Photo Expedition & Workshop Spring Madeira 2026
Jan Smid • Master QEP • ZEISS Ambassador • 300+ international awards • Madeira Photo Expedition Leader
Questions? WhatsApp us.
23rd May - 31st May 2026
Dominating the volcanic ridges under a neon-vivid spring bloom. Jagged 6,000ft spires meeting a sea of wildflowers and misty inversions.
Join this intensive Madeira landscape photography workshop to exploit the dramatic vertical scale of the Atlantic. We provide the ultimate technical training on this elite photo expedition, maintaining our signature 1:2 instructor ratio to ensure your individual progress. Strictly limited to 6 photographers.
⚠️ Final Spot — This expedition departs 23rd May 2026
📅 May 23–31, 2026 (9 days) |📍 🇵🇹 Madeira, Portugal | 👤 Max 6 Participants | 📸 3 Instructors incl. Jan Smid, Master QEP | 💰 3990 USD | Sold-out Madeira expeditions since 2018
One spot remaining. Here is what you get.
9 days. Volcanic ridges at 1,800 metres. Jurassic forests. Milky Way above the Atlantic. Three instructors. Six photographers.
This is the most technically intensive Madeira landscape photography workshop in the Atlantic — led by Jan Smid, Master QEP and ZEISS Ambassador, winner of 300+ international photography awards. Every previous Madeira expedition has sold out. This is the final spot in 2026.
What you will master:
High-impact single shots and composition
Multi-row panoramic workflow — bracket to final stitch
Exposure bracketing and dynamic range control
Long exposure seascapes and waterfall photography
Milky Way from 1,800m altitude
Complete post-processing: Camera Raw · Photoshop · PTGui
“Jan’s experience really showed — we were always at the right place at the right time. Plans were constantly adapted to weather and conditions. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, more like traveling with like-minded photographers than being on a typical workshop. Highly recommended — I’d definitely join another tour with Jan.”
What You Will Master on This Expedition
This Madeira photo workshop is designed to elevate your photography, regardless of your current level. We don’t just take pictures; we teach you how to master the volcanic landscape for professional-grade results:
Visual Storytelling: Translating the massive Atlantic scale into powerful, emotive imagery.
Technical Excellence: From perfect single shots to advanced multi-row panoramas – we meet you where your skills are.
Adaptability: Learn to create flawless files even during rapid Atlantic weather shifts.
Night Skies: Capturing the Milky Way from 6,000ft peaks (we’ll guide you through every setting).
From RAW to Print: A complete post-processing workflow to bring your vision to life.
Filmed during our Spring 2025 photo expedition to Madeira and features an exclusive scouting mission where only one mentor and one brave participant ventured to explore Madeira's most demanding ridges.
What Will We Photograph on Madeira?
Our expedition doesn't follow a rigid itinerary — we adapt daily to the best possible light and weather conditions. Outside the key golden-hour and sunrise shoots, we explore both the island's most famous locations and its secret, off-the-beaten-path gems.
Highlights you may experience during the expedition include:
Pico Ruivo & Pico do Arieiro — Madeira's highest peaks offering jaw-dropping panoramic views and Milky Way access at 1,800 metres
Fanal Laurisilva Forest — UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient laurel trees shrouded in Atlantic mist
Porto Moniz Natural Pools — volcanic rock pools against a wild ocean backdrop
Encumeada Viewpoint — panoramic views over the island's rugged interior with frequent cloud inversions
Santana — traditional thatched houses set against lush green hills
Ponta de São Lourenço — dramatic coastal peninsula with breathtaking cliffs and turquoise sea
Funchal — vibrant city life, harbour views, and botanical gardens
Cabo Girão — one of the world's highest sea cliffs with spectacular ocean views
Ribeira da Janela — iconic sea stacks and unique coastal rock formations
Levada Walks — scenic hikes through Madeira's famous irrigation channels and valleys
Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations — exclusive scouting spots kept off standard photo tour itineraries
Some of our best locations are never revealed in advance — this expedition goes far beyond the guidebooks.
Why Jan Smid, Master QEP — And Why Madeira
Since 2014, Jan Smid has led private expeditions to Madeira. Since 2018, every group expedition has sold out. Three instructors with multiple vehicles adapt the programme daily to light and weather — so you are always in the right place at the right time.
What makes this different:
Access to exclusive locations kept off standard photo tour itineraries
Private luxury villa with ocean views — pool, fully equipped kitchen
Pre-expedition gear consultation included
Zero secrets policy — you learn the exact Master QEP workflow
📍 Location: Madeira (Portugal)
📅 Dates: May 23–31, 2026 (9 days/8 nights)
👥 Participants: Max 6
👨🏫 Instructors: Jan Smid (Master QEP), Martin Strouhal (QEP), Pavel Drexler (Adobe Certified Professional)
⏱️ Meeting point: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal (FNC)
✈️ Flights: Group support available
💰 Price: 3990 USD
(🇨🇿 Pro účastníky z ČR a SR máme vypsané speciální podmínky a platbu v CZK. Pro českou cenu mě kontaktujte přímo přes formulář níže.)
💼 Deposit: 1500 USD
🏠 Accommodation: Private luxury villa in the Funchal area (twin rooms as standard; single room available on request for an additional fee)
🍽 Meals: Local restaurants or self-catering in the villa
🌐 Language: English (🇨🇿 český lektor k dispozici)
Physically Accessible — Without Compromising Results
This Madeira photo workshop is engineered to be physically accessible without compromising on the quality of your portfolio. We focus on elite results, not endurance tests.
✅ Physically Accessible: Most key locations require only short walks or light terrain—no heavy gear hauling or extreme hiking required.
