We’re going to the Dolomites...

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From October 11th to October 17th 2026, Neil Tapman and Ramiro Torrents (PhotoPills Masters) will travel across the Italian Dolomites to photograph the beautiful fall colors, the Golden Light and the Milky Way along with magnificent mountain peaks and dramatic rock formations...

An outdoor adventure filled with natural beauty and stunning light!

Of course...

We’ll be taking photos all day long...

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph Fall’s colors, the Golden Light and the Milky Way with majestic peaks, dramatic cliffs, enchanting valleys, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, scenic mountain passes and iconic mountain churches...

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Neil Tapman and Ramiro Torrents to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already ;)

The Deal (Only 1 Spot Left)

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday March 22nd.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot:

PRICE & BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Dolomites (Italy) | Endless legendary photos

Warning! This is not a honeymoon...

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on an 7-day Expedition to photograph the beautiful autumn colors, the golden light and the Milky Way along with the gems of the Italian Dolomites.

It’s a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.

If we're fortunate enough to be out photographing the Milky Way at night and it takes us into the late hours, we'll take a little extra sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise and kick start our day a bit later.

On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the nighttime photography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.

Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Sunday, October 11th - Welcome to the Dolomites

10:00 am

It’s Sunday morning...

And our Expedition is kicking off in the best way: we'll pick you up from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), and from there, we’re heading straight for the Dolomites.

These mountains are something else. Think massive cliffs, sharp peaks, and wild, craggy spires. The kind of landscape that makes you stop and just stare. When the Sun rises or sets, the whole place lights up with this golden glow that feels almost unreal.

And at night? Those same rocky shapes start to blend with the stars. The mountains are literally part of the sky.

You’re going to be in your element with a camera in hand. The way light moves through the landscape, casting shadows and highlighting textures transforms this area into a constant photo opportunity. This is a place where every turn gives you a new shot.

And since it’s autumn, the scenery levels up even more. The trees burst into oranges and reds, the air’s crisp but not too cold, and everything just feels calm and peaceful. It’s like nature’s putting on a show just for us.

Now, about tonight... let’s just say we’ve got a special Milky Way session lined up (fingers crossed the clouds behave).

But I don’t want to give any spoilers (yet).

Plan & Pray!

1:05 pm

We’ll stop along the way to have lunch and a quick bathroom break.

3:00 pm

We’re finally at our beautiful hotel in Ortisei, the Hotel Luna Mondschein, where we check in.

3:40 pm

We all meet up in the lobby for a quick kickoff session.

It’s a great moment to get the lowdown on what’s coming up over the next few days, get to know PhotoPills a little better, and swap a few stories with the group.

Oh, and that’s when we pick up our PhotoPills Welcome Pack too... Always a nice bonus ;)

4:25 pm

Tea time! There are free cakes and fruits waiting for us near the reception.

In the meantime, please prepare your camera gear and all necessary accessories for our thrilling first photography session. Please ensure your batteries are charged, memory cards are clear, and lenses are prepped for photographing stunning landscapes.

5:30 pm

Passo Gardena (locals call it Grödnerjoch or Jëuf de Frea) is our spot for catching an epic Sunset this afternoon.

It sits pretty high up, around 2,121 m (or 6,959 ft), linking Val Gardena in South Tyrol with Val Badia over in Belluno. You’re literally between two gorgeous valleys.

There’s an easy hike to get there, with a short distance of 260 m (853 ft), with a very gentle 7-meter (23-foot) climb.

What makes this place really stand out is the mix of massive peaks, dramatic cliffs, and soft green meadows. Everything contrasts so beautifully, it’s hard not to stop and just stare. And if the weather decides to shift, whether it’s a crystal-clear sky or some moody clouds rolling in, it only adds more depth and feeling to our shots.

Oh, and look over there! Sassolungo’s about to catch the last light. That’s our green light. Time to get the camera out.

Golden hour begins at 5:52 pm, Sunset is at 6:33 pm, golden hour ends at 6:52 pm and blue hour ends at 7:03 pm.

7:20 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

8:20 pm

After grabbing a quick dinner, we make it back to Passo Gardena... This time with the goal of catching the Milky Way framed beautifully between Sassolungo and the Sella group.

