"The chance to meet the Roma people, and to be allowed to photograph them, was priceless. Copsamare Guesthouses was very beautiful and picturesque, and the food truly outstanding. Catherine's teaching was of course key, and a highlight of the experience." - Ginny Hench, 2024 participant

INTRODUCTION

We have created for you a highly curated thirteen-day photo workshop with hand-picked experiences designed to spend real time with warm and welcoming locals and to experience a Romania that you’d never be able to have on your own.

We will introduce you to villagers who live in deeply traditional ways, as well as inspiring newcomers, who are working hard to save traditions in architecture, artisanal crafts, and organic farming.

This is not a sightseeing tour of Romania or a tour-operator–run trip. We are truly off the beaten path most of the time. No drive is over two hours. By staying several nights in each location, we slow down and immerse.

The heart of this workshop is the people we meet, who will share with us their hearts and homes.

We'll be there in June, one of the most beautiful times of year, when the meadows are green and full of wildflowers, and the days are warm in early summer.

Limited to 6 - 8 participants.

The workshop officially begins the afternoon of June 5, in Brasov, and ends the morning of June 17, an hour from Sibiu. You will fly into Bucharest Airport (OTP) and depart from Sibiu airport (SBZ).

We will start our journey in Brasov, where we will be staying at the new spiffy-cool Radisson.

The next day we head to the most luxurious hotel in the region, the magnificent Zabola Estate, owned by Countess Mikes, who lives right on the property.

After three nights in Zabola, we will travel to the village of Miklosvar, with its colorful Saxon houses.

There we will stay at the rustic Count Kalnoky Guesthouses.

We will end the workshop at the charming Copsamare Guesthouses, owned by Giovanna and Paolo Bassetti. Their welcoming hospitality, excellent taste in decor, and delicious food will make for a marvelous stay.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is seamlessly-run, highly professional trip, with great attention to detail. No drive is over two hours, so time is spent shooting and enjoying, not traveling long distances.

The personal connections we have fostered give our guests deep-rooted local access, which enables us to get uniquely intimate photographs.

Every day will be a photo adventure. There will be real learning both on location in group projections and private critiques. You will come home with a set of terrific images and a renewed sense of adventure.

All levels of photographers are welcome. Spouses/partners who have no strong interest in photography are welcome!

 EXPERIENCES MAY INCLUDE

  • Spending an afternoon with a vibrant community of Roma-Gypsy dancers and musicians, who will perform and share the stories behind their traditional dances. We have rare and exclusive access to their private homes, offering a unique glimpse into their world.

  • Visiting painted churches, one with ancient frescoes and another filled with beautiful paintings on glass, made by the local priest whom we can meet.

  • Enjoying a scrumptious meal and splendid “lifestyle” day on an organic farm, owned by an inspiring young woman and her family, who are part of a collective of makers and farmers preserving traditions in the region, some of whom work with King Charles and his trusts.

  • Visiting and shooting the oldest working photo studio in Europe, where the master photographer will take our individual portraits and give us personal prints.

  • Spending an intimate day with local villagers in their homes (with multiple translators so we can communicate), making beautiful portraits. We will enjoy a traditional lunch with the family of our friend Piroska in a tiny village not even on the map.

  • Exploring the town of Biertan with its famous fortified church and stunning views.

COST

Shared accommodation rate
$10,750 per person
Early confirmation
| Valid for registrations confirmed by April 30, 2026

$10,250 per person

Single occupancy supplement
$1,600 per person

A minimum of 6 participants is required for this workshop. If the minimum is not met, participants will be notified at least 4 months prior to departure, and workshop fees will be fully refunded. Guests’ international airfare is not included.

WHAT IS INCLUDED


All accommodations

All breakfasts, most lunches and dinners

All scheduled workshop activities and admissions

On-location teaching, classes, group projections, and private critiques

Our guide, Valentina Marinescu, with deep knowledge of history and culture and excellent organization

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

International airfare

Some meals

Alcoholic beverages outside of pre-arranged meals

Travel insurance

Optional tips and gratuities

Airport transfers from Bucharest Airport to Brașov and from Copșa Mare to the Sibiu Airport

(Roma Dancers photo by Eric Brown)

 

Contact Us

 

Thank you for your interest in the Romania Luxury Photo Workshop!

Please complete the form below. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.