Photography Workshop in Espezel
NEXT WORKSHOP MARCH 1-5th 2025 - SEVENTH EDITION
... demystify the tool and make it easy, all in a good mood ... An unforgettable stay in a unique place… (read comments from trainees)
In short
Five days* in the mountain to understand the camera and learn how to use it.
Studious work in a friendly atmosphere. Beginners are welcome, an introduction to film is planned.
- What are the advantages of large format?
- Does it match you?
- How to equip yourself without breaking the bank?
- How to start without getting discouraged?
Richard Petit regularly uses a 4x5" camera for his artistic practice, he will answer all these questions.
*: the program can be scheduled on three das if you already practice analog photography
Detailed Program
LANGUAGE
Instruction is given in English, in French or both, depending on who registers.
METHOD
- Techno-scientific education is limited to what is strictly essential
- Emphasis on practice
- You can practice on several types of cameras
- You can initiate a personal artistic reflection on the use of the large format
SCHEDULE
The five-day program* is deliberately a little "too long", the aim being a real practice and not just an introduction. At the end of the course, freed from apprehension and rational calculations, your hands will go on their own on the right setting.
The days and even the evenings will be busy: theoretical courses, practical exercises, laboratory and slide shows. We won't have time to get bored!
*: If you can already work with film, develop and scan it, the workshop can be shortened to three days
TOPICS
- Large format camera: operation, folding and monorail, accessories
- Sheet films: loading, unloading, development & scanning
- Exposure: focal length and distance, circle of confusion, aperture, exposure time, reciprocity and Schwarzschild effect, calculation of depth of field, bellows factor, light measurement
- Specific movements: perspective correction, image circle, Scheimpflug's law
- History of photography: slide shows. From the invention of the camera to the use of the large format in contemporary photography
- Portfolio review, bring your book if you wish
TO BRING WITH YOU
- warm clothes and shoes, it will certainly be cold outside
- your view camera with its accessories if you already have one (of course, I have several which will be at your disposal)
- a phone or a digital camera for quick shots
- a notebook to take notes and sketches
- your portfolio (your photographs) if you have one, in paper or digital version
- we will have wifi, you can bring your computer or tablet
- a swimsuit if you want to visit the thermal baths in Ax
- if you come by car, ski equipment, the snow may be good
- and most importantly, good mood!
Stay in Espezel
Located on the Sault plateau at one thousand meters above sea level, Espezel is a mountain village. It is moderately hot in summer and winter can be harsh, with snow possible from Christmas to April.
If you do not come by car, we can possibly pick you up at Ax les Thermes train station or Toulouse airport. The arrival is done if possible the day before the course, we will take the time to settle in and we will have dinner together to get to know each other.
Theoretical lessons, portrait and still life shots will take place indoors, landscape is also planned in the surroundings. We will have lunch with a snack in the classroom or on the go. For dinner, we can try the organic products of the surroundings. You can stay at the hotel or in a holidays rental, unless you choose the formula with accommodation included (limited places).
It is possible, if you wish, to stay two or three more days after the course, which will allow us to practice landscape shooting while visiting the surroundings. We can visit the prehistoric cave of Niaux, take a bath at Ax les Thermes or ski in the surroundings.
Enrolment
richardpetit@orange.fr - 06 33 05 99 20
NEXT WORKSHOP MARCH 1-5th 2025
Limited availability!
- Five day formula with accommodation: 1100 € - the price includes education, consumables, accommodation in dormitory and dinners and breakfasts in Espezel, it does not include lunches or meals on the move (limited places, please inquire!)
- Tree day formula with accommodation: 750 € - the price includes education, consumables, accommodation in dormitory and dinners and breakfasts in Espezel, it does not include lunches or meals on the move (limited places, please inquire!)
- Five day formula without accommodation: 750 € - the price includes education and consumables, it does not include accommodation or meals, you will have to find shelter by yourself, for which I can help.
- Solo formula, if you want a private lesson: 1700 € - the price includes education, consumables, accommodation and meals at Espezel, it does not include restaurants on the go. We can arrange a date of your choice, any time during the year. I can move, we can organise this workshop elsewhere of course than in the Pyrenees (price depends on distance)
Of course, feel free to enrol even if you cannot speak French properly, you are most welcome and I have already taught English several times.
