Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse photography experience in the heart of Spain. This unique event brings together top astrophotographers and eclipse experts from around the world for four days of learning, shooting, and connection—culminating in a spectacular total solar eclipse just before sunset, in one of Europe’s clearest summer skies.
We’re hosting this Eclipse photo tour from August 10–14, 2026, during the rare total solar eclipse crossing Spain for the first time since 1905. The eclipse will occur on August 12, with totality reaching its peak at approximately 8:30 PM. Our exclusive shooting location—a hilltop vantage point at a renowned winery in the Duero wine region—lies within the path of totality, offering 1 minute and 43 seconds of eclipse darkness, and offering one of the longest eclipse durations in the country.
The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse will be one of the most extraordinary celestial events of the decade—and we’re creating the world’s only photo summit fully dedicated to capturing it. Set in the golden heart of Spain, this one-of-a-kind event brings together eclipse photography, expert education, and local culture into a deeply immersive experience designed for photographers of all levels.
This isn’t just a tour or a workshop. It’s a four-day summit that brings together top instructors and eclipse specialists from around the globe to help you prepare, shoot, and process this rare event under optimal conditions. With expert-led lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and post-eclipse editing sessions, you’ll be fully prepared to capture every stage of the eclipse with confidence.
The eclipse itself will be visible from our private hilltop location in the Duero wine region, timed perfectly at sunset with the Sun just 8° above the horizon. Located within the path of totality, this site offers nearly the longest eclipse duration possible in Spain—1 minute and 43 seconds of darkness—paired with wide-open terrain and a low-angle Sun for dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime compositions.
To round out the experience, we’ll enjoy Spanish cuisine and wine, connect with a global community of photographers, and celebrate this rare moment under the Spanish summer sky.
Yes, if you’re passionate about photographing rare celestial events and want to learn directly from the world’s leading eclipse experts.
This summit is designed for photographers of all levels who want to prepare thoroughly for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, from gear and setup to shooting techniques and post-processing. Whether this is your first eclipse or you’ve photographed several, the educational format ensures you’ll walk away with new knowledge, images you’re proud of, and a deeper appreciation for the science and beauty of solar eclipses.
If you enjoy learning in a supportive group setting, value expert feedback, and want to experience the eclipse from a location chosen specifically for photographers, this event is for you.
We also welcome a limited number of non-photographer companions who want to share the experience without participating in the instructional sessions. While they won’t have a reserved space in the shooting area, they’ll be able to enjoy the eclipse from the same location, take part in group meals, and soak in the cultural and social atmosphere of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
This is not just another eclipse trip—it’s the first and only photo summit in the world dedicated entirely to total solar eclipse photography.
We’ve designed a format that combines expert instruction, a private shooting location, and a complete educational experience to offer something truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s what sets this event apart:
• Educational depth – Learn from 14 instructors, including 5 of the world’s leading eclipse photography experts, through talks, field sessions, and editing classes.
• A global first – The only eclipse event designed specifically as a photo summit, not just a viewing tour.
• Privileged location – We’ve secured exclusive access to Bodegas Nabal, one of the most sought-after eclipse spots in Spain, with unobstructed views toward the setting Sun.
• Sunset totality – Photograph totality with the Sun just 8° above the horizon—an exceptionally rare opportunity for eclipse photography.
• Culture and comfort – Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with local wine, catered food, and access to shade and rest areas during the eclipse.
• International community – Connect with passionate photographers and eclipse chasers from around the world in an inspiring, collaborative setting.
• Beyond the eclipse – Take part in pre-event Zoom sessions and a full post-event editing day to get the most out of your images and the entire experience.
This summit is built by photographers, for photographers—every detail is designed to support your success in every stage of photographing this rare eclipse.
This 5-day eclipse experience is designed to give you the time, instruction, and conditions needed to capture one of the most powerful moments in astrophotography. From the first welcome session to the final image review, every day combines education, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections with fellow photographers from around the world.
We’ll meet in the historic city of Valladolid, where you’ll check into our 4-star hotel and settle in for an exciting week ahead. In the evening, we’ll gather for our welcome orientation, meet your instructors and fellow participants, and enjoy a relaxed dinner to kick off the event.
After breakfast, we’ll dive into a full morning of expert-led lectures covering eclipse photography techniques, gear setup, shooting sequences, and safety measures.
