17.–22. March 2026
in a Villa in Italy, in the countryside outside of Verona
with John McDermott | Photographer, Writer & Eberhard Ebo Schuy | Creative Director, Photographer, Speaker
DEUTSCH | ENGLISH
This workshop is in English AND German
THE IDEA
Between SEEING and UNDERSTANDING – The Path To More Conscious Photography
We are offering a transformative creative awakening for accomplished individuals who’ve mastered their careers but feel their photography has still a lot of room for improvement.
Days of Inspiration explores with you your photographic authenticity, depth, and artistic purpose.
During DAYS of INSPIRATION, we will discuss in depth what we do when we take photographs, what our goal is, and whether the experience of photography itself should be the goal. It will be an experience in which we take photographs, but the joint discussions will focus on what and how we photograph, and above all, why.
With these impressions from the exchange, you will then find new, personal approaches to the photographic realization of your themes.
The fascination and dedication with which John McDermott or Eberhard Schuy, for example, take photographs is exciting to observe.
It is the personality and spirit in the works of great photographers that fascinate us. We should understand their approaches in order to understand the people behind them, the thoughts, knowledge, and attitudes that determine their work.
We will spend several days together in a villa in the countryside near Verona, where we will be among ourselves and can let ideas flow, deepen conversations, and create images undisturbed. The setting of the villa and its huge garden offers many opportunities to spread out and exchange ideas together.
1 + 1 = 1
You experience and learn from two different approaches taken by these two photographers, who ultimately share the same attitude and understanding of photography.
Eberhard is inspired (you learn “how/by what” on site) and implements his idea in isolation in a studio or other location, independent of the environment.
His surroundings inspire John, the people in his profession or in the course of everyday life, and creates his ideas from this interaction, which he then translates into photographs.
Both Eberhard and John strive for images that evoke emotions and are reduced and clear, leaving out anything unnecessary in the picture.
“An unforgettable inspirational course in a dream location in Italy! Under the guidance of two superlative photography masters, John McDermott and Eberhard Schuy, I was able to not only learn, but also grow. A big thank you to Claudia for the perfect organization—with heart, structure, and style. I returned full of impressions and new energy.” – Marco Bucco
ROUGH SCHEDULE OF THE DAYS
TUESDAY
Arrival and start around 6 p.m. with an aperitif, getting to know each other, discussing your expectations and what you want to discover for yourselves/your photography over the next few days.
We will be cooked for. Let yourself be surprised.
WEDNESDAY
Introduction and inspirational photography discussion with Eberhard and John. You will hear about their different/overlapping approaches to “inspiration” and exchange ideas with participants about their inspiration, curiosity, and vision.
Image presentation in the group and individual sessions for specific feedback.
You will bring two sets of images with you. Images that represent you and your photography in order to better understand each other’s photographic interests within the group. And a portfolio that you can ask questions about and receive feedback on in individual sessions with John and Eberhard. You will receive details about these different sessions after registration.
THURSDAY
An intensive day with Eberhard. You will spend a day photographing and working with Eberhard, developing an idea and getting creative—and Eberhard will help you implement it. In the evening, the results of the photos will be analyzed and the intention behind them discussed, with input and feedback from Eberhard.
FRIDAY
An intensive day with John. You will spend a day photographing and working with John. You will go out (to a different location), develop an idea, get creative—and John will help you implement it. In the evening, you will analyze the results, discuss the intention behind them, and receive input and feedback from John.
SATURDAY
On this day, John and Eberhard show and explain how they approach their photography, how they “see” and implement their ideas. John presents his style of photography, how he thinks and how he is inspired by people, environments, situations, and places – all of which influence his ideas. And based on that, he gets to work.
Eberhard presents his approach to staging and explains how he proceeds and thinks, drawing inspiration from the idea of an image. Based on this, he sets to work on his photographic work. In a split group, you will spend half a day with John and half a day with Eberhard. Afterwards, both will talk about their workflow and explain why they chose their final image. What they do in post-production and why.