It’s wild how different everything looks once the Sun’s gone. Same place, totally new vibe.

Open PhotoPills and check this out:

Today’s Moonset (1.3%) was at 6:28 pm and the Moon doesn’t rise until 9:33 am, so no Moon in the sky... Yay!

We’re already out here at the shooting location, waiting for the Milky Way to slide right into position between Sassolungo and the Torri del Sella peaks (they’re up at 2,696 m or 8,845 ft).

Are you ready to capture your first Milky Way shot of the week?

The Galactic Center is visible from 8:14 pm to 9:19 pm.

As the Milky Way lines up, we’ll be shooting toward those mountain peaks.

The road winding up to the pass adds something extra too: those car trails make for some really cool light streaks in long exposures. So depending on how much traffic is coming through, we might throw in the road and the car lights for a little extra drama.

Even after the Galactic Center starts fading, hang out a bit longer. You’ll get different Milky Way compositions with the best alignment between the peaks happening around 9:30 pm.

10:45 pm

Not bad for a first day!

Rest well my friends, tomorrow we’ll keep chasing the golden light... and the Milky Way!

Photographic pills:

• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Passo Gardena.
• Milky Way and car light trails at Passo Gardena (if clear skies).

Day 2. Monday, October 12th - The Alpine Glow

4:50 am

Good morning PhotoPillers!

This is the wake-up call for an epic day ahead. Grab some coffee or tea in the lobby, get your gear and head to the minibus; an amazing adventure is waiting for us.

6:25 am

We set up our tripods in just the right spot at Alpe di Siusi, aiming for that perfect Sunrise shot with Sassopiatto, Sassolungo, and Punta Grohmann lined up in the frame (that’s the Langkofel group, by the way).

With cameras prepped, it's all about catching that early morning magic. This place works great whether you're zooming in for details or going wide to take it all in.

Sometimes light takes its time, but if there's a bit of mist rolling through, it can totally transform the scene. Keep an eye out for that... It’s worth it...

We're up here on the largest high meadow in Europe, cameras ready, taking in the view with those cozy little cabins and the greenery starting to glow as the morning light creeps in.

As the Sun rises over the peaks ahead, you’ll see the valley below slowly light up. Some parts stay tucked in shadow while others catch the Sunlight making everything look almost magical.

It’s that cool back-and-forth between light and shade that makes the whole scene feel alive.

We’re pretty close to the wooden huts, and they make a great foreground for our shots.

Then, as your eyes move further out, there’s this wide, open valley stretching across the midground. And way out in the distance, those massive peaks really complete the scene: they’re like the final touch that pulls everything together.

Around 8:00 am, the Sun starts to peek over the ridge to the left, near the Sassolungo group. If we’re lucky, we might catch a sunburst right along the edges of the mountains. That morning light will pour straight into the landscape, lighting it up in the best way.

Blue hour begins at 6:56 am, golden hour begins at 7:08 am, Sunrise is at 7:26 am and golden hour ends at 8:07 am.

9:00 am

After a great day-start, enjoy a delicious breakfast and a well deserved sleep.

1:00 pm

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Gather your energy; the day is far from over.

2:30 pm

Ready for a PhotoPills class with Neil and Ramiro?

It’s time to dive deep into the secrets of photography planning.

5:20 pm

We're back to Alpe di Siusi, this time to catch that magical sunset light hitting the mountain giants: Sassopiatto (2,969 m or 9,741 ft), Sassolungo (3,181 m or 10,436 ft), and Punta Grohmann (3,126 m or 10,256 ft). They put on a pretty amazing show when the light is right.

It’s a popular spot, no doubt, but we’ll get there early to lock in a good spot. And with the priceless trained eye of our Masters, we’ll sneak off to a lesser-known viewpoint for a fresh perspective.

The landscape is wide and rolling, with those charming wooden huts scattered around. It’s the perfect contrast to those dramatic peaks like Sassolungo, the Sella group, and the distinct Sciliar.

We will embark on a scenic easy hike of approximately 600 m (1,969 ft) one way. This leisurely descent of 71 m (233 ft) will lead us to our next breathtaking viewpoint, offering ample opportunities for photography and immersion in the stunning Dolomite landscape.

