I had been looking forward to it for half a year, and it flew by in the blink of an eye. What am I talking about? A photo workshop in the Austrian Alps with the most famous dog photographer in the Czech Republic, Michal Hurník. The workshop took place in the stunning Austrian Alps and was a perfect mix of shooting in breathtaking mountain locations, refreshing Lightroom and Photoshop skills, and great networking with like-minded photographers. The photo location was the attractive alpine Schoppernau, where both spring and winter themes could be shot. The workshop took place in a breathtaking setting, ideal for photography. The mountains, forests, and lakes provided a beautiful backdrop, in which we could capture dogs in their natural environment. Michal showed us how to use natural light and how to compose shots so that each dog's personality shines through.

Photography and Post-Processing

One of the biggest advantages of this workshop was its comprehensiveness. Not only did we learn new photography techniques, but Michal also devoted a lot of time to post-processing. The Lightroom and Photoshop refresher was incredibly helpful. Michal showed us his proven editing methods that allowed us to take our photos to a whole new level.

Great Atmosphere

We had experienced dog models available, as well as a group of wonderful photographers with different levels of knowledge about both shooting and editing photos. A big thank you also goes to Michal's wife, Soňa, who took care of our comfort and logistics. Thanks to her, we could fully focus on photography without worrying about organizational matters. And one more great thing – I could bring my Sheltie Ellie as a photo model! It was amazing to have the chance to photograph her in such a beautiful setting and get unique shots.

My Experience

I'm absolutely thrilled with the workshop. Michal's approach was very professional but also friendly and approachable. He created an atmosphere where we all felt comfortable and could fully focus on our photographic goals. The course was perfect, even though I didn't take full advantage of it. We left a bit earlier and didn't participate in all activities. Nevertheless, it fulfilled exactly what I hoped for – an escape from everyday worries, from the work hustle, a stay in a beautiful mountain location, where I combined relaxation with what I love – photography. In addition, I made progress in my work and gained a unique portfolio that I wouldn't have obtained elsewhere.

Summary

The accommodation was of a higher standard, and waking up to the mountain climate was a dream come true. Photography is, for me, primarily an escape from the technical world I've been immersed in for the past two years, to creative work with photos. It's something that makes you forget about everything else. And who better to learn from than the expert in the field, Michal, who undoubtedly is. If you're looking for a great "portfolio day" combined with the opportunity to learn something new, I highly recommend this event.

Let me know if you'd like to make any adjustments!