After lunch, we’ll head to Bodegas Nabal—our private eclipse location—for a tour of the winery and wine-tasting so you can get familiar with our place.
In the late afternoon and evening, we’ll do a full simulation of the eclipse. You’ll be assigned your spot, get a feel for the site, and rehearse your shooting plan. We’ll enjoy light finger food and local wine until sunset, when our simulation day comes to an end.
This is the day we’ve all come for! The morning will be relaxed, with final briefings, gear checks, and an early lunch before we return to Bodegas Nabal.
You’ll have ample time to set up and get comfortable. As the Sun lowers in the sky, the excitement builds—totality will begin around 8:30 PM with the Sun just 8° above the horizon, offering a rare photographic alignment.
After the eclipse, we’ll celebrate with a private dinner at the winery including some of the best Spanish food.
Please note: During the one-hour window leading up to totality, our team will also be photographing and no instruction should be expected. This is why we dedicate time in advance for simulations and preparation—so you feel fully confident in executing your shooting plan independently.
The day after the eclipse is fully dedicated to editing and image development. Through a series of lectures and guided sessions, you’ll learn how to process your images using different software tools and techniques tailored to eclipse photography.
Whether you captured wide-angle sequences or detailed solar corona shots, you’ll get expert feedback and guidance throughout the day.
Our final morning will focus on sharing your best captures and reflections from the event. After a group image review and closing discussion, we’ll officially conclude the summit at noon.
Please Note:
As with any natural event, weather conditions are unpredictable, and there is no backup plan if clouds obscure the eclipse. Our shooting location has been carefully selected based on historical data and visibility projections, but visibility is not guaranteed. By joining this experience, you acknowledge that the eclipse portion of the event is weather-dependent and non-refundable.
Deposit: $3,000 USD
A $3,000 deposit is required to reserve your spot for this event. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 210 days before the start of the event. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
*Note: Non-photographer companions are welcome to attend the event but will not be assigned a photography spot on our location or included in any photography-related activities, instruction, or sessions.
This summit is designed to help you master every phase of total solar eclipse photography—from planning and gear setup to execution and post-processing. Whether you’re shooting wide-angle stills, detailed close-ups, or time-lapse sequences, you’ll receive expert instruction tailored to your experience level and goals.
The foundation of eclipse photography is in the preparation. We’ll cover:
On the day of the eclipse, we’ll guide you through various photographic options based on your gear:
Wide-Angle (Untracked):
Close-Up (Tracked):
Video & Composites:
After the eclipse, we’ll dedicate a full day to editing techniques:
All of these topics will be covered throughout the experience—in our pre-event Zoom sessions, during the in-person lectures and seminars, and through hands-on instruction in the field.
You’ll receive hands-on instruction with guidance from eclipse photographers who’ve captured and processed multiple total solar eclipses around the world.
*Note: All field instruction and simulations are designed to prepare you to shoot independently, since instructors will not be available to help during the final hour leading into totality.
Eclipse Photographer & Astronomy Educator (Canada)
Alan Dyer is one of the most respected and experienced eclipse photographers in the world. Since witnessing his first total solar eclipse in 1979, Alan has traveled across the globe to observe and photograph 17 total eclipses, documenting these rare celestial events with remarkable precision and artistry.
A longtime contributor to Sky & Telescope magazine and former columnist for SkyNews, Alan is known for his ability to combine scientific clarity with visual storytelling. His images and time-lapse videos have been featured in National Geographic, TIME, Forbes, NBCNews, CBSNews, APOD, and Spaceweather.com.
Beyond his eclipse work, Alan is an acclaimed author, speaker, and educator in astronomy and astrophotography. He spent decades producing planetarium shows in Canadian cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, and is a member of the global The World at Night (TWAN) photo initiative. In recognition of his contributions, asteroid #78434 bears his name, and in 2018, Canada Post featured one of his night sky images on a national stamp.
Alan brings both deep technical knowledge and an inspiring passion for eclipses, making him an invaluable lead expert for this summit.
Night Sky Photographer, Author & Educator (USA)
Dr. Mike Shaw is an astrophotographer, author, and educator known for his deep passion for the night sky and his ability to make complex photography techniques approachable and inspiring. A former physics and astronomy professor, Mike transitioned from the classroom to the outdoors after a life-changing experience under the Perseid meteor shower in California’s Ansel Adams Wilderness—a moment that sparked the founding of his photography company.
