ITALY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP TOUR

Experience the Magic of Il Palio with Better Moments & Marco Di Lauro

Join Better Moments and award-winning photographer Marco Di Lauro for an exclusive workshop in Siena, where you will capture the raw energy, passion, and centuries-old traditions of Il Palio, the world’s most spectacular horse race.

Since 1283, Il Palio has been at the heart of Siena’s identity. Twice a year, the city’s stunning medieval square, Piazza del Campo, is transformed into a high-stakes battleground, where ten fearless jockeys ride bareback in a breathtaking race that lasts just 75 seconds. More than a competition, Il Palio is a deeply rooted tradition of honor, rivalry, and community, shaping the very fabric of Siena’s culture.

Throughout the year, the excitement builds. Young drummers perfect their rhythms, flag bearers rehearse in the narrow streets, and Contrade leaders negotiate to secure the best jockeys and horses. The race itself is the culmination of months of preparation, strategy, and anticipation.

This workshop offers exclusive access to the key moments that define Il Palio. With Marco Di Lauro’s expert guidance, you will have the opportunity to document the intense horse selection process, the electrifying pre-race trials, the grandeur of Contrada celebrations, and the victorious parade through Siena’s ancient streets.

Il Palio is a story of pride, resilience, and timeless tradition. This is your chance to immerse yourself in an event like no other, capturing history, emotion, and movement in its purest form.

    Highlights

    • Witness and document the famous Il Palio Di Siena in Northern Tuscany.
    • Learn about travel and reportage photography and how to capture people and scenes in a natural environment.
    • Learn how to approach people and situations – and get a feeling for photographing the right moment.
    • Shoot amazing photos in reportage and documentary style.
    • Journey into magnificent ancient traditions in Italian culture.
    • Morning and evening workshops with Marco Di Lauro.
    • 1-on-1 private portfolio review with Marco Di Lauro.
Reserve Your Spot Today

Expert MARCO DI LAURO

Better Moments Expert Marco di Lauro

More about Marco Di Lauro

Marco Di Lauro is a World Press Photo Award-winner working for, among others, Newsweek, Time Magazine, New York Times Magazine and Der Spiegel. He has worked under an exclusive contract for Getty Images Reportage since 2002, covering the Middle Eastern conflict in the Gaza Strip, and spent almost all of 2003 and 2004 in Iraq, documenting the American invasion and the plight of the Iraqi people.
Along with his wartime coverage, Di Lauro also covers events such as the Palio of Siena Horse Race and the Battle of the Oranges that breaks out every year in the city of Ivrea in Italy, Easter processions in Sicily, the Easter procession in Seville, and the religious life in Italy and the Vatican City.
In his stories, whether large or small, in Italy or abroad, he always attempts to capture the sacred side of life and its deeper meaning.

WEBINAR: HOW TO DO REPORTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY & OUR SIENA WORKSHOP

In his webinar, World Press Photo Award winner Marco Di Lauro talks about his life dedicated to reportage photography and explains more about Il Palio Di Siena and our 2022 workshop.

EXPAND WITH PASSION

On Location

  • You will learn how to approach the unique challenges of travel photography and how to capture candid moments, dynamic energy, motion and human interaction.
  • Teaching and training on the best techniques along with special tips and personalized advice.
  • Learn to create dramatic and interesting photographs using composition, perspective and focal points.
  • Learn how to use different exposure times and aperture settings in various light conditions.
  • How to handle equipment with care on location and prepare for going in the field.
  • How to comfortably approach people for street photography.
  • Discover secrets behind successful documentary and reportage photography.
  • How to use your camera as a tool for storytelling.

In Classroom

  • Daily reviews of the images you have taken throughout the day with constructive criticism to help you improve your skill-set.
  • In-depth on-location and theory workshops with Marco Di Lauro.
  • Digital workflow in Photoshop and/or Lightroom.
  • How to create a visual narrative and how to approach magazines for freelance jobs.
  • How to create a concept for an exhibition.
  • Private 1-on-1 portfolio review

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SIENA – A CITY STEEPED IN HISTORY
We meet at our hotel in Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where history and tradition blend into an unforgettable setting. After a briefing on the workshop, there will be time to explore Siena’s architectural treasures, including the iconic Piazza del Campo and the majestic Siena Cathedral—both offering stunning photographic opportunities.
DAY 2: THE PRE-TRIALS – CAPTURING THE TENSION AND SELECTION PROCESS
We begin our journey into Il Palio with the pre-trial selection of the horses (tratta). This fascinating process determines which ten horses will participate in the legendary race. Witness and capture raw moments of anticipation and strategy, as horses are evaluated, tested, and chosen for the Contrade (districts). The energy is electric, and the photographic moments are rich in emotion, tradition, and detail.
DAY 3: THE TRIALS – THE CITY COMES ALIVE
The heartbeat of Il Palio intensifies as jockeys ride their newly assigned horses in the second and third trial runs. This is a rare opportunity to capture powerful motion photography, as riders test their skills on the iconic tufo track in Piazza del Campo. Beyond the race, we will explore how the entire city of Siena revolves around the festival, with its people, traditions, and colors offering incredible photographic subjects at every turn.
DAY 4: GENERAL TRIAL – NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE
Excitement reaches its peak as the final rehearsal, known as the General Trial, takes place. This is a crucial moment for both the jockeys and the Contrade, offering spectacular photographic opportunities of preparations, rituals, and camaraderie.

