All photography workshops

Lake Kerkini · Greece

The Kingdom of the Pelicans

Four winter days photographing one of Europe’s most extraordinary gatherings of Dalmatian Pelicans.

4 days Maximum 4 photographers January — February 2027
LocationLake Kerkini, Greece
GroupMaximum 4 people
LevelAll skill levels
From€1,450 per photographer

Why Kerkini?

Winter light, wild behaviour and photographs with a sense of place.

Lake Kerkini has become one of Europe’s defining locations for photographing the majestic Dalmatian Pelican — and for good reason.

During these four days, we focus on pelican behaviour, flight, portraits and birdscapes. Every approach is made with respect, giving the birds space while creating opportunities for distinctive photographs.

The lake is also home to kingfishers, flamingos, egrets, buzzards, kestrels, grebes and cormorants, with the mountains creating an ever-changing backdrop.

Dalmatian Pelican at Lake Kerkini

Our journey together

On the water, guided by the light.

We photograph from the boat during the most expressive light. The programme follows the weather, the birds and the needs of the group rather than a rigid timetable.

I’ll work beside you on camera settings, autofocus, exposure, composition and field technique. We also discuss the results of each session, post-processing in Lightroom, Photoshop and Luminar, plus video capture and DaVinci Resolve for anyone interested in motion.

  • 01Portraits and close detail
  • 02Flight and action
  • 03Birds within the landscape

2027 dates

One final available group.

The January and early-February groups are fully booked. Places remain for the final February workshop.

11–14 January Fully booked
14–17 January Fully booked
18–21 January Fully booked
21–24 January Fully booked
26–31 January Fully booked
2–5 February Fully booked
7–10 February Available

Workshop pricing

Choose your room.

Both options include the complete four-day photography experience, transfers, accommodation and daily meals.

Single room

1,600

Per photographer · private room

€500 deposit

Shared double room

1,450

Per photographer · shared with another photographer of the same sex

€500 deposit

Booking for more than one participant, or prefer PayPal or bank transfer?

Email vaiosvitos@gmail.com

Workshop highlights

Everything around the photography is taken care of.

01

Maximum four photographers

A genuinely small group with personal guidance and enough space for every photographer.

02

Transfers included

Transport from Thessaloniki airport or hotel to Kerkini and all local workshop transfers.

03

Premium accommodation

Stay at one of the finest hotels in the Lake Kerkini area throughout the workshop.

04

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Daily meals are included, with vegan and vegetarian choices available.

05

Boat photography sessions

Sunrise or sunset sessions on the lake, created around the light and pelican activity.

06

Ethical field practice

Every position and approach respects the birds, their space and their natural behaviour.

07

Daily guidance and review

Camera settings, field technique and daily discussions about the photographs we create.

08

All skill levels welcome

The guidance adapts to everyone, from newer photographers to experienced professionals.

Also included: an official receipt or invoice for professionals and companies.

Optional: travel insurance for Greece is available at an additional cost.

From the field

What photographers say about the experience.

Orlando (US)
Orlando (US)

THE KINGDOM OF THE PELICANS 2026 My group and I had a fantastic time. Let me go into a little more detail. Or guide and instructor Vaios is phenomenal. To start with, he gave me great recommendations for my first day in…

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Adam (PL)
Adam (PL)

THE KINGDOM OF THE PELICANS 2026 Beneath Zeus’s open sky and beside Poseidon’s shimmering waters, the pelicans rose like living myths... Majestic reminders that the greatest journeys are the ones that leave us grateful.... “The Kingdom of the Pelicans” workshop has definitely…

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Amber (US)
Amber (US)

THE KINGDOM OF THE PELICANS 2026 Five stars feels like an understatement. From start to finish, this Dalmatian pelican trip was exceptional, and so much of that is because of Vaios. He is an incredible human being. Thoughtful, accommodating, and endlessly knowledgeable…

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Prepare for the field

What to bring.

Open the practical lists below while planning your trip. If something is missing, contact me and I can help arrange a rental.

Recommended photography gear
  • DSLR or mirrorless camera; bird-eye autofocus, fast burst and a tilting screen are strongly recommended.
  • Wide-angle 16–24mm and normal 24–70mm lenses.
  • Telephoto 70–200mm or 70–300mm for close portraits.
  • A 150–600mm lens for other birds and wildlife.
  • ND filters, optional macro lens, tripod or monopod.
  • Large memory cards and a laptop or external drive of at least 1TB.

High-speed sessions can produce roughly 1,000 to 5,000–6,000 images, so storage matters.

See the rental partner offer
Warm clothing and additional gear

Our mornings begin early and temperatures can reach 0°C or below. Dress in layers and bring:

  • Waterproof warm pants and waterproof jacket.
  • Thermal fleece layers, socks and underwear.
  • Waterproof boots, hat, gloves and scarf.
  • Headlight, optional spare boots and hand or foot warmers.
Not included in the price
  • Drinks.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Anything not specifically listed in the workshop highlights.

7–10 February 2027

Join me in the Kingdom of the Pelicans.

Four days, four photographers and Lake Kerkini in its most expressive season.