IMAGINE CAPTURING PORTUGAL & ITS TRADITIONS LIKE NO ONE ELSE…
With International Photographer Ali Ghorbani
12 th to 18th of June
Limited to 8 Participants, 4 Spots Remaining for June 2026
2nd edition organised and supported by
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
ALI GHORBANI
We’re thrilled to have professional photographer and educator Ali Ghorbani back for our Portugal 2026 Experiences! Ali has traveled to 35+ countries and has taught hundreds of students, from ages 7 to 70! His career highlights include the 1996 Olympic Games, photographing Hollywood & International celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey and Fan BingBing.
Early on in his career, Ali was mentored by a National Geographic photographer, as well as the portrait photographer of Her Majesty The Late Queen of England. Ali’s work with the world’s leading brands such as LVMH, HSBC, Porsche, Disney and Four Seasons gives his students a unique opportunity to learn from a true professional in the industry.
In addition to being an advisor for Huawei & Honor smartphones, Ali has been giving private and public workshops since 2018 for clients such as Adobe, The British Consulate, Soho House, Hong Kong Golf Club and The Royal Geographical Society.
He has lectured at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on NFT marketing strategies and spoken at Adobe’s “Explore the Digital Art Revolution” on the future of visual communication. Ali’s timeless images have been displayed worldwide in Times Square (New York), Hong Kong, Rome, Tokyo, and Beijing.
Check Ali´s website: https://aligstudios.com/
“It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting on a DSLR or an iPhone; I’m here to help you find your unique eye.”
This isn’t just a tour; it’s an ultra-private, 7-day immersion into the soul of Portugal best kept secrets. Master the art of visual storytelling through Tailored 1-on-1 coaching for the discerning enthusiast and exclusive access to the techniques Ali uses for National Geographic, LVMH and Porsche.
STOP TAKING PICTURES. START TELLING STORIES.
The Portfolio You COULD Walk Away With
WHAT YOU WILL MASTER
“Everything about Solar Alegria and working with Ali was such a pleasure. I learned so much and sincerely enjoyed everything. Thank you for going over and above for me, never felt so much like a VIP in my life!”
– Kristi
A PROGRAM CURATED BY LOCAL EXPERTS
Explore the vibrant city of Porto
3:00 PM | The Convening: Check-in and welcome reception. Ali introduces the Philosophy of the Lens over chilled Vinho Verde.
The Street Masterclass: An on-foot immersion into Porto’s hidden alleys. We move beyond snapshots to master Documentary Artistry in the shifting afternoon light.
The Blue Hour: A private sunset shoot overlooking the city skyline.
The Welcome Table: A curated traditional dinner to toast the start of our Odyssey.
The Night: Historic boutique accommodation in the heart of Porto.
Heritage & The Private Estate
The Morning Light: Gourmet breakfast followed by a behind-the-scenes walking exploration of Porto’s secret corners.
The Insider Access: An exclusive private tour of an iconic Port Wine House—mastering low-light photography among the vintage barrels.
The Tapas Lunch: A curated tasting of authentic Petiscos and local pairings.
To the Sanctuary: A scenic private transfer to the secluded Solar Alegria estate for check-in and welcome cocktails.
The Studio: Introduction to the Art of Post-Processing—learning the pro-workflow for your first Porto frames.
The Estate Table: A farm-to-table dinner under the stars.
CAPTURE Nature’s Beauty
- The Morning Brief: Gourmet breakfast followed by a masterclass in Nature & Landscape Composition.
- The Estate Exploration: A guided photographic trek through the private forests and hidden trails surrounding Solar Alegria.
- The Al Fresco Lunch: Farm-to-table dining at the manor.
- The Waterfall Masterclass: Technical immersion at the Cabreira Waterfall. Master the “Long Exposure” secrets for capturing ethereal, flowing water.
- Golden Hour Picnic: A curated sunset shoot and luxury picnic at a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint.
Master the Colours and the Coastal Narrative
The Estate Return: Retreat to Solar Alegria for a relaxed evening and a curated chef’s dinner.
Early Expedition: An early breakfast before heading to the coast to catch the soft morning light.
Costa Nova’s Geometry: Photograph the iconic striped fishermen’s houses. A masterclass in Color Theory & Architectural Symmetry.
The Ocean’s Table: A traditional seafood lunch in the heart of the village, focusing on Culinary Narrative shots.
Aveiro Immersion: Explore the “Venice of Portugal.” We focus on Candid Street Photography along the canals and vibrant markets.
Command the Cinematic Light
The Estate Dinner: A late, candlelit dinner to celebrate the day’s creative breakthroughs.
The Morning Brief: Gourmet breakfast followed by a masterclass in Natural Light Portraiture—learning to read shadows and find the most flattering “window” light.
The Human Connection: Practical session in the manor’s gardens, mastering the art of directing subjects to capture authentic, soulful expressions.
The Mid-Day Reset: Al fresco lunch followed by unhurried free time. Optional pool-side chill, local hiking, or bespoke 1-on-1 coaching to refine your technique.
