Photographer’s Collaborative Retreats, Spring & Fall 2023

• 2023 Spring: 15 – 26 April
• 2023 Fall: 28 October – 8 November

If you are out shooting, things will happen for you.  If you’re not out, you’ll only hear about it. – Photographer Jay Maisel

• A 9-day, 10-night gathering of amateur photographers to shoot, share, build techniques and friendship together, and have fun.

Optimal light periods of mornings and afternoons will be spent shooting in the field on Crete’s dramatic mountains, seashores, or in historic towns and villages where the island’s manifold natural and cultural subjects form a photographer’s heaven.  Middays will find us back at the villa for a swim, light lunch, and post-production, then sharing and critiquing each other’s work.  And evenings we’ll dine at great farm-to-table tavernas, building friendships (or night-lit shooting skills!) under the stars that paint the Cretan sky.

Both experienced photographers and those new to the medium will feel welcome.  The only prerequisite will be a desire to learn from others, to share with others what you’ve learned, and to enjoy the process of doing so in a beautiful place.  As we gather the group, an option will be to list any technique a participant feels a particular desire to improve, as well as an option to list a photographic skill (e.g., composition, flash, portraiture, studio-lighting*, etc.) in which she/he feels particularly successful and is willing to share more formally.  We’ll then set aside times and coordinate opportunities to learn and share those specific areas of expertise.

The retreat itinerary will have plenty of time for relaxation, including a welcome dinner the day of arrivals, with the program starting in a relaxed fashion the following day.  Several times and a full day will be free, allowing you to explore independently (alone or with others); or just relax at Villa Koukouvayia.  We’ll close with a celebration of work and an evening out, allowing for a relaxed departure date the following day.

*Note: The natural landscapes available at our doorsteps suggest we take advantage of them, but we have spaces easily dedicated as studios, should participants want to share studio skills, and be willing to bring some studio gear.  Just let us know as you sign up!

• Maximum Attendance: 15 (Attendance on first come, first serve basis.)
  • Price: $1,275Price Includes: Double-occupancy lodging in standard room, airport transfers, meals & beverages (including beer and wine), and all fees, tips & gratuities associated with planned activities.Price Excludes:  Single-room occupancy and/or premium room (available for supplement); air travel to/from Crete; airport transfer if dramatically different in time or place from majority group (Standard arrival airport is Xania/CHQ); meals and expenditures made independently of program; alcohol beyond beer or wine, and wine choices beyond restaurant house-service.
  • Discounts Available: 
    • Holiday Gift Discount:  Perfect gift for the photographer in your life!  A 5% discount on total price for any deposit received by 25 December!Extra-occupancy discounts for sharing rooms with 1 or (or 2) extra friends/roommates.
    • Room discount 😊 for those choosing the Albergue Room, which doesn’t have a view ☹.