Majestic Fall Landscapes & Rustic Villages
October 16 - 22nd , 2027
💵 View package pricing & options by clicking "Book Now
Easy Pay Monthly Plan Available
Join Ryan Smith and renowned Photographer and Sony Ambassador Ilhan Eroglu on an unforgettable adventure through Switzerland's enchanting landscapes and hidden treasures. This immersive Photography Workshop and culture rich adventure is truly unlike any other, where every click of your camera unveils a world of breathtaking beauty and artistic inspiration. Get ready to capture the essence of Switzerland's majestic mountains, serene lakes, and charming villages, as we unravel the secrets of landscape photography against this unparalleled backdrop. Don't just witness Switzerland's splendor—immerse yourself in it, and let your creativity soar with us on this unforgettable journey.
ADVENTURE CULTURE AND SO MUCH MORE!
What’s Included
- 7 Days / 6 Nights (Double Occupancy)
Single occupancy available for an additional $1,000 - Hand-Selected 4-Star Upscale Swiss Accommodations
- Daily European Breakfasts
- Zurich Airport Pickup & Group Transfers
- Private Ground Transportation Throughout the Workshop
- All Park, Gondola & Scenic Train Entrance Fees
- Personalized, High-Level Photography Instruction in the Field
- An Immersive Experience Designed for Growth, Connection & Lasting Memories
Immerse yourself in Switzerland's breathtaking landscapes, from verdant rolling hills to stunning alpine vistas. Explore charming villages nestled amidst these picturesque scenes, each one a masterpiece of Swiss architecture and charm.
🇨🇭 A Luxury Photography & Cultural Experience — 100% Swiss 🇨🇭
Switzerland is, without question, a photographer’s paradise of epic proportions.
From soaring Alpine peaks and glacial lakes to storybook villages and rolling emerald valleys, this landscape delivers some of the most dramatic and picturesque scenery in the world.
Guided by two world-renowned professional photographers, you won’t just visit Switzerland — you’ll experience it with intention. From iconic mountain vistas to crystal-clear waters, this culture-rich adventure blends breathtaking natural beauty with authentic Swiss charm, offering endless opportunities to create powerful images and lasting memories.
This is more than a workshop.
It’s an experience of a lifetime.
📍 Location Highlights
- Appenzell
- Authentic Swiss Villages of the Ticino Region
- Foroglio
- Sonogno
- Verzasca Valley
- Interlaken & Surrounding Alpine Peaks
- Zermatt
- The World-Famous Matterhorn
- Hidden Gems & Secret Locations
- And much more…
“Staying right in the action made the whole trip unforgettable.” - ICON GUEST
What to Expect
Prepare for immersive days surrounded by Switzerland’s breathtaking alpine beauty — from first light over glacial lakes to golden-hour glow across storybook villages.
Over seven unforgettable days, we’ll explore a diverse range of locations, carefully paced to allow both creative focus and meaningful connection. Each sunrise and sunset is chosen with intention, giving you the time and guidance needed to capture truly compelling images.
Between shoots, we’ll slow down to enjoy authentic Swiss culture, incredible scenery, and shared meals that deepen the experience. This is more than chasing views — it’s a week of growth, inspiration, and moments that stay with you long after you return home.
Transportation & Airport Transfers Included
We’ll coordinate a group pickup at Zurich Airport (ZRH) before beginning our scenic journey into the heart of Switzerland.
From the moment you arrive, logistics are handled — allowing you to relax and ease into the experience. As we travel toward the stunning Appenzell region, you’ll begin to see the dramatic alpine landscapes that make Switzerland a photographer’s dream.
Upon arrival, we’ll stretch our legs with a relaxed introductory shoot, taking in the surrounding beauty and capturing our first images together as the light fades into sunset.
This first evening sets the tone for the week ahead — immersive landscapes, thoughtful pacing, and intentional photography.
Capture Traditional Swiss Culture in Appenzell
Appenzell adds a rich cultural dimension to our Switzerland experience.
Known for its storybook countryside, rolling emerald hills, and beautifully preserved architecture, this region offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Swiss life. Colorful buildings, pastoral landscapes, and centuries-old charm create endless opportunities for compelling compositions.
Photographing Appenzell provides a beautiful contrast to the dramatic alpine environments of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Zermatt. The softer countryside scenes balance the towering peaks and glacial valleys, adding depth and variety to your portfolio throughout the week.
This cultural contrast is part of what makes Switzerland so dynamic — and why this itinerary feels complete.
