For the local photography guides that we work with, being able to read the weather in the Julian Alps is a large part of a successful tour. Andrej Kralj, has worked with Luka Esenko, the owner of our Julian Alps photography experts Esenko Workshops, for almost a decade. He’s been a photography guide for almost three years, and says: “If we don’t get snow on our winter photography trips to the Julian Alps, 99 percent of our guests understand the reasons why. To be honest, though, as long as it’s cold then it’s okay. Fog and mist over the lake or in the forest and valleys, for instance, is very atmospheric – just right for photographers.”
Any visit to the Julian Alps is an invite to get snapping. All of those freshwater streams, cascading waterfalls and lakeside reflections – pure photographic bliss. The winter, especially, conjures up so many captivating scenes to point your camera at that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Frozen spruce forests, snowflake crystal close-ups through a macro lens, sunrise over mist-shrouded lakes – and without the crowds associated with summer, what’s not to like?
Tourism such as photography holidays provides employment options for local people all year round. Guest house hosts, activity guides and local restaurant owners all benefit from guests who base themselves in traditional villages, and visitors find it easy to become immersed in every day alpine life. “We often visit an award-winning local beekeeper, Kralov, in the spring so we can take photographs and learn more about the beehives that have been part of his family for 100yrs,” says Andrej. “It’s very interesting and inviting small groups to look around the old apiaries on his farm is a great way for him to add to the money he makes from honey production.” Kralov’s kids still get picked up for school by the alpine minivan every morning and he gets to supplement his income by inviting photographers to visit him and take some snaps of his beehives.