Inside Alter: a legacy in focus

Get ready for an extraordinary variety of photo opportunities, set in the most breathtaking locations.

📸 Freedom Shoots – Capture horses in motion, both in the stunning natural landscape and vast pastures. We’ll also photograph them playing in freedom inside the iconic round pen, where the vivid yellow walls create a striking contrast.

🐴 The Alter Real Mares & Foals – A true highlight! Spend time up close with the herd and their newborn foals at Páteo das Éguas, where you can interact with them and take intimate close-ups. Witness the iconic exit of the mares to the fields, a scene you’ll have multiple chances to capture from different angles. We’ll also focus on the next generation, photographing the foals as they play together.

🏛 Timeless Architecture – Alter Real’s stunning historical backdrop is a photographer’s dream. From the arched walkways of Páteo VI to the classic Casas Altas, every setting offers the perfect frame for stallion portraits and atmospheric compositions.

🐎 Horses Under Saddle – Learn how to capture the beauty and athleticism of the Lusitano in motion. We’ll cover the Do’s & Don’ts of photographing horses under saddle, with the Alter Real competition team performing for dynamic action shots full of power and elegance.

🦄 Rare Sorraia Horses – Alongside the magnificent Lusitanos, you’ll have the unique opportunity to photograph the endangered Sorraia horses, known for their primitive beauty and distinctive grullo coats.

... and much more! Each session is packed with opportunities to elevate your photography and create unforgettable images. This Workshop is designed to inspire and push your creativity to new heights!

The Photo Workshop begins on Monday, May 19, 2025. A pickup transfer will collect participants from Lisbon Airport at 10:30 AM, heading to Vila Galé in Alter do Chão, where a welcome lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we will dive straight into the experience with our first masterclass, followed by a sunset photo shoot — the perfect introduction to this immersive workshop.

The workshop concludes on Friday, May 23, 2025. After morning check-out, we will spend the final day photographing at Alter, making the most of every last opportunity. The transfer will depart from Alter at 4:00 PM, with an expected arrival at Lisbon Airport by 7:30 PM.

If you require an extra night’s stay due to your travel schedule, let us know — we’ll be happy to assist with arrangements!

For the best experience, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm lens (or equivalent). If you have additional lenses, pack them too — a 100mm or longer lens is perfect for capturing the fine details of horses.

Make sure your gear is in top shape and ready for all shooting conditions. Extra batteries and memory cards are a must — you won’t want to miss a single moment!

Don’t forget your laptop with Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop installed and ready to go for the editing masterclasses.

This workshop grants you personal use rights for the photos you take. You’re free to showcase them in your portfolio, on social media, and in exhibitions, but they cannot be sold or used for commercial or editorial purposes (such as magazines, advertisements, or brand collaborations).

If you plan to sell your photos or use them for commercial projects, we highly recommend subscribing to the Commercial Use License. This supplement provides all the necessary legal documents, including model and property releases, ensuring you have full rights to use your images without restrictions.

Want to unlock commercial opportunities for your work? Let us know if you’d like to add this option!

In mid-May, Alter do Chão enjoys warm spring weather, but conditions can vary throughout the day. Expect daytime temperatures around 22-27°C (72-81°F), with plenty of sunshine. However, mornings and evenings can be much cooler, sometimes dropping to 8-15°C (46-59°F) — especially during our sunrise and sunset sessions.

What to Pack?

✔ Light layers – Bring a light jacket or fleece for early morning and late evening shoots.
✔ Comfortable clothing – Breathable, lightweight fabrics for the warm afternoons.
✔ Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
✔ Sturdy boots – You’ll be walking in the countryside to photograph horses in the fields, so comfortable, closed-toe footwear is a must.
✔ Rain gear – While rain is unlikely, a small packable rain jacket could come in handy.
✔ Swimsuit – The hotel features amazing swimming pools, perfect for relaxing during your free time.

Be ready for shifting between cool mornings, warm afternoons, and breezy evenings — but most importantly, get ready for incredible light and perfect shooting conditions!

Yes, absolutely! A good travel insurance plan gives you peace of mind, protecting you from unexpected situations like illness, injury, or travel delays. Trip cancellation and other travel insurances are NOT included in the workshop package, so we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your investment. Worry less, travel more!