Today, Mike teaches night photography workshops across the U.S. and abroad, helping others discover the magic of the Milky Way, aurora, and celestial events through hands-on instruction. His photography has been featured in publications and galleries, and he is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Complete Guide to Landscape Astrophotography and Creative Nightscapes and Time-Lapses.
Mike brings a rare combination of scientific understanding, artistic vision, and storytelling to eclipse and astrophotography education. At the summit, he’ll guide participants through wide-field and tracked eclipse techniques, image planning, and creative field practices that merge technical precision with artistic expression.
Astrophotographer, Author & Science Communicator (Portugal)
Miguel Claro is a renowned Portuguese astrophotographer, author, and science communicator based in Alqueva, in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Known for his striking skyscapes that connect the night sky with Earth’s natural and cultural landscapes, Miguel has become one of Europe’s leading voices in public astronomy outreach and artistic astrophotography.
He is the official astrophotographer for the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve—the world’s first “Starlight Tourism Destination”—and a contributing photographer to organizations such as The World at Night (TWAN), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and Space.com. His award-winning images have been featured multiple times by NASA as Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) and Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD), and have appeared in international outlets like National Geographic, Astronomy, Sky & Telescope, BBC Sky at Night, and Ciel et Espace.
Miguel is also a seasoned speaker and educator, having presented at TEDx events, judged international astrophotography contests, and led workshops with Primeira Luz, Portugal’s premier night photography team. His books, including Astrofotografia – Imagens à luz das estrelas and Dark Sky Alqueva – A Star Destination, reflect his passion for sharing the Universe through art, science, and storytelling.
At the Eclipse Summit, Miguel brings a wealth of experience in wide-field nightscapes, cultural-astronomical connections, and educational outreach.
Astrophotographer, Educator & Space Science Communicator (USA)
Sarah Mathews is an astrophotographer, educator, and former space industry professional passionate about making space exploration and astrophotography more accessible and engaging for everyone. Her work bridges the gap between science and art, helping others understand the night sky not just through images, but through context and meaning.
She is a regular contributor to Sky & Telescope magazine’s “First Exposure” column, where she supports new astrophotographers in their journey to capture the cosmos. Through her popular YouTube channel, Sarah Maths Astro, she shares in-depth tutorials on imaging deep-space objects, the Moon, and major celestial events, while also explaining the science behind them in an approachable and engaging way.
With a background in both astronomy and aerospace, Sarah sees astrophotography as more than a technical challenge—it’s a way to explore our place in the universe through both creativity and curiosity. At the Eclipse Summit, she’ll bring her passion for teaching and her unique perspective to help participants deepen their understanding of eclipse photography and the broader cosmos.
Nightscape Photographer & Visual Artist (USA)
Dan Stein is a dedicated nightscape photographer whose creative journey began with film cameras and darkroom sessions as a child. With a background in studio art and a lifelong passion for the visual arts, Dan brings a strong artistic sensibility to his astrophotography, blending technical precision with a deeply personal connection to the landscapes he photographs.
He earned his B.S. in Studio Art from James Madison University, where he was first inspired to explore astrophotography through experiences at the John C. Wells Planetarium. Today, Dan continues to develop his craft while working full-time as a fourth-generation owner of his family’s plumbing business in New Jersey—a balance that reflects his grounded, hands-on approach to photography.
Dan frequently travels to the Adirondack Mountains to capture some of the darkest skies on the U.S. East Coast, using his images to tell quiet, powerful stories about our place in the universe. At the Eclipse Summit, he brings a thoughtful and artistic approach to eclipse and nightscape photography, with a wealth of experience to share, having photographed eclipses with long lenses/telescopes and star trackers.
This event is also led by our core CTA instructors – photographers you already know and trust from our tours, workshops, and courses.
Before the event, you will receive our Welcome Package, which includes our list of recommendations for the trip.
As a summary and, to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse experience, we recommend bringing the following photography and field gear. Some items are essential, while others are optional depending on your shooting style and level of experience.
*If you plan to shoot the eclipse with a big deep-sky rig, don’t forget all necessary cables, additional power solutions, etc.