The Editing Suite: A deep-dive critique session. Peer review and professional feedback to elevate your best frames from “good” to “gallery-ready.”
The After-Dark Masterclass: A high-impact Cinematic Lighting Workshop under the stars, using controlled light to create moody, editorial-grade masterpieces.
Witness the Living Tradition
The Celebration Table: A grand farewell dinner at the estate featuring Live Local Music—the perfect atmosphere to capture the spirit of Portuguese “Saudade.”
The Creative Exchange: Gourmet breakfast followed by a high-level Group Review. Exchange insights and professional tips as we finalize our collective vision.
The Artisan’s Sanctuary: Exclusive access to a local craftsman’s studio. A masterclass in Documentary Storytelling, capturing the motion, grit, and soul of ancient Portuguese traditions.
The Gastronomic Lens: Transition into Food Photography during a private traditional tasting. Learn to style and shoot authentic textures for high-end lifestyle media.
The Afternoon Pause: Unhurried free time. Recharge by the pool, explore the mountain trails, or engage in Final 1-on-1 Mentorship to polish your portfolio.
Finalize Your Creative Legacy
The Private Transfer: Comfortable mid-morning checkout and chauffeured return to Porto for your onward travel.
The Final Gathering: A long, gourmet breakfast at the manor to reflect on the week’s creative evolution.
The Closing Circle: Ali Ghorbani leads a final Mastery Q&A, addressing personal growth, gear optimization, and “what’s next” for your portfolio.
The Reflection: One last look through the lens before we officially conclude our journey.
An all-inclusive, ultra-private creative immersion – price / pers
PRIVATE – 3,975€ / pers
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY – 2 999€ / pers
Pay the deposit now to secure your spot, the rest 6 weeks before the check in day
Family & group stays – contact us
We want you to be fully prepared for an inspiring and immersive experience, so here’s a list of essentials to bring with you:
– Digital Camera & Lenses: A Digital Camera with any medium to wide angle lens such as 35mm, 50mm, 24-70mm, 18-55mm, and so on.Smartphone: Handy for quick shots, editing, and sharing your experience.
– Laptop: For photo editing, backing up your images, and sharing your work during the holiday. It’s always great to have some editing time alongside the creative workshops.
– Hiking Shoes: The beautiful landscapes we’ll explore require comfortable footwear. These will keep you steady on rugged terrain as you capture Portugal’s stunning natural beauty.
- Accommodation
- Transfers as mentioned in the program
- All activities as mentioned in the program, including entry fees
- All meals
- Travel guide when exploring cities and surroundings of Solar Alegria
- Pre-call with the Solar alegria and with Ali Ghorbani
- Assistance to prepare your trip
- Models for some of the workshops
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights & extra transfers
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips
ALL LEVELS OF PHOTOGRAPHY WELCOMED
- Aspiring and Experienced Photographers: Whether you’re looking to solidify your fundamentals or refine advanced techniques, our expert-led sessions cater to a range of skill levels.
- Creative Souls Seeking Inspiration: If you thrive on discovering new perspectives and finding beauty in the everyday, Portugal’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and hidden corners will ignite your creativity.
- Travelers Who Crave Authentic Experiences: Go beyond the typical tourist spots. This week is for those who want to deeply connect with the local culture, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and tell compelling visual stories.
- Enthusiasts of Any Photography Genre: With dedicated modules in Street Photography, Nature (Macro, Landscape, Long Exposure), Portraiture (Natural & Artificial Light), Food Photography, and Capturing Movement & Traditions, you’ll refine skills applicable to your passion.
- Learners Ready for Hands-On Practice: Our week is built around practical application, with daily shooting opportunities and constructive feedback to help you immediately apply what you learn.
- Anyone Looking to Build a Stunning Portfolio: You’ll leave with a diverse collection of high-quality images, reflecting Portugal’s unique charm and your newfound photographic prowess.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s stunning countryside, Solar Alegria is a unique venue that offers a tranquil escape surrounded an inspiring nature, forest, rivers and waterfalls.
Our 1000 sqm home, a beautifully renovated property dating back to 1852, has been transformed into a year-round wellness and retreat center. The serene atmosphere, lush surroundings, Solar Alegria is the perfect place for anyone seeking peace, inspiration and relaxation.
Located at the end of a peaceful road, Solar Alegria ensures total privacy, providing an ideal environment to unwind and awake your creativity.
MEALS
At Solar Alegria, we offer a culinary experience that blends the flavors of international cuisine with the freshest locally sourced and homegrown ingredients. Our menu is designed to celebrate diverse culinary traditions, ensuring that each meal is a unique journey through flavors, textures, and aromas from around the world.
We are committed to using only the finest, seasonal ingredients, many of which are grown right here on our property or sourced from local farmers and artisans.
Our chefs take pride in creating meals that not only nourish the body but also delight the senses. Whether you’re enjoying a Mediterranean-inspired lunch, an Asian fusion dinner, or a classic European dish, each bite reflects the quality and authenticity of our ingredients.
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