A photography retreat like no other...
Join retreat leaders and pro photographers Beth Buelow and Meredith Fontana and a small group of creative explorers for an energizing photography experience that’s part retreat, part workshop. Our themes: curiosity, play, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms. We’ll balance our time between discussions around creativity and discovering your individual voice, with going out in the field to put what you learn into practice. Image reviews, creative prompts, and practice with seeing something in everything are on the agenda.
Photographic Focus
- Nonliteral and abstract
- Small scenes
- Intimate Landscapes
The small town of Gateway, Colorado is our homebase for exploration of red-walled canyons, raging rivers, and spectacular scenery. We’ll be staying at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, renowned for being one of Colorado’s finest luxury resorts.Â
The all-inclusive retreat package means you won’t have to think about anything but your photography. Our focus will be on self-expression, creating personally meaningful images, trying unconventional techniques, and cultivating a mindset of freedom and play.
You’ll have a creatively enriching, rejuvenating experience that will light a fire within you and get you excited about making art.Â
Space is limited to 10 photographers. Reserve your spot now to guarantee you’re one of them!
Retreat Information
Location: Gateway, Colorado, in the Palisades of Western ColoradoÂ
Lodging: Gateway Canyons Resort & SpaÂ
Dates: April 1-4, 2027
All-Inclusive Price: $4,250Â
Trip Type: Luxury lodging
Solitude Level: 3/5
Trip Length: 4 days (Thurs eve, Fri/Sat, Sun morn)
Difficulty: 2/5
Group Size: max: 10, min: 6
Transportation: instructor and participant carpooling to photo locations
What’s included:
- Pre-retreat introductions and orientation session via Zoom
- Lodging During the Workshop
- All main meals (Thurs dinner, Fri-Sat meals, Sun breakfast)
- All Permit & Park Fees
- Professional Guiding & Photography InstructionÂ
- The Nature Photographer’s Field Guide to Gateway, Colorado, created by Meredith Fontana
- 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 2028 NPC workshop
- One Year Premium Membership to the Nature Photography Academy (NPA)
What’s not included:
- Transportation to Retreat Location
- Travel InsuranceÂ
- Food and beverage apart from main meals or outside the Resort
- Spa or other personal services at the Resort
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.
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