Welcome to Expedition Isla Bonita, a photography adventure that will show you exactly what it means to be on The Pretty Island.

Home to incredible landscapes, imposing volcanoes, dense forests, unique beaches, and star scattered skies, this World Biosphere Reserve is justly named ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the Pretty Island). A destination, whose main attribute is its environmental quality, makes it an unmistakable sign of healthy surroundings. From the ocean to the forest, and into the towns, we will take you to places that will allow you to be a participant and not just a tourist. This is a place that knows how to preserve its traditions, which makes this island a very authentic place.

We created these workshops for every level of photographer. You can start at the beginning or improve your skills; our photographer will teach you what you want to know. We offer two options for your travel plans, The East Coast or the West Coast of the island or combine the two options to take home the most incredible images of a unique and special place.

On our first day, we will meet for our introduction workshop and discuss the subjects of the coming days. On day two we begin our photography sessions and venture off to photograph Volcanic scapes, lush forests, architectural gems, and have some fun with Black and White shots. We’ll capture the essence of the island when we photograph the colorful streets on our Street photography/Blue Hour segment and of course, no workshop would be complete without a few tips on editing.

We also understand that to fully appreciate the beauty of this land, we must make time to see the people at work on their crafts. Silk production, pottery, cigar making, basketry, embroideries and crafting items of wood, stone, leather, and metal are some of the La Palma’s traditional crafts. Craftsmen and craftswomen, making use of natural raw materials and following a time-honored process, produce entirely delightful gastronomy, such as cigars, baskets, aprons, towels, tablecloths, shirts...which, when crafted by wise and loving hands, give rise to genuine works of art.

Our hotel is luxury on the East Coast and Simple Elegance on the West coast, and both offer the best of the island.

Last but never least, the gastronomy here offers produce directly from the farms, the ocean and the lush orchards directly to your table.

Join us on this amazing adventure, you will leave longing to return to La Isla Bonita.

Call us for more information. 772 564-0330

Our Photographer: Mario Tarantino.

I was born in Port Elisabeth, South Africa to a Neapolitan father and French mother both of whom worked in the airline industry. Growing up as a family we travelled quite a bit and got to live in some beautiful parts of the world. I really like travelling (who doesn’t) but not as much as I like taking photographs – in fact I find both complement each other very well. Now based out of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, photography has replaced my parents’ work perks, allowing me to keep exploring & looking at things through my camera’s viewfinder.

My photographic style ranges from fine art architecture & street to moody landscapes. I am no painter, probably another reason I took up photography, but the surrealists Magritte, Breton & de Chirico to name a few have all heavily influenced the way I take pictures. “Less is more”, “Simple is powerful” are things I believe in and adhere to, this can be seen in my compositions which in general are minimalist. The simplicity of monochromatic imagery, the rich, deep and detailed blacks coupled with crisp whites and all the tones in between, for me makes mundane, marvelous. I often use long exposures and enjoy working in low light conditions, creating low-key images which I find more emotive. My love for the still image and constant pursuit of the sublime has been recognized in the form of numerous awards from internationally renowned institutions.

Ask about extending your trip and seeing more Spain! Perhaps visit Madrid, or Andalucia, the possibilities are endless!!!