Join International Photographer Ali Ghorbani for a 7-day immersive stay at Solar Alegria. Go beyond the 'tourist shot' and leave with a professional portfolio, renewed creativity, and memories that last a lifetime.

Tired of coming home from beautiful trips with photos that don't do the moment justice? Most photography tours just take you to the spots. We give you the skills—and the secret locations—to create art that feels alive.

Learn from a mentor who has captured Hollywood icons and National Geographic stories. Ali doesn’t just teach technical settings; he teaches you how to 'see.' Whether you’re using a high-end DSLR or an iPhone, you’ll gain the confidence to shoot in any lighting, from the golden hour in Porto to the cinematic shadows of our 19th-century Solar.

This isn't for the tourist who wants a snapshot. This is for the Creative Soul looking to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with their vision. Whether you are a professional looking to diversify your portfolio or an enthusiast wanting to master your new camera, this experience is designed to elevate your craft in an environment of total privacy.

1. The Technical Mastery: (Camera settings, Lighting, Macro, Long Exposure).

2. The Soulful Narrative: (Street photography, Ethics, Posing, Storytelling).

3. The Modern Creator: (Instagram strategy, Mobile editing, Cinematic lighting).

• Elite Mentorship: This isn't a tour guide holding a camera; it’s a global industry leader providing 1-on-1 feedback.

• Private Access: We go behind the scenes of wine houses and into private artisan workshops unreachable by standard tourists.

• The Venue: Solar Alegria is a living set. From the 19th-century architecture to the hidden waterfalls, every inch is designed to be photographed.

• All-Inclusive Luxury: From the farm-to-table meals to the private transfers, your only job is to create.

We’re thrilled to have professional photographer and educator Ali Ghorbani back for our Portugal 2026 Experiences! Ali has traveled to 35+ countries and has taught hundreds of students, from ages 7 to 70! His career highlights include the 1996 Olympic Games, photographing Hollywood & International celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariah Carey and Fan BingBing.

Early on in his career, Ali was mentored by a National Geographic photographer, as well as the portrait photographer of Her Majesty The Late Queen of England. Ali’s work with the world’s leading brands such as LVMH, HSBC, Porsche, Disney and Four Seasons gives his students a unique opportunity to learn from a true professional in the industry.

In addition to being an advisor for Huawei & Honor smartphones, Ali has been giving private and public workshops since 2018 for clients such as Adobe, The British Consulate, Soho House, Hong Kong Golf Club and The Royal Geographical Society.

He has lectured at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on NFT marketing strategies and spoken at Adobe’s “Explore the Digital Art Revolution” on the future of visual communication. Ali’s timeless images have been displayed worldwide in Times Square (New York), Hong Kong, Rome, Tokyo, and Beijing.

Check Ali´s website: https://aligstudios.com/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/AliGStudiosofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aligphoto1/

“Everything about Solar Alegria and working with Ali was such a pleasure. I learned so much and sincerely enjoyed everything. Thank you for going over and above for me, never felt so much like a VIP in my life!” – Kristi

"I arrived at Solar Alegria with a camera I didn't fully understand and a creative spark that had been dim for a while. I left with a portfolio I am genuinely proud of and a completely new way of looking at the world.

The magic of this week is the synergy between the location and the mentorship. Solar Alegria is more than just a place to stay; it is a living, breathing canvas. From the morning light hitting the stone walls of the 1852 manor to the hidden waterfalls nearby, every moment felt curated for beauty.

Working with Ali Ghorbani was the highlight. He has this incredible ability to take complex technical concepts—like long exposure or cinematic lighting—and make them feel intuitive. He is patient, deeply knowledgeable, and has a way of pushing you to find your own 'voice' rather than just copying his. Whether we were in the colorful streets of Costa Nova or the dark Port wine cellars, Ali was always there to offer a 1-to-1 tip that changed the entire shot.

But it wasn't just about the photos. It was the farm-to-table meals shared with new friends, the 'deep dives' into Portuguese culture, and the feeling of being a VIP. If you are looking for a trip that nourishes your soul as much as your skills, this is it. It’s not just a workshop; it’s a transformation." - Vera

Our journey begins in the heart of Porto, a city of granite, azulejos, and golden light. After a curated welcome drink, Ali Ghorbani will lead an opening masterclass on Documentary & Street Photography.

• The Experience: We dive into the labyrinthine alleys of the Ribeira. You’ll learn to "hunt" for stories—capturing the authentic interactions of locals against the backdrop of the Douro River.

• The Highlight: A traditional Porto dinner followed by a Sunset Shoot over the city skyline, mastering the transition from golden hour to the "Blue Hour" of architectural photography

We start with a deep dive into Porto’s legendary wine culture before transitioning to our private sanctuary at Solar Alegria.

• The Experience: An exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of an iconic Port Wine House. This is your chance to practice Low-Light Photography and atmospheric storytelling in the dark, oak-scented cellars.

• The Highlight: Arrival at Solar Alegria. As the sun dips, we hold our first Editing Lab, where Ali shows you his professional workflow to turn a raw file into a work of art.

Today is about the raw, untamed beauty of Northern Portugal. We step into the forest and let nature be our muse.

• The Experience: A morning masterclass in Nature & Macro Photography around the lush estate. After lunch, we trek to the Cabreira waterfall for a session on Long-Exposure Artistry.

• The Highlight: A private sunset picnic in the mountains. You will learn to use filters and shutter speeds to turn falling water into silk, capturing the "hidden" side of Portugal.

We journey to the coast to explore the vivid, candy-striped houses of Costa Nova and the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro.

• The Experience: This day is a masterclass in Color Theory and Composition. We’ll photograph the high-contrast stripes of the fishermen's cottages and the graceful Moliceiro boats reflected in the canals.

• The Highlight: A seafood feast by the Atlantic, followed by an afternoon of "Slow Photography"—learning to observe the pace of coastal life through your lens.

Portraiture is about connection. Today, we focus on the most intimate form of photography within the walls of our 1852 manor.

• The Experience: Ali leads a hands-on workshop on Mastering Natural Light using the Solar’s historic windows and stone corridors.

• The Highlight: Our Cinematic Lighting Workshop. Using professional strobes and continuous lights, we will create high-fashion, "Hollywood-style" portraits that look like stills from a film.

We celebrate the "Hidden Gems"—the people who keep Portuguese traditions alive.

• The Experience: A documentary-style visit to a local artisan’s workshop. You’ll learn Action Photography—capturing the blur of a craftsman’s hands and the steam of a traditional kitchen.

• The Highlight: Food Photography & Live Music. We photograph a traditional tasting menu being prepared, then transition into a celebratory farewell dinner with live music, practicing Low-Light Performance Photography in a festive, soulful atmosphere.

We conclude our residency with a final review and Q&A session, ensuring you leave not just with photos, but with a new philosophy of sight.

• The Experience: A curated "Gallery Walk" of the group’s best work.

• The Highlight: A final "Closing Circle" to solidify your new skills before we transfer you back to Porto, forever changed as a visual storyteller.