Madeira

Madeira is nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe, and once you see its laurel forests draped in morning mist, its towering sea cliffs, and its waterfalls cascading into emerald valleys, you understand why. This island punches above its weight photographically, offering landscapes that shift dramatically within a single day's drive.

My focus on this expedition is landscape and nature photography in its most varied forms. We photograph the wave-battered rock formations along the north coast, hike through the ancient Laurissilva forest for atmospheric woodland shots, and chase panoramic light from the highest viewpoints on the island.

As a bonus, we head out on the water for an optional whale and dolphin watching session, a completely different photographic challenge that rewards fast reflexes and good long-lens technique. Madeira's mild climate and compact geography make it ideal for photographers who want variety without sacrificing depth.