Italy Photography Workshop – Praise From Students

What a lucky break I had in learning about this trip to Puglia.  Every moment was a delight. There were so many unexpected surprises, (plus the bonus of perfect weather every day!).   Jeff’s planning the itinerary, the logistics and herding six sometimes unruly cats was masterful. What a super organizer and teacher he is. I learned more from him about creating a story through photography. About picking a theme, or common thread, and how to use the technology I have available to me. Jeff was patient and thoughtful with his teaching to the group but also on an individual basis, giving each one in the group his undivided attention as needed. He introduced us to the marvelous Italian word sprezzatura,    If ever there could be a goal with understanding the camera and all the possibilities presented by being the one controlling the devise, it would be to have sprezzatura. Wish I could be in his elementary photography classes! Knowing the camera, knowing the rules, and how to break the rules, seeing with more than your eyes, knowing how to share what you want to impart to the viewer.  These things I think about in a new way thanks to this very intensive workshop in a beautiful part of Italy. Each one sees the world in a unique way – so I especially liked Jeff’s method of having us critique each others work in a creative, constructive, open and appreciative way.  I really liked that. The loner in me said “more!” Pushing the button to take the shot is up to the beholder, but having a supportive guide and to be part of a small group, and all so simpatico, was uplifting. Thank you Jeff!

Photography with Jeff Curto in Tuscany is an immersive experience in Italian culture which sets the backdrop to the photography. That inclusiveness makes a huge difference to how you take your pictures. Jeff brings his vast experience in photography and academic teaching to his deep love of Italy. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Italian history, geography, gastronomy, understanding of wines, Italian ice cream and more, which are all part of the experience. We also heard from experts during visits to special sites such as a winery and sheep cheese making factory. During the week we were surrounded by the beauty of Tuscany, both town and country with endless opportunities for capturing amazing pictures. Jeff reviewed our photos in his gentle and encouraging style. Pienza, in the Val d’Orcia, proved to be the ideal base for our daily activities and also provided opportunities for personal initiatives. At the end of the beautifully organized week, I felt I had received an extraordinarily enriching experience, gained lovely new friends with whom I had so much fun and, of course, many beautiful photographs. You will definitely yearn for more!

Words cannot do justice to this amazing trip to the Dolomites. I was a first time attendee to Jeff Curto’s Workshop and I was not disappointed. This was a well organized amazing photography trip. The Dolomites are spectacular. Everywhere you look there is a photo opportunity which changes by the minute. I came away from this workshop having picked up many tips to help improve my photography skills going forward and, by the way, the only camera I took was my iPhone 14 Pro and I took amazing pictures.

How lucky was that! One day my wife challenged me to find a photography course.
After a surprisingly few clicks on the keyboard I found “Photographitaly” and an instructor by the name of Jeff Curto. I booked the “Tuscany” trip last May and followed that up with the “Puglia” trip and Florence workshop this spring. Jeff has a lifetime of experience not only being a photographer but being an instructor. How fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from him. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of the group with Jeff as your guide.
You won’t be disappointed.

Jeff’s workshops are wonderful opportunities to experience Italy in ways most would not on their own. We have been places off the usual tourist paths and can immerse in the true rhythm of life in those places. All along the way, Jeff offers thoughts and tips on how to “see” what we experience. For us, this has resulted in an awakening as photographers, doing better to capture images in a way that tells a story of the things we saw and the places we experienced.

Jeff is a wonderful host and is conscious of the pace that the group wants to move. He always has wonderful restaurants in line for evening meals. We have to say that the dinners have been spectacular.

Whether you know a lot or a little about photography, it’s a great opportunity to expand your vision and skills.

Hello Jeff,
First I want to thank you for including me in the emails you have sent to the group. I have enjoyed every one and this morning put the icing on the cake where I got to put faces to the people I have only “met” through Gary’s stories. To say Gary had a phenomenal trip with the places he’s been, the people with whom he traveled, and the many things he learned, would be an understatement. You provided an experience that I believe went far beyond his expectations. As I see the pictures of the places he’s been, I would have loved to be right beside him. I wanted to make sure he had the greatest time without worrying about me and be able to be with the group as much as possible. After seeing the places he walked, the hills he climbed and standing around for hours taking pictures, I know the two hip replacements I have that people usually don’t know I have, probably would have been screaming at me after day one!

Thank you for providing such a great experience and I’m pretty sure your paths will cross again as you come together again through the lens of a camera.

Amazing! Jeff’s workshops are about seeing, not pushing buttons, which is how it should be. His 30+ years of experience, skill, and knowledge are obvious in how he presents you with instruction and feedback. Well planned & well executed. Jeff’s knowledge and experience in the region served to make this trip more than a simple workshop and turned it into an experience of a lifetime. Thank you!

