Peru: Beyond the Ordinary - An Exclusive 10-Day Leica Akademie Photographic Expedition
16/05/2027 - 26/05/2027
00:00 - 00:00
Peru: Beyond the Ordinary - An Exclusive 10-Day Leica Akademie Photographic Expedition
Michael Robinson Chavez
Michael Robinson Chávez, a Pulitzer Prize-winning visual journalist, developed a passion for photography after a friend loaned him a camera for a trip to Peru. Half Peruvian and a native Californian, he spent 15 years at The Washington Post and previously worked for The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and the AP. He is the author of “Mestizo,” a monograph of his photographs from Peru made over three decades.
He has documented significant stories worldwide, including the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Venezuela's economic collapse, California's historic drought, cartel violence in Mexico, climate change in Siberia, charcoal mining in Brazil, and the 2006 Hezbollah-Israeli war.
Chávez's awards include two Pulitzer Prizes, one for Explanatory Journalism in 2020 as part of The Washington Post's climate change coverage, and the other for team coverage of the attempted coup in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. He's a three-time winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and was named Pictures of the Year International's Photographer of the Year in 2019.
His work has been showcased worldwide, including at Visa Pour l'Image in France, Head On Photo Festival in Sydney, and galleries such as the Leica Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Centro de Imagen in Peru, among others. He teaches with Leica Akademie, Foundry Photojournalism Workshops, and Street Stories Visual Workshops.
He currently lives in Valencia, Spain.
Hector Emanuel
Hector Emanuel is a Peruvian documentary photographer and an experienced educator. He has traveled
extensively across the globe, driven by a passion for exploring social, political, and environmental issues.
However his heart lies in Latin America and the US, where he investigates the ethno-racial and cultural
diversity that shapes everyday life across the Americas.
In each workshop, Emanuel teaches deep personal storytelling, helping every student find their voice and
build clear, powerful visual narratives. His goal is to help you move to a new level by sharpening your
craft, strengthening your confidence, and making your images communicate with purpose.
His award-winning work has earned major honors, including a World Press Photo prize and an NPPA’s
Best of Photojournalism award for his documentation of Colombia’s civil conflict. He has also received two
POYi prizes—one for portraits illuminating life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and another for his
work capturing vibrant festivals in Lake Titicaca communities in Peru.
Emanuel’s photography has been featured in prominent galleries and museums worldwide, and published
by major outlets including The Washington Post Magazine, National Geographic, The New Yorker, The
New York Times, Time, and many others.
TBC
Urubamba,
Sacred Valley
Peru
An Exclusive 10-Day Leica Akademie Photographic Expedition
With Pulitzer Prize-winning Photojournalist Michael Robinson Chávez & Award-winning Documentary Photographer Héctor Emanuel
There are few places in the world where ancient traditions remain as alive and authentic as they do in Peru. From the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley to vibrant Andean festivals, traditional farming communities, bustling local markets and centuries-old villages, Peru offers an extraordinary visual tapestry unlike anywhere else on earth.
Leica Akademie invites you to experience Peru through the eyes of two internationally acclaimed documentary photographers, Michael Robinson Chávez and Héctor Emanuel, on an exclusive 10-day photographic expedition designed for photographers who want to go far beyond the ordinary tourist experience.
This is not simply a photography workshop, it is a rare opportunity to gain privileged access to people, places and traditions that most travellers never experience.
Working alongside Peru-based producer Manuel Contreras and our experienced Leica Akademie team, you'll photograph remote communities, ancient agricultural traditions, colourful local festivals and daily life across the Sacred Valley. Many of these experiences have been made possible through long-standing local relationships, giving participants access that would be extremely difficult to arrange independently.
Throughout the journey, Michael and Héctor will share their wealth of experience in documentary photography, visual storytelling, composition, working with light and creating meaningful photographic narratives. Whether photographing intimate portraits, sweeping landscapes or decisive moments on the streets, you'll receive personalised guidance throughout the expedition.
A Journey Through the Sacred Valley
Over ten unforgettable days, we'll explore some of Peru's most visually spectacular and culturally rich locations. Photograph the famous giant corn harvests of the Sacred Valley, document traditional farming practices that have remained unchanged for generations, explore the beautiful colonial village of Maras, witness the incredible colours of the famous Maras Salt Terraces and photograph the streets and people of the city of Cusco.
