Castles, Saint and snakes

In this four-day course will discuss ethnic reportage photography and reportage in the first two architectures in the remaining days. The first day will see the famous festival of the serpents in Cocullo; the second will follow the Gioia Company of which goes to pay homage to the Madonna della Libera celebrated in Pratola Peligna. On the third day we will go to visit the villages of Castel del Monte and Calascio with its fortress perched on the slopes of the Gran Sasso; the last day we'll climb down a short path to the hermitage of St. Celestine Onofrio hanging among the rocks of Mount Morrone. For travel by bus and we'll provide car.

Serpari a Cocullo, San Domenico

Day 1 , Thursday May Day :

 

Early morning we will go to the small village of Cocullo not far from Sulmona.

It fills up with thousands of people who came, who for devotion, who out of curiosity, some to study, to attend this unique event of great anthropological importance also known as "festival of the serpari" (serpari are those who seek and handle the snakes for the festival).

The recurrence seems to have originated from the worship of the goddess Angizia venerated by the Marsi, considered by the Romans a people of wizards and sorcerers. The goddess, who protected from snake bites, with the diffusion of Christianity was supplanted by the cult of San Domenico, a hermit who lived in a cave nearby.

It will be our job to guide you with suggestions, even of photographic technique in various events such as the arrival of the various companies of devotees who have traveled long distances on foot; the various gestures of the faithful to protect itself from toothache, the ostentation of the ex-voto or, why not, to be photographed with a snake around his neck taking advantage of the kindness of the serpari that lend themselves willingly.

For lunch you will have at disposition many cloisters for a Porchetta sandwich or roasted sausages. Just after lunch we will make a short visit to San Domenico Lake, where we could see the cave hermitage of San Domenico. Along the way we will be able to make shots at the beautiful panorama of Anversa degli Abruzzi village. Back at the hotel , before and after dinner , there will be a critical reading of pictures taken during the day and examples of post-production with the help of Adobe Lightroom PC and video projector...read more

 

Compagnia di Gioia dei Masi, Pratola Peligna

Day 2 , Friday, May 2:

 

The goal of the day will be Pratola Peligna where they are to begin the festivities in honor of Madonna della Libera that will last a week. We are interested in photographing the arrival of the Compagnia di Gioia devotees.

In the old days there were numerous companies of pilgrims who came to pay homage in Pratola at the image of the Madonna kept in the Sanctuary, to today there are only the inhabitants of Gioia dei Marsi who continue to keep the tradition.

They walk along the path from the far Marsican town no matter what weather conditions. We will go to meet them to take pictures when, after climbed the last of seven hills, they find themselves in front of the Sanctuary which is visible from far in the Peligna Valley. Here on their knees they pray to thank the Madonna for having protected them in the way.

After taking numerous photos of the faces suffering from fatigue, tears and gestures of devotion we are going to precede the company in the church that will arrive in the late afternoon. In the church, full of people in every corner, they get in rubbing on their knees up to the main altar where they will kiss the monogram of Mary, while their songs resonate among the aisles.

We will guide you in making a very dramatic reportage full of emotion and in the use of very high ISO sensitivity.

The day will conclude at the hotel where , after dinner, there will be the usual critical reading and comparison of shots taken...read more

Compagnia di Gioia dei Marsi, Pratola Peligna

Day 3 , Saturday, May 3:

 

We will reach some of the most beautiful villages that surround the chain of Gran Sasso. The first stop will be in Castelvecchio Calvisio , one of the most charming towns in the Abruzzo mountains for its urban structure that seems to follow the plan of a Roman "castrum".

The earthquake of April 6, 2009 that struck the Abruzzo region has greatly damaged this valuable and unique piece of architecture. Walking and photographing in the silence of its streets, often shored up in order to avoid collapse of structures, it swells heart with sadness and helplessness.

The next stop will be Santo Stefano di Sassanio ( Sextantio ). The old village , which was owned by the powerful de' Medici family of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, has preserved almost intact its medieval splendor , with hints of Renaissance representing the ancient prosperity.

Since 2004, the village is home to the interesting experiment of the so-called " diffuse hotel " that has attracted numerous tourists, giving a new impetus to the local economy. Being in the area photographing the beautiful spontaneous architecture, we cannot avoid a visit at one of the most beautiful and photographed castles in the world , according to the National Geographic, also location of many movies: the Rock of Calascio.

Before to climb up to the castle we will spend a little of our time between the houses of Calascio all in stone, well kept, full of narrow streets and staircases where you overlook tower-houses, the eighteenth-century buildings and churches which are treasures of art.

All evidence of ancient wealth produced by the armentizie activities. We will conclude this day of photographs of architecture with the ascent to the fortress through the ruins of the village that surrounds it.

