Autumn in the Dolomites October 22-29, 2025

October 31, 2024

Join me for another amazing adventure exploring the Italian Dolomites in Autumn. This tour is lined up for peak color and includes many of the iconic locations that the Dolomites are famous for, plus a few secret spots. We will stay in two separate accommodations which makes the tour pleasant and allows everyone time to settle in. Many tours move around, changing their base every other day: this wastes valuable shooting time in my opinion.

We will also be working with a small group. Our start and end is in Venice.

Day 1

We will pick you up at Marco Polo Venice airport (VCE) no later than 12:00noon. We will arrive at our first hotel, in the charming ski village of Cortina. This will be our base for the first 4 nights of the tour.

After dinner in Cortina, we will head out to our first sunset location. This spot is known for magnificent mountain views and incredible reflections.

Day 2

Sunrise shoot with incredible views over the Drei Zinnen aka Tre Cime.

In the afternoon we will go on a mountain hike to one of the most iconic spots in the Dolomites. There will be an alternate shooting location for those not wanting to make the moderate hike.

Day 3

We’ll take an early morning drive to a world renowned photo spot, Lago Di Braise. This lake is a gorgeous greenish-blue hue. Here we will spend some time lining up shots and/or walking the path that outlines the lake. Or simply sitting and enjoying the view with a cappuccino.

We will visit Passo Giau for a sunset shoot. This high mountain pass has many different scenes to photograph, even a mountain shot with a stairway to heaven.

Day 4

We will have a sunrise shoot at Val Gardena church. This church appears to be floating in the clouds with a mountain backdrop.

For sunset we will take a short walk out on a popular hiking trail to photograph smokey-topped mountains laced with orange trees.

Day 5

We will transfer to Moena, in the northern region. Here we will spend our next 3 nights.

After a delicious dinner we will have a sunset shoot in Nova Levante at Lago di Carezza. This is a tree-lined emerald green lake with a mountain backdrop.

Day 6

We will have a sunset shoot at Sella pass where we will look to photograph sunlit mountain tops at first light. Hopefully floating in the fog.

Our sunset shoot will be at Passo Rolle Baita Segantini. This is a great place to capture an amazing reflection in a small lake, again with a majestic mountain backdrop.

Day 7

We will visit Seceda, to get to the mountain top we will need to take a cable car up the mountain. From the Seceda summit there are wonderful view of the Dolomites.

Day 8

After breakfast, we will pack up the vehicle and head off to Venice Marco Polo Airport where we will say our goodbyes.

*During our time in the Dolomites our schedule is pretty much the same- get up early for a sunrise shoot, go back to the hotel for breakfast, rest during the day or walk through the quaint towns, or work on photos for upcoming image reviews. Some dinners will (by necessity) be either early or late depending on our sunset shoot, weather and local conditions. We will stop at local grocery stores throughout the tour in case you want to pick up snacks water, etc…This schedule is a loose translation, we will need to be very flexible in order to follow the light. There will not be drone instruction on this trip but if you have one, you can bring it as there are several spots that would be good for a drone.

Included

· Professional photo instruction.

· All group transfers and transportation during the workshop.

· 7 nights accommodations, most hotels include breakfast, but we may not always be able to have breakfast at the hotel due to our shooting schedule.

Not Included

· International flights

· Travel insurance

· All Meals and beverages

- Cable car fees if applicable ( usually 30 euros per person) Any additional entrance fees not listed on itinerary.

Cost: US$5950 per person (double occupancy)

Single supplement cost US$1100.

A detailed file will be sent to all participants with gear, clothing and packing instructions as well as flight times and pick up location.

-TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE- Limited spots available, this is a small group tour.

Deposit Info:

A $2000.00 deposit is required to hold your spot for this tour. All final payments should be made via check made out to "Denise Ippolito LLC". Wire transfers accepted from overseas participants and participant is responsible for all transaction fees on both sides. All tour deposits are non -refundable, please check your schedule closely before making your deposit. Credit cards will only be accepted for deposit payment only. All other payments must be made by check or wire transfer.

Final payment due by February 15th, 2025.

