the Creative Retreat is about 3 things:
Rediscover joy as a photographer
Rejuvenate yourself as a creative
Deeply connect with others in the industry
rekindle the joy you experience from photography
Alongside a beautiful location shoot led by me*, and Pratik’s retouching segment, the creative retreat provides an unhurried environment for photography, free from client pressures and strict schedules.
You can choose to bask in the breathtaking scenery or carry your camera to capture moments with others and utilize the stunning light. Personally, witnessing Cape Town's renowned sunsets never fails to spark my creativity.
In addition, there’s the simple joy of capturing each other, the surroundings, and the sheer delight serves as my annual reminder that photography is more than just client work; it's inherently enjoyable.
Each year, this experience becomes my secret weapon against cynicism, allowing me to rediscover my passion for photography through the shared enthusiasm of the hosts and attendees.
Cape Town has that magic of being a wonderfully beautiful place, filled with wonderful people and great light, it’s the perfect cocktail!
*This is the only location lighting I’ve taught in person in many years, and remains the only such teaching I do. If you want to learn location lighting from me in person, this is it.
Rejuvenate yourself, your career and your entire 2024
“Without doing something for myself, I struggle through the rest of the year”
You deserve a moment to breathe, gain perspective, and recharge.
The Cape Town retreat allows you to step back from work challenges, recover from the previous year's hurdles, and set ambitious new goals. The investment in time and resources is well worth the rejuvenation it provides, fueling you to maintain a demanding work pace all year.
My first visit to Cape Town left an indelible impression. It felt like home from the outset — friendly people, safety, breathtaking light, and a refreshing escape from the usual routines. This ‘trick’ has been instrumental in my professional journey.
The local cuisine, coffee, locations and facilities are all exceptional, authentic, and delightful. The stunning landscape, mountains, and wine country continue to inspire and humble me, not to mention the exquisite light that must be seen to be believed.
Recognizing the importance of this revitalization for my own well-being, I understand its significance for you as well. That's why we established this retreat—it's our secret to staying ahead, as I have yet to find a more effective way to renew my energy.
Build genuine connections that will pay off forever
"Photography is about people, not equipment"
For me, establishing connections with passionate and skilled individuals has always been paramount. That's why having Bella and Pratik as co-hosts feels like a natural fit, they are connectors.
During these retreats, something profound occurs as connections are forged and valuable advice is exchanged. It takes a couple of days to move beyond surface interactions and delve into meaningful interactions. We learn to trust each other - we become open books, happy to talk about money, business, failures and successes in depth.
I have effortlessly befriended attendees, formed working relationships, and cultivated close bonds with those I've encountered at these retreats. You'll find yourself in a similar position.
You’ll see the camaraderie that develops during these retreats is second to none
Remember, you don’t need to lift a finger. We take care of every detail for an experience you won’t forget.
If you didn’t quite get your fix from the galleries above, here’s some more images from previous Cape Town Retreats
