Summer + Fall 2010 | Instructors | What We Bring To The Party | What You Can Expect | Lodging Details | Testimonials | Pricing | Typical Week | Liability

 Students are expected to be proficient in the use of their particular cameras and computers.

Lodging Details

For our Santorini based workshops, photographers will stay at our favorite "AAA" class hotel on the 'sunrise side' of Firostefani. Your rooms include AC and a refrigerator. The hotel has a lovely, sun drenched pool where we often gather about at noon time, discussing the days' shoots.

Continental breakfasts and all island/inter-island transportation are included in this cost.

The 'Sunrise Side' accommodation cost is $2400/US. Payment may be made by personal check, or by PayPal via the Internet.

Should students wish upgraded rooms, these will be available at additional cost, a short distance from our hotel.

Our stateside address is 220 Ridgeway Avenue, Fairfax, CA., 94930, USA.

Regarding cancellation fees, within 60 to 45 days of the workshop we offer a 50% refund; within 44 to 30 days of the workshop we offer 15% refund; and within 29 days or less, we offer no refund.

Workshops fees include neither personal insurance nor health insurance. The Greek islands are generally a safe and hospitable place. If you think you need insurance, please contact your local insurance or travel insurance dealer.

 Testimonials

Hi Glenn! One thing that still stands out like a shining jewel this year was the wonderful experience of "Sail The Wine Dark Sea."  I am still raving about the entire experience -- the additional photographic knowledge and experience I gained, the patience and friendship you and Rose showed us, the way you fostered a congenial "team" atmosphere, and the emphasis on trying to experience the "real Greece" while we were at it (including the all-important food, drink, etc.).  I seriously hope to return for another workshop with you -- whether it's the Santorini one, or perhaps coming back to the Dodakanesa in the fall if you do that again.   -(Janet P., Philadelphia, PA. '09)-

Dear Glenn and Rose,   Wow, what a wonderful adventure!  Thank-you!  Katherine and I had such a great time with you both and the photo workshop on Santorini.  Being able to explore the island with people who have such a broad knowledge of the culture and its people was really a treat.  We had the opportunity to see and photograph areas we never would have had access to on our own.

Being beginners at photography, we really appreciated your desire and ability to teach all levels.  We learned so much in the time we spent together.  Rose, you really have a knack for taking care of people.   Thank you for making sure our needs where met!   And, last but not least, thank you so much for going above and beyond the call of duty to care for me when I injured my ankle.  Your kindness and consideration, no doubt, sped my recovering. We wish you both well and hope that we will meet again soon. Sincerely,  -(Mary + Katherine R., Petoskey, MI. '09)-

Hello and welcome back from Greece!  I hope that your next photography group was as fun and meaningful as ours.  My images surround me...in my camera, my computer, my table tops, my dreams, my thoughts, my memories.  I often feel that I'm still in Greece...what an incredible, wonderful experience that you, Rose, and Glenn provided for all of us.  This comes with lots of good wishes and even more good memories.  -(Gail R., Rochester, NY. '09)-

Glenn -- Thanks to your Greek Island Photography Workshop, I have discovered my "third eye" through the lens. Even though I am quite an amateur photographer, I was stunned at the spectacular photos that I was able to takeon the trip.  I've already had three framed and if you can imagine, people have asked if they were paintings!   As you see, I have caught t the photography bug and look forward to participating in another one of your 2010 Greek Island Photography Workshops.  Kalimera!    -(Ann Marie S., The Villages, FL. '09)-

In Rome, I couldn't help but contact everyone and thank you for such a wonderful wonderful  experience in Santorini/Anafi.  Any difficulties were met with great humour and the spirit vwas such an uplifting one -social, learning, travel, photographic opps extraordinaire, culture, language,  new experiences all in one juicy package.  (I have taken to approaching total strangers in the street for a photo in Rome - not with the gusto of Ann Marie - but with some success!)
 