Discover the Charm & Cultural Heritage of Ticino
Ticino adds a distinct and inspiring dimension to our journey — where Swiss precision meets Italian warmth.
Wander through picturesque stone villages, narrow cobblestone streets, and sunlit piazzas that reflect centuries of history and tradition. Colorful facades, historic churches, and the quiet rhythm of daily life create rich storytelling opportunities beyond classic alpine landscapes.
This region offers something beautifully different — a cultural and architectural depth that balances Switzerland’s dramatic peaks with timeless character, giving your portfolio greater variety and emotional range.
Capture Alpine Majesty in Interlaken
Interlaken sits at the heart of Switzerland’s most iconic alpine landscapes, framed by the legendary peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
These towering mountains create dramatic backdrops that transform beautifully with the changing light — from soft alpine glow at sunrise to rich, layered tones at sunset. Reflections, valleys, and sweeping viewpoints provide endless compositional opportunities in one of the most breathtaking settings in the country.
This is classic Switzerland at its most powerful — bold, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Explore the Magnificence of Zermatt & the Iconic Matterhorn
Zermatt delivers one of the most recognizable and powerful alpine scenes in the world — the legendary Matterhorn rising dramatically above the valley below.
Surrounded by a sweeping panorama of rugged peaks, glacial landscapes, and pristine alpine air, this region offers extraordinary opportunities for compelling landscape compositions. From classic reflections to dynamic mountain layers, the light here transforms the scene into something unforgettable.
Beyond the peaks, the charming car-free village of Zermatt offers a glimpse into authentic Swiss mountain culture — adding character, texture, and storytelling depth to your portfolio.
This is Switzerland at its most iconic.
Relax in Swiss Luxury
Unforgettable & Upscale Accommodations
Throughout the week, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully curated collection of upscale Swiss accommodations designed to complement the experience.
Each property is selected for its character, comfort, and exceptional hospitality — offering a refined place to unwind after inspiring days in the field. From charming boutique hotels in picturesque villages to peaceful alpine retreats surrounded by nature, every stay blends modern amenities with authentic local charm.
Comfort matters. Rest matters. And in Switzerland, both are elevated.
With an emphasis on creating a welcoming and restorative atmosphere, our accommodations provide the ideal base for both exploration and relaxation. After inspiring days in the field, return to comfort, recharge, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Switzerland.
Boutique properties are selected for their intimate charm, thoughtful design, personalized service, and distinctive character — delivering a stay that feels both refined and authentic.
Experience the perfect balance of luxury and comfort, curated to make your time in Switzerland truly exceptional.
What’s Included
- In-Field Photography Guidance & Instruction
- Post-Processing & Image Review Sessions
- All Workshop Transportation (Including Airport Transfers)
- 7 Days / 6 Nights Double Occupancy
Single occupancy available for $1,000
What’s Not Included
- International & Domestic Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Passport / Visa Fees (if applicable)
- Personal Snacks
- Alcohol & Specialty Beverages
- Items Not Specifically Listed as Included
🇮🇹 Add-On Opportunity
ICONS of the Dolomites
For those who wish to extend their European adventure, we will also be offering an additional ICONS of the Dolomites workshop immediately after Switzerland.
The Dolomites deliver dramatic peaks, sweeping alpine meadows, and some of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the world — creating a powerful complement to the Swiss experience.
ICONS of Switzerland attendees will receive priority access and the first opportunity to reserve their spot for this optional add-on adventure.
Details and dates will be announced soon.
For those who would like to extend their trip, there will be an additional "ICONS OF THE DOLOMITES" workshop in Italy which will take place immediately following ICONs of Switzerland. Stay tuned for details!
What Past ICONS Guests Are Saying
💬 Real Words from Past ICONS Guests
🏔️ Unforgettable Experiences
“100% satisfied — best photo experience I’ve ever had.”
“Every detail was dialed in. Already planning my next one!”
– Returning ICONS Guest
📍 Incredible Locations & Lodging
“Waking up surrounded by beauty set the tone for magic every day.”
– ICONS Guest
👥 World-Class Guidance
“Ryan and his guides make a killer team — supportive, fun, and always willing to help.”
– ICONS Attendee
🎯 Learning That Lasts
“Every question was answered with care and clarity.”
– First-Time ICONS Guest
🌎 Incredible Community
“Everyone was friendly and fun — it felt like a group of old friends.”
– Returning ICONS Gues
In-Field Instruction
Guided by Two Professional Photographers
Throughout the week, you’ll receive hands-on coaching designed to elevate both your technical skill and creative confidence.
