Photo Expedition & Workshop Spring Madeira 2026
23rd May - 31st May 2026
We run photography expeditions focused on real field learning — not sightseeing. Every shoot is built around light, weather and timing.
We teach composition, exposure control, single shots, panoramas, night photos and decision-making directly on location, in real conditions, with continuous hands-on guidance.
Small groups. Experienced instructors. Measurable improvement — not just new photos.
Field-based landscape photography in changing Atlantic conditions
May 23–31, 2026
📍 🇵🇹 Madeira, Portugal | 👤 Max 8 Participants | 📸 Up to 4 Instructors incl. Jan Šmíd, Master QEP
Join award-winning photographer Jan Šmíd on an intensive 8-day photo expedition to Madeira in Spring 2026. This workshop combines real field photography with hands-on coaching in one of Europe’s most visually diverse landscapes.
From dramatic cliffs and misty forests to volcanic ridges and spring wildflowers, Madeira offers exceptional conditions for landscape and night photography. The focus is on working with light, weather and composition directly in the field, with continuous guidance throughout the expedition.
All images on this page were captured during previous Smid Photography photo expeditions to Madeira.
👉 Secure your spot now and transform your portfolio in 2026! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
What You'll Learn
How to compose compelling landscape and seascape images
Workshop training in techniques for shooting single shots & single and multi-row panoramas
Using exposure bracketing, focus stacking, and star tracking
Creating technically perfect images in dynamic conditions
Mastering night photography and the Milky Way from high-altitude peaks
Basic/advanced post-processing workshop (included in evening sessions)
Who Is This Madeira Photography Expedition For?
This photo workshop is for photographers of all levels — from beginners to advanced shooters. You’ll receive personalized attention and learn advanced field and post-processing techniques at your pace.
Unlike typical group tours, this expedition is tailored. With up to 4 instructors and multiple vehicles, we adjust the program daily based on your skill, fitness, and goals — no one is left behind.
This video was filmed during our Spring 2025 photo expedition to Madeira and offers a behind-the-scenes look at our daily shooting sessions.
Get expert tips from this video to elevate your photography game during our 2026 Madeira photo expedition. Don't miss out!
🗺️ What Will We See During the Madeira Expedition?
Our photo expedition doesn’t follow a rigid itinerary — and that’s by design. Instead, we adapt daily to the best possible light and weather conditions, so you can capture the stunning landscapes of Madeira at their very best.
Outside the key golden-hour and sunrise shoots, we explore the best of Madeira: lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, misty mountains, and charming coastal villages. You’ll experience both the island’s most famous sights and its secret, off-the-beaten-path gems.
We also incorporate documentary-style photography and sightseeing, ensuring that the journey is as enriching as it is beautiful.
📍 Highlights you may experience during the expedition include:
🌄 Pico Ruivo & Pico do Arieiro – Madeira’s highest peaks offering jaw-dropping panoramic views
🌴 Laurisilva Forests – UNESCO World Heritage site, shrouded in mist and mystery
🌊 Porto Moniz Natural Pools – stunning volcanic rock pools against a wild ocean backdrop
🏞️ Encumeada Viewpoint – panoramic views over the island’s rugged interior
🏖️ Santana – traditional thatched houses set against lush green hills
🏝️ Ponta de São Lourenço – dramatic coastal hike with breathtaking cliffs
🏙️ Funchal – vibrant city life, harbor views, and botanical gardens
🌺 Monte Palace – lush gardens, hidden walkways, and sweeping views of Funchal
🌅 Sunset at Cabo Girão – the world’s highest sea cliff, offering incredible ocean views
🌊 Ribeira da Janela – stunning sea formations and unique coastal rock structures
🌄 Levada Walks – scenic, tranquil hikes through Madeira’s famous levadas and valleys
🚶♂️ Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails – capture secluded spots with fewer tourists and incredible beauty
Whether you’re chasing iconic landscapes or hidden corners of Madeira, this expedition will offer a unique, unforgettable photographic experience.
Why Join This Jan Smid Photography Trip?
✅ Real Expertise, No Secrets
We believe in open knowledge sharing. You’ll learn the exact techniques and workflows we use in our award-winning photography — no hidden tricks, no vague advice.
✅ The Best (and Secret) Locations
Yes, we shoot iconic spots. But we focus on hidden gems other photographers rarely visit. Our deep knowledge of the island ensures you capture Madeira in a way most never do.
✅ Tailored Experience for Every Participant
Whether you're hiking-fit or prefer easy access, we've got you covered. With 3 instructors and multiple vehicles, we personalize the itinerary based on your physical ability — no one is left behind.
✅ Shoot in All Conditions
Madeira’s terrain is diverse. That means we always have a plan — whether it’s golden sunsets, misty forests, or dramatic seascapes in changing weather.
✅ Small Group, Big Value
With just 8 participants and up to 4 instructors, you'll get unmatched attention, guidance, and space to grow your skills.
✅ Relax in Style
After shooting, unwind at our private villa with ocean views, pool, and full kitchen. Or take a break at the beach — just minutes away.