There are many textures to take here in Rome though you need to watch the traffic-certainly a far cry from Anafi@!!  Signing off for now but will be in touch soon.  Thank you everyone for making it such a memorable experience.  Signed "the Australian Savage"   -(Tony Harding., Melbourne, Australia '09)-

It has now been a month and a half since our trip to the Greek islands, and the memories of that wonderful trip have stayed with me and Robyn.  Many things stand out: the dinners on those beach tavernas in the balmy air; the night on Patmos when intrepid Rose risked embarrassment by taking the pictures of the austere priests, who then turned out to be avid to be photographed; Eugene swimming to and from our sister boat with the bottle held out of the water just so that we could have the oh so valuable mayonnaise for our lunch; emerging into that beautiful hidden harbor in Kalymnos; the simple and delicious delight of Greek yoghurt and honey for breakfast; the amazing violet color of the water, crystal clear in the harbors.

Robyn and I became more sure of ourselves as photographers. This was due to the tutelage that you and Rose provided. You were always available, during our peregrinations in the magic hours after sunrise and before sunset, to answer any questions, from the simplest to the most complex. And it was reassuring to me that, as far as you were concerned, there were no dumb questions.  You and Rose also introduced us to the mysteries of the Bridge section of Photoshop, which has proven to be a great editing and organizing program.

Everyone in our group was intelligent, serious, and fun to be with. I don’t know how you did it, gathering such congenial group. Your love and knowledge of Greece was formidable and infectious, inspiring us to further reading and perhaps travel. The temples of ancient Greece in Turkey were so close to us in the Dodecanese.  Perhaps our next trip. All in all, we had a wonderful time, one of our best trips. Robyn and I thank you both for it. We hope to see you soon. -(Jeremy M. + Robyn A., New York, NY. '09)-

"The trip around the Greek Isles with Glenn and Rose was a spectacular experience.   Each one of us came to the workshop with varying sets of skills and Glenn (and Rose too!) took the time to make sure we each were able to progress not only in our technical skills but in our mindset for creating an image.  I came away from the trip with some of the best photographs I have ever taken and a new view on how I approach photography.    But more than just that, the week allowed me to explore islands I might not have otherwise ventured to alone and with Rose and Glenn as our guides we caught slices of Greek life that might have otherwise gone un-found.  From sunset walks through small villages to learning to make dolmades in a local taverna to live local music and dancing at a taverna to clambering up a rocky path to wait for the perfect shot, I felt I experienced, not just saw, an amazing slice of Greece.  They taught me how to enjoy and love the quirks and idiosyncracies of Greek culture from just going with the flow (including laughing at the convoluted or ambiguous directions given by Greek natives) to how to embrace the kindness of strangers (filoxenia as Glenn shared with me) in a way that only two people smitten with a country can.  Their love for Greece, teaching and photography is contagious and I definitely caught the bug."  -(Lauren M., Boston, MA. '09)-  View some of Lauren's work.

"I was searching for photography workshops in Europe and Asia when I stumbled across the In Search of the Real Greece workshops on Peter Greenberg's website.  Since I consider Peter Greenberg a trusted source of travel information, this Greek workshop immediately made it to the top of my list."
"I was looking for a workshop that was run by someone who knew the location and could take the where, when, and how to get there out of location shooting and let me just shoot.  This workshop accomplished all those goals as well as providing shooting tips for better photos.  I was able to go to locations on Santorini and Anafi that I don't think I ever would have found on my own."
"Thanks to this workshop I have some great photos and made some new friends."   -(David G., Riverview, FL. '09)-

"I have returned back to the life of a working photographer, yet my wonderful experience in Greece is not leaving me and is somewhere always in the back of my mind.  What a difference between the photography one HAS to do versus the images one chooses to take for oneself, and with Glenn and Rose's valuable experience and imagination our group was brought to locations where our self discovery and experimentation found no boundaries.  I cherished the discovery of "uncluttered" places that reminded me constantly of great works of modern art.
Thank you, Glenn and Rose, to be so willing to share your knowledge with us, for your kindness, care and consideration, ...qualities not always found among the teaching photographer community.  And also thank you for all your suggestions in post production and in the post workshop period.  I am looking forward to more discoveries with your guidance in a very beloved part of this world.  -(Karina, Chicago, IL '08)-