Note: A detailed pre-event gear checklist will be shared during the Zoom prep calls. You’ll also receive suggestions tailored to your skill level, gear type, and shooting goals.
Mid-August in inland Spain typically brings hot, dry days and warm evenings, but it’s important to be prepared for both intense sun exposure and long outdoor sessions, especially during the eclipse.
To stay comfortable and focused throughout the event, we recommend bringing:
The eclipse will take place in the late afternoon, and while temperatures should be warm, you may be standing outdoors for several hours—so dressing in layers and bringing sun protection is essential.
We’ll also provide a full list of clothing and comfort recommendations in the Welcome Package before the event.
If you are traveling from outside the European Union, you may need a Schengen visa depending on your country of residence. Travelers from many countries (including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and others) can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days.
The ETIAS electronic travel authorization system is not expected to be in effect until late 2026, so it will not be required for this event.
We recommend checking with your country’s embassy or official government travel site for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements for Spain. If you need help, we’ll be happy to assist with general guidance.
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
During the summit, we’ll be based at the Sercotel Valladolid, a modern 4-star hotel located in a convenient area of Valladolid, just a short distance from the historic city center and key local attractions.
The hotel offers everything you need to relax and recharge between sessions, including an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, on-site restaurant, and optional parking.
All rooms are private, single-occupancy by default, and fully equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds. For those traveling with a companion, a double occupancy arrangement can be requested at the time of booking.
The hotel also features a fitness center and an EV charging station. A buffet or continental breakfast is served daily, and the bar offers light snacks and local wines from the surrounding Duero region, including Rueda, Toro, and Ribera del Duero.
The Sercotel is just a short walk from Valladolid’s historic old town, where you’ll find charming streets, traditional tapas bars, and iconic Castilian architecture. It’s also located near the Science Museum, making it a convenient base whether you’re joining solo or with a companion.
Several group meals will take place at the hotel, including our welcome dinner, lunches, and post-eclipse wrap-up session. All lectures and post-processing seminars will be hosted in the hotel’s dedicated conference space, fully equipped with the latest multimedia technology, with large screens, sound systems, and everything needed for live editing demos, presentations, and interactive sessions.
Our eclipse observation and photography will take place at Bodegas Nabal, a private winery located just outside Aranda de Duero, within the centerline path of totality for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse.
Positioned at 41.75°N, 3.68°W, this location offers nearly two minutes of totality with an ideal southern horizon and minimal obstructions—perfect conditions for capturing the eclipse arc and celestial alignment.
What makes this site exceptional:
The estate is situated in a rural, elevated setting, away from major sources of light pollution or atmospheric disturbance. This not only improves the viewing conditions but also creates an immersive, peaceful experience for the day of the eclipse.
Important: As this is a one-time celestial event, the experience is 100% weather dependent, and due to logistics and timing, no backup location or date is possible in case of cloud cover.
The most convenient international airport for this event is Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD), Spain’s largest and best-connected airport. It offers direct flights from major cities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
From Madrid, you have two easy options to reach our event base in Valladolid:
Note: Valladolid Airport (VLL) is a small regional airport with limited flight options. We don’t recommend using it unless you’re arriving from within Spain and can find a convenient connection.
All transportation between our base at Hotel Sercotel Valladolid and our shooting location at Bodegas Nabal is included in the event. We’ll be using private chartered buses for these transfers, ensuring seamless logistics and comfort for all scheduled activities.
If you’re arriving by car, please note that the Sercotel Valladolid offers parking for hotel guests at a rate of €15 per day. However, parking cannot be reserved in advance—it must be arranged directly at the front desk upon arrival and is subject to availability.
For those traveling from abroad, Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) is the most convenient gateway. From Madrid, you can either rent a car and drive (~2 hours) or take the AVE high-speed train to Valladolid, followed by a short taxi ride to the hotel.
Please note: All official workshop transportation is limited to the scheduled activities. If you plan to explore beyond the itinerary or extend your stay, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
One of the highlights of this event is the opportunity to enjoy Spain’s world-renowned cuisine as part of your eclipse photography experience. We’ve included several key meals throughout the event, all designed to showcase the flavors of the Duero wine region, from traditional Castilian dishes to regional wines.
