Is this a photo tour or a photography workshop?

Both. The programme is structured as a full field workshop with daily technical objectives, composition coaching, and guided night sessions — combined with a flexible expedition plan that adapts to light and weather each day. You learn by doing, not by watching.

Do I need to be experienced to join the Madeira photography expedition?

No. We adapt to every participant individually. Whether you are working on your first panorama or refining advanced exposure blending, instruction is tailored to your current level. The 1:2 instructor ratio makes this possible — no one gets left behind.

What post-processing is covered during the Madeira photography workshop?

Evening sessions cover panorama stitching, exposure blending, and preparing professional-quality files using Adobe Camera Raw, Photoshop, and PTGui — taught directly by Jan Smid, Master QEP, and Pavel Drexler, Adobe Certified Professional.

Besides the Madeira workshop, which other photo expeditions do you recommend?

After Madeira, we recommend the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition 2027, the Winter Lofoten Photo Expedition 2027, the Namibia Desert & Night Photo Expedition 2027, and the Cyprus North-South Photo Expedition 2027. All expeditions are listed at smidphotography.com/expeditions.

Is accommodation included in the Madeira photography expedition price?

Yes. 8 nights in a private luxury villa near Funchal with ocean views, pool, terraces, and fully equipped kitchen are included in the price of 3,990 USD. Twin rooms as standard; single room available on request for an additional fee.

Je tato fotoexpedice Madeira 2027 vhodná pro fotografy z ČR a SR?

Ano — fotoexpedice Madeira 2027 je otevřená i pro účastníky z ČR a SR. Během celé akce je k dispozici česká komunikace. Pro cenu v CZK kontaktujte Jana přímo. fotoexpedice Madeira 2027, fotoworkshop Madeira 2027, fotografický workshop Madeira.

Madeira Spring Photo Expedition 2027

Madeira Spring Photography Expedition & Workshop 2027

📅 May 24–June 1, 2027 |📍 🇵🇹 Madeira, Portugal | 👤 Max 6 Participants | 📸 3 Instructors incl. Jan Smid, Master QEP

The Most Technically Focused Landscape Photography Workshop in the Atlantic

Join Jan Smid, Master QEP and ZEISS Ambassador, for a nine-day field-based photography expedition to Madeira — the Atlantic island where volcanic ridges, Jurassic laurel forests, and 1,800-metre peaks create conditions impossible to replicate anywhere else in Europe.

This is not a photo tour where you follow a guide from viewpoint to viewpoint. This is an intensive Madeira landscape photography workshop built around real decisions, real light, and real results — with three instructors, multiple vehicles, and a programme that adapts daily to the best possible conditions.

We have run this expedition every spring since 2018. It has sold out every single time.

What you will master:

What you will master on this Madeira photo expedition:

High-impact single-frame composition and storytelling
Multi-row panoramic workflow — bracket to final stitch
Exposure bracketing and dynamic range control in Atlantic light
Long exposure seascapes and waterfall photography
Focus stacking for maximum wide-angle sharpness
Milky Way from 1,800m altitude — tracked and untracked
Complete post-processing: Camera Raw · Photoshop · PTGui

All images on this page were captured during previous Smid Photography expeditions to Madeira. They are the standard we work to — and the standard you will reach.

Your Expedition Team

Every Smid Photography expedition runs with a dedicated team of three instructors — the highest instructor ratio available on any comparable landscape photography expedition in Europe. With a maximum of six photographers in the group, you always have direct, personal guidance in the field.

Jan Smid — Expedition Leader & Master QEP

Jan holds the Master QEP title — the highest qualification awarded by the Federation of European Photographers, held by fewer than 100 photographers across Europe. He is a ZEISS Ambassador (one of 25 worldwide), winner of 300+ international awards, and has led photography expeditions to Madeira since 2014. In the field, Jan reads light before it arrives, adapts the plan in real time, and teaches through direct hands-on instruction at the location.

Martin Strouhal — Senior Instructor & QEP

Martin holds the QEP title and brings years of field experience across Europe's most demanding landscapes. He specialises in post-processing workflows and panoramic photography, leading evening editing sessions and providing hands-on guidance throughout every shooting session.