"Ever since Day 1 of the Greek Island Workshop I no longer "carry" my camera.  I "wear" it.  It's part of my arm.  I think "f8 and be there".  Even when not shooting, I'm checking my settings, ever ready for the opportunity.  After I take a shot, I turn around to see if there's an even better one behind me.  I walk very slowly, looking up and down, stopping frequently, seeing the world differently than before.  And I'm stocking up on Greek wine from the retailer down the street, thinking of the sun setting over the great Aegean Sea."
"As implied above, I can't thank you and Rose enough for guiding me through your Greek Island Workshop.  I very much enjoyed and appreciated your taking us to the uncommon, out of the way locations like the tomato factory and Anafi.  It was there that I feel I really grew as a photographer.  Your guidance, along with the interaction with fellow participants, fostered that growth through patience, intelligence, and creativity.  I look forward to sharing many more photographic adventures with you in the future."  -(Doug Ness, Chicago, IL '08)  View some of Doug's work.

"I was absolutely thrilled to attend a workshop with Glenn and his wife Rose - they were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.  They became great friends of mine.  I feel as though I have a pair of mentors who are willing to answer any questions and help me with anything.  Not only were they incredibly knowledgeable on the history and geography of the Greek Islands, but they know it in the context of photography!  I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to photographing the Greek Isles or a better teacher to refine my knowledge of light and technique.  I highly recommend Glenn's workshops, and hope I can meet up with him again soon!"  -(Josh Trefethen, Fort Worth, TX '08)- View some of Josh's work. 

"My daily routine since returning home has been to listen non-stop to Haris Alexiou (thank you, Glenn, for introducing me to this wonderful singer) and to visualize sunrises and  sunsets and white against blue, and donkeys and pistachios and that toppled cactus!   You know, it takes a lot for someone to get me up in the morning to see a sunrise, but I didn't miss a single one thanks to your contagious enthusiasm for the experience. The workshop was simply superb.  I loved the leisurely, effortless way the days unfolded -- sunrise coffee, a hearty breakfast, a morning shoot, a short break to restore one's energy, an afternoon shoot, and then, that fabulous sunset. And at the end of each day, when I reviewed my notes and scoped my images, I felt such joy and a sense of accomplishment. Glenn, your knowledge of everything Greek and the fact that you speak the language further enriched the experience.  I have a long way to go as a photographer, but I feel that a firm foundation has been laid from the knowledge I gained through this workshop. You are not only a fantastic, seasoned photographer,  but you are also a wonderful teacher.   My only regret is that Rose was not with us.  But perhaps next time, for I know our paths will cross again. Efkaristo, Glenn. -(Mary T., New York, NY '07)-

"Thank you for such a wonderful experience.  It was so good to have you as a travel guide, as well as a photo workshop leader, during my time in Santorini.  It was a gift for which I am very grateful.  You may be interested to know that you whetted my appetite for Greek culture and literature.  I finished Nicholas Gage's book entitled "Hellas, a Portrait of Greece", and I am nearly finished reading "Christ Recrucified" by Nikos Kazantzakis.  I highly recommend it if you haven't already read it. And last week I purchased, "Sailing the Wine Dark Sea" by Thomas Cahill. That's next on my list to read.  I hope all is well with you, and look forward to the benefit of your critique once I get my photos to you.   Also looking forward to the possibility of a 2009 trip to Greece on one of your workshops.   -(Sheila C., Atlanta, Ga. '07)-