Included meals:
Meals feature local ingredients and traditional dishes. You’ll also enjoy regional wines from Ribera del Duero, Toro, and Rueda, some of the finest in Spain.
We’ll also share a list with our recommended restaurants and tapas bars in Valladolid in case you want to explore on your own or for extending your trip before/after.
This event is open to photographers of all experience levels. Whether you’ve never photographed an eclipse before or are a seasoned astrophotographer, our team will guide you through every step, from setup to post-processing. We’ll also hold pre-event Zoom sessions to help you prepare based on your gear and goals.
Yes. You’ll need to bring your own photography equipment, including a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod, and (optional) solar filters, trackers, and remote shutters. A complete recommended gear list is provided in the “What to Bring” section and in the Welcome Package.
Absolutely. This summit is designed to help you photograph the eclipse safely and successfully, whether it’s your first or 10th. We’ll cover everything from solar safety to eclipse-specific techniques during lectures, field sessions, and simulations.
Yes. The summit includes in-field preparation and simulation exercises before the eclipse, plus instructor support during the event. However, during the window of 1 hour before totality, our team will be photographing too and no instruction should be expected, so we recommend practicing well during simulations.
Yes, companions are welcome to share your room and join for meals and transport.
Note: The companion fee does not include participation in any photography-related activities, lectures, or editing sessions, and don’t have assigned a specific spot.
A dedicated solar filter for your lens is required for photographing the partial phases of the eclipse. We’ll cover safety gear and offer recommendations during the pre-event Zoom sessions and in our gear list.
This is a natural event and weather-dependent. Unfortunately, due to the unique nature and logistics of the summit, there is no alternate shooting date or location. That said, the region typically offers favorable summer weather, and the educational and community aspects of the event will proceed regardless of sky conditions.
The eclipse will be observed from a private hilltop location at Bodegas Nabal in the Duero wine region. This site lies within the path of totality and offers open western views, ideal for capturing the eclipse near sunset.
Totality at our location is expected to last 1 minute and 43 seconds, just seconds shy of the maximum eclipse duration in Spain.
Yes, lectures and editing sessions will be recorded and shared with all attendees for future reference in the Capture the Atlas academy.
A laptop is optional to back up your photos and for the post-eclipse editing sessions. A list of recommended software will be provided.
Yes, all transportation between the hotel and our eclipse shooting location at Bodegas Nabal is provided via private buses. Transport to and from Valladolid is not included.
The nearest major airport is Madrid-Barajas (MAD). From Madrid, you can either rent a car or take a high-speed train (AVE) to Valladolid, which is about a 1-hour journey.
The package includes all breakfasts, a welcome dinner, two lunches, a simulation-day dinner at the winery, a special eclipse-night dinner, and a farewell dinner—featuring the best of Spanish cuisine and regional wines.
We’ll be staying at Sercotel Valladolid, a comfortable 4-star hotel with modern amenities, a swimming pool, and dedicated conference space for our lectures and editing sessions.
Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and many other countries can enter Spain for short stays without a visa. ETIAS (a future EU travel authorization system) is not expected to launch until late 2026. If you need support, we can assist with guidance during the booking process.
Participants must be 18 or older, but there is no upper age limit.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last few years. Sharing and teaching photography is our passion, and we love doing this both online and in the field.
This tour is governed by specific cancellation and refund terms to comply with the conditions set by our local providers for this very special, high-demand event.
Our standard Terms and Conditions also apply for this photo tour, with the exception of the CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS section.
There are few moments in life that match the awe of a total solar eclipse, and even fewer chances to photograph one under the perfect conditions we’ll have in 2026.
As someone born and raised in Spain, it’s deeply meaningful to host this once-in-a-lifetime experience here, in a region I know and love. Eclipses unite people from around the world; and now, I want you to experience that connection with us: to stand together on a hilltop in the heart of the Duero wine region, cameras ready, as the Moon covers the Sun and day turns to night.
This is more than just a photo tour. It’s a celebration of light, science, and community, with expert guidance, world-class instructors, and the opportunity to capture one of nature’s greatest shows in a way that’s both personal and unforgettable.
I hope to see you there; under the shadow of the Moon!
You’ve probably seen Capture the Atlas in…
Follow our adventures and trips on instagram
© 2025 CAPTURE THE ATLAS | Photography · Travel · Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