As the Sun starts to set, we’ll be shooting from a bit higher up. That gives us sidelight and puts some distance between us and those classic wooden huts down below.

With that distance, we can play with longer focal lengths to compress the scene a bit, which makes the mountains look even more massive compared to the cabins. Plus, with a telephoto lens, we can zoom in on little moments and details for those tighter, more intimate shots.

We’ll frame the meadows and huts from farther out, which lets the full majesty of the mountains shine through in the background. There’ll be trees in the foreground too, which helps add some nice depth to the shots.

And with the Sun setting off to the right behind us, we’ll catch some beautiful golden light hitting the peaks, and if we’re lucky, a few sunrays cutting through the valleys and lighting up the huts.

Golden hour begins at 5:51 pm, Sunset is at 6:32 pm, golden hour ends at 6:50 pm and blue hour ends at 7:02 pm.

7:25 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant (not far away from our shooting spot for the Milky Way).

8:30 pm

After a short drive, we’ll get to this amazing spot where Mt. Sciliar (2,563 m or 8,409 ft) looks absolutely stunning.

It’s already evening (at 8:12 pm) and the Moon's below the horizon. The Milky Way is slowly tilting upright, inching its way toward Mt. Sciliar.

This is a good moment to grab a few long exposures of the foreground. There are some beautiful trees there that'll add nice depth to the shot. And actually, the light pollution in the area can work in our favor: it helps pull out more detail so the foreground doesn’t turn out totally black.

Once the Galactic Center lines up right between the mountain peaks, starting exactly at 8:45 pm, the whole scene turns into something kind of unreal... It’s seriously magical!

We’ll keep shooting this beauty until around 10:05 pm.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:38 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:12 pm until 9:16 am. The Waxing Crescent Moon (4.8%) is below the horizon.

10:40 pm

Bed time!

Tomorrow we’ll do something really special!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Alpe di Siusi.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Alpe di Siusi.
• Milky Way at Mt. Sciliar (if clear skies).

Day 3. Tuesday, October 13th - The Secret

I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to the Dolomites.

Maybe far too many...

But on October 13th we’ll do something very special...

What will that be?

Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 4. Wednesday, October 14th - The Five Towers

5:15 am

Wake up!

It’s time to pick up our gear and get ready for another stunning view... :)

6:45 am

This morning’s plan is all about catching that jaw-dropping view of the Sassolungo mountain range from Passo Sella.

There’s an easy hike to get to our shooting spot, covering a distance of 460 m (1,509 ft), with a gentle ascent of 50 m (165 ft), one way.

From where we'll be standing, the peaks look absolutely massive (super dramatic!) and it’s a perfect spot to catch the first light of the day hitting the mountains, since the Sun will be rising right behind us.

Right in front of us, there's a mix of rugged rocks and scattered trees that make for a perfect foreground. As soon as that soft Alpenglow starts lighting up the peaks, the whole scene turns into something magical.

Once the Sun gets a bit higher, it’s the perfect time to switch gears and grab some telephoto shots looking north toward Passo Gardena. That’s when the Odle group really starts to stand out.

Blue hour begins at 6:58 am, golden hour begins at 7:10 am, Sunrise is at 7:29 am and golden hour ends at 8:09 am.

9:00 am

Back at the hotel for a restoring breakfast.

11:00 am

Check out and we hit the road again.

This time we’re heading to Cortina d’Ampezzo where we’ll check in at our hotel, the beautiful Hotel Camina Suite & Spa.

We’ll stop for lunch on the way.

1:40 pm

We’re finally in the hotel in Cortina.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a very famous ski resort in the Dolomites

Our laid-back hotel is in a chalet-style building and the staff’s attention to every detail is outstanding.

Oh, and the Dolomites around Cortina light up in fiery oranges, reds, and golds which are perfect for photography, or just soaking in peaceful vibes with way fewer crowds than in summer.

Isn’t it a dream come true?

4:45 pm

After a 40-minute drive (a convenient 4x4 journey that bypasses a rather strenuous hike both to and from the location), and a 5-minute walk, we’ll arrive at our Sunset shooting spot in the always amazing Cinque Torri.