"Upon my return I was asked the question many times as to which part of my trip did I enjoy most. The honor of meeting President Bush in Tirana was of course a highlight  and each city I spent time in had a unique charm but nothing really  affected me as deeply as my time spent in the workshop in Santorini.  To be specific I thought the group cohesiveness was amazing. Everyone was so different and each person's personality and talent was a lovely asset to the experience. Your knowledge of Greek history and culture was just amazing. I had many tour guides during my travels and none of them compared to you. I was spoiled by seeing the real Greece through the eyes of an artist. The things I learned during the workshop came to me as I went "meandering" off on my own away from all the tourists. I would hear a whisper in my ear, "turn around and look"  the picture could be there and I would become immersed in my surroundings. I arose early in the morning to chase the light and see how the city awoke, thank you for getting me used to the 5am wake-up. I know you don't think I paid attention but I'm a multi tasker and I  really do absorb even when I'm doing something else when you're talking. I experimented with ideas you spoke of and I feel as if I improved  in my technique and vision. -( Irene T., New York, NY '07)-

"I was truly blessed this summer in being one of five participants in the Greek Island Photography Workshop. Glenn created a most positive and dynamic group atmosphere which allowed each student to develop his own individual expressive abilities. He was extremely patient in dealing with a variety of technical questions. Being escorted to many less travelled sights and locations added to the uniqueness of the total experience. -(Brian, Kitchener ON, ...Mission worker in Romania '07)- View some of Brian's work.

"We're still talking about what a great trip we had "Sailing the Wine Dark Sea!" Everything was perfect: the weather, the islands, the food, the laughs and the company of our crewmates! With you as our guide, translator, food expert, photographic tutor and friend, we learned so much more about the places we visited than we ever would have done on our own. The early morning tour of the Kastro on Leros, cafes in small towns and villages, sunset at Marathi, people-watching in Patmos, and that amazing entry to Vathys on our first day are just some of the many wonderful things we experienced. The many images we returned with, not just those recorded with our cameras but in our memories as well, will remain close to our hearts for a very long time. Until we meet again (and we will!), efharisto! -(Carol + Ian R., Ontario, Canada '06) View some of Carols's work.

"Sail The Wine Dark Sea" was a dream come true for me. I have wanted to learn how to sail and to do more photography. The combo you provided was truly wonderful. I know that each trip you take has it's own energy, it's own life and I am so grateful for the opportunity we had. What a special life changing experience for me! -(Shelley M., New York, NY '06)

"Sail the Wine Dark Sea" was a brilliant alchemy of Greek sun, picturesque island scenery, your superb local knowledge and the gift your teaching imparted to expand my photographic expression. I loved arriving by sailing yacht to each new island's charms, while in the company of fellow photographers as passionate as I about making great pictures. And I was delighted when you carried on a conversation with a quintessential old gentleman in Greek, securing his permission to pose. As I look back on my incredible photos and memories now, I have to thank you profusely, Glenn, for the best and most productive vacation I think I have ever taken. -(Norm C., Forest Knolls, CA '06)

This was a great experience. With the help of Glen and Rose's local expertise, I was able see and capture the typical environment with a fresh eye. I was also introduced to the topical, individual character of the different places on the island. Naturally, the tips and observations and added to the experience -- notes on archaeology, the world's largest concrete cactus tipped over by locals during the night, wine-making boots, and a glass of cool Greek wine by the water. I have a lot of great shots and memories from this trip. -(Janat H., New York, NY. '06)

The Greek Island Workshops turned out to be a wonderful experience and a very important step in my development as a photographer. I was introduced to people, places and ideas, which stimulated my creativity and photographic vision. The scenery and people of Greece are unsurpassed for a photographic journey. We visited small towns and villages which are still un-spoiled by commercial tourism. We traveled by ferry as the Greeks do to local islands to see and experience a way of life that is still simple and un-hurried. From waking up early and chasing the morning light to discussing great photography over a rooftop dinner overlooking the Caldera, the trip was a great mix of the epicurean, the educational and the wondrous sights of this ancient civilization.

