The New England Light & Texture Workshop
From the Berkshires to the Green Mountains
Limited to 6 participants (minimum 3) | All-inclusive | Small-group instruction
June 1 – June 4, 2026 | Based in Northampton, MA
Late spring in New England is a season of movement—flowing rivers, fresh foliage, and soft, shifting light.
Join award-winning landscape photographer, Dimitry Papkov, for an immersive four-day photographic journey through the Berkshires and southern Vermont. This workshop is designed for photographers who want to refine their craft and learn to capture mood, atmosphere, and fine-art detail.
There is something about early morning mist, quiet rivers, and the way light settles into the landscape that slows everything down.
This retreat is built around those moments.
From the ethereal flow of Berkshire waterfalls to the iconic rolling farmland of Jenne Farm and the vibrant blooms of Moore State Park, we will explore a diverse range of subjects during one of the most lush and expressive times of year.
The Experience
This is a small-group, all-inclusive workshop designed to give you both space and support in the field.
Rather than rushing between locations, we focus on how to see, respond to conditions, and translate what you feel into a strong image.
You will learn how to:
Use long exposures to shape water, motion, and mood
Work with polarizers and ND filters to control reflections and contrast
Build stronger compositions from wide landscapes to intimate details
Create depth and structure through light, layering, and focal length choices
Simplify complex scenes into clean, expressive images
The workshop also includes a follow-up image critique/post-processing Zoom session, helping you carry the experience into your editing workflow.
Itinerary Highlights
The itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted based on weather and conditions.
Day 1 – The Berkshires
We begin with an afternoon session in the Berkshires, followed by sunset at Hairpin Turn, overlooking sweeping mountain layers.
Day 2 – Water & Vistas
A morning at Enders Falls in CT, followed by an intimate afternoon at Gunn Brook Falls. We finish with a golden hour at Mount Sugarloaf, capturing the winding Connecticut River.
Day 3 – Vermont Icons
A pre-dawn departure brings us to sunrise at Jenne Farm. We continue through Sleepy Hollow Farm, historic covered bridges, and Quechee Gorge before returning south.
Day 4 – The June Bloom
We conclude at Moore State Park, focusing on macro and landscape photography among peak rhododendron and azalea blooms.
What’s Included
Lodging: 3 nights in a private room at a hotel near Northampton, MA
Meals: All breakfasts and dinners (including one alcoholic drink), lunches on Day 2 and 3.
Snacks & Water: Provided throughout the day
Transportation: Comfortable group transport to all locations
Instruction: In-field coaching, image critique, and post-processing Zoom session
Fees: All park entry and location access fees
Not included
Is This Workshop For You?
This workshop is ideal for photographers who want to move beyond simply documenting a scene and begin creating more intentional, expressive images.
Whether you are refining your technical skills or developing your artistic voice, you’ll have the time, guidance, and support to grow your portfolio in a meaningful way.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to those quiet moments when light and landscape come together, this workshop is for you.
To ensure a high-quality experience, the workshop is limited to a maximum of six participants. Early booking is highly recommended.
What to Bring?
Camera: DSLR, mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera or a bridge camera. While a smartphone can be used, it will significantly limit your creative options
Lenses: Lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto are appropriate. We will work on matching the focal length to the scene
Filters: A circular polarizer and neutral density (ND) filters are highly recommended for long-exposure water effects. A limited number of filters will be available from the instructor on a first-come, first-served basis
A Sturdy Tripod: This is a must for our low-light and waterfall sessions
Accessories: Spare batteries, extra memory cards, and a remote shutter release (wired or wireless). Optional: a reflector for flower/macro photography at the Moore State Park
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots/shoes for uneven terrain. Waterproof boots or "boundary socks" are highly recommended if you wish to step into the shallow areas of the falls for better compositions.
Protection: Rain gear for your camera and yourself
Review (optional): A laptop or tablet for viewing and backing up your images during our midday breaks.
Fitness and Pace
This Workshop is Rated as Easy-to-Moderate
This workshop is designed to be accessible to most participants, with short walks to each location (typically under half a mile).
We will be photographing in wooded and waterfall environments, which involve uneven terrain, roots, and rocks. Participants should be comfortable being sure-footed in these environments, as surfaces near water can be wet and slippery.
The Quechee Gorge Hike: On Day 3, there is an optional hike to the bottom of Quechee Gorge. While relatively short, the return climb is steep. Those who prefer not to make the descent can photograph from the overlook above, which offers excellent vantage points.
Note on Pacing: This workshop includes full, rewarding days, including our 2:45 AM "Alpine Start" for the Vermont sunrise. We move at a pace that encourages intentional seeing, while building in downtime where possible to balance productivity with enjoyment.
About the Instructor
Dimitry Papkov is an award-winning travel and landscape photographer based in Massachusetts, whose work is shaped by a deep appreciation for light, atmosphere, and the emotional resonance of natural places.
From the forests of New England to international landscapes, his photography reflects a patient, intentional approach to seeing and composing.
Dimitry is a Juried Artist Member of the Cape Cod Art Center and the Rockport Art Association & Museum, and an Artist Member of the Plymouth Center for the Arts. His work has been widely exhibited in juried shows across New England and recognized with multiple awards, including Best in Photography and People’s Choice honors.
Most recently, his work was also shortlisted in the Open Landscape category of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026, and placed in the Top 25 of the Built Environment category in the 2025 Amateur International Pano Awards.
Through his workshops and fine-art prints, Dimitry shares both the technical craft and the underlying philosophy of landscape photography, inviting others to find their own connection to the moments that shape the natural world.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before May 25th - full refund minus $50 processing fee
Cancellation after May 25th - 50% refund
In case of workshop cancellation - full refund