Later, we will document the famous Contrada Dinner, a massive celebration with up to 3,500 people, all eating, singing, and drinking wine together—their voices echoing through the medieval streets, discussing their chances of victory in the next day’s race.

DAY 5: IL PALIO – THE MAIN EVENT
The big day begins early, capturing the energy, excitement, and deep-rooted traditions surrounding Il Palio.
7:45 AM: The Jockey Mass in the Chapel of the City Hall, where the Archbishop gives his blessing.
3:00 PM: The blessing of the horse and jockey in each Contrada’s parish church—a powerful and emotional ceremony.
5:00 PM: The historic parade, featuring over 600 participants in traditional costumes, weaving through the streets of Siena before arriving at Piazza del Campo.
7:00 PM: The legendary race begins—a fast, intense, and dangerous spectacle, lasting just 75 seconds. The winning Contrada is awarded the coveted Palio banner, followed by an emotional victory march through the city.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE – A FINAL LOOK AT SIENA
After an unforgettable experience photographing one of the most thrilling and historic horse races in the world, we bid farewell to Siena, leaving with stunning images and lifelong memories.

This workshop is designed for passionate photographers looking to capture the soul of Il Palio—from its ancient traditions to the raw energy of the race itself. With Marco Di Lauro’s expert guidance, you will elevate your storytelling skills and come away with images that embody the heart of Siena and its most celebrated event.

Get Inspiration

Enjoy our workshop catalog with stunning photos by Marco Di Lauro

Including workshop intinerary, expert interview, quick tips and equipment list

PASSIONATE TESTIMONIAL

Passionate Photographer Lucy Mohr

“My workshop with Marco Di Lauro photographing the Palio di Siena actually changed my life. I attended as an amateur photographer, secretly hoping I might learn enough to become professional one day. The time I spent learning with Marco surpassed all my expectations.
Marco approached it like we were on an actual news assignment. It was a baptism of fire and I went from day 1 of not even thinking to charge my camera batteries for the next day to ending the trip with Marco telling me I was a born photojournalist. His teaching was inspiring, demanding and opened my eyes to the possibilities of where hard work, passion and commitment could get me. I’ve since become a portrait photographer (I’ve a young family, so although I did undertake some incredible photojournalism adventures since my time with Better Moments, becoming a portrait photographer is a perfect balance of working under pressure and meeting diverse and interesting people).
Genuinely, I can’t thank Marco enough for his time, patience and dedication in getting the best out of us as a group and as individuals. I still think of the lessons he taught me in my work today.”

Lucy Mohr, from the UK, participated in our Italy workshop with Marco Di Lauro

TRAVEL FACTS

Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.

Facts

  • August 10th – 17th 2024
  • 8 Days
  • Number of guests: 8-12
Included
  • Local transport
  • Accommodation
  • All meals
Not included
  • Travel to and from the workshop destination
  • Visa and taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance

 

Ask Us

Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.

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Price

    • € 6,437 in single room.
    • € 5,967 in shared double room.
    • Groups sign-up a group of 4+ participants and receive a group discount.
    • All prices are per person.
    • INVITE A FRIEND
      Got a friend or special someone you’d love to bring?
      With our INVITE A FRIEND-initiative, you’ll be able to bring someone with you to our locations without having to enroll them in our workshops and save up to 25% of the total rate, depending on availability!

 

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Overview

Better Moments Siena Italy workshop map

QUICK GUIDE GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE

Rome has two airports: Fiumicino (FCO), which is also sometimes referred to as Rome’s Lenardo da Vinci Airport, and Ciampino (CIA).

VISA

All EU / EEA nationals will only need to present an identification document to enter Italy.
If you are a non-EU/EEA traveller wishing to visit Italy, San Marino or the Vatican, you will need to present a valid passort valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of Exit and, if you are subject to the Italian visa regime, a valid visa. Depending on the country of origin, you may need to present further documents. For more information, please check the page of the Ministery of Foreign Affairs.

WEATHER

Siena weather is characterised by an excellent temperate climate, with weather that is mild through most of the year and generally avoids the worst extremes of hot or cold that can be found elsewhere in Italy. Siena has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to September), autumn (October to November) and winter (December to February). Summertime in Siena rarely gets as hot and sticky as other parts of the country, peaking around 31°C.

LANGUAGE

Italian is the official language of Italy. In touristy areas, Italians speak at least basic English.

CURRENCY

Italiy’s monetary unit is the Euro (EUR)

QUICK GUIDE

  • Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic legacy and its influence on high culture. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been home to many figures influential in the history of art and science.
  • The historic centre of Siena has been declared by a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the nation’s most visited tourist attractions, with over 163,000 international arrivals in 2008.
  • Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year.The Palio di Siena is more than a simple horse race. It is the culmination of ongoing rivalry and competition between the contrade. The lead-up and the day of the race are invested with passion and pride.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions
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