I’m returning to Tuscany, Italy in 2018, co-leading a tour with pro photographer Jed Manwaring. Someone asked why I go back so many times; I could list a) the light, b) the food, c) the landscape, d) the food, e) the wine, f) did I say the food?!

Seriously though, each time I return, I challenge myself to see it differently. Sure there are the classic, iconic, and bucolic landscapes that I love, and the light and mood is different each visit, but beyond the standards, I am on the lookout for pictures that transcend where I am. I am looking at light, shadows, color, form, and moments like the blog image here, that catch you by surprise. I was first drawn to the long shadows of the people standing there, when suddenly this young boy began to walk back and forth in my frame. I spotted the shadow but it wasn’t ‘right’ at first. Thankfully he just kept doing it and I managed to capture a moment when his profile was the best. 

On our tours, no matter where we are, we emphasize creative vision – we know that people come to experience the place(s) we visit, but we encourage everyone to go beyond the classic scenes and to capture their impressions, their feelings about the places we visit. 

So, once again we’ll be enjoying the food, the wine, the people – and we’ll be enjoying the fresh ‘canvas’ of Tuscany in spring with poppies in the meadows, warm light on the medieval stone villages, and rolling landscapes that made history through the eyes of painters, first. 

For more information, visit here, or go straight to Strabo Tours for info and to register.