For one week, the Domaine de Cazenac becomes a working photographic atelier, where light, glass, and silver meet in the time-honoured dance of wet plate collodion. Invented in the 1850s and practiced by early photographers through the late 19th century, this process invites a slower, more deliberate way of seeing and making. 

Using original cameras from the 1880s, with beautiful brass lenses and hand-poured aluminium plates, participants will explore the full expressive range of wet plate photography, from the quiet grandeur of the château and its grounds to the creation of timeless portraits and sensitive, fine art studies of the human form. Over the course of the week, you'll photograph architecture, light, texture, and tone, and work closely with three exceptional models, collaborators in the truest sense, to produce images that speak of presence, grace, and the poetry of process. 

Each day is thoughtfully paced, blending technical learning with space to explore. The workshop begins with a day devoted to photographing the château, its soft stone, shifting light, and quiet corners, before moving into guided portrait and figure sessions. Through demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, and shared reflection, you’ll be supported in both the craft and the creative depth of your work. With vintage tools in hand and time to truly see, this is a rare chance to slow down and make with intention. 

With guided sessions, this immersive workshop offers thoughtful, personalised guidance in the art of wet plate photography, to help each participant move forward in their creative practice, whether they are just beginning or looking to deepen their approach. Through a mix of demonstration, hands-on making, and shared reflection, the process becomes both a craft and a way of seeing. 

Whether you’re drawn to the alchemy of the darkroom, the romance of vintage tools, or the quiet focus of craft, this workshop offers a rich and rewarding immersion into one of photography’s most poetic forms. 

Dates Arriving Monday, November 2nd – Departing Saturday, November 7th, 2026 

Location Domaine de Cazenac, Dordogne, France 

What You’ll Explore The poetic craft of wet plate collodion photography: large format cameras, brass lenses, hand-poured aluminium plates, and the quiet magic of the darkroom. We’ll begin by photographing the château itself, its textures, shadows, and presence, before moving into portrait work with three exceptional fine art models. 

Guidance and Flow Each day offers a blend of guided sessions, demonstrations, and thoughtful one-to-one support. Time is given for reflection, making, and meaningful critique. 

What’s Included – Five nights accommodation in prestige rooms – All meals: seasonal, generous, and prepared on site – Full use of vintage cameras and lenses – All materials and chemistry, including plates and paper – Access to the château’s darkroom throughout the week – Use of the pool, sauna, and tennis court 

Who It’s For This workshop welcomes both curious newcomers and experienced hands, anyone drawn to the slowness, depth, and tactile beauty of early photographic practice. 

€3,150 This includes : five nights of accommodation, all meals, materials, full access to equipment, and dedicated teaching throughout. We’ve shaped this retreat to be as generous, thoughtful, and immersive as possible, a rare chance to slow down, make deeply, and learn in good company, in one of the most inspiring settings in France.