Women's Beginner Photography
1-3 March 2024
Envision a weekend not just to learn and grow your love for photography, but equally as much about getting spoilt to pieces with amazing food, soul-nourishing conversations and beautiful moments in nature, shared with a small group of like-minded women from all walks of life.
Swedish Lapland in MarcH
Imagine a frozen river valley, far away from city stress. You're moving through the landscape with the snow squeaking under your feet, and eventually you arrive at a sheltered spot in the woods.
A big pot of fresh coffee is soon prepared over a warming fire, along with some tasty "fika" nibbles.
As you look around you see beauty everywhere, and with your freshly gained knowledge, you lose yourself in the moment as you try to capture it all with your camera.
Time passes without you noticing and soon you're back in the charming manor that you get to call home for a while, and the smell of yet another delicious dinner hits you in the doorway.
Many laughters, long conversations and perhaps a couple of glasses of wine later, you sit down in a hottub, right in that sweet spot where the toasty water meets the cool arctic air. You look up at the mighty night sky and immediately lose your breath. So many stars, and wait... isn't that something green starting to dance in the north?
Who is this for?
This retreat is intended for anyone identifying as a woman, who are new or semi-new to photography, and eager to improve their skills.
Maybe you just bought your first "serious" camera, or maybe you've had it for ages but feel overwhelmed and frustrated everytime you pick it up, unable to take those photos of your dreams.
does this also sound like you?
- You're longing for a break from the stresses of everyday life
- You crave peace and quite, and creative inspiration
- You're itching to spend more time in nature
- You dream about experiencing winter by the arctic circle
- The northern lights have been on your buckelist forever
- You long for a true sense of sisterhood
Then you are a perfect fit to join.
A glance at the itinerary
A theoretical workshop will be held indoors, following a good night's sleep and breakfast the morning after arrival.
In the afternoon we'll venture outdoors and the rest of the weekend will be focused on practical exercises as we experiment with our cameras around campfires, in forests and along frozen rivers.
All throughout the weekend there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions as you play around with your new knowledge. However, there will also be time for you to relax and just be; perhaps claim some precious you-time in the soothing natural surroundings, or in company with some of your new friends.
MORE ABOUT THE GEAR
To get the most out of the weekend, your camera should have access to fully manual settings, i.e. control over aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
Feel free to bring your manual if you are unsure how to change the settings.
A tripod would also be super beneficial to bring.
Food and Accomodation
Included in the full price are two night's accommodation and all meals which we will share together; delicious home-cooked food prepared with a loving hand, influenced from the cousine typical to northern Sweden.
We begin with a three-course dinner on the arrival day and end with lunch on the day of departure.
Choose between double or single occupancy (the latter at a small extra cost).
** Please make sure to include any meal preferences/allergies when booking, and whether you want a single room or not. **
MEET YOUR HOSts
I'm Sara,
Your retreat leader and photography guide, ready to challange you to become a better photographer and discover all the beauty that's always surrounding you.
My goal with this retreat is for you to head back home full of knowledge, inspiration to keep shooting, and energy to live life with a greater sense of passion.
Katarina,
Owner of the manor and your lovely host, there to guarantee you are well fed and feeling like a queen during your entire stay.
Along with her sweet dad she will be preparing all our meals from scratch, share her local knowledge and add that little special touch on your time here to the point you never want to leave.
Travel directions
Pick-up point: Boden Central Station. If you travel from Stockholm there is a night train that will take you all the way to Boden.
An optional arrival point is to fly to the nearest airport in Luleå (Kallax). This would require you to arrange transportation to Boden yourself, but we are happy to assit you with our local knowledge to help you arrive as smoothly as possible.
There are frequent buses and taxi services at the airport.
Your INVESTMENT
SEK 7,200:-
Group size: maximum of 10 guests (minimum of 6).
Please note that workshops and lodging will be paid separately; one part prior to arrival via Skillbreak, and one upon departure directly at the accommodation. Total price will be SEK 7,200.- (plus any room upgrades or special treats you may want to add with dinner).
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Your booking of this retreat cannot be cancelled after 60 days prior to the starting date due to the difficulty filling your spot on a short notice (unless you find your own replacement).
Please make sure you have an insurance covering you in case you would get sick or otherwise unable to attent.
If we are forced to cancel the workshop for any reason (like too few participants signed up), your entire participation fee will be refunded to you.
Any further questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch!
We cannot wait to see you there.
FAQ
What can I expect from a retreat?
A retreat offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of our modern life and reconnect with nature on a deeper level. Our retreats are designed to use photography as a way to empower you both behind and in front of the lens, enabling us together to creatively play, experiment, and reconnect with the full expression of our hearts.
I don't have fancy camera, can I still join?
Yes, absolutely! I’ve had people on retreats with nothing but their iPhone camera! Although it’s one of the cornerstones, my retreats are about so much more than just photography. They provide you with time in nature, stillness, sisterhood, and an opportunity to truly slow down. All you need to join is a curiosity to learn and maybe a little extra patience for when other people stop to take photos and might require more time with their camera equipment.
Do I need any prior outdoor experience to attend?
No prior experience is required. Most retreats are designed to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. However, a basic level of physical fitness is recommended.
What should I bring?
You’ll get a full list of recommended things to bring when you book your spot. In general, you should pack comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities in accordance to the season you're traveling, layers, sturdy footwear, a water bottle, your photography equipment - and of course, a sense of adventure!
Are there any age restrictions?
Most women that have attended my retreats in the past have been between 25 and 55, but the space is open to any age, as long as you are at least 18 years of age.
Can I attend a retreat if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes! We are able to accommodate most special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose and gluten-free, or allergies. Be sure to let us know your dietary restrictions when you book your spot.
I would be traveling solo for the first time - and I’m a bit scared!
Traveling within Europe is generally safe and fairly easy due to the excellent train and airport network. Of course, you might feel a little out of your comfort zone in the beginning but we will provide you with all the information you need to make it safely to your destination. Traveling to Arctic Sweden? Get excited! Despite what most people think, real people live here and we have roads and infrastructure to get around!
What about all the wild animals, will they eat me?
Most likely not ;-) You will hopefully see wild animals of all sorts, from very small to large, but the chance of something happening to you is statistically extremely low.
I love the sound of this but I don't identify as a woman. Do you offer retreats for mixed groups?
From my experience, women tend to have a harder time relaxing and taking up space in mixed groups. That’s why I’m focused on creating women-only spaces at the moment. I’m open to mixed groups but don’t have the marketing bandwidth to launch another offering at the moment. If you’d like to explore options for a private workshop or retreat, I’d love to hear from you!