Elevate Your Retreat
Snapshots from the Source Your Soul Retreat in Sedona
This women’s retreat was led by Marissa DiSimone, aka “The Soul Sourceress” and Ale Del Aguila, intuitive healer. Chef Taylor Mae, nourished our bodies with her delicious plant based meals and Priscilla Hataway of Sacred Rememberings, bathed us in a healing sound bath and her own special magic. There were surprises, deep healing, and a beautiful sisterhood that emerged during this transformative retreat. I am beyond grateful I was invited to capture this special moment in all of our lives, showcase the gifts and talents of those who came together to hold space and offer this healing as well as offer these beautiful moments for all of us to be able to connect with forever. Marissa and Ale have learned to trust the guidance and this retreat supported all of us in trusting ours. Personally, this retreat clarified that I am called to capture the magic that happens in the container of retreat and I am beyond grateful to have been able to “Source My Soul” and trust the guidance that came through. Marissa and Ale are leading another magical retreat in Mexico from October 21-25th, if you feel called to experience the magic of travel, nourishing food, sisterhood, surprises, rejuvenation, and 1:1 private readings with both Marissa and Ale, don’t wait! It was truly life changing for everyone who attended. Book Your Discovery Call!
The practice of retreat was introduced to me during my 300 hour meditation teacher training. It was an integral part of the certification and our teacher created a container for two group retreats and one solo retreat. To say that this practice changed my life would be an understatement. Six years later, it is a practice that I carve out for myself regularly. It is always an honor when I am invited to photograph retreats. There is a sacredness, a vulnerability, and the importance of deeply holding space with empathy and sensitivity to the transformative nature that retreats provide. Given the importance of photography in retreat settings, choosing the right photographer is crucial. Here are some key qualities to look for in a retreat photographer:
Experience in Retreat Settings: Not all photographers have experience in retreat environments. Look for someone who has a portfolio of work within retreat, has experience personally in participating in retreat and who understands the unique dynamics within the retreat.
Sensitivity and Empathy: Your photographer should be someone who is sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of your participants. They should be able to approach the work with empathy and respect for the process.
Discretion and Presence: The best retreat photographers know how to blend into the background while also still being fully present. They should be able to capture moments without disrupting the flow.
Alignment with your Values: Choose a photographer whose values align with your own. This ensures that they will approach their work in a way that is consistent with the atmosphere and intention of your retreat.
Ability to Hold Space: A photographer who understands the concept of space holding will be able to be discreet and respectful, create a safe environment, honor vulnerability, understand emotional nuance, build trust with participants and capture the unseen moments.
By choosing a photographer who understands the importance of retreat, you can ensure that your retreat is not only captured in a beautiful and authentic way but also that the experience is honored and respected. I feel so grateful that I have been able to blend my passions together and offer photography to retreat leaders. It is hard to put into words what happens on retreat, but one picture can tell a story without words. Often times professional photography is not something on a retreat leaders list of to do’s when planning but it is a very important piece of the experience and an important tool in marketing what you are providing. In today’s digital world, imagery is everything. High - quality retreat photography can be used to:
Tell A Story: Photographs from a retreat can tell the story of the experience, from setting and activities to the emotions and connections made, This storytelling is vital for potential future participants who want to understand what they might gain from attending your retreat.
Market Your Retreats: Authentic images that capture the essence of your retreat can be powerful marketing tools. Potential attendees are more likely to connect with imagery that resonates with their desires for personal growth and transformation.
Create Lasting Memories: For participants, having professional photos from the retreat can serve as a cherished reminder of their experience and the growth they achieved.
Visual Storytelling: People are naturally drawn to stories and visual storytelling is one of the most effective ways to communicate the essence of your retreat. Through carefully curated images, potential participants can get a sense of what your retreat is all about- what makes it unique, what kind of experience they can expect, and what they might gain from attending.
Consistency in Branding: Consistent imagery helps in creating a strong brand identity. When potential participants see cohesive and professional images across all your marketing materials it reinforces your brand and makes your retreats more memorable.
Emotional Connection: Images that capture the vulnerability and transformation that occur during your retreats can create an emotional connection with participants and potential participants. This connection is often the deciding factor when someone is choosing between different retreat options.
Social Proof: Seeing real people having meaningful experiences can serve as powerful social proof. When potential participants see others who have benefited from your retreat, they are more likely to believe that they too will have a positive experience.