Every year, our unique Masterclass Portrait Photography takes place under the guidance of the Dutch top photographer and Photo Academy teacher Duco de Vries . This has proven to be a great creative week 9 times in a row, in which participants and teacher inspire and challenge each other. Due to the great success in registrations and the enthusiasm of many (former) participants, we even organized two Masterclasses in a row in 2024! Since the start of the Masterclass in 2018, dozens of enthusiastic photographers have been able to deepen their knowledge as photographers thanks to Duco's varied classes at Casa. In addition, they enjoyed our unique location and Umbria; because during the assignments, the photographers often end up in special, typically Italian, very surprising locations.
SIGN UP FOR THE ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2026!
The Portrait Photography Masterclass 2026 will take place from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 October.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE STILL 4 PLACES AVAILABLE!
During the Masterclass Portrait Photography of Duco de Vries in Casa San Carlo, a select group of advanced amateur photographers - a minimum of 6, a maximum of 9 participants - fully immerse themselves in portrait photography during 5 creative course days. Theory and practice come together directly in challenging group assignments and there is intensive guidance and attention to everyone's personal learning goals. And in addition: lots of relaxation and fun. Inspiring, creative and intensive: a must for every serious photographer who wants to challenge themselves!
Photographer & teacher Duco de Vries
Duco has been working as a portrait photographer for 30 years and has also been a first-degree teacher at the Photo Academy in Amsterdam for 25 years. He completed the teacher training in Art History & Painting at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, and graduated in Portrait Photography at the Rietveld Academy in 1995. Countless well-known and unknown people from home and abroad stood in front of his lens; Many of his students have gone on to become award-winning photographers. Duco also published 4 of its own photography books. His first photo book was published by Klaartje in 2007, when she was still working as an editor in the Netherlands. Once she moved to Italy, she asked him to set up a unique 'Masterclass Portrait Photography in Umbria' together. The first Masterclass took place in May 2018 and it was an immediate success! Several participants have participated in different editions, so enthusiastic were they about Duco's lessons.
What makes a portrait surprising & catchy? What do you have to pay attention to technically, how do you communicate optimally with the person portrayed so that that person feels 100% comfortable? During the Masterclass, not only the technical aspects of good portrait photography are discussed, but also the approach to the 'object', the setting and the choice of location play an important role.
Put theory into practice IMMEDIATELY
In groups of 3, all participants receive several photo assignments that they have to carry out together. The emphasis is on improvisation, because that plays a major role in the 'encounter' between photographer and portrayed. After the theory lessons in the morning, the photographers go out together with all their newly acquired knowledge to put the teaching material into practice immediately. Duco supervises each participant intensively and of course also discusses the post-processing of your photos.
Relaxation & cosiness
You will spend 5 wonderful nights in an apartment in Casa San Carlo. Delicious cooking is done for you, you don't have to think about anything, so you can fully concentrate on the photography! Breakfast and lunch are ready for you every day, in the evening you can bake your own pizza in our wood-fired oven or go out for dinner with the group in a local trattoria. In between all the lessons, there is also plenty of time to relax, go out, edit your photos, or just enjoy the view of course!
Masterclass & Mini-break in one!
Five days of very personal and intensive guidance from a top photographer, at a top location abroad. In a short time you can take in a lot of tips & tricks in the field of portrait photography, focus completely on your hobby and/or profession while also enjoying La Dolce Vita... What photographer wouldn't want this?
Sign up for the 10th edition of 2026, the anniversary edition! The 10th Masterclass will take place in the first or second week of October 2026.
Would you like more information about the exact content of the lessons, or do you want to know what the price of this Masterclass is? Send an email to: [email protected]. Or fill in the contact form below.
Would you like to register for this Portrait Photography Masterclass? Or more information about the price and the program? Fill in the form and we will contact you as soon as possible!