Trip insurance is highly recommended for all trips. A detailed file will be sent to all participants once we get our entire group together. Please do not purchase airfare until I let you know that the trip is a go.

ALL WORKSHOP ATTENDEES MUST FILL OUT AN ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM HERE, PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TOUR AT THE TOP OF FORM. DO NOT FILL OUT THE FORM UNTIL YOUR FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN MADE (if needed). Thank you.

Dolomites Trip Report

October 26, 2024

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy, I have had the great pleasure of photographing there four times now and each and every time is different experience. I like to keep a daily log when I travel so that I can write this blog, I don’t always do a good job of it, but I try. Now onto the trip report…

The workshop started off with some rocky roads due to a few last-minute cancellations that could not be helped. So, I decided to downsize from a van to an SUV. My friend and helper Michael Zajac drove for us as he has in the past.

Our first shooting location started off a little overcast and dull. Soon the sky cleared, and we had some sweeping clouds with a hint of blue... not bad. And then, the unthinkable happened, the sky behind us started to turn pink and an opening in the clouds allowed the setting sun to illuminate the mountain peaks in front of us. We were all thrilled.

Our next morning shoot was fantastic! The sky was a beautiful pink and blue. As the sun eased its way towards the horizon, the vibrant colors changed their hue and voila- orange is the new pink!

Sunrise with Cortina illuminated in the valley below.

That evening the overcast skies got the best of the light, but we were treated to some dancing fog on the mountains, which is always special. That evening we had made reservations at a quaint authentic Italian restaurant, dinner was excellent. I started off with a large Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and some of the most delicious tomatoes I’ve ever had!

Our next morning was filled with rain/fog, so we slept in and had a big breakfast before heading out on a scenic drive. We took advantage of the intermittent mountain views and stopped when we could along the way. We finished the morning with Photoshop and image review.

On our last night in the Cortina area, we had a few dramatic skies and a wonderful sunset shoot.

At our next location we had a nice lunch in our hotel before heading out for a sunset shoot.

The next morning we got socked in with fog so we headed down the mountain for a delicious breakfast, then straight back up the mountain for a redemption photo shoot that worked out well.

Our next morning was glorious, with fog floating over the valley floor making the mountains look like they were swimming in a sea of clouds.

On one of our last evenings together we went to The Church of St. Johann in Ranui, a Baroque chapel with a copper-domed bell tower. The sky was like cotton candy surrounding the mountains.

I thought about cropping in a little tighter but I wanted to show you the scene.

Overall, we had some great weather with clouds, fog and dramatic light. We had a bit of rain but not much. I think during our 12 days there (I spent time hiking and photographing after the workshop) we only missed 2 photo session due to the rain.

I am already missing the mountains, the light, and the ambiance that makes the Dolomites such a magical place to photograph. I managed to eat my fair share of delicious pasta, artisan pizzas, cream-filled croissants and gelato. I enjoyed every outing, every epic hike and every single mountain view.

I am planning another workshop for October 2025. Anyone interested can contact me. It will be a small group tour (easy to moderate fitness level). In 2026 Cortina will host the winter Olympics and we will skip that year. But next year, I’ll be back!

Tanzania - April 5-15, 2026 Announced!

October 9, 2024

Join award winning photographers Denise Ippolito and Paul McKenzie for an amazing safari adventure to the famed Serengeti and Ndutu area of Tanzania. Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site noted for it's great migration and vast plains. These plains are dotted with trees and kopjes where majestic lions with huge, dark manes hang out--literally on the trees, making for some spectacular images. We are bringing our expert guides/drivers with us from the Mara to Tanzania to insure the great sightings that our guests are accustomed to.

Ndutu is a wildlife-rich area that includes grasslands, woodlands, and lakes in northern Tanzania. This area attracts tons of wildlife. And is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation.

Tanzania - April 5-15, 2026

Cost-$14,500, we will be staying at upscale lodges during this photo safari.

We will use stretch Toyoto land cruisers with three rows per vehicle so that everyone gets their own row. Limit 9.

*A detailed information sheet will be sent upon sign up.

