Madeira Photography Workshop

Focus on Madeira: A Photographic Exploration Workshop

9th - 15th December 2025:
6 places only

In partnership with Thor Photography Thor Photography logo

Overview

With x2 experienced tutors and only six participants there will be plenty of individual time for everyone.

Though located 500 kilometres west of Morocco, Madeira’s steep cliffs capture Atlantic moisture, creating lush, green landscapes. Despite its small size—just 50 kilometres long and 15 km wide—Madeira offers an incredible variety of scenery. You can shoot rugged seascapes in the morning and be on a mountaintop surrounded by rolling fog within 20 minutes. Traditional architecture adds charm and scale to the landscape, enhancing every composition.

Having explored many of the world’s most photogenic places, Madeira is definitely up there as one of my favourite. Thor and I are excited to share this incredible island with you.

​We’ve chosen December to avoid peak tourism while keeping Madeira’s excellent weather. Our workshop is designed so you can focus entirely on photography while we handle everything else. With expert guidance, we’ll take you to the best locations in the best light, providing personalised tuition to help you refine your skills and capture unforgettable images.

You will have the opportunity to photograph many diverse landscapes, including misty mountain peaks, rays of cathedral light highlighting ancient terraces and dramatic sunrises and sunsets. The workshop focuses on skill development in areas such as lighting, composition, storytelling and getting the most from your camera.

We will also explore less-travelled villages and interact with locals, providing a deeper understanding of the island and its history. This workshop is suitable for those looking to enhance their photography skills and add unique images to their portfolio while experiencing the natural beauty and culture of Madeira.

Who's it for?

All levels of photographer from beginner to experienced wanting to have a photographic adventure on this jewel of an island. The program includes on-location guidance and insightful instruction, feedback and post production sessions (for those who require it) guaranteeing substantial learning and a great time amongst like minded people. Morning and evening when the light is most appropriate light we'll concentrate on landscapes, as the sun rises higher we'll explore villages, local culture and/or do feedback sessions.

Where are we staying?

We will be staying at one hotel in the south central area for the entire time we are there, it's one of the perks of the island being so small that everything is only a short drive away.

Physical requirements

The majority of the workshop is easy with locations close to the car and easy for anyone, however some require either short hike or scrambling over rocks.There may be short walks of up to 20 minutes in some locations, however they can be photographed from near the car should you prefer.

Getting to Madeira

Madeira is part of Portugal and located in the Atlantic Ocean 350 miles (565 km) off the west coast of Morocco. 

Direct flights to the capitol city Funchal (FNC) are easily available across Europe and the UK. If you're coming from beyond, fly direct to Lisbon (capitol of Portugal) and get a connecting flight from there.

 

Highlights include

Many locations are not on the tourist trail. Images on this page are from these locations and more...

  • Terra Grande
  • Fanal Forest
  • Sao Vicente
  • Pico do Arieiro
  • Sao Lourenco
  • Lombo Galego region
  • Mercado Agricola do Santo da Serra
  • Miradouro do Guindaste

Itinerary

Our days will be changeable based on the weather and other conditions so there is not a fixed itinerary. 9th December is arrival day and though we have nothing planned for that day, we may head out to shoot sunset depending on what time everyone arrives. 15th December is departures day when everyone says a fond farewell and heads for the airport.

Our decisions throughout the workshop will be based on what we believe will work for you to get the best images and learning experience. Normally we will start early and head out for a sunrise session, possibly returning to the hotel for breakfast or getting something in a cafe or bakery. We will likely be taking a packed lunch prepared by the hotel with us. 

We aim to have at least 2 or 3 midday critique and editing sessions back at the hotel. Otherwise we will be exploring other suitable locations including villages and possibly a Sunday market where you'll meet some of the friendly locals, before we get in position for a sunset shoot.

Madeira is perfect for astro photography so if conditions allow we plan to do one or two outings for that. 

