Top Tenerife Art Classes

I joined Detlow's photography tour of the Anaga Mountains and came away with far more than a memory card full of images.Communication before the trip was clear and friendly — I knew exactly where we were going and what to expect. On the day we covered the laurel forest and the coastline at Playa del Benijo, two completely different shooting environments, and Detlow had clearly planned the route around light rather than convenience.What set the day apart was how much he actually teaches. He's not just a driver who knows nice viewpoints — he understands the technical side of photography and explains it in a way that sticks. He talked me through reading the light, choosing settings for tricky contrast, and composing a scene rather than just pointing the camera at it, and he adapted all of it to my level and my gear. He gave feedback on shots in the moment and was patient throughout. The snack during the break was a genuinely nice touch.If you're visiting Tenerife and want to come home with photos you're actually proud of — and understand why they work — book with Detlow. Highly recommended.

I had a great experience on Detlef's recent Landscape Photography Workshop. Very helpful and sharing of his knowledge and I was able to caputre some lovely landscape photos - looking forward to getting back home to download them and edit them. Saw locations that I would have otherwise missed had I not being on Detlef's workshop. Would highly recommend his workshop for anybody that has an interest in photography and want's to capture some unique locations. Wishing Detlef every good wish in the future for his workshops and exhibitions. Patricia

It was excelent, everything about this workshop. Anika excellent theacher , her plan excellent, timing was excellent

This photography workshop was a very enjoyable experience. Detlef really gets you thinking about your composition and controls that you use to achieve your ideal shot. Detlef is very encouraging and eager to share his knowledge, clearly explaining each step as you go. Reflecting on the experience I can honestly say that I now view my photography very differently and feel more confident in my decision making. The workshop has really enabled me work fully in manual and to understand and appreciate what each change of aperture or shutter speed actually does to an image. If you enjoy photography and would like to improve your skills then I can highly recommend this workshop.

I loved learning with Ben, Shibari always felt like a skill out of my reach but the classes have made it feel accessible and fun. It’s a great way to connect with the self and with the other, I would fully recommend ;)

I started learning from Ben with my partner. Step by step Ben guided us to understand and practice the principles of the tradition of Shibari. There were a lot of intense moments! In the end we learnt a lot about each other, about ourselves and the practice influenced our relationship in a very positive way. Thank you Ben

Detlow had great communication and called the day prior to arrange things and take any special requests. In the field we shared equipment and he showed his process for setting up images and taking the shot. Detlow is friendly and patient. Once we got down to the beach the really spectacular images became apparent. The workshop included a nice snack and the location selection was excellent. Over lunch we reviewed some images and discussed them. We got along so well and had such an enjoyable time that I booked a second day with Detlow so we could explore more places and work through further composition techniques. The second day was just as exciting for the location and shooting opportunities.As I also love to shoot on my own Detlow offered suggestions for other locations to explore -- one of which yielded one of my favorite shots in years. Detlow and I have worked on editing our photos at home and have a video conference scheduled to discuss our edits and share techniques as well.Overall this is well worth the money as you'll end up with some excellent photos, teaching, and a good mentor.

I participated in a 5-hour photography coaching "Tenerife Landscape Highlights" with Mr. Schmalow. Already the start was perfect: I was picked up directly from my accommodation and brought back again – great service!Mr. Schmalow is a very friendly and competent teacher. In addition to many valuable tips on landscape photography, he has also conveyed exciting information about Tenerife itself. That made the tour particularly interesting.Our first photo stop was at Mirador de los Poleos – a vantage point with fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes, perfect for stunning photos!Afterwards we took a short break with a great view of the Teide. They were accompanied by delicious goat cheese, fresh bread and a glass of red wine – a real little culinary highlight! Even coffee was ready, but since I haven't been drinking one for years, I had to fit here unfortunately.;-)We ended the workshop at Charco El Diablo, a fascinating natural pool on the coast with spectacular rock formations. The location was a real photographic challenge – but the sunset there was just fantastic!Overall a great workshop where I learned a lot and took beautiful pictures with me. Many thanks to Mr. Schmalow for this unforgettable afternoon!

Spending time with Ben and Kat learning about the world of shibari is truly an incredible experience. They open up a new perspective to you, through which you get a chance to discover yourself and things around you. I have only heard of rope bondage earlier without truly experiencing it, with a proper introduction that Ben and Kat gave me I was able to get closer to my own feelings. Shibari opened up some questions and important discussions that Ben and Kat with big enthusiasm were ready to ponder with us, somehow very therapeutic. A beautiful interactation, location also played a big role definitely. To sum it up, super sweet artists that make you dive deep into their craft, deep enough to have a connection with it and find bits of yourself there! Can totally recommend :))

Ben and Kat are a great duo of teachers! Their individual approach and professionalidm creates a welcoming and safe atmosphere, necessary for the learning of such a sensitive and sensual craft. I recommend their classes to any interested in the art of bondage :)

Detlef gave a great experience with locations that were inspiring and with a unique viewpoint. He was practically a native english speaker ( he is German ) and we had a good laugh during the experience, it can’t all be about f Stops!! If you ate interested in photography at any level this experience will be of value. I am a seasoned photographer ( ARPS ) and so was more interested in his particular take rather than practical instruction. Highly recommend.

I had an amazing time experiencing Shibari with the master Ben. He takes you very elegantly on a journey and is very caring in his way of proceeding. An absolute fabulous experience.

I became interested in tying up because my best friend is very enthusiastic about Shibari. Ben and Kat accompanied me in a very nice way on my first bondage experience. I felt very safe.

This is my favourite Shibari class experience in comparison to other beginners classes I've been to. I was able to learn a lot from Ben’s thorough guidance, exercises and feedback. He is a very empathic and knowledgable teacher, creating a fun and safe environment for learning and exploring, giving personal attention to each student. Communication was great before, during and after classes, which helped me to practice in my personal time as well.

I had an interest in Shibari before I went to classes with Ben Mergelsberg but I didn’t really know how to do it, and I didn’t really know if I would like it, because it gave me some respect. The way the classes started and the atmosphere it created gave me a lot of confidence and I was able to relax quickly, which is something very important in practice. I realized that I love all aspects of Shibari, especially I found out how much it relaxes me and enjoys being tied but I also gained confidence in tying the other person (which I didn’t feel so sure about at first). In addition to knowing how to explain the technique and the different aspects of practice, Ben had the patience to go step by step and back off when he blocked me. I really enjoyed the course, and would recommend it to anyone curious!

I took a shibari lesson in Berlin with Ben and loved it! He and his tying partner, Kat, know what they are doing and how to make you comfortable with this practice. They are open to tailoring the lesson to your interests so that you have a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you're looking to strengthen a bond with someone else or connect with your own body, I highly recommend Shibari on the Beach!