The reaction to the digital revolution might well be a return to our roots, both photographic and cultural. Our roots in photography date back to 1839, with the introduction of the daguerreotype. The roots of the Incan civilization can be seen in the layers of architectural history throughout Cusco, Peru.

With the original Incan stonework and street ways as our backdrop, we explore the rejuvenated silver plate process that master daguerreotypist Jerry Spagnoli has resurrected. While learning the daguerreotype process we explore our vision and interpret the beauty and grace of a culture practically indestructible since the time of the Conquistadores.

Participants learn all the steps necessary to make a daguerreotype and are given abundant time to make images in class. The skills you acquire include polishing, sensitizing and finishing the plates, as well as instruction on making your own equipment so that you can continue the process in your own darkroom. If you plan to use film, bring your negatives and find out how to produce film positives for the daguerreotype.

Special Festival of Inti Raymi and Lake Titicaca Extension, June 23¬–29: Inti Raymi is a festival that delivers us back to the time of the Incas. The shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a celebration and a sacrifice to the Sun God for the coming year’s bounty.