May, 13-17
Portugal
Photography Camp
8-10 participants,
€3000 (payment in installments available)
You can expect:
5 full photo shoots across locations chosen for their light, their mood, and their people — the beaches of Ursa and Guincho, the Sintra forest, and Lisbon at both ends of the day.
Shooting on digital, film, and short video.
Interesting characters (models).
Individual and duo portrait sessions.
Group portfolio review.
One-on-one consultation sessions with Sergei Sarakhanov.
Collective film viewings and discussions.
We will work with different formats not for the sake of experimentation, but to broaden our perspective and feel the process more deeply. Sometimes a different tool reveals something new within you — attention to detail, a pause, an intonation. And all of this becomes part of the shared experience of this camp.
What you'll take with you:
The ability to see and feel the person in front of the camera - to build trust quickly and let it show in the frame.
Confidence working with natural light and portable sources in any conditions.
A clearer sense of how to turn an idea into a series with mood, story, and rhythm.
And a finished body of work - selected, reviewed, and retouched - ready for your portfolio.
“Sometimes it seems that photography is just a frame. But over time, you realize: photography is a special state of being. It’s how you look at people and the world, how you hear them, how you pause time within yourself before pressing the shutter.
These days in Portugal are about that state — about attention, rhythm, light, and about reigniting inspiration when everything feels too fast.
The most inspiring part of trips like this is the people. Those who come usually think, feel, and see the world in their own way. We create a special space — where you can not only shoot, but also talk, share, listen, and connect with those who resonate with you.
From such encounters, friendships often grow, along with collaborative projects, and simply the feeling that you are not alone in your search...”
What participants say:
Flying on the plane, I was just overwhelmed with gratitude for all the emotions I experienced at this camp 🤍 This journey exceeded all my expectations!!!!! Thank you @sergeisarakhanov and everyone who helped organize this. And I have so many wonderful girls in my life now, I’m grateful to each and every one of you.
— Alena RobinsThank you so much! I miss our crew already :)) It was such a vibe — the constant movement, the flow of new info, a fresh take on light and locations, and connecting with people who just get it!!! …and then suddenly, it all stopped. My brain is craving more!! 😄 It refuses to accept that it’s over. Honestly, feeling kind of sad without you guys 🥺
— Salty Windy
Sitting here with tears in my eyes, thinking about all the dazzling beauty I was lucky enough to witness 😍💔 Thank you so much once again @sergeisarakhanov @zaplatinalyubov ❤️❤️ And of course, thanks to all the participants for such incredible company 🥰 It was unforgettable, with magic in every single moment.
— Vera Venera
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13.05
16:00 – Arrival, introduction, dinner14.05
7:00–10:00 — Shoot in the city, Lisbon
12:00–16:00 — Group portfolio review
17:00–20:00 — Beach shoot, Ursa*
Evening — Film screening15.05
7:00–10:00 — Beach shoot, Guincho
12:00–16:00 — Individual sessions (45 minutes each)
During other participants’ sessions — free time
17:00–20:00 — Evening shoot in the city, Lisbon16.05
7:00–10:00 — Shoot in the Sintra forest
12:00–16:00 — Individual sessions (45 minutes each)
During other participants’ sessions — free time
19:00 — Dinner17.05
Breakfast, check-out by 10:00
The program may be adjusted in response to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.
*The walk to Praia da Ursa involves a steep descent and ascent; participants should be comfortable with moderate physical activity.
“This is not just a workshop, but a creative camp, where everything — shoots, conversations, walks, breakfasts, dinners, and
evening films — becomes one big part of the process. There are no lectures just for the sake of lectures. The focus is on attention to detail: to creativity, to light, to how you see the person in front of the camera.
It’s an opportunity to take a break from the hustle, recharge, and reconnect with why you shoot.
This is an intimate, lively, and honest space for 12 people who care not just about “shooting beautifully,” but about seeing deeper.”
the Place
We will be staying in the Azenhas do Mar Valley—a boutique hotel reserved entirely for our group, ten minutes from the Atlantic.
Azenhas do Mar is a small coastal village where white houses cascade down the cliffs to the ocean. The mornings are slow, the light is generous, and the air smells of salt. It's the kind of place that makes you want to photograph everything - and nothing at all.
What’s included:
Accommodation in single or twin rooms (separate beds) in a boutique hotel reserved exclusively for our group
Light breakfasts, brunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the day
Coffee and tea available at the hotel at any time
Transfers to all shoots and back to the hotel, and from Lisbon Airport on 13 May and to Lisbon Airport on 17 May
All photoshoots included
Group portfolio review
One-on-one consultation with Sergei
Image review, selection, and retouching of one workshop shoot
Participation fee:
€3000 (payment in installments available).
8–10 participants. Reserve your spot.
©Sergei Sarakhanov 2026