Workshop: Photographic Narratives retreat at a castle in Dordogne

Dates: 15 – 19 November 2023

• Opportunity to test Leica cameras and a range of lenses

Overview:

Learn to master photographic narratives while drawing inspiration from the heritage sites and landscapes of the Dordogne valley. During this intensive workshop, participants will learn to construct a visual narrative and refine their photographic skills in an exceptional setting. Classes will be held in the chateau and estate of the Domaine Cazenac. Premium accommodation and meals are included in the workshop price. Photo assignments will take place in the surrounding medieval villages, castles and gardens. Participants will have access to try Leica cameras in the field. Participants with previous analogue darkroom experience will have access to the facilities on site.

Since 2020, Tomas van Houtryve has been documenting the reconstruction of the Notre-Dame cathedral of Paris for National Geographic Magazine. For his previous work, he is the winner of a World Press Photo Award, the ICP Infinity Award, the Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents and is a two-time finalist of Leica Oskar Barnac Award. He uses a wide range of photographic techniques for his projects, from 19th-century wet collodion to aerial drones and Augmented Reality. He is a member of the VII photo agency and represented by the baudoin lebon gallery in Paris.

The venue:

Domaine Cazenac is a large estate nestled in the heart of the Dordogne valley in the Périgord Noir area of France. The chateau is located on a hilltop that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dordogne river. Peaceful and secluded, the estate hosts culinary and artistic workshops and private events. Facilities include a sauna, tennis court, swimming pool and analogue darkroom.

Schedule:

• Wednesday 15 November

– Arrive and settle into the Domaine Cazenac. Participants will have dinner in the chateau and be lodged in premium rooms. Facilities include a sauna, swimming pool and tennis court.

• Thursday 16 November

– Morning: introductions and group presentations

– Afternoon: in-depth presentation and discussions on photographic storytelling

– Evening: participants given their specific assignments

• Friday 17 November

– Morning: participants photograph their assignments in nearby medieval villages, castles and landscapes

– Afternoon: one-on-one review sessions with Tomas van Houtryve

– Evening: after dinner presentation

• Saturday 18 November

– Morning: participants continue photographing their assignment, taking into account the feedback from their one-on-one review sessions

– Afternoon: photo selection, editing and group presentations

– Evening: access to analogue and digital darkrooms for printmaking

• Sunday 19 November

– Morning: access to analogue and digital darkrooms for printmaking