Deposit Information: A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 due now to hold your spot. Final payments are due May 15, 2025 via check or wire transfer only, fees on both ends are the responsibility of the participant. Credit cards will not be accepted for any payment other than deposit. Full payments are always welcomed via check or wire transfer . All checks made payable to: Denise Ippolito LLC. Please note that I will do my very best to secure you a room mate; if I am unable to secure you a room mate then you will be charged for a single supplement.

Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.

Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.

*A single supplement is available for $1400.00 additional-limited availability.

Travel Insurance- I urge everyone to purchase travel insurance for a major trip like this.

TO SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP CLICK HERE.

Dolomites Last Minute Discount!

October 7, 2024

Dolomites in Autumn October 15-22, 2024

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I have room on my Dolomites trip. A discount is available for anyone looking to join the trip-let me know via email. Thanks- photographybydenise221@gmail.com

Come join me and my fantastic guides for another amazing adventure exploring the Italian Dolomites in Autumn. During this tour ome of the highlights may include- the Drei Zinnen, Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi , Langkofel, Lago Limides, the St. Johann Church, Passo Rolle, Cinque Torri and many more – including some hidden gems! We will stay in local hotels that are strategically placed, where we can relax between our shooting schedules.

Day 1:

My guides and I will pick you up at Marco Polo Venice airport (VCE) no later than 12:00noon. Our two hour drive to the Dolomites will be scenic.. We will arrive at our first hotel, in the charming village of Cortina. This will be our home for the first 2 nights.

From here we will hike for about 30 minutes to our first sunset location. This location offers an incredible view over the Drei Zinnen. We then do a quick dinner at a local pizzeria before heading up the mountain to shoot the night sky if the skies are clear.

Day 2:

We get up early and drive to the amazing Lago di Braies. This calm and easy to reach lake is a must for everyone visiting the Dolomites. After an early morning photo session here we go back to our hotel for breakfast. During the day we will go for a driving tour. For sunset we will either shoot at Lago Limedes or Cinque Torri. The conditions will decide.

Day 3-4:

Passo Giau is our sunrise spot. An amazing mountain pass with incredible views. Now it’s time to move to the area around Passo Rolle. In this area we have views of one of the most impressive walls in Europe. This is also one of the few places where we can combine a river with the mountains. We will stay in this valley for sunset and hopefully the night sky.

Day 5-6:

Sunrise will take place at a small lake with amazing reflections. After which we will move towards Ortisei, our basecamp for the last 2 nights. We will make a stop at Lago Castrozza, a green lake surrounded by sharp mountains.
Our hotel in Ortisei is a luxurious spa hotel, with swimming pool and everything we need to stay comfortable. Sunset will take place at Alpe di Siusi, easily one of the most stunning mountain locations in the world.

Day 7:

During sunrise we return to the plateau of Alpe di Siusi, which is the largest high altitude Alpine meadow in Europe and considered by many as one of the best sunrise locations in the Alps. The morning often provides a thin layer of fog on the meadows, which is of course incredible for photography. After sunrise we continue towards the village of Santa Magdalena, where the famous St. Johann church is waiting for us with the impressive Odle mountains rising 3000 meters behind it.

Day 8:

After breakfast it is time to drive everyone to the Marco Polo (VCE) airport.

This schedule is just a loose translation, we will need to be very flexible and follow the light.

This year I brought a drone, there will not be drone instruction on this trip but if you have one, you can bring it.

Included

· Professional photo guides and drivers.

· All group transfers and transportation during the workshop.

· Accommodations-most include breakfast, but we may not always be able to have breakfast at the hotel due to our shooting schedule.

Not Included

· International flights

· Travel insurance

· All Meals and beverages.

· driver/guide tips, approximately $100.00 per participant

any entrance fee to a non-scheduled stop and any fees related to entrance to an area, including cable cars.

Regular Cost: US$5950 per person (double occupancy) A DISCOUNT WILL BE APPLIED, INQUIRE WITHIN.

Single supplement cost US$1100.

Participants: Minimum 8.

Deposit Info:

*Itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions and weather.

I feel that the balloons, add to the overall *feel* of the Mara, so I composed my shot with them in the frame.

