DAY 1, (29/8) – ARRIVAL & PHOTOGRAPHY
We meet after lunch at the Savera Hotel, where Denise Maxwell and a host from Zoom Fotoresor will greet the group. After check-in, we gather for an introductory session with Denise. This includes an overview of the cultural context of the carnival, separating myth from reality, and understanding the traditions behind the festivities. You will be introduced to the four main themes that will guide your photography, as well as practical information about logistics, schedules, and movement to help you capture the strongest images. We review technical setup, camera preparation, what to look for, and how to approach people with respect and sensitivity.

We then head to Notting Hill and the carnival area for a walk along the parade route. You will get to see the locations and subjects that will define your photography over the coming days. We end with assignments and preparations for the main shooting days, ensuring you are fully ready to create memorable and meaningful images. The day concludes with a welcome dinner. (D)

DAY 2–3, (30–31/8) – PHOTOGRAPHY
Right after breakfast, we begin with an inspiring morning briefing before you dive into a fast-paced world of color, mud, and powder. You will learn unique techniques for capturing the chaos and energy that make these moments so vibrant, while mastering the art of freezing movement in a powerful and visually compelling way. We also cover how to protect your equipment in intense environments and how to get close to the action in a safe and respectful manner.

We then head to the carnival area. As a photographer, it’s essential to arrive early with camera ready and batteries fully charged. When the carnival begins, the entire area explodes with color and energy. People dance, play music, and celebrate together, and every moment is a potential photograph: glittering feathers, children covered in colored powder, and rhythmic parades flowing through the streets. Your challenge is to balance capturing movement and emotion while navigating dense and lively crowds.

Photographing chaos demands speed and flexibility: you must react within seconds to capture the perfect gesture, the spontaneous interaction, or the emotional expression. At the same time, you need to protect your gear from powder, mud, and drinks flying through the air an obstacle as real as the act of composing the shot itself.

Throughout the day, the goal is also to find intimacy within the spectacle moments where a look, a laugh, or a quiet interaction reveals more than the grandest parade. Between bursts of action, you’ll take short breaks to review shots, reflect on composition and light, and plan your next move through the carnival’s vibrant scenes.

Due to the size of the crowds, we may get separated, but the aim is to stay together. You will however have been on a walk through the day before and we will set meeting points  during the day where you can check in, ask questions or get help with settings.

We end the day at a designated meeting point and then take the Tube back to the hotel. The evening concludes with dinner and an image review, where you’ll receive direct feedback and valuable insights to take your photography to the next level. (B, D)

DAY 4, (1/9) – EDITING & DEPARTURE
During the day, we focus on image editing. You will learn color editing, how to create consistency in your work, and how to deliver a portfolio-ready story consisting of 10–20 images. The final result can be tailored for press, Instagram, portfolio use, exhibition, or a book, ready to make an impact and tell the story of the carnival through your eyes.

The day concludes with an inspiring image critique session, where you learn how to select the images that truly matter, what to keep and what to let go. Denise will also guide you through an efficient workflow for sequencing and building a strong visual narrative. At the end, Denise will select the “Image of the Trip,” which will move on to the final round of the “Image of the Year 2026” competition, with a first prize of 5,000 SEK. Afterwards, it’s time to head to the airport for your journey home. (B, L)