Málaga – Light, Colour, Culture Photography Workshop Review

Málaga was the first stop in our brand-new Light, Colour, Culture series — and what a beginning it turned out to be. Three days of Mediterranean light, historic streets, rooftop sunsets, and a group of travellers who embraced both the photography and the atmosphere of the city.

These workshops are built on a simple rhythm: time spent chasing the best light, balanced with time to sit back and enjoy the place we’re in. Our group arrived with serious cameras and plenty of experience, but what they appreciated most was that this wasn’t about marching through the city with a checklist of shots. It was about slowing down, exploring at a comfortable pace, and letting the moments — a market stall, a glass of wine, the glow of a rooftop sunset — become as much a part of the story as the photographs themselves.

From the moment we landed in Spain, cameras came out — but so did the curiosity and enjoyment that makes these trips different. We explored the harbour, climbed to the Alcazaba, and set up at Plaza de la Marina to capture the city glowing with evening traffic trails. Some of the group sensibly turned in for an early night, while a few of us carried on with a late pizza at Il Museo — the perfect balance of photography and relaxed travel.

We flew direct from Teesside and checked into Hotel Eliseos, right beside the bullring. Location was everything — a short walk from the harbour, the old town, and plenty of good food. With bags dropped and cameras ready, our first wander took us down to the water, where yachts and reflections gave us a taste of Mediterranean light.

From there we climbed up to the Alcazaba, Málaga’s Moorish fortress. Archways framed the city, textures told stories, and from the top we had sweeping views across the harbour.

As evening fell, we set up at Plaza de la Marina to capture long-exposure traffic trails — streaks of red and white weaving between palm trees and city lights. By the time we packed away tripods, the city had taken on a whole new glow.

Day Two: Dawn, Markets & Rooftops

We started early, walking to the harbour and Paseo del Parque before sunrise. The stillness was striking: soft blues, the first warmth of golden light, and the city centre empty but for us. Street details, quiet reflections, and the glow of morning made it a shoot worth the early alarm.

Afterwards came our first of many visits to La Canasta, a bakery-café that quickly became a favourite. Strong coffee, pastries still warm from the oven, and a chance to sit, chat and reset before the day ahead.

Mid-morning took us into Ataranzas Market — one of the liveliest places in Málaga. Fresh seafood laid out on ice, stalls piled high with fruit and vegetables, beams of colour through stained-glass windows. It was impossible not to shoot here — but also impossible not to stop for tapas nearby once the appetite kicked in.

The heat rose past 30°C, and we took shelter in the cool of the Cathedral of Málaga. Inside, the scale and light created a whole new kind of photographic challenge, and a welcome pause from the sun. From there we wandered to Plaza de la Merced, buzzing with life, before retreating to a shaded table with tapas and cold drinks.

Evening brought us up to the rooftop at Molina Lario. Golden hour bathed the cathedral dome and the harbour in warm light, and from our table we watched the sun slip behind the city, cameras in one hand and a glass in the other. This is what these workshops are all about: capturing the moment without rushing through it.

Day Three: Sunrise, Gardens & Castlillo De Gibralfaro 

Our final dawn shoot took us to the Paseo de Levante, where the breakwater stretches into the Mediterranean. Soft golden light lit the palms, fishermen cast their lines, and the sea glowed as the sun climbed. A calm, simple setting — and the kind of scene where good photography comes naturally.

Breakfast (back at La Canasta, of course) gave us another pause before heading north to the Botanical Gardens. Shaded paths, tropical greens, and slower shooting made it a refreshing change of pace. It was the sort of place that encouraged people to look closer, finding frames in details rather than chasing the big view.

By mid-afternoon we were back in Plaza de la Merced, returning to our favourite tapas bar. At this point the staff knew us, and it felt like home. The group had some downtime afterwards — a swim, a sunbathe, a rest back at the hotel — while Joe and I made a pilgrimage to Málaga CF’s La Rosaleda stadium. Empty terraces, blue-and-white seats, echoes of football history. A different subject, but still very much Málaga.

We ended the trip with a sunset shoot from the Castillo de Gibralfaro, high above the city. From there the bullring, the cathedral, and the harbour stretched out beneath us, the Sierra mountains fading into dusk beyond. It was a fitting finale - beautiful, and unhurried.

What made Málaga special wasn’t just the photos — though everyone went home with a strong set. It was the rhythm of the days: early mornings balanced with time to rest, explore, and simply enjoy being in the city. Photography came first, but never at the expense of travel, food, conversation or atmosphere. A huge thank you to Terry, David, Luise, Pauline and Sandra for their fantastic company throughout the trip. The laughter, the shared meals, and the way everyone embraced both the photography and the atmosphere of Málaga made this workshop something really special.

That’s the heartbeat of Light, Colour, Culture: workshops designed for photographers who want to create meaningful images, but also want to enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace. 

Next Stop: Alicante

Málaga set the tone for this series, and next up is Alicante. Another Mediterranean city of light, colour and culture, ready to be explored with the same balance of photography and travel.

If Málaga proved anything, it’s that this approach works: great images, good company, and time to savour it all.

We’d love you to join us in Alicante. For more information CLICK HERE