The Cinque Torri are these striking rock towers rising out of a small plateau, and each one has its own unique shape. None of them look the same, which makes them super photogenic when you place them right in your frame...

The five towers are:

• Torre Grande, the highest one with 2,361 m (7,746 ft).
• Torre Seconda, also named Torre del Barancio or Torre Romana.
• Terza Torre or Torre Latina.
• Quarta Torre, formed by two blocks of rock with different heights called Torre Quarta Bassa and Torre Quarta Alta.
• Quinta Torre or Torre Inglese.

And the bonus? From this spot, you also get views of peaks like Tofane, Lagazuoi, and the Marmolada massif.

The area is surrounded by mountains, so the light disappears pretty quickly once the Sun sets behind them... But while it lasts, it’s perfect. The towers get lit up from behind us, which makes them pop even more.

From here you can get some awesome wide-angle shots of Cinque Torri. You’ll find plenty of natural elements like trees, rocks, and grassy patches to use in the foreground, which really helps add depth and interest to your photos.

There’s also a lesser-known spot where the hiking trail leads straight toward Cinque Torri. It makes for a perfect leading line in your composition, and the view opens up beautifully toward Croda da Lago in the east. If you turn your lens north, you get a whole new level of depth in the shot, especially with a wide-angle... Tofane looks amazing from there.

If you’ve got a long lens, it’s worth trying to catch some shots of climbers scaling the towers.

And once that’s wrapped up, there are so many little details in the landscape to explore, not to mention the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks.

Golden hour begins at 5:46 pm, Sunset is at 6:26 pm, golden hour ends at 6:45 pm and blue hour ends at 6:57 pm.

8:10 pm

After a long day, we arrive at our hotel in Cortina where we enjoy a delicious dinner.

10:00 pm

Tonight we rest, because tomorrow we have an early start to photograph a hidden lake.

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with the Sassolungo group.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Cinque Torri.

Day 5. Thursday, October 15th - The Three Peaks

5:00 am

Yes! Time to wake up!

6:40 am

Our first stop is Croda da Lago, a small mountain group in the central Dolomites. With a height of 2,715 m (8,907 ft), Cima d’Ambrizzola is the highest peak.

Here we will find our spot: Lago Federa, a place that will truly add something special to your photos.

In October the whole area seems to come to life, when the surrounding valleys are covered in beautiful golden tones...

To get to the spot we’ll be shooting from, there’s an easy short hike along the lake: nothing too crazy, just about 15 minutes or so. It’s around 641 m (or 2,103 ft) with a very gentle 20-meter (66-foot) climb.

What makes this place extra special are the larch trees surrounding the lake. These are those famous Dolomites’ trees that turn golden in autumn. They’re stunning anytime, but when the Sun hits them from the side after Sunrise? That’s when they really light up.

And as if that’s not enough, you also get a clear view of Becco di Mezzodi, that dramatic spire that rises all on its own. The goal? Catch its reflection in the lake, which is pure magic.

The light this morning is looking really promising, like one of those rare moments where everything just lines up perfectly.

To get the best reflections, where you stand matters a lot. So we’re going to build up our compositions carefully, using the golden larches in the foreground to frame the lake, with Becco di Mezzodi hopefully mirrored in the water. And have you noticed that there’s even a tiny island with a lone little tree? It certainly adds an extra touch of charm to the whole scene.

Blue hour begins at 6:58 am, golden hour begins at 7:10 am, Sunrise is at 7:29 am and golden hour ends at 8:09 am.

9:20 am

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel in Cortina and just take it easy for a bit... No rush.

When you're feeling up for it, take a stroll into town and pick up something for dinner later. If the weather holds up and the skies are clear, we'll probably want to stay out late shooting the Milky Way. Better to have some food ready so you’re not hungry while you're out chasing stars.

12:30 am

Lunch at a local restaurant.

2:45 pm

After a 45-minute drive, we’ll arrive at Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The rock formation is composed of three overwhelming peaks: Cima Piccola (2,857 m or 9,373 ft), Cima Grande (2,999 m or 9,839 ft) and Cima Ovest (2,973 m or 9,754 ft).