I feel that my images have improved by leaps and bounds in both stylistic and technical respects. Glenn offers suggestions and answers questions with unfailing patience and really made me feel like he was there to help me and show me Greece and photography in a very personal way. This is not a commercialized, by-the-clock workshop with hired guns telling you where to point your cameras. This is an intimate and personalized tour with an artist who knows and loves this culture. These are the qualities portrayed in my images from this trip. It's not what I expected, but I wouldn't have it any other way. -(Steve G., Los Angeles, CA '06)
 

The Greek Island photography class was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. Glenn's open classroom went far beyond mere instruction regarding topics of composition, lighting, and equipment. His fluency in the language, along with his knowledge of, and enthusiasm for Greek Island life, history, architecture and culture, afforded tremendous insights in a limited amount of time. Likewise, Glenn's wife Rose was a tremendous asset in providing logistical help and structure to the program while allowing ample flexibility to explore & create.

From the early light bouncing quietly off the ancient white washed walls to the delicate pink hue of the late afternoon sun setting, my lens was filled with wonder for eight days. We embarked on daily walking journeys through the narrow winding pathways of the villages, discovering interesting architecture, the natives and their culture, and many donkeys and mules being led through the narrow paths from ocean to cliff side while Glenn offered his expertise. Our diverse group ended our day by dining in the tavernas where we enjoyed locally made wine, fried tomato dumplings, grilled peppers, white eggplant, mousaka, fish, and Greek salads.

This workshop provided me hands-on training which will allow me take my photography to new levels and the memories of the experience as a whole, will be with me a lifetime. -(Karin R., Beulah, CO '05.) View some of Karin's work.

 

Glenn's passions for photography and Greece itself are infectious. What's more, he's a walking encyclopedia on both subjects.

Glenn imparts his knowledge of photography, demystifying the technicalities of the process and, at the same time, opens your eyes to the wonders of Greek culture and the hidden treasures of Santorini that won't be found in any guide book. My pictures improved by leaps and bounds each day and so did my love of Greece.

Glenn's wife, Rose, adds the finishing touches with her charm, easy going-spirit and highly artistic eye. I highly recommend this workshop for those of you who want to improve your photography skills while soaking up the splendor of Santorini with a top-notch teacher and host. -(Lauren W., New York, NY '05)
 

My husband and I signed up for the Greek Island Workshop because it met both our needs for travel and to get more familiar w/ our SLR digital cameras. Little did we know what a wonderful adventure lay in store. We focused on how to maximize our pictures through the manual settings of the digital camera with light, shutter speed and f-stops as the holy trinty.

In addition to honing our eye and camera skills, Glenn and Rose gave us a wonderful tour of Santorini, as only someone who has traveled there before can do. Selecting places of visual interest for shooting pictures and providing us with the background history of each place we visited made this trip memorable.

Glenn was flexible with the structure of the day and our requests allowing all of us to get our needs met. -(Kip + Polly G., Oakland, CA. '05)

Purchase Workshop Online: (secure online payment through PayPal) In Search of the 'Real Greece' 2010 - Kyklades (6/4/2010 - 6/10/2010) - OPEN   Sunrise accommodation - Santorini/thirasia/Anafi $2600 Purchase

Purchase Workshop Online: (secure online payment through PayPal) Sail The Wine Dark Sea 2010 - Kyklades (6/13/2010 - 6/19/2010) - OPEN   51' Yacht - Samos, Marathi, Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos $2600 Purchase

Purchase Workshop Online: (secure online payment through PayPal) NEW - In Search of the Northeast Aegean 2010 -  (9/21/2010 - 9/27/2010) - OPEN   Accommodation - Samos, Patmos, Ephesus $2600 Purchase

Typical Week at Greek Island Workshops

In Search of the Real Greece

The Day Before the Workshop

You take a taxi from Santorini's airport or ferry quay at Athinios port to our Hotel to drop off your luggage. Rest and relaxation will be welcomed by most jet-lagged souls. For the super-humans, you may go out shooting and explore.

We shall all have dinner in town at a local taverna, making it an early night in preparation of the early morning's shoot at first light.

Day One

We awake early to catch the morning sun rise off the Aegean. We walk and explore the back streets of Konto Chora behind Fira and Firostefani. We will have lunch in Fira's ever entertaining Theotokopoulos Square.

