Yoga Behind the Lens: Photographing from the Heart (Sept. 6 -13)
Join this unique, week-long retreat for a combination of practicing yoga and daily photo excursions on a coastal Maine island. You’ll deepen your mindful awareness, ignite your creativity, and expand your vision. There will be photo discussions and lessons, shooting excursions, and yoga sessions.
Photography + Yoga – creating images with mindfulness
The idea for this photo + yoga retreat started over two decades ago when I began attending yoga retreats at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. in Stockbridge, MA. I learned how yoga reinforces creativity and both are rooted in mindfulness. Practicing yoga creates a deeper connection within oneself while photography develops a connection to the world around us. They go hand-in-hand. When I quiet my mind, I can hear my heart, and it is from the heart that powerful, moving images come. It is how we breathe life into an image.
We will provide space on the mat, and on our photo excursions, for you to connect and listen to your heart. An open heart leaves room for moments of grace to find you. We will dive deeper, look longer, and tap into the essence of your unique vision. Slow down, be present in the moment, and enhance your observational skills on this rare and exclusive workshop retreat.
DATES: Sept. 6 -13
PACKAGE FEES:
- Private Room: $3275
- Shared Room: $2762
- More details including Lodging, Registration Information, Cancellation Policy, & scenes from last year are at the bottom of page.
Your Package Covers:
- Photo leader, instruction, & guide
- All excursion arrangements & transportation
- Yoga with a certified teacher
- 7 Nights Lodging
- Healthy home-cooked meals
Your Responsible For:
- Transportation to and from the Island ($20)
- Parking at the ferry ($75 / week)
- Meals while out on excursion (2-3)
- Your beverages of choice
- Snacks
I’ve created a separate newsletter list for this opportunity only. Here’s where you can sign-up.
Click here to read a past newsletter about the rewards of mindfulness and experiencing your world with new eyes.
“The Yoga + Photo trip was beyond anything I ever imagined. Every day was a new experience. I came in with an open mind and soul, a love for photography & yoga, and I couldn’t be more thankful for such an amazing experience!! It was magical. Jocelyn, the chef, prepared meals with love and nourished our bellies/bodies with fresh foods and captivated us with her fun energy. I would highly recommend booking the next opportunity this comes along.” – Lauren P.
Yoga + Photography Retreat: Accessing your creative potential.
Photo Workshop:
(Explore, Learn, Create)
- Any camera, including phones
- Any skill level
- Excursions every day
- Guidance as needed
- Image review
- Group discussions
- Shooting exercises
- Enhance skills and techniques
Excursions:
(Nature, Culture, Adventure)
- Nature hikes at stunning preserves
- Boat rides to explore island scenery
- Beautiful sunrises & sunsets
- Meet interesting island locals
- Explore the village & its rich history
- Visit nearby artist studios
Yoga:
(Connect, Renew, Recharge)
- Daily sessions
- No previous experience required
- Hatha & Pranayama
- Yoga Nidra
- Deep Relaxation
- Focusing on heart opening
- Create positive and healthy routines
Meet your yoga instructor:
Kathy Shirley completed her 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in Costa Rica. A few years later she arrived in India to complete her 500-hour YTT. Over the following years she completed training sessions in anatomy, history, philosophy, postures and adjustments. Her practice is continually growing and changing, and always serves to help her live in the moment.
In 2013 she opened her yoga studio in Key Largo, FL where she led numerous 200 YTT sessions and grew a flourishing yoga community. Recently, she sold her studio and retired to Naples, FL. Kathy was born and raised in Maine and lives between the two states where she continues to support her communities by offering classes and workshops to local students.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this photography and yoga retreat. Learning more from Dee about both the technical and creative aspects of photography and then applying them in such a beautiful setting was sensational. Practicing yoga everyday was healing and was a great accompaniment to photography. Shout out to our chef, Jocelyn, for her delicious food.” – Suzanne J.
More Details:
What will the day’s activities look like?
Sample of a day’s itinerary of yoga and photography. All activities are optional.
5:30am – Sunrise Photo Shoot
7:30-8:30 – Breakfast
8:45 – 10:15 – Photo Discussion
10:30-11:45 – Yoga
12:00pm -1:00 – Lunch (a.k.a. “dinner” in Maine)
1:30 – 5:00 – Afternoon Excursion
5:00 – 6:00 – Free Time or Early Supper
6:15-7:15 – Sunset Photo Excursion
7:30 – Late Supper or Night Shooting
What can I expect for meals?
Here’s a sample of last years wholesome home cooked meals.
How do I get to Vinalhaven?
- The ferry leaves from the Maine State Ferry terminal in Rockland, 517 Main St.
- I encourage you to take either the 1:00 or 2:45.
- You will leave your car on the mainland and park at the terminal lot. Get there early to park. Sometimes an auxiliary lot is needed, which will take extra time.
- Buy your ticket there or earlier online. Ticket are sold for round trip only. A ticket will allow entry onto any scheduled ferry to Vinalhaven.
- You will be picked up on the island.
- Note: it is not advised to take your car over because getting it off the island on your time frame is not guaranteed. If it is absolutely necessary that you bring your vehicle, please contact me so we can discuss the ferry program.
Where will I be sleeping?
Lodging at 2 private residences:
We will be occupying 2 separate, private homes, each with stunning views, and very near each other. Our itinerary will include activities at both locations. Bathrooms are shared with 2-3 people each.
- 7 bedrooms
- 4 bathrooms
- large decks
- healthy meals served in house
- peaceful locations
- stunning views
- yoga space in a shorefront cabin
What are the registration details?
Registration:
- When you click on one of the green, booking buttons you will be taken to the booking page.
- Select the date on the calendar in the right column then click on the item under the calendar.
- Enter all your information.
- You can pay with either full payment or $600 deposit with a payment plan. You will be responsible to make sure that you balance is paid 60 days prior to the retreat.
- There will be a 6% service fee by the booking software company.
- To pay by check (no service fee), you can pay in 3 installments. Balance is due 60 days before the retreat. Contact me directly so we can arrange a payment plan and I can hold your spot while your check is in the mail.
What is the cancellation policy for this event?
Photo Yoga Retreat Cancellation Policy:
- I will give a complete refund if I need to cancel the tour for any reason.
- If you cancel your registration more than 60 days before the start of the event, your tour fee will be refunded to you, minus a $150 processing fee.
- If you cancel 59 – 31 days before the start of the event, 50% of your tour fee will be refunded.
- 30 days or less, there is no refund unless your slot refills in the program.
- Trip cancellation insurance is recommended. Not offered through CMPT.