Today’s hike takes us into the heart of the Dolomites, right up to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

As we hike up (1h 10min), we’ll take a few stunning midday shots of Tre Cime. The hiking distance is 3.1 km (1.93 mi) and 287 m (941 ft) elevation gain (one way). We can rate this hike as easy to moderate.

We're heading to a stunning lookout point at Forcella Lavaredo to catch the east side of these incredible peaks at Sunset.

On the way up, the Sun will be tucked behind the mountains, but once we reach higher ground, it’s going to make a comeback... Just in time to add some golden light to the scene!

4:35 pm

And once at our planned shooting spot, we’ll get ready for the Sunset session.

At the very moment we arrive, we ‘ll take our first photo: we’ll use a narrow aperture to get a sunburst shot on the main ridge.

As the Sun starts dipping behind Tre Cime, keep an eye on the sky: there’s a solid chance it’ll light up with some beautiful colors. The peaks around you, especially to the north, can catch that glow in all the right ways.

Also, don't forget to glance south toward Cadini di Misurina... That area can surprise you too.

5:05 pm

The Sun will be aligned right between Cima Grande and Cima Piccola while the golden hour light paints the scene in warm hues, enhancing the textures of the rock faces.

Plan and Pray!

Later on, try to be all set with your composition by around 5:40 pm. That way, you won’t miss the Sun when it lines up just right in the frame.

What we’re aiming for is that sweet moment when the soft light starts brushing over the rocks, and maybe (if we’re lucky) a Sunburst pops up on a ridge in the distance right before the Sun sets.

And if there are high clouds? Those could light up beautifully even after the Sun’s gone.

Golden hour begins at 5:43 pm, Sunset is at 6:23 pm, golden hour ends at 6:42 pm and blue hour ends at 6:54 pm.

7:00 pm

Time to grab a bite in the field.

Once the Sun goes down, things get even better: the Milky Way shows up and totally steals the show.

This is definitely the kind of night where you enjoy some dinner out in the field, and just relax with a view of Tre Cime while you eat.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:30 pm...

So, let’s not waste a second. We’ve got to get set up before the stars really start to shine!

7:45 pm

From 8:20 pm the Galactic Core will be in the place we want, aligned with the view of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, remaining visible until 9:02 pm.

The Moon (24%) will set at 8:35 pm, letting us enjoy a stunning view of the Milky Way next to the impressive rock formation in front of us.

11:30 pm

Finally, bed time!

What a day!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Croda da Lago.
• Midday shots hiking up Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• Milky Way and Star Trails with Tre Cime di Lavaredo (if clear skies).

Day 6. Friday, October 16th - The Labyrinthine Needles

4:30 am

Wake up!

Because you’re about to photograph Cadini di Misurina, a true labyrinth of needles.

6:00 am

After about a 45-minute drive, we’re back at Tre Cime... This time at a higher spot nestled between the jaw-dropping Cadini di Misurina and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

It’s such a solid spot because you get views of both mountain groups, and as the Sun starts to rise, the light shifts constantly, which makes for some seriously beautiful shots.

The mountains here are wild: totally uneven with all these sharp, dramatic peaks poking into the sky. The tallest one in the Cadini group is Cima Cadini di San Lucano, standing tall at 2,839 m (9,314 ft).

We’ll be hiking a bit to find the best spots. Nothing too crazy, easy to moderate, but enough to keep it fun. The hiking distance is 1.82 km (1.13 mi) with a 60 m (197 ft) ascent and a 40 m (131 ft) descent (one way).

Anyway, if you don’t feel like hiking today, we’ll give you the option of going to a very photogenic spot. Getting there will require no physical effort on your part.

If you're aiming your lens toward Cadini di Misurina, there's this little lookout point that’s perfect for placing one of our team in the frame. It adds a cool storytelling vibe and gives the photo some serious depth and scale.

Up here, the weather, light, and atmosphere can shift super fast, which we actually love. It means you can capture a wide range of moods in a single session.

Depending on how the conditions look, we’ll decide which direction to start shooting first.

Both mountain ranges can catch these amazing side-light moments that make the scene glow. Both Neil and Ramiro will be keeping a close eye on everything and guiding the flow so we make the most of the light.