✅ Optional High-Altitude Challenges: For those who want more, we offer optional tactical hikes to remote volcanic ridges for exclusive sunrise or sunset angles.
✅ Multi-Vehicle Strategy: Whether you prefer coastal scenes near the road or rugged mountain peaks, our 3-instructor team ensures everyone reaches the best light.
✅ Adaptable to You: Every single day is adjusted for both weather and the physical ability of the group. Everyone gets access to top-tier photo expedition spots.
Madeira After Dark: Milky Way & Night Photography
When the sun sets over the Atlantic, the real magic begins. At 1,800 metres altitude with zero light pollution, Madeira is one of Europe's premier locations for Milky Way photography. In late May, the astronomical twilight lasts long enough to shoot the galactic core before midnight.
During the expedition we photograph the Milky Way from Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo — both tracked and untracked — and teach the complete night photography workflow from planning and composition through to final post-processing.
Behind-the-scenes footage from one of our previous spring photo expeditions to Madeira — dramatic seascapes, misty forests, and real-world landscape photography in action.
Pre-Expedition Support & Gear Consultation
You’ll get the absolute most out of this Madeira photo expedition with a DSLR or mirrorless system, a sturdy tripod, and a lens range from wide-angle to telephoto.
Elite Gear Consultation & Support:
Pre-Expedition Consulting: Included in your booking is a full gear audit. Whether you are upgrading your sensor, choosing the right lens lineup, or selecting weather-sealed clothing, we provide expert guidance before the mission begins.
Pro Gear Access: In select cases, we provide the opportunity to test professional-grade equipment directly in the field (limited availability).
Tactical Preparation: After registration, you will receive a comprehensive, high-detail gear list and preparation guide to ensure you are ready for any Atlantic condition.
Extend Your Results: Exclusive Online Landscape Masterclass
As an expedition participant, you get access to something we don't offer publicly — a private Online Masterclass session reserved exclusively for our expedition guests.
Join before the expedition to arrive with stronger technique — panoramas, exposure control, long exposures or night sky workflow. Or join after to bring your best images to exhibition-ready standard with Jan Smid, Master QEP guiding every step live.
This is not a public webinar. It is a private, invitation-only session — maximum 6 seats, real-time interaction, your questions answered directly.
Private session — exclusive to expedition participants, not available to the public
Live via Zoom — 3 hours including Q&A
Full 4K recording sent to every participant
Original RAW files and practice assets included
Strictly limited to 6 seats per session
Price: $149 USD — exclusively for expedition participants
Add to your booking in the application form
What’s Included in the Price What’s Not Included
✅ Expert Instruction
• Full-time guidance from 3 instructors, including Jan Smid, Master QEP
• Personalized guidance, daily image reviews, and evening lectures
• Techniques for single-shot, panoramic, and night photography
• Basic/Advanced post-processing
✅ Accommodation
• 9 days/8 nights in a private luxury villa with breathtaking ocean views over Funchal
• Double rooms (single occupancy available for an additional fee)
• Villa features a pool, terraces, and a fully equipped kitchen
✅ Transportation
• All local transport included — day and night photo shoots
✅ Tailored Shooting Program
• Flexible daily planning based on weather forecasts
• Access to remote and exclusive locations across Madeira
✅ Support & Atmosphere
• Friendly, small-group environment (max. 6 participants)
• All knowledge is shared openly — no hidden tricks
❌ International flights to and from Funchal
❌ Meals and personal expenses
❌ Entrance fees (where applicable)
❌ Personal travel and equipment insurance
💎 Beyond the Expedition: Exclusive Online Landscape Masterclasses
Optional Premium Extension
While the complete post-processing workflow is taught during the expedition, some photographers want to push their boundaries even further. Online Masterclass is available after our return for those who:
Have specialized, high-end creative requirements beyond the standard workflow.
Want a guidance to refine specific complex projects.
Need a "safety net" to ensure their final portfolio hits Master QEP standards long after the trip ends.
This is a dedicated, online session to ensure your vision never gets lost and your results stay world-class.
For those planning more premium workshops in 2026–2027, explore our Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition 2026 and Alaska Fall Photo Workshop 2027 — plus summer Lofoten and the Outer Hebrides for a complete year-round portfolio (fotoexpedice Aljaška 2026, fotoexpedice Aljaška 2027, fotoworkshop Aljaška).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Madeira Spring Photo Workshop 2026
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Both! This experience is structured as a full photo workshop – with field training, hands-on composition coaching, and guided night shooting – combined with a flexible photo expedition plan to match conditions each day.
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No! This photo workshop is perfect for all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or want to master advanced techniques like exposure blending and star tracking, we tailor our guidance to each participant.
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Evening sessions cover editing panoramas, blending exposures, and preparing professional-quality images using tools like Adobe Camera Raw, Photoshop, and PTGui – taught by award-winning photographer Jan Smid, Master QEP.
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If you’d like to keep building your landscape portfolio after Madeira, our flagship trips are the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expeditions 2026 & 2027 — combining autumn tundra colors, huge glaciers and the chance to photograph the Aurora Borealis. You can also look at our early-season Iceland workshop, summer Lofoten photo tour and the Outer Hebrides expedition for a complete mix of seascapes, mountains and wild coastlines.
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Ano — fotoexpedice Madeira 2026 je otevřená i pro účastníky z ČR a během celé akce je k dispozici česká komunikace.
Past group photography expeditions to Madeira
October 5 – October 13, 2018
May 25 – June 2, 2019
May 7 – May 14, 2021
May 19 – May 27, 2023
May 24 – June 1, 2024
May 25 - June 2, 2025