📍 Location: Madeira (Portugal)
📅 Dates: May 23–31, 2026
👥 Participants: Max 8
👨🏫 Instructors: up to 4 – Jan Šmíd (Master QEP), Martin Strouhal (QEP), Pavel Drexler (Adobe Certified Professional), Michael Prouza
✈️ Flights: Group support available
💰 Price: 3990 USD
(🇨🇿 orientační cena pro CZ účastníky: 39 000 Kč — USD price applies to international bookings; CZK rate reflects local currency & local services)
💼 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)
Highlights of of the Madeira Photo Tour Spring 2026
✅ The best photo spots — including lesser-known hidden gems
✅ Flexible program based on daily weather forecasts
✅ Individualized attention with up to 4 instructors and only 8 participants
✅ Luxury villa with sea views, pool, and ideal access to locations
✅ Friendly, professional environment focused on growth and creativity
✅ Access to gear consulting & field test equipment (limited availability)
🟢 Physically Accessible Photo Tour – No Hiking Experience Needed
This photo workshop is designed to be physically easy and accessible. Most photo locations require only short walks or light hikes — no steep terrain, no heavy gear hauling.
For those who want more, we offer optional challenging hikes for sunrise or sunset locations.
Whether you prefer remote mountain ridges or coastal scenes near the road — we’ve got you covered.
✅ Everyone gets access to top photo spots.
✅ Every day is adjusted for weather and ability.
Why Madeira is a Photographer’s Paradise 🌿
Often called the island of eternal spring, Madeira is a dream destination for landscape photographers. In late May, the island bursts into life — vibrant flowers, lush green terraces, and dramatic mountain formations create a canvas of endless inspiration.
Its unique tiered terrain resembles Asia’s iconic rice terraces, with picturesque villages tucked between steep peaks. The jagged coastlines and cliffs offer dramatic sunset shots and long exposure seascapes, while deep valleys and laurel forests provide intimate, misty scenes.
And when the sun sets, the real magic begins...
Thanks to clear skies, low light pollution, and high-altitude access, Madeira is among Europe’s top locations for Milky Way photography. In spring, you’ll experience extended astronomical twilight, making it perfect for night shooting. We’ll guide you to top spots like Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak) to capture surreal astro-landscapes in ideal conditions.
📸 Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless, or mobile device, Madeira offers world-class opportunities for both daytime and night photography.
Astro Photography in Madeira
With its southern location, minimal light pollution, and access to elevations over 1800m, Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for night sky photography. In May, you'll have perfect Milky Way visibility and astronomical twilight. We’ll take you to elevated locations like Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, ideal for capturing starscapes, star trails, and powerful night landscapes.
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.
Recommended Equipment
You’ll get the most out of the expedition with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, and a selection of wide-angle to telephoto lenses. However, even if you shoot exclusively with a mobile phone, you’re welcome to join — we tailor our approach to your gear and skill level.
Need help choosing or upgrading your equipment?
We offer gear consultations as part of your booking, completely free. Whether you're considering a new camera, unsure about your lens lineup, or need advice on tripods, filters, or weatherproof clothing — we’ll guide you before the expedition begins. 🎒 In select cases, we can also arrange test gear for you (limited availability).
After registration, you’ll receive a detailed list of recommended gear and preparation tips.
Master long exposure seascapes! Learn key techniques and gear insights — the perfect training ground for your next coastal photography expedition or workshop.
What’s Included in the Price What’s Not Included
✅ Expert Instruction
– Full-time guidance from up to four instructors, including Jan Šmíd (Master QEP)
– Personalized mentoring, daily image reviews, and evening lectures
– Techniques for single-shot, panoramic, and night photography
– Hands-on training in:
• Exposure bracketing
• Focus stacking
• Star tracking
• Basic/Advanced post-processing
✅ Accommodation
– 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
– Support for group flight coordination upon request
✅ 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. 8 participants)
– All knowledge is shared openly — no hidden tricks
❌ International flights to and from Funchal
❌ Meals and personal expenses
❌ Entrance fees (where applicable)
How We Work: Flexible, Real-World Shooting
(what about the itinerary)?
There is no fixed day-by-day itinerary. Each shooting day is planned around real conditions — light, weather, clouds and wind — to ensure the strongest possible photographic opportunities.
Thanks to deep local knowledge of Madeira’s terrain, we always choose the right location for the moment — sunrise, sunset, misty forests or dramatic coastal scenes. The priority is clear: high-quality landscape photography, not following a rigid schedule.
Between key photo sessions, we also explore iconic and lesser-known locations mentioned in the expedition intro, combining guided exploration with documentary-style shooting.
🎯 Our mission is simple: To help every participant create the best images possible — every single day.
This photo expedition is designed as an intensive field-based learning experience, where photography is taught directly in real landscapes and changing conditions. If you want to understand how expeditions, private courses and mentoring connect into one complete education system — and how individual formats complement each other — you can read a detailed explanation here.
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 early-spring Iceland, 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 Šmíd.
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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 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