We'll spend time in authentic local markets where farmers, artisans and producers gather each week, photograph the traditional chicherías of Urubamba, and immerse ourselves in one of the region's vibrant local festivals capturing celebrations that few international visitors ever witness.
We'll also visit local artists, pastoral communities, ancient Inca pathways and hidden corners of the Sacred Valley, creating opportunities for powerful documentary storytelling and intimate environmental portraiture. Every day offers new photographic opportunities, carefully chosen to maximise both the visual experience and the time available for photography.
More Than Photography
Leica Akademie workshops are about more than simply visiting beautiful locations. Throughout the expedition there will be regular image reviews, editing sessions and one-to-one mentoring to help participants develop both technically and creatively.
Whether you're looking to improve your visual storytelling, refine your editing workflow in Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, strengthen your composition or simply gain confidence with your Leica equipment, Michael, Héctor and the Leica Akademie team will be available throughout the journey to provide practical guidance and personalised support.
No matter your level of experience, we'll help you get the very best from your images. Whether you're completely new to post-processing or looking to refine an established workflow, you'll receive hands-on guidance with image selection, editing techniques, colour management and preparing your photographs for print or digital presentation.
Regardless of your experience level, you'll leave with stronger photographs, greater confidence and a deeper understanding of documentary photography.
A Taste of Peru
Peru is internationally recognised as one of the world's great culinary destinations. Throughout the expedition we'll enjoy exceptional Peruvian cuisine, dining in carefully selected restaurants showcasing both traditional and contemporary flavours. Along the way you'll also experience authentic local delicacies, regional produce and traditional dishes that reflect the country's remarkable culinary heritage. Just as importantly, many meals become opportunities to continue conversations about photography, storytelling and the day's experiences in a relaxed and informal setting.
Meet Your Instructors
Michael Robinson Chávez
Michael Robinson Chávez is one of the world's most respected visual journalists and a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer. Half Peruvian, his connection with Peru spans more than three decades and culminated in his acclaimed monograph Mestizo. His work has taken him around the world covering conflict, climate change, politics and social issues, and has been exhibited internationally. Michael currently teaches with Leica Akademie, Foundry Photojournalism Workshops and Street Stories Visual Workshops.
Héctor Emanuel
Héctor Emanuel is an award-winning Peruvian documentary photographer whose work explores the social, political and cultural diversity of Latin America. A World Press Photo and Pictures of the Year International award winner, his photography has appeared in National Geographic, The New Yorker, The Washington Post Magazine, The New York Times and many other leading publications. Passionate about education, Héctor helps photographers develop powerful personal stories and meaningful visual narratives.
Workshop Highlights
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Exclusive Leica Akademie 10-day expedition through Peru
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Small group experience with personalised tuition
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Led by Pulitzer Prize-winning Michael Robinson Chávez and World Press Photo winner Héctor Emanuel
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Access to authentic communities, festivals and locations beyond the usual tourist trail
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Local producer with exceptional regional knowledge and access
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Documentary photography, portraiture, landscape and travel photography
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Daily mentoring, image reviews and editing sessions
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Exceptional Peruvian cuisine and carefully selected accommodation
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Open to all photographers looking to elevate their photography. A Leica camera is not required to attend.
Early Bird Offer
Be among the first to secure your place on this exclusive Leica Akademie expedition. Book by ( Date TBC)” to take advantage of the early bird offer. and enjoy our Early Bird price of £8,800 per person. After the Early Bird period ends, the workshop will be available at the standard price of £9,500 per person. With places strictly limited to ensure a highly personalised experience, we encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.
What's Included
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10-day Leica Akademie photographic expedition
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Tuition from Michael Robinson Chávez, Héctor Emanuel and Leica Akademie tutors
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Accommodation throughout the workshop
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Ground transportation within Peru
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Entrance fees and organised activities
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Daily mentoring and image reviews
*International flights to and from Peru are not included.
The domestic flight between Lima and Cusco is also not included in the workshop price and must be booked separately by participants. We can provide participants with the recommended flight details to ensure everyone arrives in Cusco at the appropriate time for the start of the Sacred Valley programme.
Places are limited to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure individual tuition and an intimate workshop experience.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Leica Experience
This expedition has been carefully designed for photographers seeking something genuinely special an opportunity to experience Peru beyond the guidebooks, learn from two of the world's leading documentary photographers, and return home with extraordinary images and unforgettable memories.
