A Day of Stillness: Photography & Bookbinding

Witness the garden’s return to life together and create something beautiful, honest, and still.

Participants are invited to take part in a gentle day immersed in the emerging spring world of Trebah Garden. This workshop offers the chance to leave the noise of everyday life at the gate and spend a few unhurried hours learning to witness both surroundings and photography with renewed curiosity and calm.

The Flow of the Day

The morning is spent wandering the winding paths of the valley. March light is famously tender, making it ideal for exploring the fine details of the garden without the harsh glare of summer. Whether using a professional camera or simply a phone, participants are guided through simple ways to help them “arrive” fully in the present moment.

Together, the group will focus on:

• The Poetry of New Growth: Witnessing the subtle unfurling of the season and finding the "extraordinary ordinary" in the small details.

• The Attentive Eye: Using the lens as a tool for grounding, finding a pocket of peace amidst the shifting environment.

• Finding Your Resonance: Learning to photograph what truly speaks to the heart, rather than what feels expected or prescribed.

From Lens to Hand: The Japanese Stab Bound Book

In the afternoon, the group gathers indoors to bring the day’s discoveries full circle. In a digital age, there is something deeply restorative about taking images off screens and transforming them into something tactile.

Participants are guided through the meditative process of Japanese Stab Binding—an elegant, rhythmic craft accessible to everyone. Each person will stitch and assemble their own hand-bound volume, creating a physical sanctuary for the day’s observations. This soothing practice offers a gentle conclusion to the experience, leaving each participant with a personal, handcrafted keepsake that tells the story of time spent in the valley.

Is this workshop for you?

This day is a "creative breathing space" designed for anyone who feels a pull toward the outdoors and a longing to slow down.

• No Pressure: This isn’t a technical seminar; you focus on the emotion of the image, not the settings on the dial.

• A Place for All: From absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners looking for a fresh perspective.

• Simple Tools: A smartphone is just as welcome as a digital camera.

English fine art photographer Paul Sanders has been involved in professional photography for over 35 years, first as a black and white printer, then as a fashion photographer.

An opening at a local weekly newspaper for a trainee photographer led to a career in newspaper photography, working at The Manchester Evening News, Reuters, and then The Times newspaper as Picture Editor, overseeing the entire visual content of the prestigious publication.

Paul’s approach to photography is one of mindful connection. After looking at nearly 20,000 images every day during his years at the Times, his own work is made in response to his emotional and spiritual reactions to the subjects he works with and reflect the sense of stillness and calm he feels whilst on with them

Moving from the south east to Cornwall and into a studio space at Krowji near Redruth has given Paul the space and peace that is reflected in his recent work..

Paul’s, beautiful, highly reflective work has been exhibited widely across the UK, Europe & Japan, his first book ‘Still: A Mindful Practice for Photographers’ will be published in February by Ilex and is available to preorder on many websites

Location: Please enter via the Visitor Centre. You will be directed where to go from there. The event is being held in Trebah House.

Refreshment availability: Trebah Kitchen will be open. Or please bring your own lunch. Herbal tea is included in the workshop.

Garden entry: Included during the workshop.

When to arrive: Please arrive for 9.30am, which is when the visitor centre opens.

Dogs: Assistance dogs only please.

Recommended for over 16 years.