That shot of Cadini di Misurina with tiny human figures in front of those jagged peaks? Always a winner. It really puts into perspective how small we are compared to the power of nature... ;)

Blue hour begins at 6:59 am, golden hour begins at 7:10 am, Sunrise is at 7:29 am and golden hour ends at 8:10 am.

9:45 am

Breakfast at the hotel.

11:00 am

Now it’s time for a roundtable session.

The idea is each PhotoPills Master spends some time sitting down with 6 different PhotoPillers for 15 minutes each.

During that time, you can ask about anything related to photography, whether you need advice, feedback on your photos, help planning shots with PhotoPills, or even a bit of guidance on editing your images. It's totally up to you!

12:30 pm

Lunch at a local restaurant in Cortina.

3:00 pm

Sometimes all it takes is a tiny pond to soak up some serious mountain vibes.

Get ready to see what the next leg of the trip has in store. The drive alone is a treat, winding through beautiful alpine scenery until we land at Passo Giau.

It’s just a short walk from there to this little pond, an easy hike of 430 m (0.27 mi) with a 30-meter (98-foot) descent, one way only.

From a distance, it doesn’t look like much, but once you're up close? Boom! Perfect reflections of Ra Gusela right in front of you. And if you look a bit further, you’ll catch sight of Tofana di Rozes and Tofana di Mezzo. They’re way off in the distance, but they’re so tall they still make it into the shot.

This is where you get low, real low, to frame those reflections just right. If you’ve got the patience, it’s worth hanging out a bit for the water to settle.

And if there are clouds moving across the peaks? That’s your chance to grab a long exposure and add some extra drama to the scene.

Oh... We’ll be back here for our last Sunrise in the Dolomites!

5:10 pm

We make it to Colle Santa Lucia, this charming little village tucked into a valley, completely surrounded by these dramatic mountain peaks. It feels like one of those places that just instantly slows you down.

Right in the middle of it all is the Chiesa di Santa Lucia, a lovely old church that sits on a small hill. It’s perfectly placed, with Mount Pelmo (3,168 m or 10,393 ft) rising up behind it like a scene from a postcard.

This spot really shines at Sunset, especially in autumn. The colors, the soft light, and those massive mountains all come together in such a beautiful way.

One of the cool things about churches in the Dolomites is how incredibly photogenic they are. It’s like the people who built them knew we'd be out here centuries later, looking for the perfect shot. They’re just in these stunning, almost unreal locations.

We take a bit of time to find a natural frame (e.g. maybe some trees or a curve in the hill) to give the photo more depth. And then it’s just about waiting for that golden light to sweep in from behind us.

Since the church sits a bit lower than Mount Pelmo, we look for a slightly higher spot to shoot from. That way, we can line up both perfectly: church in the foreground, mountain glowing in the background.

Golden hour begins at 5:42 pm, Sunset is at 6:23 pm, golden hour ends at 6:42 pm and blue hour ends at 6:54 pm.

7:15 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:15 pm

By the time we finish dinner, the Sun has completely set and the night has fully settled in.

From there, it’s just a quick 20-minute drive to Passo Giau. Once we get there, there’s a short, easy 10-minute hike that takes you right to a lookout spot facing Ra Gusela.

The sky is packed with stars... They’re everywhere!

One of them, Polaris, is the big deal for what we’re doing next. It’s part of Ursa Minor, right at the tip of the “Little Dipper”, and it always points north. Unlike other stars that seem to move across the sky, Polaris just hangs there, which makes it perfect for setting up our camera to catch those awesome circular star trails around Ra Gusela.

Below the lookout, you can see this wide, open valley with a winding mountain road that snakes its way up to the pass. Right in front of us, Ra Gusela rises up like it’s been waiting all day for this moment.

The plan is to capture a few shots of car lights tracing the road (those will make a sweet foreground for the final photo). Then, we’ll start taking a bunch of long exposures of the stars, which we’ll later stack together to create that swirling star trail effect.

The result? A night shot that’s seriously next-level... Something not many people manage to capture! ;)

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:29 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 8:03 pm until 9:00 pm. The Waxing Crescent Moon (32.5%) will set at 9:31 pm.