One of the best parts of staying in one place the entire time is there is more time to organise your images, charging batteries, resting and have educational and editing sessions. 

What you'll need

  • A DSLR or Mirrorless camera
  • Lenses covering a range from 17mm to 200mm
  • sturdy tripod and head. (A wobbly one is useless)
  • Multiple memory cards
  • Charger and spare batteries
  • Laptop with photo editing and viewing software. (Photoshop and Lightroom recommended)

What you'll learn

  • How to create compelling and enticing compositions
  • Using qualities of light appropriately
  • How to tell a story in pictures
  • How to properly expose for an image throughout a variety of light including prime and non-prime conditions
  • How to use your camera to it´s best capabilities
  • Workflow techniques for Lightroom and Photoshop

Sorry - this workshop is now full

So please add yourself to the shortlist

 

If a place becomes available I will let you know immediately - and if not you will be the first to know for 2026. 

Madeira is...

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My partner on this workshop: Thor Jonsson


Welcome to my photography world! I'm Thorarinn, an experienced photographer and the proud owner of Thor Photography, a successful business specialising in photography tours and workshops worldwide.  Since establishing my company back in 2014, I've been dedicated to providing photography enthusiasts with unforgettable experiences and helping them capture stunning images.

​Photography has been a part of my life since a young age. I discovered the joy of making photographs early on, and it has remained a constant passion ever since. While my background is in carpentry, which I still enjoy doing from time to time, I realised that photography was my true calling. Transitioning from a regular 8-5 job to being self-employed and having more control over my time was a dream I pursued.

Now, I find myself immersed in my photography 24/7, fuelling my passion and allowing me to fully express my creativity.

​What sets Thor Photography apart is my commitment to keeping group sizes small. I believe in the power of personal connections and individual attention. By intentionally limiting group sizes, I ensure that I can personally get to know and assist each participant, offering them ample time and guidance to enhance their photography skills.

Your tutor at a glance

I'm Mike and am flattered to have been called the UK's friendliest Photography Expert (Thanks 500px!).  


I'm proud to have made hundreds of videos and spent thousands of hours teaching people like you to see more beauty in the world every day (and to capture that beauty), by thinking like a photographer. 

My YouTube channel has served more than 26 Million views and has more than 260,000 subscribers.

I've appeared on TV shows and been asked to speak at some of the best photography events on earth, such as:

  • Xposure International Photography Festival, Sharjah, UAE
  • The Photography Show, Birmingham, UK

I've enjoyed a wonderful career as a photographer, presenter and teacher. I even trained as a teacher so that I could reach my full potential and enable others to reach theirs.

As a photographer, I'm proud to have won multiple awards: 

  • Petapixel TopTen Youtube Trainers list
  • x3 Xposure International Photography Festival Awards
  • Fuji Commercial Photography
  • x2 Fuji Wedding Photography
  • Kodak Gold Award
  • x14 Master Photographers Association Awards

And I've been lucky to have had exhibitions at prestigious venues such as:

  • The Master Photographers Association
  • Royal Photographic Society
  • Romanian Embassy (London)
  • Xposure Photography Festival - others...

When not teaching photography I also speak at events for photographers and businesses alike and have written for publications such as:

  • Ephotozine
  • DSLR User magazine
  • Professional Photographer
  • Photography Monthly - others...

Trumping all of this, my proudest achievement to date is the huge number of wonderful 5* reviews on Trustpilot and Google - written by people like you after completing my courses. It's one of the best feelings in the world to know you've helped someone have what I call a 'lightbulb moment'.

The other is exploring this beautiful world in which we live along sunny backroads on a motorcycle. 

Mike Browne CDTP Lite Photoshow 600

Speaking at The Photo Show Birmingham UK

Xposure International Photography Festival - Sharjah, UAE

Group of photographers on a wooden dock at a lake in Switzerland

Switzerland Photo Workshop Group

Man wearing motorcycle jacket pointing at a camera

Photographer, speaker and motorcyclist