STILL (A) LIFE

A Photography Retreat in Emilia-Romagna

Fotografie zwischen Licht, Form und Genuss

**27.09. – 03.10.2026 | Al Vecchio Convento | Portico di Romagna | Italien**

For me, still life means focusing on the essentials. Inspired by the visual language of the Old Masters, I create photographs in which light, form and material enter into a dialogue with one another. I work exclusively with natural light and respond to what unfolds within the space. The focus is not on perfection, but on atmosphere, tranquillity and the story an image can tell. I am interested in how powerful images emerge from simple things – a loaf of bread, a pear, an old knife and the light of early morning can be all that is needed. That is precisely what this week is all about.

The Workshop

In a small group of no more than **10 participants**, we’ll work intensively on composition, storytelling, lighting and various shooting scenarios. The workshop is aimed at ambitious amateur photographers, professionals and creative individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of still life, food photography and visual storytelling. A basic knowledge of photography is an advantage.
We’ll be photographing using seasonal ingredients, crockery, textiles, surfaces and found objects from the kitchen. Together, we’ll develop image ideas and bring them to life using available light or simple light sources. It’s not about complicated techniques or perfect set-ups, but about looking closely and creating powerful images using simple means.
An important part of the workshop is our joint **image reviews**. During these, we analyse subjects, lighting moods, compositions and the narrative impact of the images. It is often during these discussions that the decisive inspiration for your own photographic style emerges.
You’ll not only take home new photographs for your portfolio, but above all a keener eye for light, composition and atmosphere – and plenty of ideas for your own projects.

About Ingolf Hatz

Having studied photography in the USA and held numerous positions both at home and abroad, Ingolf Hatz now works as an artist and photographer, specialising in food and portrait photography. For more than 15 years, he has been exploring the themes of food, craftsmanship and visual storytelling in depth. His work straddles the boundaries between documentary, art and still life – always with the aim of telling stories and bringing atmosphere to life.
His photographs have won several awards, including the **Gourmand Cookbook Award** for *Best Food Photography* and the **GAD Silver Medal** for the cookbook *Mallorca*. His work has been exhibited at events such as the **Oberstdorf Photo Summit** and the **Rencontres d’Arles**, as well as in galleries and museums in Munich, Berlin, Wasserburg and Böblingen. As a member of the **BBK Munich** and the **AK68 Wasserburg**, he combines his artistic work with many years’ experience as a commercial photographer.

The Place

The workshop forms part of a special stay at the **Albergo Diffuso Al Vecchio Convento** in Portico di Romagna – a place where hospitality, good food and the countryside of Emilia-Romagna come together. Together with a brilliant chef, we’ll explore the regional cuisine, go **truffle hunting in the woods** and draw inspiration from our surroundings. Between workshop sessions, there’ll be plenty of time to explore the village, enjoy Italian cuisine or simply sit on the terrace with an espresso.
To round off the week, we’ll present your photographs in a small **joint exhibition** and celebrate the images and encounters we’ve shared over a long table with good food and good conversation.




What you should bring:

Camera * Lenses of your choice * Tripod * Laptop for viewing and selecting photos

Getting there:
You can travel there comfortably by train to **Faenza**, by plane to **Bologna/Forli** (transfer available) or by car.

Details
* **Dates:** 27 September – 3 October 2026
* **Location:** Albergo Diffuso Al Vecchio Convento, Portico di Romagna
* **Language:** English
* **Participants:** maximum 10 people
* **Workshop times:** 5 x Mornings, Monday–Friday
* **Material extra costs:** approx. €100
**Course fee and accommodation starting at € 1170 including half board! see the hotel website
https://www.vecchioconvento.it/it/esperienze/#offerte

I look forward to spending a week full of photography, culinary delights and inspiring encounters with you all.