11:55 pm

Bed time!

Tomorrow we’ll photograph our last Sunrise in the Dolomites :)

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Cadini di Misurina.
• Midday photos at Passo di Giau.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Colle Santa Lucia.
• Car light trails and Star Trails with Ra Gusela (if clear skies).

Day 7. Saturday, October 17th - The Farewell

5:25 am

Goooooood morning...

Come on PhotoPillers. This is our last day together and our last Sunrise shooting session.

Time to get up!

6:50 am

After a 30-minute drive and an easy hike of 300 m and 23 m ascent (984 ft with 75 ft ascent), we get to the last location.

From here we’ve got a 360-degree view of epic Dolomite peaks all around!

You've got these beautiful larch trees scattered across the area, a winding road that pulls your eye through the scene, and rugged mountains in every direction.

Ra Gusela is the main star here, but honestly, you can point your camera anywhere and find something incredible. If you look closely, you can even spot the Marmolada off in the distance, which is one of the last glaciers still hanging on in the Dolomites.

Like always, we’ll be in position, nice and early, just waiting for that perfect golden hour light to hit.

We’ll kick things off by grabbing some long exposures of the traffic snaking along the road near Ra Gusela. It’s a cool way to add some movement to the scene.

After that, it’s time to explore a bit, looking for spots where those golden autumn trees line up nicely with Ra Gusela in the background.

Suddenly, the Sun rises in the east, casting its soft light on the tower of Ra Gusela, at Passo di Giau.

The views are simply stunning. We start pressing the shutter as there is no tomorrow!

And before we wrap up, we’ll zoom in tight on smaller details: maybe some light catching a branch just right, or a splash of color hiding in the rocks.

Then, out of nowhere, the Sun peeks over the horizon, and Ra Gusela lights up like a spotlight hit it. That’s our cue. Cameras ready, and we’re firing off shots left and right.

Blue hour begins at 7:01 am, golden hour begins at 7:13 am, Sunrise is at 7:32 am and golden hour ends at 8:13 am.

9:00 am

Breakfast at the hotel and get ready to pack your bags.

10:00 am

After checking out, we’re off to Venice Airport, where we will get there at approximately 12:30 pm (traffic permitting).

Time to say goodbye.

See you soon friends!

Life goes on...

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 1 Spot Left)

To book your spot to join the expedition to the Dolomites at a reduced price of €5,200 (the official price is €5,700), a €1,000 deposit is required by Sunday, March 22nd.

Price summary:

• Booking deposit: €1,000
• Total price: €5,200

Payment in full is required by May 24th, 2026.

Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

BOOK NOW

What’s included in the price

• PhotoPills Welcome Pack.
• An 7-day expedition photographing the Dolomites with the Autumn colors, the golden light and the Milky Way.
• 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Neil Tapman, Ramiro Torrents and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
• Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
• Ground transportation during the expedition.
• Secret day special activities (super fun).
• 6 nights of lodging sharing with another PhotoPiller (optional €990 single room supplement upon availability):
  • 3 nights at Hotel Luna Mondschein (bed and breakfast).
  • 3 nights at Hotel Camina Suite & Spa (bed and breakfast).

What’s not included

• Flights to/from the Venice, Italy.
• Tourist visa (if necessary).
• International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
• Lunch & dinner.
• Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
• Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse to what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for the Dolomites (Italy)!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in the Dolomites in October

Temperatures vary greatly depending on the area we are visiting. In the valleys/towns, you can expect a temperature range between 0-15ºC (32-59ºF). In the mountains, temperatures can go below 0ºC (32ºF) pretty quickly.

Although the weather is generally pleasant at this time of the year, be prepared for fog, snow and rain.

What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?

Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.

Besides that? Once you book your spot, we’ll send you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

• Covers trip cancellation costs.
• Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you choose not to join the Expedition, a cancellation fee may apply. This fee will be equivalent to the cost of the Expedition, minus any savings or additional income we generate if we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.

If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll refund the payments you’ve made, deducting a €300 administrative fee and any non-refundable costs retained by our travel partners.

However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Credits: Images by Marco Grassi, Neil Tapman and Ramiro Torrents.