Private photo workshops in Gran Canaria

Discover the most interesting corners of Gran Canaria guided by an experienced local photographer who is passionate about his homeland. This one-to-one workshop will not only help you capture beautiful images but will also immerse you in visual storytelling, exploring the idea of telling stories through your photographs.

Gran Canaria, a unique island in many aspects, unfolds a surprising variety of landscapes, including dunes, mountains, rocks, lava rivers, forests, and cliffs, creating a diverse and contrasting visual canvas.

By the end of the workshop, you will have created a unique and special series of photographs that will not only represent the island but also reflect your own essence. Deep down, we are all an island... As a culmination, we will transform this series into a printed book, so you will leave not only with memories but also with a tangible piece that immortalizes your experience.

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Workshop Description

The workshop will be divided into several sessions, some online and others in-person. The total number of sessions will depend on the depth you want to achieve, which we will determine in our first meeting.

ONLINE - FREE OF CHARGE

First impressions

Firstly, we will conduct a video call to get to know each other, giving you the opportunity to share your background and showcase some of your photographs. This will allow me to assess your skill level and understand your thematic interests. During the video call, I will share my perspective on photography and explain my approach to knowledge sharing. We will also discuss the locations you would like to explore in Gran Canaria, enabling me to design an itinerary and provide you with an estimated budget for the entire workshop. It's important to note that this initial meeting incurs no cost, regardless of whether you decide to accept the proposed budget.

ON THE FIELD

Shooting

Once we have defined the locations you would like to explore, along with the days and times for our photography sessions, we will immerse ourselves in the actual photo shooting sessions. I will pick you up in my van from the accommodation where you are staying, and at the end of the session, I will drop you back there. The duration of the sessions will vary depending on the places we visit, but I consider a range of 4 to 6 hours per day to be suitable. During this time, I will review the photos you capture, provide feedback, and share my approach to photography with you. Fancy a coffee break? Certainly! The experience has to be fun. No stress.

ONLINE

Edition

In the context of this workshop, when I say "edition," I'm not referring to image processing but to the selection and arrangement of images for a coherent series.

After you return home, having downloaded and performed basic processing of the photos from your time in Gran Canaria, I'll ask you to send me a broad selection. These images will be uploaded to an online board (Miro). We'll then schedule a video call to work together on this board. We will group photos by theme, select the best, experiment with combinations, and organize them into a narrative reflecting your identity. A touch of magic will unfold. Granted.

ONLINE

Presentation

During our final video call, we'll intricately design a book layout featuring your images, utilizing the esteemed Blurb platform known for its top-tier custom book printing. Collaboratively, we'll curate the format, arrangement of images, and stylistic nuances harmonizing with your artistic vision. This exclusive creation will undergo printing, furnishing you with a tangible outcome that impeccably encapsulates your photographic journey in Gran Canaria. The resulting book stands as a visual testament to your skills and perspectives, a cherished memento to be shared with family and friends, immortalizing the essence of your unique experience.

  • Tomas is extremely passionate and caring. He's a great teacher and guide. Learned so much - not only was it a lovely trip to some incredibly beautiful places, but my skills developed so much in a short amount of time.

    Laura I. – United States

  • It was a great experience to explore with Tomás the most beautiful places of Gran Canaria. His expert look makes it easy to take memorable photos. And learn something about creative photography. I liked his personal approach and friendly atmosphere of our photo journey. Highly recommended.

    Alex Z. – Russia

  • Tomas was so welcoming and encouraging. He provided a lot of information and continued to review it and show examples. He was a wonderful host that showed some incredible sides to the island, but also inquired to personal preference. His photography skills and knowledge were huge and his passion for his craft and the island shines through. Since Tomas provided transportation I was able to explore places that I would have never found otherwise.

    Lauren K. – United States

Possible stories to explore

Don't worry if you can't immediately think of how to approach your photographic series. I will help you from the beginning to define a theme and a roadmap. Here are some ideas for possible themes to create a photo series in Gran Canaria.

NATURAL GRAN CANARIA

When visiting an island like Gran Canaria with its diverse landscapes, the initial idea that may come to mind is to capture its nature. If our goal is to create aesthetically pleasing photos, we might focus solely on visiting spectacular locations. However, if we aim to "tell a story" revolving around the island's nature, one option is to ensure that we showcase its diversity. In this way, the selection of locations will be oriented towards covering that variety. In the editing process, we will ensure to choose images and sequence them in a way that highlights these contrasts.

ABSTRACT GRAN CANARIA

What if we decided to portray the nature of Gran Canaria from an unconventional perspective? Can you imagine using details instead of the typical wide shots in landscape photography? When we look at our surroundings through a short telephoto lens, the world appears different, unveiling the beauty of things that would likely go unnoticed otherwise.

DREAMS ADRIFT

Another possible way to approach photographic series would be to develop a story set in Gran Canaria. An example would be the drama of migrants leaving their African countries, risking their lives to reach the Canary Islands in search of a better future. This theme could be addressed through metaphorical photographs, as presented below. The images could be accompanied by text or not.

  • Life in my country lacks perspective. The shadow looms over me.

  • The future looks blurry and chaotic.

  • No matter how hard I try, I can't find a way out.

  • Some of us decide to cross the sea in search of new opportunities.

  • But the ocean is dangerous.

  • Some die in the attempt.

  • I managed to reach the land.

  • Once at my destination, the path is not easy.

  • I still find no respite here.

  • The promised land was not as I thought.

  • It's just a land of dreams adrift.

  • It's really difficult to put into words how amazing Tomas and his teaching ethic is. The course was totally tailored to our personal requirements and flexible. I cannot wait to continue our journey of photography. I only hope that Tomas is part of our continuing journey. Tomas, thank you.

    Katie L. – United Kingdom

  • Tomás was so easy to work with. Being able to explore Gran Canaria with a native was really very special and something I could not have done on my own. One night we even had some local dish in a "very" local bar, which I never would have thought about going into. It was really unique having little local adventures in the midst of our workshop adventures. Thank you Tomás!

    Caron M. – United States

  • An incredible experience. Tomás was kind, patient but also pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way). He adapted the sessions to my needs and experience level. Thanks for an unforgettable week!

    Sarah W. – United States

About Tomás Correa, your host

I was born and raised in Gran Canaria. I know this island like the back of my hand and I'm willing to share with you its wonderful photographic possibilities.

With more than 25 years experience as a photographer, my work has received awards in various prestigious contests and has been exhibited at different museums and galleries. I am deeply convinced that photography is an extremely powerful tool for telling stories.

I am the author of a photography book named “Gran Canaria. Letters from the Atlantic”. My goal was to create a comprehensive visual guide that is both, poetic and descriptive.

At the moment I split my time working on my personal photo series and helping others improve their photography skills through my photo courses.

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Schedule a video call

Would you like to develop your potential as a storyteller using your photographs? Regardless of your level, this approach to photography is applicable to both beginners and those with years of experience. Go ahead and schedule a video call. I'd love to meet you, and since it's free, what do you have to lose?