Mara Trip Report

September 30, 2024

The Mara continues to deliver— The Maasai Mara also referred to as simply the Mara, is located in south-west Kenya. In my opinion it is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa. It is also one of my favorite photo location for many reasons.

Wildlife sightings are abundant and the photo opportunities are endless. Every sighting is based on chance, luck, weather and some good intel. You just never know what you will see on any given day. But having the right guide/driver is paramount.

Before heading out on any safari I like to keep a wish list of hopeful sightings and am thrilled when I can check one off the list!

At the top of my list this year was to see Luluka (female leopard) and her 2 young cubs. I also wanted to see Nashipae (female cheetah) with her 4 cubs that have grown for a full year. They were just very young cubs (still with their full mantles) when I photographed them last year. Another thing on my wish list was to see a lioness or leopard carrying her cub. Oh, and a male lion shaking its head in the rain.

Well, we were not in the Mara very long before we located Luluka and her (now) one cub. Apparently, the other cub did not survive as we had hoped. The cub was absolutely beautiful, strong and playful. His mother Luluka, I’ve known since she was a very young cub herself. Her mother Lorian was the first leopard I had ever seen in person, and I fell head over heels in love with her. So, when she had Luluka I was even more in love. Now Luluka has had a few liters of her own over the years and I have watched her grow into a powerful leopard. Seeing her with her new club (not named yet) was pure joy! They usually wait a year before naming the cubs in case they don’t survive. Interestingly, the Maasai do not name their children before they are a year old either…

Two of Nashipae’s cubs. She has 3 female and 1 male—that is great news!

It’s only day three as I am writing this, and we have had so many wonderful sightings. We saw and photographed (thanks to our guides for giving us a front row seat) a beautiful lioness named Bella. And yes, she was carrying one of her four cubs to a new den. This baby cub still had parts of its umbilical cord attached. It was the tiniest cub I’d ever seen! I will post those images at a later date.

On one of the days, we photographed a jackal den with four little pups. The two adults were cautious but not overly cautious; they allowed the pups out of the den to play before the adult female regurgitated a huge meal. Right afterwards she nursed the little ones directly in front of us. The behavior and the rambunctious male pup made for a very entertaining morning.

Jackal mom with 4 pups, regurgitating her huge meal.

We ran into the four cheetah cubs along with mom hunting wildebeest and gazelle. The cubs located and chased a serval cat. The serval cat put up quite a fight, so to not risk an injury the cubs just backed down and the serval cat walked away. The entire scene was extremely tense for everyone involved, including us. In the Mara, the predators don’t eat other predators, but they will kill them to secure their food supply.

This is the serval cat that the young cheetahs chased. I have a few with the cheetahs in the frame but there was always one or two looking away. This was my best shot of the serval cat, the background was busy and I was too close but I did like the face!

In addition to all the amazing sightings we witness a massive crossing with over $10,000 wildebeest. It was the largest crossing I’d ever seen, and it was thrilling to watch and photograph. We also had a front row seat to the event!

After the massive crossing, there were several wildebeest with injured legs. It wasn’t long before the hyenas came looking for them. This was brutal to watch so I only captured images as the hyena chased it. Once it was down, I had to stop photographing as the hyenas will eat their victims while they are still alive.

I can’t compliment my guides/drivers enough. They are totally on the ball. Most of the time through their network of Maasai drivers they manage to get us on the sightings before other vehicles start coming in. They are 100% Maasai Mara, and they know the reserve like the back of their hand. After all, this is their backyard- literally! They are also extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, they can anticipate their every move, not to mention their “eagle-eyes! Our drivers have been working with top notch photographers for decades. They understand the light and shooting angles; this makes a huge difference when rolling up to a sighting.

NEW Upcoming safari’s :

Kenya, Maasai Mara/Amboseli ~ September- October 21 - 31, 2025 with Donna Bourdon

Tanzania -Serengeti and Ndutu, April 5-15, 2026- with Denise Ippolito and Paul McKenzie

Kenya, Maasai Mara/Amboseli ~ September 3-13, 2026 with Denise Ippolito and Paul McKenzie