AN ALTERNATIVE PROCESSES OF PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT IN ITALY
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CREATIVITY, NATURE & SUSTAINABLE PRINTING
5
inspiring days
of creativity
in Tuscany
Experience the magic of Val D’Orcia as you learn to craft unique photographs. Located just minutes from healing thermal baths, you will rejuvenate your artistic spirit and physical well-being.
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This workshop focuses on practical, cameraless photography techniques. You'll work directly with light-sensitive materials, experimenting with light and chemicals to create extraordinary images. It's a chance to transform your artistic approach to photography, all while soaking in Tuscany's inspiring landscape.
Michelle Vela Anthotype
Ackroyd Harvey Chlorophyll on grass
Cyanotype on fabric by Trinity Kai
Michelle Vela Anthotype
Place
The workshop will take place in Tuscany's heart, at Villa Pienza.
This villa in Val d’Orcia is just 15 minutes from picturesque villages like Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, and Monticchiello. Once a traditional Tuscan farmhouse, it has spacious grounds with aromatic herbs and wildflowers, a large swimming pool, and breathtaking 360-degree views of Val d'Orcia and Pienza. Six ensuite bedrooms and a spacious outdoor dining area, make this villa perfect for this workshop.
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Closests airports to the villa are Rome (2.5 hours) and Florence (1.5 hours).
Retreat Overview
Dates
April 7 - April 13
Over 5 days we will dive into a variety of methods of alternative processes of photography. Through a combination of instruction and hands-on practice, we will learn about various techniques, explore their unique aesthetics, and create your own photographs using these techniques.
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September 11th: Check in and Welcome DinnerWe will meet at the villa anytime after 12 pm. Welcome Dinner
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September 12th: Large Scale CyanotypeYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. After brunch we will begin our workshop by learning the history of Cyanotypes. Cyanotypes are one of the earliest and simplest photographic processes. The cyanotype process was the first fully realized non-silver-based process, discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842. In his general exploration of light sensitive materials, he discovered that when a solution of ferric ammonium citrate combined with potassium ferricyanide was coated on paper, and exposed to sunlight, it resulted in a Prussian blue image formed by the photo-reduction of the ferric to ferrous. The cyanotype process was used to make blueprints for engineers and builders for about the next century beginning around 1876. We will work together on large scale pieces on fabric and paper. Free afternoon to explore nearby towns or beaches. Dinner in town.
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September 13th: Cyanotype on PaperYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. After brunch we will learn how to mix cyanotype chemistry and how to make them on paper. Afternoon hike in Maremma National Park. Dinner in town.
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September 14th: Adventure at SeaBoat day to Giglio Island
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September 15th: CyanolumensYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. We will learn how to make cyanolumens which involves combining cyanotype chemicals with photographic paper. Visit nearby town of Castiglione della Pescaia, one of the jewels of the Maremma. With its ancient fortress overlooking the blue water of the Tyrrhenian sea, it's one the most scenic of Tuscany's coastal towns
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September 16th: Toning CyanotypesYoga class at 10 am followed by a brunch. Free creative day to continue working on cyanotypes and learn how to tone them.
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September 17th: Check out by 11Check out by 11
Meet Our Hosts
Anne Eder
Anne Eder is an interdisciplinary artist and in-demand educator. She has been internationally exhibited, awarded, and published, including multiple international awards in alternative process photography. She is currently a lecturer in the Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University, instructor in the Harvard Ceramics Program, Harvard University, faculty at Penumbra Foundation in NYC, Santa Fe Workshops, and the Griffin Museum of Photography. She teaches workshops at venues across the country and, via online learning, all over the world. Much of her work is experimental and research based, combining historic processes, science, contemporary conceptual thinking, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional photographic chemistry.
Throughout her career she has been an advocate for increased access to the arts, and the creation of public art is a dedicated part of her practice. She lives in New England with her fabulous chihuahua, The Brain.
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Jessica Kassin
Born in Guatemala and educated in the United States and Italy, Jessica Kassin is a portrait and documentary photographer. Meaningful connections and storytelling shape her work. Her passion for photography, continued education, and travel have led her to create and host distinctive retreats around the world. Jessica is a mother of three, and lives with her family in Miami, Florida.
Discover Val'Dorcia
What's Included
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6-night accommodations in our private luxury villa
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days of immersive education
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All materials for workshop
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Daily light breakfast and lunch + 2 dinners
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Thermal Bath adventure
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A hands-on cooking class
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Free time in the afternoon to explore nearby villages or enjoy the villa
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2 online meetings before the workshop to get ready for our time together. We will teach you how to make digital negatives for you to use in the retreat.