An inspiring workshop that challenged and expanded our view and practice of photography both inside and outside of the studio. Juerg Kaufmann offers invaluable insight into the world of professional photography in a well structured course that balances theory and corresponding practice. 

Intense, tailored to individual needs and effective! An amazing opportunity for anyone aspiring to dive a bit deeper into the world of photography.

In the past week in Nazaré, I kept thinking about the workshop, and the more I reflect on it, the more valuable I find it. Really great.

Thank you!

I attended Jürg's Portrait Masterclass on August 20, 2024. We were a small group that gathered at in Zurich; the hall is huge, and the setup is brilliant, inviting for creative work.

An internationally renowned model was present, and she is fantastic! Jürg is an extremely likable, upbeat, uncomplicated, and creative person, that's how I got to know him.

He exudes energy, and I can feel his passion for photography—it’s absolutely contagious. During the 3 hours, we experimented with light and shadow, and believe me,

I learned more in those 3 hours than in the past 3 years combined. What does a photographer need to deliver great images?

Skills – Knowledge – Passion! A statement from Jürg that will stay with me forever.

Link to original Post from Sandra Dimo

Extract

If you had asked me a few weeks ago which city was at the top of my bucket list, I wouldn't have mentioned Venice. I love cities with lots of greenery, and I felt that Venice wouldn't offer what I expected from a city. But when I accidentally, or perhaps not, discovered the ad for Jürg Kaufmann's photography workshop, I felt immediately drawn to it: "La Venezia dei Veneziani" – the Venice of the Venetians.

I signed up, went completely unprepared and without a guidebook to the city, and was surprised. I could never have imagined that this photography retreat would be such a wonderful experience.

The true soul of the city

As a stranger in this city, I was welcomed with warmth, as if I were an old acquaintance. Jürg Kaufmann, who has had close friendships with people from Venice for 30 years, opened doors for us that are normally closed – like the gondola workshop of the oldest and best gondola builder in the city.

In the gondola workshop of Venice's oldest and best gondola builder family

Venice in January reveals a side of the city that remains hidden from most tourists. The streets are quiet, the locals are relaxed and have time to share stories about their craft, their city, and the food – which, as we know, never falls short in Italy. During the workshop, we had the chance to experience Venice at sunrise almost entirely on our own. What fascinated me especially were the breathtaking lighting conditions – early in the morning and just before sunset. Let anyone claim that water is always blue!

Venice at sunrise – we almost had the city to ourselves at that time

I consciously chose to participate in the workshop with my smartphone. Admittedly, at first, I felt some respect, being the only one without a professional camera and with little equipment. But it was the right decision. Because ultimately, the camera is just a tool. What matters is the story we want to tell with the photo. It’s about observing, composing, and creativity – and that’s exactly what we learned. Jürg kept encouraging us: "Observe and think first about the story you want to tell with the photo."

Jürg Kaufmann, a former sailor and professional photographer, has developed his own creative approach that allowed us to work with open eyes and without rules. Manuel Martini, an architectural photographer, taught us how to stage architecture and set the perspective correctly, inspired by the paintings of the famous Venetian painter Canaletto.

Photography as a slowing down process

For me, photography was a real slowing down – a welcome counterbalance to the hectic everyday life full of appointments. There was no pressure, no rush. Just the moment, the light, and the composition of the picture. This relaxed process showed me how valuable it is to take the time to be creative, without the constant rush of everyday life.

Jürg’s friends: Insights into the Venice of the Venetians

What was special about this workshop was that we had access to places and people that represent the true Venice. Thanks to Jürg, who has formed deep friendships with Venetians over many years, some of whom come from ancient Venetian families and still live in Venice.

We stayed in the city center at Piero's boutique hotel, whom Jürg knows from sailing. He invited us for an aperitif "by the way" as a gesture of appreciation that we were there and got to know a piece of "his beloved city." Paula, a true hotel manager, is definitely the soul of the hotel. One call here, one call there, and Jürg and Manuel’s spontaneous ideas were already being implemented. Then there is Dodi, who is also a close friend of Jürg and helped us experience the Venice of the Venetians – a Venice that escapes the tourist crowds and gave us access to hidden places and exclusive experiences. By the way, we ate top-notch every day.

Venice: I will return

This workshop not only taught me new technical skills but also changed my perspective on the city and the art of photography. Venice showed me that it’s worth leaving the beaten path to find the undiscovered.

A week has passed since the workshop. Everyday life has returned. And only now have I taken the time to look at my pictures and sort out the many impressions. How I will integrate what I learned into my own workshops, I’m not sure yet. But the change of scenery sparks new ideas. I would say that’s a good feeling.

A heartfelt thank you to you, dear Jürg and Manuel, for these personal insights into your Venice.

Venice of the the Venetians.
Two photographers reveal a completely different city. Explore locations far from tourist crowds. This is a premium experience. It resonates on multiple levels: visually, gastronomically, personally. For Jürg & Manuel, their passion extends beyond the craft. Equally vital is sharing insights, guiding participants toward their unique photographic voice. Seek authentic Venice? This workshop offers that rare chance.

Thank you very much for the outstanding workshop and for sharing your valuable expertise!

I really appreciated that we were able to spontaneously include the helicopter flight in the workshop program. The preparation was very informative and certainly contributed to some of the resulting images being quite impressive.

The insights into the slower, more deliberate approach of the two analog photographers were both interesting and inspiring.

I found Manuel’s thoughts on composition and framing on location particularly engaging—it was great to gain insight into his perspective. I would definitely love to see more of that.

The weather module, based on Jürg’s sailing experience, was also very useful. These days, I always use it when planning my photography outings.

The group image review on the final day was extremely valuable to me as well.

All in all, I found the workshop to be a great success. I really enjoyed the varied program. In addition to the photography sessions, there was also time for many exciting conversations and fascinating stories from your professional experience.

The tour of the Grace Hotel and the shared story behind its creation were also very impressive.

Once again, thank you so much for your time and for generously sharing your knowledge!

Even before the workshop began, Jürg had sensitized me to the days ahead.
We spent three days on the rooftop of the Engadin. Here are a few impressions:

Organization:
It felt loosely organized and yet everything was executed perfectly.
As an analog photographer, what you truly need is time – time and more time.
To become one with the landscape, with nature, and with your camera.
There was no time pressure, but during the actual shooting, the level of focus and intensity was high – exactly what it takes to create meaningful images. That’s how it should be!

Surprises:
One thing not included in the original description was a helicopter flight.
Spontaneously, the group decided to go for it – and what an experience!
Thanks to Jürg’s immense experience, we were meticulously prepared for those 60 minutes.
A true enrichment and an unforgettable moment. Just amazing!

Overall impression:
Thanks to great organization and highly personalized guidance from Jürg and Manuel, my expectations were fully met.
I’m afraid I may have become a repeat offender...