THE DOLOMITES RETREAT
An exclusive in-person photographic retreat hosted by Alex Strohl.
Learn how to build a meaningful and successful career
Six Days In Italy
Experience the Dolomites beyond the usual postcard spots — you’ll have access to unique hikes, insider experiences and the opportunity to meet and photograph local athletes, farmers, and artisans in their natural surroundings.
In-Person Training
During this week-long Masterclass, Alex will host daily coaching sessions drawing from his 15+ years of experience in high-stakes photography to help you elevate your photography business.
Like Minded Connections
With the small group size you will not only have plenty of face to face time with Alex, but will also be learning alongside other like-minded photographers. The connections and friendships created will last a lifetime.
Retreat Dates
June 23-28 2025
Group Size
Max 8 people
Investment
From $5900

Apply here to join the Dolomites Retreat
*3 spots remaining
What is the Dolomites retreat?
The Dolomites retreat is a 5-day/6-night adventure photography course set in one of Europe’s most striking mountain landscapes. Alongside other like-minded photographers, Alex will personally guide you to many of the lesser know locations he has explored over the years. A series of unique shoot opportunities has also been coordinated with local farmers and artisans, giving you exclusive access and insights you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Taking place in late June—the sweet spot between ideal weather and fewer crowds—this retreat offers long daylight hours, lush alpine meadows in full bloom, and crystal-clear mountain air. The Dolomites’ dramatic peaks, winding valleys, and reflective lakes provide endless opportunities for capturing dynamic light and compositions. With mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes, this is the perfect time to experience and photograph this iconic region at its best.
What will I learn?
This retreat is all about creating strong portfolio work that sets you apart. Thanks to our intimate knowledge of the area, we are able to go to best locations at the right time, and organizing talent to photograph that you would never be able to source on your own.
The retreat is designed to leave you feeling inspired and hungry about all the photography possibilities near your home. You will learn how to:
Direct non-professional talent for a successful outcome
Organize a full feature shoot from scratch: location, character, time
Increase your editing skills via Alex lead group editing sessions
Compose images that are striking and different, helping you stand out
Approach and embrace your photography future, thanks to a 1 on 1 session with Alex
Our Basecamp
Our basecamp is a comfortable alpine lodge in the heart of the Dolomites, offering a quiet and well-situated place to rest after a late night missions in the mountains. We will have access to a conference room to do our morning teaching sessions, and the late night editing grind
Just outside, a traditional mountain village provides a glimpse into daily life in the region, with wooden chalets, small cafés, and quiet streets. The lodge’s location offers easy access to the landscapes we’ll be exploring while remaining a relaxed and welcoming space to return to each evening.