The castle is always immersed in a magical light, it looks like the extension of the rocks on top of the hill. From a height of 1500m. gaze sweeps over breathtaking views: from the Maiella massif to Sirente and to the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park, then the tormented morphology leads the eye towards Campo Imperatore and the chain of Gran Sasso. We will wait here the sunset time which at these altitudes never disappoints. Back at the hotel will project still photos of the day...read more

 

Calascio, la rocca

Day 4 , Sunday, May 4:

 

In the morning we will conclude this journey in Abruzzo going up to the hermitage of Sant 'Onofrio placed like an eagle's nest on a rocky ridge near the Monte Morrone and also visible from the hotel.

This is the place preferred by the hermit Pietro Angeleri. Here, while he was in meditation, the holy man received the news of his election to the papacy which he accepted for a short time under the name of Celestine V. The small church still preserves ancient frescoes and the tiny cells inhabited by Celestine monks.

The view into the below Peligna Valley, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Apennines, is dizzying...read more

Eremo di Sant'Onofrio a Morrone

Photo gallery

The schedule will be adapted to the weather conditions.

 

Content

- Morning and afternoon sessions of shots in all the area affected by the Tour/WS in a pre-selected range of the most interesting places for this time of year

- On location instructions and discussions on composition and technique

- Criticism and discussion of photos taken during the Tour/WS

- Lectures on composition, scene selection, technique, post-processing, etc.

- Knowledge and use of your own camera

- Optimization of the shooting parameters management

- Interpretation of the landscape

- Framing research

- Composition and light management

 

Crew

2 x Photographers

1 x ws Manager (he will assist participants and photographers in any demands)

In case of 5 participants the WS Manager will drive the minibus during the shooting.

In case of more partecipants the photographers will drive the additional minibuses or car (depending on the number of people).

 

Requirements

There are no specific expectations for the skill level of the participants. You will likely have been interested in photography for some years and have acquired a digital SLR and a few lenses. However less experienced photographers are equally welcome. The teachers will adapt the Tour/WS at the level of each participant.

We welcome photographers with any type of camera.

 

Pricing, accommodation and transports

The cost of the Tour/WS is 320,00 Euro which include 4 stars hotel accommodation with breakfasts, typical packed lunches and typical dinners (appetizer, first course, main course, side dish, dessert, mineral water, house wine and coffee). A double single use room for each participant. The price include transport from the hotel to Tour/WS itinerary and back to the hotel . It is not included airport transfer or similar (if you need it we can provide you with an extra cost). If you decide to come early before the Tour/WS or stay some more nights you will pay these extra days directly to the hotel.

The cost without our proposed board and lodging, will be 160.00 E including transport.

Participants are not going to drive for the shooting.

It is planned that the 5min-17max participants will move on vehicles driven by WS Manager and 2 photographers / instructors.

The hotel have conference facilities for class room sessions.

If you would like to bring your family or friends please indicate this in the registration e-mail and we will offer you an alternative tour package. They cannot participate in the Tour/WS activities.

 

Personalised program

It is possible for you to choose partial participation in the program by selecting and booking individual days.

The cost of a single day of Tour/WS is 160,00 Euro which include 1 night in a 4 stars hotel accommodation with breakfasts, typical packed lunches and typical dinners (appetizer, first course, main course, side dish, dessert, mineral water, house wine and coffee). A double single use room for each participant. The price include transport from the hotel to Tour/WS itinerary and back to the hotel . It is not included airport transfer or similar (if you need it we can provide you with an extra cost). If you decide to come early before the Tour/WS or stay some more nights you will pay these extra days directly to the hotel.

The cost without our proposed board and lodging, will be 80.00 Euro including transport.

For more information on this option, please send an email to info@tripsinitaly.it and tell us which days you are interested in.

 

Booking

Please book space on the Tour/WS or request further information please fill out the form to this address..it or if you would like to ask additional questions about the workshop. If you are not able to join this Tour/WS or it is sold out, then please consult the Tour/WS calendar or contact us to plan your personal Tour/WS in any free day of our calendar. As the time of the Tour/WS approaches (1 week in advance) you will get updates on the detailed schedule and additional relevant information. You are welcome to divide the payment of the 320,00 Euro into a deposit of 160,00 Euro at sign-up and payment of 160,00 Euro by April 1st, 2014. If the Tour/WS needs to be cancelled a full refund will be paid. If you need to cancel the participation the 160,00 Euros will not be refunded unless a replacement is found. If you cancel after April 1st a refund is only paid if a replacement is found.

The deposit and the balance should be by bank transfer to:

Guido Paradisi

Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Pratola Peligna conto corrente n° 3709,

IBAN: IT52J0874740710000000003709.

All costs shown in this paragraph are reduced by 50% if you choose not to include our proposed board and lodging.

 

On location conditions

We will send you info 1 week before the Tour/WS.

 

 

for information and reservations