Alternative Photography Workshops + Retreats
At Beaver Moon Darkroom
📍 Upstate NY (Washington County) at Heather Paleceks home
Beaver Moon Darkroom is an eco-conscious, off-grid darkroom, set up for working with camera-less and alternative photographic processes. It’s nestled into the forest at my home in Washington County, NY, surrounded by 50 acres of wetlands that provide endless inspiration for artists and a peaceful setting to learn in. I’ve been teaching analog photography for 17 years, and am excited to start hosting workshops at my home darkroom in 2027. I look forward to welcoming you here. <3Heather
Summer 2027 Workshops
THE MAGIC OF PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Magic of Pinhole Photography
This is an immersive 4-hour workshop where you’ll learn the history of pinhole photography, explore different types of camera builds, make your own pinhole camera out of a tin can, discuss composition and technique, then head out with your instructor to create multiple pinhole photographs on paper that you’ll develop in the darkroom.
Saturday, July 10, 2027 from 10am-2pm (4 hours)
$150
*No experience necessary. Ages 18 and older, unless accompanied by an adult. All materials provided except gloves. You’ll get to keep your camera!
WATERGRAMS
Watergrams Workshop
Water Ripples from the babbling creek become visible on photo paper using a special photographic technique. These analog images are made in a river, then developed in the darkroom in an immersive experience that combines the magic of photography and the natural world.
Friday, July 30, 2027 from 8-11pm, (3 hours)
Limited to 6 students, 18 and older. ***All participating students must be able to navigate uneven terrain in low visibility, get up and down off the ground unassisted, and have good balance.***
$115
*No experience necessary. All materials provided except gloves.
CYANOTYPE + ETHICAL FORAGING
Cyanotype + Ethical Foraging Workshop
In this class we will learn 1800’s blueprint chemistry and create beautiful artworks on paper and fabric. You’ll learn everything you need to know about this wonderfully magical process and go home with multiple prints!
We will be ethically foraging and printing with plant friends from on the property.
Saturday, July 10, 2027 from 4:00-6:00+ (2-2.5 hours)
$100, including all materials, except gloves.
*No experience necessary. Ages 18 and older, unless accompanied by an adult.
Summer 2027 Retreats
THE WORLD IS MY DARKROOM OVERNIGHT RETREAT
“The World is my Darkroom” Overnight Retreat
Starting at 2:00pm, and ending after breakfast the next morning, this overnight retreat is an immersive experience:
Learn how to create analog prints after dark, using the world as your darkroom
Learn Breathing and Grounding techniques to help you get comfortable working outside at night
Learn how to use and build an off-grid darkroom space to protect the environment from chemistry when working outdoors
Technical instruction and demonstration on the technique, time to plan out your compositions, and a proactive teacher that will help you master the process to create your artwork
Time to create multiple artworks, working in pairs with other students
50 acres of wetlands and forest as inspiration for your work
Family style dinner will be provided, eaten around a campfire. Coffee, Tea, and Pancake breakfast provided the next morning.
A campsite area for you to sleep in on the property - you must bring your own tent/trailer. (If camping isn’t your thing there are two nearby motels I can direct you to.)
This retreat is limited to 6 adult artists. ***All participating students must be able to navigate uneven terrain in low visibility, get up and down off the ground unassisted, and have good balance.***
Overnight workshop
Saturday, July 31 starting at 2:00pm. Workshop goes until midnight, then we sleep. (You can quit + go to bed earlier if needed!)
$500.00, includes dinner, breakfast, and a campsite with shared outhouse.
*No experience necessary. All materials provided except gloves.
About the space
Beaver Moon Darkroom is an 8’x8’ Amish shed built out into a darkroom. Heather Palecek built the space herself in the summer of 2026. It is located in the forest on her large wetlands property in Washington County, NY near the VT border. (Address will not be made publicly available)
The darkroom is equipped with a developing table large enough to tray develop paper up to size 16x20, a screen drying rack, work table, paper cutter, chemistry, and plenty of storage space.
Beaver Moon Darkroom is off-grid and eco-conscious, meaning we do whatever it takes to ensure no chemistry leaks into the environment, soil, or water. All used chemistry and wash water is stored and taken off site to be disposed of properly.
All students get to sign the wall before class is over!
About Heather
Heather Palecek is an artist, photo teacher, and environmentalist with a passion for activities like rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, and reading.
She has been a full time analog and digital photography teacher since 2010 and has been teaching immersive workshops in alternative processes since 2019, all throughout the region.