The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a futuristic wonderland in Valencia, boasting soaring, curvaceous architecture that sparks curiosity at every turn. With its serene reflections, vibrant gardens, & dazzling designs, it’s a dynamic destination where innovation, nature, & imagination seamlessly collide.
What makes this such a great Spanish photography tour?
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (English: City of Arts & Sciences, Catalan: Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) is a place of wonder and imagination; a cultural and architectural complex located in Valencia, Spain. Architect Santiago Calatrava’s audacious vision is a dreamscape of steel, glass, concrete, water and ceramic that defied categorisation, and of course just ripe for our cameras.
Calatrava was inspired by the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. The park has featured in many TV and Hollywood films including StarWars and BBC Doctor Who. It is considered one of the most important modern architectural examples and is also one of the 12 Treasures of Spain.
From sunrise to sunset, the Valencian sun beats down on the ceramic curves of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a futuristic cityscape shimmering in the golden light. It’s skeletal structures, like the bleached bones of a leviathan, reach towards the sky, their forms defying the boundaries of the conventional.
The complex consists of five principle buildings with linking structures, all designed with an oceanographic and marine theme:
Five spectacular buildings ripe for your creativity
L’Hemisfèric (an IMAX cinema), a giant eye half-closed in eternal slumber, its smooth, reflective sphere mirroring the vibrant hues of the sky. Often bathed in different colours at night and surrounded with aqua marine waters.
L’Umbracle, a sprawling network of white, sinuous ribs, casts intricate shadows on the verdant gardens below.
El Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (the museum building), a crystalline snowflake fractured and scattered across the ground, shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence.
El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), a crown of symmetrical ceramic horns, reaching for the heavens. Its sharp edges, seemingly at odds with the surrounding serenity, speak of the power and passion of human creativity, forever pushing the boundaries of the known.
And finally, L’Àgora, a giant blue sale unfurling in the wind. Its looming exterior hides a backbone where the ever changing light seeps through to the interior forming never ending shape, form and shadow. It expansive interior once the home of the Spanish Tennis Open.
The whole City of Arts and Sciences is a symphony of light and shadow, a fusion of the natural and the man-made.
We will visit the City of Arts & Sciences every day during the workshop.
The old town of El Carmen
In contrast, the old town of El Carmen, you’ll find historic gems such as the Mercado Central, one of Europe’s biggest indoor markets with over 1000 stalls housed in a beautiful Valencian Art Nouveau style building, the stunning Cathedral plus the La Lonja de la Seda, the 15th century silk exchange, a gothic masterpiece and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus the art-deco railway station with its mosaics and wood paneled ticket office.
Our shoots can run from sunrise to sunset as we utilise the light all day long – strong daytime sunlight which may hamper other genres can add to our creative process. Most of the buildings are often illuminated at night offering a striking contrast to the blue hour skies. Most buildings are surrounded by shallow bright aqua coloured pools of water which can create stunning reflections.
Why photograph the City of Arts & Sciences with me?
Architecture and construction have been in my family for several generations. My Uncle was a well known architect and my father involved in construction. Our families holidayed together and they taught me greatly about architecture and how the lines, light and form needs to compliment in different situtaions. Both were also keen photographers, and in later life I became a graphic designer which again feeds into me love of graphical form, line, texture and light.
Architectual Interiors
We will also visit the interiors of some of the buildings to photograph an alternative to the amazing exteriors. One of the main attractions is a back stage visit to the opera and theatre building which features stark brutalist concrete interiors and an amazing concrete spiral stair case. The cost of the tour is included.
Sunset at Albufera
If time allows, there is the option for a sun set trip over to the Parc Natural de l’Albufera. This is a beautiful national park where the rice for paella is grown in water-logged rice paddy fields. Paella is of course the local speciality (and where Paella was invented) and must be sampled, but it’s really the sun set over the lagoon with the fishing nets in the foreground, and mountains in the distance that make amazing images.
Local Knowledge
Whilst in the old town I have a local secret… An amazing street food spot where they create the most amazing traditional local Paella at a fraction of resturant costs. A visit is always on the cards!
Your hotel in Valencia
During this 3-day, 4-night photography holiday in Spain, we’ll stay at the well-reviewed 3-star Ilunion Aqua Hotel. This modern hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the City of Arts and Sciences, with many rooms offering direct views of this architectural marvel. Breakfast is included, and the hotel boasts the rare distinction of a FULL view of the park. Additionally, a wide variety of restaurants are conveniently located nearby, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Workshop Approach
We’ll explore how to use architecture and its surroundings to craft fine art photography. By focusing on lines, shapes, forms, and textures, we’ll create both recognisable and abstract imagery that highlights the beauty of the setting.
At each location, we’ll examine how the landscape and architecture interact, how the light falls and evolves, and the best framing techniques to capture unique perspectives. You’ll learn to experiment with angles and viewpoints, isolating key elements of both the natural and built environments for maximum visual impact. I’ll be available throughout to offer personalised guidance on composition and technique, ensuring you get the most out of every location.
This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. Beginners or those seeking extra guidance will benefit from hands-on support, evaluation, and tailored advice, while experienced photographers can take advantage of working alongside an expert guide with local knowledge.
One Hour Free Follow-up Review
After the workshop, you’ll receive a one-hour follow-up session via Zoom or an online meeting. You can use this time for image selection, editing advice, or a mix of both – ensuring you get the most out of your workshop experience. We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.
Workshop Schedule
Arrivals will be on Thursday, 3rd April 2025. If you arrive before 14:00, we’ll travel together by private taxi to the hotel. For arrivals after 14:00, you may need to arrange your own transportation. After settling in, we’ll gather in the evening for an informal meet-and-greet to discuss the workshop and get oriented. The following three days will be filled with photography, with no strict agenda. We’ll adapt to the weather and conditions, ensuring flexibility and spontaneity in capturing the best shots. The workshop will conclude on the evening of Sunday, 6th April, with departures taking place on Monday, 7th April 2025.
Photography Learnings
Over the duration of the workshop we will work on various photography subjects and elements, including:
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Architectural techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Valencia and more…
- Vast local knowledge gives you access to little known locations
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- 3 star hotel incl. breakfast, all local transport and pickup
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and architectural photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers
Images from the previous Valencia trips
All the following images taken by myself – these are not stock photos!
Interior Architecture
Images from the Valencian old town of El Carmen and other points of interest
Full logistical details, assistance with booking transport will be provided (if needed) after deposit is received.