A photography retreat like no other...
You’re a photographer who likes to go off the beaten path. You’re committed to creating personally meaningful images, not pleasing an algorithm. You love good light, but you don’t need to chase it. You want to expand your capacity to see unique images in both “ordinary” and iconic nature scenes. You value learning with and from other photographers.
And you’re not sure the typical photography workshop will meet your needs.Â
Join retreat leaders and pro photographers Beth Buelow and Meredith Fontana and a small group of creative explorers for a new kind of photography experience that’s part retreat, part workshop. We'll be balancing flextime with thoughtful structure: daily in-the-field sessions, guided composition and creativity exercises, image reviews, and constructive feedback.
We’ll be convening in a private, “up north” resort
in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. PRNL is home to 15 miles of sandstone cliffs, 12 miles of beaches, 17 waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and the wild Lake Superior shoreline.Â
Creative Focus
- Making personally meaningful images regardless of location
- Taking risks, stretching into new ways of seeing
- Exploring artistic vision/voice/purpose
- Storytelling and meaning makingÂ
Photographic Focus
- Nonliteral and abstract
- Small scenes
- Intimate Landscapes
This experience is for you if:
- You're comfortable with your camera and its capabilities; there's always more to learn, but you have basic knowledge
- You want to expand your vision so you see unique images in both “ordinary” and iconic locations
- You appreciate an introspective, immersive experience, and you value a collaborative style of learning
- You're an explorer, curious, playful, and committed to expanding your creative mindset
Reserve Your Spot
If you’re craving a creative reset, meaningful community, and guidance that helps you connect more deeply with your work — join us for this unforgettable retreat.
Reserve my Spot!Retreat Information
Location: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Dates:Â September 24-27, 2026
Lodging: A picturesque, waterfront, 8,500 sq. ft. resort cabin with all the amenities. Our group has exclusive use of the property. Each participant has a private room; a few rooms share an adjoining bathroom, and room assignments will be made to ensure your comfort. It’s an ideal location to fully immerse ourselves in the retreat experience and make meaningful connections.
All-Inclusive Price:Â
- $3,850 private room, private bathroom (3 available)
- $3,750 private room, shared bathroom with one other same-sex participant (6 available)
Interested in adding a bit more time to your experience?Â
If you’d like to book an extra night before (Sept 23) and/or after (Sept 27) the retreat for solo exploration, the rate is $200/night. You’ll have the option when you register to select extra nights. Note that this does not include guiding or instruction, but you will have full access to all the amenities at the Lodge.
What’s included:
- Pre-retreat introductions and orientation session via Zoom
- Lodging During the Workshop
- Fri/Sat Breakfast and Lunch, Sun Breakfast
- Permits & Park Fees
- Professional Guiding & Photography InstructionÂ
- The Nature Photographer’s Field Guide to Pictured Rocks & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, created by Meredith Fontana
- Boat Tour for from-the-water photo opps (day TBD)
- Post-retreat image review session via Zoom
- Two hours of post-retreat 1:1 mentoring (an hour each with Meredith and Beth)
- One Year Membership to the Nature Photography Collective (NPC)
- $250 discount on any 2027 NPC workshop
- One Year Premium Membership to the Nature Photography Academy (NPA)
What’s not included:
- Transportation to Retreat Location
- Thurs, Fri or Sat dinner (two full kitchen facilities are available for participant use)
More Details
Trip Type:Â Comfortable lodging, exclusive to the group
Solitude Level:Â 3/5
Trip Length:Â 4 days (Thursday evening, Friday, Saturday, Sunday morning)
Difficulty:Â 2/5
Group Size:Â 9
Transportation:Â instructor and participant carpooling to photo locations between 15-45 minutes from lodging
Nearest Airports:Â Green Bay International Airport (3.5 hrs), Cherry Capital Airport (4.25 hrs)
Daily ScheduleÂ
Thursday evening, September 24, 2026
- Image Introductions and Retreat Overview (5:30p)
Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2026
(Sunrise: 7:40a)
- Morning group gathering to prepare for the day creatively and logistically
- Skill-building hour based on participants’ needs
- Group in-the-field photography time
- Lunch in the field
- Early afternoon Group in-the-field photography time
- Break/exploring on your own
- Dinner on your own
(Sunset: 7:45p)
- Evening group debrief
Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Morning in-the-field photography time
- Retreat Completion (12p)
Meet your Retreat Leaders
Beth Buelow is a Michigan-based artist, coach, and educator specializing in abstract and minimalist photography. Beth's creative philosophy is simple: If you’re not amazed, you’re not paying attention. Her work doesn’t fit into one genre or subject, as she aims to reflect the incredible world around us. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s words, "I am large, I contain multitudes," Beth's photography explores themes of calm, order, mystery, balance, and experimentation. These elements may seem at odds, but they reflect her playful approach to creativity.
Her podcast, “Pixels,” features conversations with leading photographers, exploring the heart and art of photography. Beth is the author of “The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms.” She’s been coaching since 2008 and is a Professional Certified Coach, recognized by the International Coaching Federation. She is a sought-after presenter on abstract photography and creativity. Beth created and facilitates the Nature Photography Collective Creativity Mastermind Groups. You can learn more about Beth and her work at her website.
Meredith Fontana is a Denver-based landscape photographer, educator, and founder of Nature Photography Academy. Drawing on her experiences from a career in paleontology and outdoor adventure, Meredith brings a unique perspective to the art of landscape photography. Her focus for the past 4 years has been on capturing the beauty of Colorado's diverse, hard-to-reach wilderness areas and promoting their protection.
Meredith's passion for teaching landscape photography stems from a desire to inspire others to explore their creativity and deepen their connection with nature. Through engaging workshops and educational content, she has helped over 1,400 nature and landscape photographers improve their skills, harness their unique perspectives, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the environment. You can learn more about Meredith and her work at her website.
Reserve Your Spot
RIf you’re longing for space to breathe, create, and grow alongside people who get it, this retreat is your chance to reconnect with your vision and return home inspired.
Reserve my Spot!Have a Question about the Heartland Photo Retreat?
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