The photo workshop in Umbria was excellent and beyond my expectations! This region of Italy is ancient, beautiful and filled with many photo opportunities. The group size was small enough that we quickly became friends. Each day we explored various villages in the Umbrian region and every evening we enjoyed delicious Italian food and wines together in the local restaurants. Jeff is a patient and experienced instructor who encouraged us to see beyond the camera lens to the story behind the image we wanted to capture. He would remind us to not take photos “of” things, but, instead, take photos “about” things which could develop into the theme of our personal story of Italy. I recognized that this was not just a photography workshop, but an art workshop using the camera as its medium. I encourage anyone who wants to improve their artistic side of photography to take one of his workshops. It’s both a vacation and fun art class and well worth the time and money!

Thank you to Jeff Curto for a great series of photo workshops in Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia and a few places in between. Jeff’s an outstanding photographer, photo teacher, Italy expert, trip planner and friend. His workshops are extremely well-run, and are a great way for anyone interested in photography to experience Italy.

I still tell my friends, and any photographer, or aspiring photographer, that the Tuscany workshop changed my “seeing” mindset forever.

Don’t wait to sign up or you will miss an experience of a lifetime! Jeff’s workshops fill before you can hit the send button and for good reason! I was fortunate enough to attend the Tuscany workshop June 2019. Jeff and Mary Pat are the best hosts and will flood you with education, culture, cuisine and all the photographic splendor Tuscany is famous for. Did I mention the food? Wineries? The friendly people and knowledgeable guides? Jeff knows Italy and knows how to bring a new appreciation to light for his workshop participants. I also want to mention how nice the accommodations were in Pienza.

I got photos that ooze Tuscany but so much more! I have been on 20+ photo tours and this one is at the very top of my favorites list!

Thanks Jeff and Mary Pat!

My wife and I participated in the Tuscany workshop. We found that, in addition to offering great teaching and other opportunities for improving photography, it was also a wonderful introduction to life in this magical part of Italy.

The workshop was well paced, with daily excursions to great photo spots and points of cultural interest and also allowed time to pursue individual activities at our own pace. We loved the opportunity to get to know the others on the tour and especially enjoyed our time with them during our wonderful dinners overlooking the Val d’Orcia. We added the workshop as part of a longer stay in Italy. We found the workshop portion of our extended tour to be the most relaxing, avoiding the crowds so typical at this time (June) in other parts of Italy.

I very much enjoyed Jeff’s teaching style. He is laid back in his approach and nurtured my own vision and creativity without forcing any particular “right way” to take photos (what to shoot and how to shoot it). I witnessed how this style worked with the others in the workshop; each manifested their own style in the final slide show presentations.

In short, we loved the workshop and would look forward to participating again.

Jeff and Mary Pat are experts in Italy travel experience. Jeff is a very experienced teacher ( Emeritus Professor ) of Photography, with a very pleasant personality. Tuscany Photo workshop that I attended was well thought out. The group was small and pleasant and easy to get along.
The places for dinner and lunches were good to excellent with unrestricted al a carte menu choices and excellent local wines. Jeff is very generous in this aspect with wine, it flows as necessary and food.
There are many things I can go on about, but to put it in few words. Here is my rating.
Ten out of Ten Photo workshop. Go and keep shooting.

You wil not find a finer pro, guide and gentleman than Jeff Curto to unfold the beauty of Italy and your own creative potential.

Jeff Curto brings unparalleled experience as an educator to the Italy Photography Workshops. Irrespective of your skill level, he challenges and encourages your personal vision of the people and the beautiful Italian landscape.

The workshops are an all inclusive experience. Once in Italy, transportation, hotel rooms, restaurants, are taken care of for you. Workshoppers don’t have to think about anything but photographing and learning.

I cannot recommend Jeff Curto, and his Italy workshops enough. I have been on four, and I am booked for a fifth.

I have taken many workshops over the years. I can say without hesitation that Jeff Curto runs a top of the line learning experience. His workshops are incredible. Yes, he takes you to incredible locations. But most importantly, his approach to teaching is simply wonderful. Jeff has decades of experience teaching and this experience shines through. While out in the field Jeff’s focus will be on you. He will watch you shoot. He will ask you questions and make insightful interesting and suggestions. His critiques are instructive, actionable, uplifting and constructive. You will walk away a better photographer. Oh…and by the way….you will have a marvelous time. He attracts students who are fun, interesting, talented and kind people. You will make new friends. The bad news is that you may gain a few pounds. The food and wine are without equal!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

“I have only been at one of Jeff’s workshops… I’ve had a few sell out before I was able to sign up. The experience was incredible… Jeff has a very deep understanding of photography with the workshop reflecting that… but with that said, I found the experience to be much more than that. Jeff has been going to Italy for years and the experience you will have with him will reflect that time and his deep understanding of the culture and people… and the food. The workshop I attended was a carefully orchestrated trip with great sights, experiences… and, did I mention the food??

Highly recommended.”

“I have taken two workshops with Jeff, both absolutely wonderful. On each trip, I was amazed at how much attention to detail was made and how easily Jeff dealt with any minor issues. Going to Italy with Jeff felt like going with a friend who was already friends with everyone there–we would walk into restaurants and be welcomed like long lost family.

