Where
Tucked into the Tuscan countryside, the studio is located in the charming town of San Casciano Val di Pesa, with sweeping views of rolling vineyards and olive groves.
The workshop space features a traditional silver-based darkroom, a sunlit garden for printing and aperitivos (where we also grow plants for sustainable processes), and a flexible creative space designed for hands-on experimentation.
Garden
Studio
Darkroom
When
June 5th to June 8th 2025: SOLD OUT
September 4th to September 7th: one last minute spot!
September 18th to September 21st: SOLD OUT
4 full days, morning and afternoon, approximately 8 hours of printing per day
Feedback from workshops participants
I loved absolutely everything about the alternative workshop! I have never tried any of the techniques taught - I only knew them in theory. The fact that I had someone as knowledgeable and motivated as Chiara by my side every step of the way made me overcome the fear of technicalities and made me interested to experiment further.
It was very rewarding technically but it was as rewarding personally since the atmosphere was purely magical - very creative, cooperative, a true sisterhood. I could not have asked for a better experience.
DAY 1
Morning:
Meet for a quick Italian breakfast to get to know each other! Head to the Studio together.
The chlorophyll process: selecting the right leaves, best species, the role of magnesium, photo bleaching, contact frames and exposure.
Lunch Break in the town center (optional), just a short and scenic walk from the studio
Afternoon:
Anthotypes: pigment extraction, different binding agents, coating techniques, the role of pH indicators in shifting color. We will prepare emulsions from spirulina, turmeric, red cabbage, and beetroot.
DAY 2
Morning:
Cyanotype on glass, cleaning the glass plates, coating using animal gelatine and/or agar based bioplastic.
Lunch Break in the town center (optional)
Afternoon:
Cyanotype on paper, bleaching using wood ash and toning using botanicals from the garden. We will use rosemary, lavender, sage and onion skins.
DAY 3
Morning:
Resume cyanotype on glass after drying time: expose, wash and troubleshooting.
Lunch Break in the town center (optional)
Afternoon:
Caffenol paper developer and Phytograms using leaves from the garden. Lumen, Cyanolumen and Wet cyanotype.
DAY 4
Morning:
Creating a watergram print.
Lunch Break in the town center (optional)
Afternoon:
Polaroid lifts on different surfaces. Uncovering the exposed chlorophyll and anthotype prints, followed by borax fixing for the turmeric anthotypes.
Aperitivo in the garden
Please note that every day the program is subject to change depending on weather conditions
This isn’t an all-inclusive retreat — and that’s intentional. We’re mindful of different budgets, so you’re free to choose what suits you best for food and stay (we’ll send plenty of tips). We recommend finding accommodation in the same town where the workshop takes place (San Casciano Val di Pesa) — it makes things simpler and more relaxed.
As soon as you register, you’ll be immediately connected with Chiara and the other participants, in case you’d like to share an apartment, a ride, or a glass of wine. We’ll propose group lunches and other shared moments, but everything’s optional — no pressure.
Feedback from workshops participants
I absolutely LOVED getting to learn and try so many new techniques, especially ones I hadn't even heard of before! It was such a creative, welcoming and safe space to experiment and also learn from each other along the way. Everyone brought their own unique perspective to the group and came from a variety of different backgrounds, so there was lots to learn from one another. I was also VERY impressed by the level of passion and knowledge Chiara has about each of the processes. She breaks it down in an easy-to-understand format, and is always open to questions and exploring your individual interests or projects further. It was amazing to have the opportunity to try new processes with her help and guidance along the way. I'm leaving it with a full heart, tons of new ideas, so many new processes to continue exploring, and even more importantly, a group of amazing new kind, talented friends. :)
Brittany Macchiarola
The workshop is perfect for you if:
✓ you learn best through hands-on experience
✓ you're curious about the handmade, experimental side of photography —these workshops are a great fit for both beginners and intermediate looking to deepen their practice
✓ you’re craving a creative reset—a few days to get inspired, reconnect with your practice and learn from others
✓ you’re seeking a learning experience that’s rooted in place, enriched by community, and open to unexpected outcomes
What is included in the price:
✓ all materials and chemistry
✓ 4 days of workshops
✓ breakfast on the first days
✓ aperitivo on the last day
✓ light refreshments during the day
These particular workshops are designed for women, but we’re planning mixed-gender workshops in the future—and we’d love to welcome you then!
Feedback from workshops participants
It was a beautiful experience! From the first breakfast to the last aperitif, I loved everything! Chiara is a very sweet person and a very knowledgeable teacher, so much that she made difficult things seem so simple! She is a true research-based artist and her spontaneity in sharing what she has learnt is remarkable. The explanations were full of information and very well conveyed, from theory to practice. Chiara's studio and the countryside context in which the workshop is set made it all the more magical! I was very lucky to be in a group of girls with a wonderful energy, experimenting together and being able to compare ideas and notes is an added value. I was happy to try all these techniques in such a short time, I would have liked to have more time to deepen the experimentation, maybe adding one more day?! A unique experience that I will carry in my heart forever. Thank you Chiara, you are truly the best! <3.
Please note: the workshop will be conducted in English.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the workshop
→ You will receive a 50% refund of your registration fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop start date:
→ No refund will be issued
You’re welcome to transfer your registration to a friend or colleague — just let us know in advance.
Logistics
Please note that we are not responsible for arranging travel, accommodations, visas, insurance, or any other logistics related to your trip. We cannot assist with flight changes, delays, lost luggage, or personal emergencies.
That said, we’re always happy to offer suggestions and point you in the right direction—as long as it doesn’t take time away from delivering the workshop itself.
We recommend arriving in San Casciano Val di Pesa the day before the first day of workshop, starting time will be around 9:30am, ending time is flexible.
How to get to San Casciano Val di Pesa
It is strongly recommended to get to your accomodation the night before the beginning of the workshop. From Florence airport (Amerigo Vespucci) to San Casciano Val di Pesa you have two options:
Taxi or Private Transfer. Time: ~30–35 minutes Cost: Around €60–€80 (depending on traffic, time, luggage). Can be booked directly at the airport taxi stand. You could share this with other participants if arrive at similar times.
Public Transport: From Florence Airport, take the Tram T2 to Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station (~20 minutes, €1.50). At SMN station, go to the bus terminal nearby. Take a bus to San Casciano Val di Pesa operated by Autolinee Toscane (usually lines 370A or 371). Tickets can be bought at the station or on the bus.
Both Pisa and Bologna airports are just a short train or bus ride from Florence.
Accessibility
Please note that the studio and surrounding spaces are not fully accessible to individuals with limited mobility. The venue includes stairs without elevators, uneven garden paths. There will be walks with inclines every day to reach the town center.
for any questions: [email protected]