In the evening, all the works from the past few days will be shown in a cozy atmosphere over a glass of wine.
SUNDAY after breakfast: Farewell and departure.
In general, in the EVENING we cook together or go to a restaurant.
WHAT HAPPENS
When we engage with ourselves beyond photography, something happens to us.
Eberhard and John help you develop a deeper understanding of how images are created and why your intention and intuition are crucial in the creation of images.
You will gain insight into their approach to photography and be able to apply it to your own work. These insights and inspirations are building blocks for your development in conveying your own personality in your images.
After these days, you will have a different understanding of photography.
“A photographer is someone who goes through life for twenty or thirty years with an attitude that is reflected in their work! Otherwise, you’re just a picture maker.” Peter Lindbergh
Intuition
People we admire for their creative abilities have a sense of knowledge
based on the unconscious processing of information.
This is intuition. Intuition provides us with a “gut” reaction, an inner voice beyond logic or learned responses that shows us both who we are and the knowledge we have acquired. This is based on years of experience stored in a subconscious framework to make quick and valuable decisions.
How can we learn and understand what is going on before and while John or Eberhard press the shutter button? Although we can observe people’s behavior, what thought processes are going on “behind the scenes”? This is exactly what we will explore and learn with you in these DAYS of INSPIRATION.
Intention
We open your mind to expanding your perceptions of life, to seeing and perceiving consciously and reflectively—through the medium of observation and photographic recording of what you see.
What we aim to achieve through photography is that an image is created that is honest and based on personal inspiration.
It’s not about perfect technique, it’s about the spirit in the image. And this is recognizable when the image, feeling, and intention are in harmony!
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Invaluable Guidance
- Personalized guidance based on your own goals and previous work
- Why do you work the way you do?
- Inspiration, feedback, and lots of thoughts on visual understanding.
- A new fascination with photography.
- The days flow with conversations, observation, photography, amazing discoveries, leisure, reflection, exchange, and dialogue.
- Insights, inspirations, new twists, different perspectives, and fascinations will be the result of our DAYS of INSPIRATION with you.
- You will leave this gathering with the feeling that what you have experienced during these days and are taking home with you will change you and your photography.
WITH WHOM
Eberhard Ebo Schuy
Eberhard Schuy has been working for international clients for over 40 years. For many years, he has been exploring commercial creativity, how it arises consciously and how it can be used. As a freelance creative director/photographer, he works with agencies and companies on concepts and design. Eberhard also travels as a speaker and lecturer at events for universities and companies.
Eberhard provides inspiration, ideas, and creative impulses on how an image works.
“We always interpret the images we see through our own personality. To truly understand the fascination of an image, psychological and philosophical aspects should also be considered.” – Eberhard Schuy
We take the time to practice impressive photography based on the personality of the authors.
John McDermott
Photo © Heike Rost Photographie
John McDermott is a globally active photographer who, in his 40-year career, has photographed assignments for international editorial, corporate, and advertising clients in more than forty countries, at ten Olympic Games, and eight FIFA World Cups.
Previous short careers as a soccer player, naval officer, and journalist led to his excellent ability to lead and motivate people and to a passion for photographing sports, industry, urban landscapes, and portraits that continues to this day.
John – practices photography.
“I can’t give you a solution, because the solution has to come from within you. I can give you tools, share tips and my experiences – but these are only aids; you have to do the work yourself.” – John McDermott
Seeing not the technical aspects, but the human aspect in images, the spirit, that is John’s approach to his people photography.
Comments on Eberhard Schuy
„Oh, how I would love to attend a workshop by Eberhard Schuy! OK, maybe the subjects he usually likes to photograph aren’t necessarily mine. And the language is still difficult for me. But Eberhard is, as we all should be, a creative problem solver. He is a master at finding a solution to visual challenges, or creating one where there isn’t one yet. His solutions are always elegant and eloquent. But what really strikes me is the way Eberhard works: always cool, calm, thoughtful, and composed, never stressed or flustered under pressure, at least not in a way that you can ever see. He simply exudes confidence, competence, and pure professionalism. That should be the goal of every photographer, no matter what you photograph. If we’re honest, we all want to be like Eberhard. Take his workshop and you’ll take a big step in that direction.“ – John McDermott
“Eberhard Schuy, a master of his craft. You need a lot of patience for this type of photography, but you learn an incredible amount from him. ‘Complicated’ images become understandable and comprehensible with the right approach. I learned a lot from him.” – Peter L.