Pavel Drexler — Senior Instructor & Adobe Certified Professional

Pavel is an Adobe Certified Professional with deep expertise in advanced post-processing, exposure blending, and night photography. His technical precision in the editing room ensures every participant leaves with print-ready, portfolio-level files.

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.

“If you actually want to walk away with improved skills and a broader creative toolkit, Jan Smid will deliver on that promise.”

— Pat Antliff, Canada

“The week truly transformed me into a better photographer. Jan worked relentlessly — staying up at night to check for Aurora, constantly adapting the schedule. I can’t recommend his expeditions enough.”

— Lukas Ramming, Switzerland

“Jan is a qualified and masterful teacher that goes above and beyond with locations, teaching and editing. You won’t be disappointed.”

— Jeanne B., Atlanta, USA

“The best and most complete photography training I have experienced. Three instructors always present — you get a lot of individual attention.”

— Sasha Sadilova, Lakeshore Camera Club, Montreal

Master panorama of Ribeira da Janela rock needles — the signature experience of the Jan Smid Madeira May 2027 photo expedition.

📍 Location: Madeira (Portugal)

📅 Dates: May 24–June 1, 2027

👥 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)

Sunset panorama over Pico Ruivo in Madeira with golden light and dramatic clouds during a spring photo expedition (cz: fotoexpedice Madeira 2026, Madeira fotoworkshop).

Lone tree in morning fog at Fanal Forest, Madeira — mystical landscape during a photo expedition (cz: fotoexpedice Madeira 2026, Madeira fotoworkshop).

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 — and 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. No experience with night photography required.

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.

Milky Way rising above a red-lit wind turbine on Madeira, captured during the 2025 Madeira photo expedition and night photography workshop with Jan Šmíd.

Physically Accessible — Without Compromising Results

This expedition is engineered for maximum portfolio impact — not maximum physical endurance. Most key locations require only short walks or light terrain. No heavy gear hauling, no extreme hiking required.

Most shooting locations are accessible within a short walk from the vehicles
Optional high-altitude routes available for those who want more
Three instructors and multiple vehicles mean the programme adapts to the group daily
Everyone reaches the best light — regardless of fitness level

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
• 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.

Golden sunset above cloud-filled valleys at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira — photographed during a landscape expedition (cz: fotoexpedice Madeira 2026, Madeira fotoworkshop).

Strategic Execution: Why This Madeira Photo Workshop Avoids Rigid Itineraries

The Mission is Simple: Total Field Immersion. We combine my 12+ years of scouting to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Between high-intensity sessions, we explore both the icons and the hidden gems, ensuring your education on this exclusive photo tour is continuous and hands-on.

The Smid Photography Ecosystem: This expedition is designed as a high-impact, field-based training experience. It is a core part of a larger, interconnected education system. To understand how our Madeira photo workshops, expeditions, private courses, and specialized mentoring complement each other to build your long-term mastery, read the full breakdown of the Smid Photography system here.

For those planning more premium workshops in 2027, explore our Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition 2027 — plus Namibia, Winter Lofoten, Cyprus and much more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Madeira Spring Photo Workshop 2027

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.
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.
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.
If you’d like to keep building your landscape portfolio in different conditions, our flagship trip is theAlaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expeditions 2027 — combining autumn tundra colors, huge glaciers and the chance to photograph the Aurora Borealis. You can also look at our Namibia Photo Tour, Winter Lofoten Workshop, Cyprus Photo Expedition and much more.
Ano — fotoexpedice Madeira 2027 je otevřená i pro účastníky z ČR a během celé akce je k dispozici česká komunikace.

Six Spots. One Chance.

This expedition runs once a year, accepts six photographers, and has sold out every year since 2018. Madeira in late May is not a destination you visit twice at the right moment — the spring light, the cloud inversions, the wildflowers on the high plateaux. It comes together for one week and then it is gone.

If you are serious about your landscape photography, this is the most focused and technically intensive week you will spend behind a camera in Europe.