📷 Camera Mastery & Technical Control
- Manual mode mastery
- Camera setting considerations for varying conditions and desired effects
- Maximizing depth of field & nailing critical focus
- Understanding and using the histogram
- How lens selection affects the scene
- Filters — when to use them and how to avoid common pitfalls
- Capturing challenging and high-contrast scenes
🎨 Composition & Creative Vision
- Creating powerful, dynamic compositions
- Finding strong foreground elements
- Storytelling through imagery
- Understanding and working with light
- Strategies for gaining full detail in high dynamic range scenes
- Technical approaches including bracketing, focus stacking, and perspective blending
🏔 Advanced Field Techniques
- Step-by-step instruction on panoramic capture and stitching
- Bracketing concepts for blending opportunities
- Techniques for difficult scenes and layered landscapes
Post-Processing Instruction
Refine your images with guided workflow sessions.
- Lightroom & Photoshop techniques
- Importing and organizing efficiently
- Blending exposures in Photoshop
- Dodging & burning for depth
- Using layers and masks
- Clone tool, warping, stretching & distraction removal
- Image critique sessions
Recommended Camera Gear
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (Full-frame preferred)
- Wide Angle Lens (16–35mm range)
- Mid-Range Lens (24–105mm range)
- Telephoto Lens (200–600mm range recommended)
- Memory Cards
- Sturdy Tripod & Ballhead
- Remote Shutter Release
- Circular Polarizer & ND Filters
- Extra Batteries
- Lens Cloths & Cleaning Supplies
- Rocket Blower
- Laptop with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
- Weather Protection for Gear & Backpack
A detailed personal gear list will be provided prior to the workshop.
🆕 A Game-Changer: The ICONS Field Guide App
📱 Your Personal Alpine Companion — Exclusively from ICONS
Designed exclusively for ICONS travelers, your private Field Guide App keeps your schedule, location notes, maps, and planning tools right at your fingertips — even offline.
From winding alpine roads to tucked-away villages, you’ll always have clarity on where we’re headed, what we’re shooting, and how to prepare.
This isn’t just an itinerary.
It’s your smoothest path to experiencing Switzerland with confidence, intention, and ease.
Inside the ICONS Field Guide App:
✅ Daily Workshop Schedule
✅ Location-Specific Photo Tips
✅ Maps, Driving Directions & Logistics
✅ Dining Recommendations & Local Highlights
✅ Gear Reminders & Packing Guidance
✅ Offline Access (No Service Required)
✅ Optional Add-On Excursions
Included with every ICONS Workshop.
Available only to registered ICONS participants.
Because the details matter — and seamless travel creates space for better photography.
MEET YOUR TEAM!
“Ryan and his team weren’t just guides — they were part of the experience.” - ICON ATTENDEE
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith developed a love and passion for the outdoors early on in life, which fueled an obsession for landscape photography. Growing up in the beautifully diverse state of Utah, Ryan has consistently traveled through the west and beyond capturing iconic views which spark emotion and tell a story. Ryan's artistic style is unique and unmistakable which has led to prestigious awards and work featured within publications. His work is also found within various high end galleries throughout the west including Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Park City, Utah; Telluride, Colorado; Aspen, Colorado & Sedona, Arizona.
Combining his professional experience as a corporate trainer with his passion for photography, Ryan has a knack for sharing the technical aspects of photography in an easy to understand way through various workshops, tours, and events through the west and the Hawaiian Islands. He enjoys adapting to the various needs of his attendees whether it's in the field learning the technical side and composition techniques, or if its in the classroom focusing on perfecting post editing techniques and helping achieve a print ready images.
ILHAN EROGLU
Sony Ambasador Ilhan Eroglu is a distinguished landscape photographer based in Turkey, boasting a captivating portfolio cultivated over 12 illustrious years. With an insatiable wanderlust, he traverses the globe, capturing life's evanescent moments through the lens of his camera. From the mesmerizing landscapes across the globe, Ilhan leads exhilarating expeditions that promise to enchant and inspire. Each journey is imbued with his wealth of experience, infusing every moment with a distinct charm that leaves an indelible mark on all who join him. His awe-inspiring work has graced the pages of esteemed national and international publications, including the revered National Geographic. As a brand ambassador for Sony Alpha Cameras and f-stop Gear, Ilhan is dedicated to sharing his passion for photography with the world. Embark on a photographic odyssey with him and together, let's capture the unparalleled beauty that surrounds us!