“Eberhard Schuy is a super creative photographer. In his workshops, he always manages to inspire the participants and awaken their creativity. I am always amazed at how much creativity he ”brings out“ of the participants. Everyone surpasses themselves.” – Oliver H.
“Still life with Eberhard Schuy is like a world of its own. What Eberhard teaches there goes far beyond photography, if you let yourself get involved. He conveys an attitude and view of dealing with ideas that is second to none.” – Heinz L.
Comments on John McDermott
John McDermott is a photographer who loves what he does with all his heart: taking pictures. He loves people. And he shows them his love with his camera. The global stars he photographs appreciate his visual sensitivity, his empathy, and his warm communication style. And they show him their souls. Isabel Allende. Steffi Graf. David Beckham. Or his friends Roberto and Enzo from South Tyrol. When John talks about photography, he talks about feelings. This is exactly what he passes on in his workshops, where participants become his friends. Because they learn, experience, and understand: photography is a language of the soul.“ – Rüdiger Schrader, photographer, former head of photography, coach
“John’s ability to share his creative process and his long professional experience with the group was inspiring and challenging for us.” – Hansjörg K.
“It is refreshing and encouraging to experience the dedication, selflessness, and goodwill with which John McDermott shares his inexhaustible knowledge with participants.” – Manfred G.
“The workshops with John are an extraordinary and fascinating experience. I didn’t actually participate to take photos, but to watch, listen, observe, learn, understand, and talk. John is a sensational photographer and also a great personality, a great teacher with a wealth of experience that is absolutely remarkable. You simply learn so much.” – Roland B.
INFORMATIONEN
LOCATION
A historic 17th-century Venetian villa in the countryside, 40 km outside Verona. The villa is spacious and has been beautifully renovated, while retaining its original character and complemented by a contemporary art collection. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. The villa is set in a park-like garden with many large old trees.
In the evenings, we either cook together or go out to restaurants.
DATE
17.–22. March 2026
Tuesday Arrival / Start ca. 18:00
Sunday Departure / Farewell after the breakfast and last chats
PARTICIPANTS
Minimum 4, Maximum 6
GOOD TO KNOW
The gathering will be a mixture of German and English. Eberhard’s part will be in German. John’s part will be in English.
The DAYS of INSPIRATION are for people who want to embark on adventures and are fascinated by new things.
The DAYS of INSPIRATION are about listening, curiosity, learning, and doing… and, of course, photography.
FEE
€ 3.360,- + VAT
The price includes
10 hours per day with Eberhard Schuy and John McDermott
Accommodation in a single room in the villa
Breakfast
Snacks between meals
Wine at the evening get-together
REGISTRATION
To register for Days of Inspiration in a villa near Verona, please send an email to claudia (at) if-academy.net with the
subject line: Days of Inspiration March 2026
and the following information:
Name
Address
Phone number
You will then receive an email from me immediately.
Cancellation policy for Days of Inspiration
As we incur non-refundable costs for Days of Inspiration several weeks before arrival, the following cancellation policy applies to bookings for Days of Inspiration, which differs from the regular cancellation policy:
For cancellations before February 1, 2026, a €100 processing fee will be charged.
For cancellations between February 1 and February 17, 75% of the total fee will be charged.
For cancellations after February 17, 2026, there is no entitlement to a refund of the participation fee.
In the event of a no-show by the participant, there is no entitlement to a refund.
The cancellation policy applies accordingly.
General information on payment >>> Payment information and cancellation policy
The cancellation policy applies accordingly >>> Cancellation policy