Tenerife: Landscape Photography and Coaching Workshops – A Deep Dive

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife and have a penchant for capturing its breathtaking scenery, a 5-hour landscape photography workshop might just be the experience you’re looking for. Offered by Detlef Schmalow Fotodesign, this guided session promises to sharpen your skills and help you take home memorable images of Tenerife’s natural beauty. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve looked into what makes it special—and what you should consider before booking.
What immediately caught my attention are the personalized approach and flexible scheduling. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics or an advanced photographer wanting to refine your technique, this workshop aims to accommodate your level. Plus, the opportunity to choose from multiple iconic locations on Tenerife makes it feel tailored and exciting. One thing to keep in mind: the workshop is perfect for those prepared to spend time outdoors, with sturdy shoes and some technical know-how.
This experience is especially suited for travelers who want to combine their love for photography with the natural splendors of Tenerife. It’s not a quick selfie session but a focused, skill-building adventure that can leave you with both stunning images and new insights. If you’re after a relaxed, customizable, and expert-led workshop, this might be just what you need.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Personalized Experience: All details, from meeting points to locations, are discussed beforehand, ensuring a tailored experience.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine advanced techniques, the coaching adapts to your needs.
- Location Variety: From beaches and forests to volcanic fields and national parks, the options showcase Tenerife’s diverse landscapes.
- Flexible Scheduling: Daily appointments are available, making it easier to fit into your vacation plans.
- Equipment Friendly: Mobile phones are welcome, and advice is given on using cameras with manual settings—tripods are recommended but not obligatory.
- Spectacular Motifs: Expect to capture striking scenes like the Anaga Mountains, lava formations, and the impressive Roques de García.
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What to Expect During the Workshop

This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour; it’s a hands-on, creative experience designed to improve your understanding of light, perspective, and composition. The workshop is led by an award-winning photographer, Detlef Schmalow, who’s known for making technical concepts accessible and fun.
Before the day begins, you’ll set your preferences—whether you want to focus on seascapes, mountain vistas, or volcanic landscapes—and the guide will tailor the day accordingly. The workshop lasts 5 hours, with the flexibility to schedule at any time of day or night, which is perfect for catching those golden hours or night skies, especially at spots like Roques de García.
The Locations
Here are some of the highlights you might explore, depending on your interests and weather conditions:
- Playa del Benijo & Anaga Mountains: An enchanting beach with dramatic Atlantic views and iconic rocks, reached through scenic mountain roads. Perfect if you love capturing coastal landscapes and natural rock formations.
- Lorbeerwald (Laurel Forest): An ancient woodland shrouded in mist and moss, offering tunnels of twisting branches and mystical light conditions. Great for those interested in capturing moody, enchanted forest scenes.
- Punta Negra & Charco El Diablo: Lava fields with dramatic formations that are especially stunning at sunset, making for powerful landscape images.
- Charco del Viento: An energetic spot where the Atlantic’s wild power is on full display, ideal for capturing dynamic water movement and sunset colors.
- Parque Nacional del Teide: The star of Tenerife’s landscapes, with its surreal volcanic vistas, towering rock formations, and starry night skies. It’s a must-see for dramatic, large-scale shots.
- Sendero del Chinyero & Lava Fields: Experience volcanic activity in the form of ancient lava flows, contrasted beautifully by green pine forests above the clouds.
The Shooting Experience
You’ll get plenty of opportunities for hands-on practice, with the instructor offering personalized tips on technical settings and creative approaches. Many reviews highlight how helpful this guidance was—one reviewer even mentioned that they learned to better utilize their camera and smartphone. The small group size (limited to three participants) ensures plenty of individual attention. Expect to walk, hike, and spend time in varied terrain—so good, sturdy shoes are a must.
More Great Tours NearbyValue and Price Analysis

At $113 per person for five hours, this workshop offers good value—especially considering the personalized coaching and expert guidance from a seasoned photographer. The inclusion of a photo guide with tips and five card motifs is a nice bonus, giving you tangible takeaways to practice later. Refreshments like mineral water and coffee are included, making the experience comfortable without extra fuss.
It’s worth noting that the workshop is not suitable for children under 16 or those over 95, mainly because of the walking and outdoor nature of the activity. Additional costs, like the €25 transportation fee, are payable in cash at the end—so budget that in when planning.
The real value, however, lies in the opportunity to learn new techniques in stunning environments. The instructor’s approach of “learning by doing,” paired with the location choices, can elevate your photography skills and produce striking images you’ll cherish.
What Travelers Say

Review snippets point to high satisfaction—one reviewer called the workshop “super” and highly recommended it, praising the instructor’s ability to explain and the careful selection of photo spots. They also appreciated the focus on practical tips that improved their camera use, whether with a DSLR or phone.
Another key point is the breathtaking scenery. Multiple reviews mention the stunning views and how they felt inspired to experiment with their shots. The opportunity to photograph at different times of day, including sunset or night, adds to the appeal.
Who Is This Experience Best For?

This workshop is ideal for travelers eager to develop their landscape photography skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and practical learning. The flexible scheduling and small group size mean you can tailor the day to your preferences, making it especially suitable for photography enthusiasts who want personal guidance.
If, on the other hand, you’re expecting a leisurely sightseeing tour with little hands-on instruction, this might not be the right fit. Also, because of the physical activity involved, people with mobility issues should consider the terrain.
The Sum Up

If you’re headed to Tenerife and want to turn your camera (phone or DSLR) into a storytelling tool, this landscape photography workshop could be just what you need. Led by an experienced, award-winning photographer, it offers a balance of technical coaching and creative freedom, set against some of the island’s most stunning vistas. The flexible scheduling makes it accessible, and the small group ensures personalized attention.
While it’s not a sightseeing tour per se, the focus on iconic locations like Teide, Anaga, and lava fields means you’ll be enjoying scenery that’s both dramatic and diverse. And for anyone who loves capturing the natural world’s beauty, this can be a meaningful addition to your Tenerife trip.
Just remember to come prepared with sturdy shoes, some technical knowledge of your camera or phone, and an open mind. Whether you’re after sunset shots, atmospheric forests, or volcanic landscapes, you’ll leave with a new set of skills and a collection of striking images.
Tenerife: Landscape photography, coaching workshops 5 hrs.
“Der Workshop war super! Ich kann diesen Coaching-Workshop nur weiterempfehlen. Ich habe so viele gute Tipps bekommen und kann sowohl meine Spiegelr…”
FAQ

Is this workshop suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the coaching is designed to be accessible for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced photographers. The instructor offers personalized advice based on your experience.
Can I participate with a mobile phone camera?
Absolutely. The workshop welcomes mobile cameras like iPhones, and the instructor provides tips on how to get the most out of your device.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy closed-toe shoes, and your camera or phone. A tripod is recommended but not mandatory—an extra is available if needed.
Are meals included?
No, meals are at your own expense, but refreshments such as mineral water and coffee are provided.
How much does transportation cost?
A flat rate of €25 in cash covers transportation to and from the workshop location, including hotel pickup if requested.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your trip planning.
If landscape photography is your jam and Tenerife is calling, this workshop is definitely worth considering. It combines stunning scenery, expert guidance, and practical skills in an experience that can boost your confidence behind the camera.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Photography Tours in Santa Cruz De Tenerife
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