Heartland Photography Retreat: Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Dates: September 16-19, 2027
Retreat Leaders: Beth Buelow and Murray Livingston
Join us as we gather for a retreat designed to expand your creative confidence as a photographer. We’ll be exploring overlooked locations and hidden gems in the high plains of South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park, from towering pine-clad granite peaks reflected in mirror lakes to otherworldly eroded layered sandstone buttes. Our focus will be on developing photographic practices around intention and personal meaning, with an emphasis on expanding possibilities through intimate scenes, abstraction, and experimentation. Our experience will be enriched by connecting with one another via group conversations, image sharing, and time in the field.Â
A Retreat Rooted in Experience
Heartland is more than a photography workshop, it’s a shared journey. Days are spent exploring inspiring landscapes and refining photographic skills, while evenings offer time for conversation, reflection, and connection with fellow photographers.
Whether you’re continuing your photographic journey or stepping into a retreat setting for the first time, Heartland is built to meet you where you are.
Save My Spot!What to Expect
While the full itinerary will be announced closer to the event, participants can expect:
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Guided landscape photography experiences
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Thoughtful instruction and creative support
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A small-group environment that encourages learning and connection
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Time to slow down, explore, and photograph with purpose
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A welcoming community of photographers from around the world
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.
Save My Spot!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.
Murray Livingston is a full-time professional landscape and nature photographer, educator, and workshop leader with more than 10 years of image making experience. Murray photographs all aspects of the landscape through long-term photographic projects in Scotland, where he is based most of the year in a self-built campervan, and his home country of South Africa. He is a deep thinker with interests in adventure & conservation, both of which he strives to communicate and teach through a deeply contemplative and introspective approach to photography. You can learn more about Murray and his work at his website.
Reserve Your Spot
If 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.
Save my Spot!Have a Question about the Heartland Photo Retreat?
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