All Inclusive Experience
Once you arrive at the lodge, the entire itinerary has been custom tailored to give you the best possible experience. All lodging, meals, and of course world class education from Alex is included. With all of the details taken care of you get to sit back and enjoy, taking time in a peaceful environment to digest all of the learnings from the retreat.
Italian Cuisine…
We have selected the most reputable fully catered lodge in Val Gardena, chosen specifically for their cuisine. You'll enjoy an exceptional dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients from the Dolomites. The thoughtfully prepared meals will be served family style around a shared farm table, creating the perfect setting for the group to connect and get to know each other better.
Cortado O’clock
As with any of our retreats, you can expect the highest level of coffee experience — both espresso and slow bar will be available at different times of the day to unwind or to learn how to pull your first shot.
What’s on the itinerary?
-
The group arrives to Hotel Freina to settle into the accommodations and explore the grounds
Alex will host the group for a welcome dinner in what will be the first of many memorable culinary experiences
After dinner there will be a campfire for everyone to introduce themselves and get to know each other before the first full day kicks off
After getting to know the group, and enjoying post dinner / campfire drinks and conversation, the group will return to their rooms for the some much needed rest before the stoke continues on the first full day
-
After a long day of travel, we will start the first day with cortados, coffee, and a sencha tea bar with Alex as well as a full service breakfast buffet
Alex will start the week with a retreat welcome intro - this is where you learn what to expect and how to best utilize your time in Italy
In person “class” will continue throughout the first half of the day, taking breaks to enjoy lunch, let the knowledge permeate, and of course enjoy cortados, a Strohl Retreat ritual
In the afternoon we will head into the field on a hike for the first of many shoots
We’ll have dinner on the go to allow us to shoot the best light possible before returning to the hotel after dark for editing and drinks
-
A sunrise hike / shoot will be available for those interested
Of course we’ll start the day with cortados, coffee and a sencha tea bar with Alex as well as a full service breakfast buffet
In person “class” will continue throughout the first half of the day, taking breaks to enjoy lunch, let the knowledge permeate, and of course enjoy cortados, a Strohl Retreat ritual
In the afternoon we will head back into the field on a hike for more shooting
We’ll have dinner on the go to allow us to shoot the best light possible before returning to the hotel after dark for editing and drinks
-
A sunrise hike / shoot will be available for those interested
Of course we’ll start the day with cortados, coffee and a sencha tea bar with Alex as well as a full service breakfast buffet
In person “class” will continue throughout the first half of the day, taking breaks to enjoy lunch, let the knowledge permeate, and of course enjoy cortados, a Strohl Retreat ritual
In the afternoon we will head back into the field on a hike for more shooting
We’ll have dinner on the go to allow us to shoot the best light possible before returning to the hotel after dark for editing and drinks
-
A sunrise hike / shoot will be available for those interested
Of course we’ll start the day with cortados, coffee and a sencha tea bar with Alex as well as a full service breakfast buffet
In person “class” will continue throughout the first half of the day, taking breaks to enjoy lunch, let the knowledge permeate, and of course enjoy cortados, a Strohl Retreat ritual. Alex will provide parting wisdom and direction for the path ahead
In the afternoon we will head back into the field on a hike for more shooting
We’ll have dinner on the go to allow us to shoot the best light possible before returning to the hotel after dark for editing and drinks
-
After a final breakfast with the group and some bittersweet goodbyes, everyone will depart from Hotel Freina
Additional details
-
There are two options for accommodation the workshop, base on a private or shared room. The investment for a shared room is $5900 and a private room is $6500.
-
We can split the payments of the retreat in several installments upon request.
-
The workshop is limited to 8 individuals. Apply by filling out the form here. If you are selected to attend the retreat you will receive notification within one week of applying. You will then be given instructions to make your deposit to secure your spot in the workshop.
-
We want to ensure that everyone at the workshop has the best experience possible. By asking a few simple questions we ensure all attendees have similar objectives, experience levels in their photography, and are ready to take the retreat seriously.
-
You will experience the Dolomites with Alex as your guide, many of the lesser know locations he has explored over the years. He can't wait to show it to you!
Alex will personally be mentoring and instructing your throughout the experience, and help you step up your photography.
You will learn exclusive information and industry secrets that Alex has spent years gathering and putting in to action.
You will share the week with awesome individuals who have the same passions and motivations as you. This one-of-a-kind opportunity that will create both long-lasting professional connections and personal friendships.
-
To maximize your time with this workshop, please bring the following:
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera body with at least one lens
Laptop computer for editing and for note taking if desired (or a pen and notebook)
A selection of your five favorite images for review and critique
Appropriate clothing and gear for hiking long stretches over varied terrain, and spending time outside in varying weather during the field shoots. This includes good hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, a hat and gloves, and a warm layer if it gets cold late evening.
A more detailed packing list will be provided to you before the retreat
Good vibes and a willingness to learn
-
Airfare or transportation to/from the Dolomites
Lunch on arrival day or lunch and dinner on departure day
Alcoholic beverages, or snacks/drinks outside of meal times
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Any personal activities or adventures you choose to partake in outside of the itinerary
Special Considerations: If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know in advance and we will accomoadate to the best of our ability.
-
To reserve your spot we do require a $1000 deposit. That deposit is only refundable for 48 hours after booking, less the fees incurred.
Once you pay for the rest of your trip you can receive the following refunds on the rest of the trip (deposits and fees not included):
More than 60 days before the trip = 100% refund.
Between 60 and 30 days before the trip = 50% refund.
Less than 30 days before trip departure = 0% refund.
We highly recommend trip insurance.
We may cancel a trip prior to the start date for reasons including (but not limited to) insufficient participation, weather conditions, or other instances that may impede trip operations. In this case, you will receive a refund for funds paid towards the trip cost. You will not receive any payment for any hotels, flights, or transportation booked before or after the trip.
A legal language version of our trip cancellation is this...
We reserve the right to cancel any trip, at any time, prior to the scheduled departure date for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, insufficient participation, local weather conditions or logistical problems that, in our sole judgment, may impede trip operations. In the event we cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever other than a force majeure event, your sole and exclusive remedy shall be the refund of all payments we received from you as of the date of cancellation. Alex Strohl Studio payment of the refund shall release us from any and all other or further liability in any way related to such cancellation. We may make payments to our suppliers (permits, transportation companies, etc.) far in advance of the scheduled trip departure date. Accordingly, if a trip is cancelled due to a force majeure event (e.g. acts of God, war, labor strikes, earthquake, flooding or any other cause beyond our control), we will undertake commercially reasonable efforts to promptly refund the portion of any amounts paid by you that have, in turn, not already been advanced to suppliers. In addition, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to recover and refund to you the balance of your payment amounts that were advanced to suppliers, less our expenses, if any, of such recovery, as promptly as possible. However, we do not guarantee you recovery of any portion of advance payments made to our suppliers. We are not responsible for, and you hereby release and forever discharge us from, any expense or cost incurred by you in preparing for or arising or resulting from a cancelled trip. If you cancel your trip, we will refund your payment as follows: (a) cancellation 60 days or more prior to trip departure – 100% of your payment will be refunded, with the exception of the deposit amount and any transaction fees; (b) cancellation between 60 - 30 days prior to trip departure - 50% of your payment will be refunded, with the exception of the deposit amount and any transaction fees; or (c) cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure, or during trip – no refund will be made.
-
We're here with answers. Reach out anytime to evan@alexstrohl.com
What do past students have to say?
We highly recommend you read testimonials of past workshop students below. While the instruction and mentorship from Alex will help you immensely on your photographic journey, being surrounded by such an incredible group of like minded individuals so eager to learn and advance is a huge plus. The environment that kind of group energy creates is unmatched.

Apply today to join us in the Dolomites
Getting there
The retreat will be based in the Dolomites, in northern Italy. If traveling internationally, the easiest route is to fly into Venice, Verona, or Milan, then take a train or drive to our base. A group shuttle will be available on the arrival and departure days from a designated meeting point, which will be confirmed closer to the retreat.
If you prefer to rent a car, this will give you more flexibility to explore the area before or after the retreat. The roads in the Dolomites are winding and scenic, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, or are known to backseat drive (!), this may be something to consider.
We’re happy to advise on the best travel options—please keep us informed of your plans, and we’ll assist where we can.