Jeff lavishes everyone with the attention and support they need, or gives people space and respects their need for alone time. He is as open to helping the beginner as to providing in-depth constructive feedback to the seasoned photographer. I was amazed on both trips at how well he reads people.

I can’t recommend traveling and photographing in Italy with Jeff enough. There will be more trips for me in the future.”

“Jeff and Mary Pat are wonderful guides- I had a great time. We went to a terrific selection of historic sites (e.g. Siena), present-day attractions (e.g. a farm where unique cheeses are made from sheep’s milk), restaurants and gelato shops. The itinerary was well-balanced, allowing the opportunity and time to make photographs, get to know the history and culture of the region and relax at lunch and dinner. I’ll be looking at opportunities to tour other parts of Italy with Curto Photo Workshops.”

“A workshop with Jeff is the ideal way to experience the beauty of Italy. The congeniality within the group was awesome for my first photography workshop. I take pictures for my own enjoyment only and consider myself a “recreational” photographer only.

Jeff and everyone in the group gave me positive feedback on my photos and plenty of encouragement to try things I hadn’t before. My photos improved greatly after just a week with Jeff! He is able to reach every person at their own level of expertise.

Each day was a fun experience of the food and sights of different towns in the Puglia region. The fact that the details of transportation between cities, expert guides, fun activities and wonderful restaurants are all planned for you, is a big plus. You can sit back and enjoy your time in Italy!”

“From the time we signed up to go, Jeff provided regular and comprehensive communications, with tips and ideas for our planning, things to remember to bring and even “homework” to allow us to prepare for getting the most out of the experience. All of the participants are on Facebook, so he set up a private group so we could get to know each other a bit ahead of time by sharing articles, questions and photos. By the time we were ready to go, all our questions were answered and we just had to show up!”

“The entire experience completely met and exceeded my expectations. The daily workshop schedule was relaxed but productive, and Jeff based the amount of tutoring and teaching in the field to each individual person.”

For more, see my blog post about the workshop.

“Jeff Curto’s  workshop is one of the best I’ve ever experienced and I’ve been on several other workshops. The schedule, the restaurants, the sites–everything Jeff lined up for us was perfect. I also really appreciated Jeff’s flexibility and thoughtfulness. He made himself available to students every day after shooting, but was also fine with those of us that just wanted to keep working on making more images rather than meet up for discussion and editing. I came home with a fabulous portfolio of work, which I can hardly believe was from just a few days of shooting. Jeff has an outstanding ability to work with each person accordingly to their experience and ability.  He limits each group to a maximum of seven people; small groups are a requirement for me. Our schedule was busy, but we still had time to relax and enjoy each other and the culture of Italy.“

“A great photographic learning experience — insights from Jeff, tailored to each participant, new ideas from shooting with fellow photographers, and Italy from small towns to sweeping landscapes.”

“One of the highlights of my life was the two weeks I spent in Jeff Curto’s Italian photo workshop. I am a retired Elementary School Principal that had a visit to Italy on my “Bucket List”. The Italian people are famous for their gracious treatment of guests, Jeff Curto compliments this lifestyle magnificently. Every detail was worked out by Jeff and the instruction was focused but relaxed. Just the right amount of assistance and ‘relax and soak up the Tuscan experience.’ I came away with the best photographs and memories of my life! The workshop participants were the kind of people you feel you have known and liked your whole life, that’s because Jeff seems to attract the kind of people that we all love to be with.”

“Jeff’s workshop was incredible. His long experience with Tuscany in terms of local photographic locations, local people and customs, together with meticulous planning meant we were whisked from one spot to another with naught to worry about but what to photograph next. In 9 days we covered more ground than I could have covered in a dozen trips to the area on my own. Interspersed with fine food, fine wine and great company, the opportunity to learn from both Jeff with his relaxed, exploratory style, and the fellow workshop participants was just fantastic. Despite being at the same locations and seeing the same things each photographer produced something completely unique and different. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel my photography and my purpose as a photographer both developed immeasurably. Thanks Jeff, I look forward to being able to do it again and my advice to anyone considering it, go, go, go!“

“Thank you for the “fantabulous” photographic adventure in Puglia. I loved the destinations, our accommodations, the included meals and wines, transportation, and that the participants didn’t have to concern ourselves with anything other than photography. Most of all, it was a great group of workshoppers! You, your trusty assistant, Mary Pat, and the seven of us interacted so well. Real friendships have been formed. My week with you in Tuscany in 2014 and this Puglia trip are highlights in my life. I’m hoping to attend your Photograph Italy workshops for years to come.”

“I have attended four of Jeff Curto’s “Photograph Italy” workshops – in Tuscany, Puglia, Rome & Venice.  As the most inexperienced photographer, I had the most to gain.  The opportunity of  a total immersion in photography, exposure to the perspectives of experienced and professional photographers, and Jeff’s guidance took me to a level I could not have imagined.  That would have been enough, but in addition there was the beauty of Italy, good wine, fabulous food and great company!  It’s an experience not to be missed.”