Preston Castle: On Location

November 22, 2026 – Ione CA

Rising above the Sierra foothills, Preston Castle is one of the most photogenic historic buildings in Gold Country. Built between 1890 and 1894, it is the Mother Lode’s most significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its brick and sandstone walls, its many rooms and its decades of weathering since its 1960 closure make it a rich place to work as a photographer.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph:

• Architecture: Learn to read and photograph a landmark building’s massing, rhythm and detail. We’ll work with arched openings, towers, rooflines and the heavy masonry of the Romanesque style.
• Interiors: Inside, we’ll photograph stairwells, corridors, bedrooms, the infirmary and long-empty rooms, where window light falls across worn floors.
• Texture: Peeling paint, aged plaster, brick, stone, iron hardware and weathered wood are the details that give the Castle its character.

Who it’s for: Photographers of all levels, with any camera that offers manual controls. We will discuss what lenses to bring, optional filters and day of preparations at the Zoom meeting three days prior to the workshop.

The Castle is a historic structure with uneven floors and stairs, so expect some walking and climbing.

Includes Zoom meeting on November 17.

More Info/Registration