To Mesimeri (Siesta time) lasts from 2-4:30 pm. The island pretty much closes down until 4:30 pm. This gives you the opportunity to download and review the first morning's shoot.

In the PM, we head to the far north tip of the island for the late afternoon/evening shoot in Imerovigli, one of the prettiest towns in the Kyklades. We have dinner in Imerovigli at XXX.

Day Two
 

Waking early, we will drive and take in the morning sun at the highly photogenic town of Akrotiri.

Lunch near Akrotiri's beach will give us welcome rest from the noontime sun. Conditions permitting, we may enjoy a swim at Akrotiri Beach within the caldera itself.

Around 4pm, we head up to Pyrgos and explore the old castle and monastery near the top of Mt. Profitis Illias. For a change, we'll have a traditional dinner at XXX in Pyrgos. The remainder of the evening is free.

We will, of course, be available to aid in the downloading and editing of new student work shot as needed.

Day Three

This morning, we work in the classroom exploring the inherent potential of your photography using Bridge CS-3 and Photoshop CS-3.

Lunch at the XXXX in Fira.

About 4pm, we will travel to the north of the island to visit an authentic fishing village called Ammoudi and shoot the sunset light.

Day Four
 

We prepare for travel by local ferry to Anafi, a small island about 20 km SE of Santorini.

Anafi is the real thing, with villages as yet unjaundiced by mass tourism. The villagers are happy to meet with you personally. About 250 Greeks reside on Anafi year round. Anafi, which meant 'no snakes' in ancient Greek, now means "Timbuktu," or the end of the road.

We will spend the overnight in Anafi in its main town, Xora, seeing life as through the eyes of the native Greeks.

Day Five

We return by ferry to Santorini.

We spend a morning shoot at the old cannery at Exo Ghialos, an old warehouse, dilapidated, caressed by light, and filled with textures.

We take lunch at Kapitan Georgios, a local taverna on the water. When the heat sets in, we will then retreat to our rooms to download our work.

We spend the evening, shooting, walking along the cliffs of Oia to the far north of Santorini, with dinner high atop the ancient village.


Day Six

Early in the morning, "Proi-Proi" we drive to the top of Monolithos and then climb 70 meters of steps to the ruins of Ancient Thira, high above Santorini.
 

That afternoon, we shoot in the foothills of Mt Profitis Illias in the ancient center of Exo Gonia.

Day Seven

At daybreak, we leave to explore Vothonas, a fascinating and totally unique cave city hollowed out of volcanic pumice.

We have lunch at XXX in Kamari, an old style taverna, filled with warm and gregarious islanders.

The final afternoon, we will have a shoot in Emborio, exploring a world of steps and excellent Venetian churches.

The final lecture and discussion of student work will be given using the digital projector in the classroom.

That evening, we shall enjoy the final dinner at one of Fira's local tavernas, and dance to the light of the moon which makes 'lunatics' of us all. Energy permitting, we shall watch the moon set into Santorini's caldera. Workshop concludes this evening.

Day Eight - Workshops End

A fond farewell. You have many more islands to explore, and so little time within which to enjoy them.

Should you want to continue your Greek journey from Santorini, we will be glad to present you with an itinerary meeting your needs.

Dedication

The Greek Island Workshops are dedicated to the spirit of the masters that helpd guide me as a young photographer: Eikoh Hosoe, Lucien Clergue, Aaron Siskind, Oliver Gagliani, Cole Weston, Wynn Bullock, Imogen Cunningham, and Ruth Bernhardt.

Liability

Regarding liability issues, Greek Island Photography, Glenn Steiner and Rose Steiner     accept no responsibility for delays in air travel and/or ferry travel, for inclement weather, or other unforeseen problems and acts of God, such as strikes, personal sickness, personal injury, etc.

Students are encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance, covering health and travel.

We reserve the right to substitute hotels should the need arise and/or make changes to the daily schedule. Flexibility is the key. After all, you're in Greece.

The costs of our workshops do not include your air transportation, your passports or visas (if applicable), any medical expenses, any insurance, or expenses due to events outside of our control.