claims shall be subject to English Law in respect of any question of liability or quantum, and all proceedings shall be within the exclusive domain of the English Courts.
8. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) does not accept liability for any loss or additional expense caused by the delay or interruption to travel services through weather conditions, civil disturbance, industrial action, strikes, wars, floods or sickness. Such losses or additional expenses are the responsibility of the Client.
9. As the Client and participant in a Workshop it is your sole responsibility to ensure you, your belongings and equipment are adequately insured against injury and accident, accidental damage, loss, and theft, during the Workshop.
10. The Client hereby accepts sole responsibility for ensuring that they have adequate insurance cover for medical and accidental risks before, during or after the Workshop. This insurance should cover the Client in the event of medical rescue and/or repatriation costs (in the case of accident or illness). All personal belongings (luggage) and equipment remain the sole responsibility at all times of the Client.
11. It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that they take heed of any instruction and/or advice given by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) and should the Client select any locations or take any route to a location of their own choosing or move away from close proximity to where Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) is, they do so in their own independent and individual capacity and entirely at their own risk and will be deemed to be outside of the scope of the Workshop and no longer a part of the Workshop until such time as they return to within close proximity of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s), such proximity to be within ear shot and eye sight of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s).
12. By making a booking you are agreeing to accept all of the above conditions.
13. This Product/Workshop is provided by Doral Consulting Limited, of which Demiray Oral Photography/Demiray Oral is the sole employee/delivery agent.