Slovenia Fall Splendor

Oct 19-26, 2025

In Autumn, Slovenia tranforms into a rich palette of gold, orange, and red, especially in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and Triglav National Park. Misty mornings over the iconic lakes, medieval towns and lush vineyards, create the perfect pastoral compositions. The soft, diffused light enhances the mood, making it an ideal time for landscape photography. All transportation and lodging are included during our 8 days together. Extend your trip with Drama in the Dolomites, Oct 13-19, 2025.

Tuition

  • $4500
  • Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

  • 2 Pro Instructors
  • Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

  • David Swindler
  • Sam Scicluna
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop

Highlights

  • Slovenia is one of Europes hidden gems with amazing mountains, villages, lakes, churches, and sweeping valleys.
  • Dates are timed for prime autumn colors and fog.
  • With a central base, the itinerary is flexible, allowing us to chase the fog and ideal weather conditions.
  • Ground transportation is provided to/from Venice (VCE).
  • Lodging is included in a modern and luxurious hotel.
  • Learn many new photography skills from pros David Swindler and Sam Scicluna.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions.
  • Extend your trip with Drama in the Dolomites, Oct 13-19.

Itinerary

After you sign up for the workshop, you will receive a detailed pdf with a more detailed information. We will also hold a zoom meeting with all participants when we're a few months out.

  • Day 1 (Oct 19):  This is an arrival day and no workshop activities are planned. A hotel near the Venice (VCE) airport is included so you can get a good nights sleep before we begin.
  • Day 2 (Oct 20): After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we load the vans at 10AM and start the drive into the mountains of Slovenia. We check into our hotel which will be our base for the next 6 nights. That evening we photograph a beautiful lake surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.
  • Days 3-7 (Oct 21-25):  With a fixed central base, we have maximum flexibility to choose locations based on best chances for fog and ideal weather. There are A LOT of places to photograph and you'll enjoy plenty of variety with waterfalls, rivers, mountains, old villages, pastoral valleys, lakes, forests, are more! None of the driving distances will exceed 2hrs in any one direction. When we're not photographing, we'll schedule post-processing and image critique sessions.
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop

Itinerary, Cont.

  • Day 8 (Oct 26):  After a morning shoot, we pack up and check out of the hotel. Expect a 3hr drive back to Venice and then we'll say our final good-byes.  We will drop you off either at the Venice Airport or at a hotel near the airport.  We should be back around 1-2PM.

Logistics

This workshop is rated Moderate for physical activity.  We aren't planning any long hikes, but due to the rough, uneven terrain, and high altitudes, you need to be in good health with an above average level of fitness. Make sure you are comfortable hiking 1-2 miles with your camera gear and tripod.

Oct 19th is an arrival day and we've included your hotel near the Venice airport. We'll hit the road the morning of Oct 20th. You can plan your return travel for anytime after 3PM on Oct 26th through Venice (VCE).

We've designed the itinerary to make it easy to pair this workshop with Drama in the Dolomites, Oct 13-19, 2025.

We will be staying at modern and luxurious hotel in Slovenia for 6 nights.  Double occupancy lodging is included in the base price.  Single occupancy rooms are available for an additional fee.  Please see the Pricing section for details.

After registering, we'll send you a detailed pdf with more itinerary details, travel logistics, packing lists, and so forth. We'll schedule a pre-workshop zoom meeting with all participants a few months ahead of time.

We highly recommend that each participant purchase their own travel and health insurance to cover anything unexpected. We have partnered with Squaremouth, a website that allows you to compare policies from multiple providers.  If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you are liable for any unrefundable expenses and personal medical costs.

Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop

Pricing

$4500/ PERSON + TAX

Trip Includes:

  • 7 nights double occupancy hotel lodging.  Single rooms are an additional $650/person.
  • Breakfasts at all accommodations.
  • All ground transportation throughout the workshop.
  • Airport pickup and drop-off at Venice (VCE).
  • Park entrance fees
  • In-field photography instruction
  • Post-processing and image critique
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting

 

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Flights to and from your home to Venice.
  • Lunches, dinners, snacks, and beverages.
  • Gratuities for Instructors.

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, you will be sent a payment link for the remaining balance approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. Since this workshop is an international collaboration, there are no discounts for Loyalty Members.  See the full Terms and Conditions.

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body.
  • Remote shutter release.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Long telephoto zoom lens in the 70-200 or 100-400mm range.
  • Tripod and L-bracket for your camera.
  • Circular polarizers and ND filters will come in handy.  If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.
  • Backpack to carry your camera gear.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

  • Waterproof and windproof shell.
  • Waterproof pants
  • Insulated jacket
  • Warm fleece layers
  • Thermal underlayers
  • Sturdy footwear and long pants.
  • Casual clothing for dinners and lunches
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
  • Water bottle.
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
Slovenia Fall Splendor Photo Workshop
David Swindler Photographer

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery    Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras.  He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.

Sam Bio Pic

Samuel Scicluna

Growing up on the island of Malta, Samuel has always felt a special bond with the sea, and this is where his passion for photography began.

In 2014, Samuel went on an expedition to Mount Etna and later that year also climbed Monte Rosa.  Spending time in the mountains  sparked an interest in landscape photography, and he found himself longing for ethereal vistas and majestic mountains.

Through his extensive travels, Samuel has  expanded his portfolio to include cityscapes and astrophotography.

Samuel loves the outdoors, and spends his free time camping, hiking, climbing, and exploring new locations.

See more of Sam's work at his Website.