Catherine Anderson Chateau Retreat
1 – 10 October 2027
THE POETIC EYE: PHOTOGRAPHY AS A PRACTICE OF WONDER IN THE PERIGORD
What if photography were less about taking pictures and more about learning to see?
The poetic eye is not concerned with simply recording the world. It notices what others overlook. It lingers. It listens. It finds beauty in weathered stone, morning light on ancient walls, the curve of a river, a market stall overflowing with color, and the quiet stories held within old doorways and winding village streets. It recognizes that every photograph begins long before the shutter is pressed—with the quality of our attention.
Daily Photography Sessions
Delicious Gourmet Dinners
Daily Excursions
To Beautiful Locations
Throughout our ten days together you will learn to:
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Slow down and see with fresh eyes through simple contemplative photography practices.
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Develop “the poetic eye” by noticing light, colour, texture, pattern, symbolism, and the small moments that often go unseen.
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Create photographs that express not only what you saw, but what you felt.
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Explore close-up and intimate photography that reveals beauty hidden in ordinary places.
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Learn gentle editing techniques on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device that enhance the mood and emotional resonance of your images.
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Discover creative ways to transform your photographs into works of art worthy of printing, sharing, and treasuring.
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Listen for the quiet words each image carries and shape them into simple, poetic reflections. You’ll discover the poems already waiting within your photographs.
There will be time to wander, to photograph, to sit quietly in cafés, to linger in gardens, and to allow the spirit of each place to reveal itself. Rather than rushing from one destination to another, we will cultivate the art of deep attention, trusting that the most meaningful images often arise when we stop trying to capture the world and instead allow it to touch us.
Our excursions will include some of the most beautiful villages in France, such as Sarlat, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and many hidden places known only to our local hosts. We will photograph bustling markets, ancient architecture, rivers reflecting the changing light, peaceful gardens, and landscapes layered with centuries of history.
Example Itinerary:
Flights – You can fly into Paris or Toulouse and get the train to our local station from there.
Day 1: Transfers from the local train station in the early afternoon. Welcome snacks & evening meal at the Chateau.
Day 2: Visit to Chateau des Milandes, picnic lunch with an amazing view and some photography. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 3: Visit to Saint Cirq Lapopie, picnic lunch, photography. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 4: Visit to Sarlat market. Afternoon in the studio, Restaurant in the evening.
Day 5: Visit to Rocamadour including photography. Dinner at the chateau.
Day 6: Guided tour of a fortified watermill, picnic lunch, photography. Dinner at the Chateau.
Day 7: Another excursion to be confirmed. Restaurant dinner.
Day 8: Photography/exploring the panoramic landscape at Domme. Afternoon in the studio.
Day 9: Visit to a local site/photography/packing/farewell evening.
Day 10: Transfers to the local train station in the morning.
There are equally lots of other activities we can organise depending on your group. More plein air painting, more studio time, more guided excursions.
The Poetic Eye is ultimately an invitation to fall in love with the world again. During our time together you will cultivate both the poetic eye and the poetic voice of the image, discovering how photographs and words can work together to express what neither could say alone.
You will return home with far more than a collection of beautiful photographs. You will leave with a deeper trust in your own vision, a quieter way of seeing, and a creative practice that continues long after the journey has ended.
YOUR CREATIVE GUIDE
Catherine Anderson is the author of The Creative Photographer, winner of a Silver Nautilus Book Award, and has spent many years exploring photography as a contemplative and creative practice. Through her work with photography, SoulCollage®, visual journals, and pilgrimage, she invites others to discover that where we place our attention has the power to transform not only our photographs, but our experience of life itself.
The Accommodation
What’s included
Excursions
Daily trips to tailored locations chosen by the artist and their group. Opportunities to explore, shop, paint plein air or gather inspiration for studio work.
Tuition
Every day you will receive group and one-to-one tuition outside or in the studio in the form of demonstrations and individual feedback.
Food
Fresh baked goods, fresh fruit salads & continental style breakfasts every day. Locally produced, freshly cooked lunches and evening meals. We will visit a couple of restaurants at your own expense.
Accommodation
9 Nights lodging on the Chateau domaine with use of the swimming pool, tennis courts and grounds.
Farmhouse Suite
€4300
This is a bedroom in the farmhouse on the Chateau domaine with it’s own ensuite bathroom.
Chateau Suite
€4600
This is a bedroom in the chateau with its own ensuite bathroom
Couple’s Suite
€6800
This room is a for a couple with their own ensuite bathroom.