Creative Immersion Photography Retreat

Explore Vision, Mindfulness, Yoga and more in Costa Rica

Every great photograph begins with a spark of inspiration.

Explore your own inspiration, style, and vision during this Costa Rica photo workshop. The photographic opportunities are endless. The wildlife, the people, and the landscapes are beautiful and inviting. The Tico lifestyle makes Costa Rica the perfect place to slow down, get creative, and practice living in the moment. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself in a new experience. It is easy for photographers to get wrapped up in cameras, lenses, and settings and forget why we have all of this gear in the first place. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are important to understand, but they are only a means to an end.

What makes the difference between a snap-shot of a bird and a compelling wildlife image? What can you do in the field to increase your chances of success? Can your mindset affect your photography? How can a better travel experience translate into better travel photos? Are you ready to move beyond your tools and focus on creating images that speak to you?

Your hosts Rob Knight and Kelly Yount have designed this photo workshop to be different than your average Costa Rica photography tour. Of course you will visit beautiful locations, meet friendly local people, and see amazing wildlife; and you will have experienced photography instructors to help you make the most of every opportunity. Rob and Kelly want to take you further. They want to show you what can happen when you truly tune in to yourself and your environment and focus on the images you want to create.

A creative journey…

You’ll explore concepts such as visual storytelling, mindful photography, and photographic intent. Use Costa Rica as a backdrop to engage your creative side while you explore your unique viewpoint. This tour is not just about philosophy though. This is truly a Costa Rica photography workshop. You will enjoy hands-on instruction, presentations, and demonstrations throughout the week. Kelly will guide you through daily yoga classes, no matter your experience level.

This photography workshop was a great experience that provided numerous opportunities to learn more about photography and the local culture. Both the instructors and local guides are very knowledgeable and pointed out things that I would never have noticed on my own. Nicole Widmer

What’s Included

Seven nights lodging
All Meals Saturday Night through Saturday morning
All transportation including Airport transfers*
All Excursions and park entry fees
Photography instruction and organized photo shoots
Digital darkroom tips and techniques
Experienced local guides
Loaner equipment provided by LUMIX USA

Your Costa Rica photo workshop fee does not include airfare to Costa Rica.
We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergencies. Questions?

There was so many wonderful experiences it is hard to say which was my favorite. The expertise of our instructors was really made it. Nice to be able to ask questions while working instead of a traditional classroom setting. Anne Nettles

In addition to photo instructors Rob Knight and Leila Audrey Pagés, Enrique Molina is on staff to act as our naturalist guide and liaison with the community in Monterrey and La Fortuna. Enrique was born and raised in Monterrey, and he has been a professional guide in this area for fifteen years. His knowledge of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna will amaze you! Everyone involved with this workshop is hand picked to provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sold Out

The January 19-26 Costa Rica retreat is sold out. Please use this for if you would lie to be added to the waiting list in case of a cancellation. Be sure to let me know how many people are in your party.

Costa Rica Photo Workshop Itinerary

Kelly will lead a daily yoga practice that is suitable for any level of student.

Day 1

2:00pm: Pick up at SJO airport for transportation to the hotel.

6:00pm: Cocktail hour and orientation meeting at the Lava Lizard restaurant, followed by the welcome dinner

Day 2

Day Trip: Nature photography river cruise.

Topics of study include creative nature photography, intent and wildlife photography, telephoto lens techniques, and flash for wildlife photography.

Evening presentation: Lightroom organization and workflow

Day 3

Workshop: Equine facilitated creativity and mindfulness.

Equine Facilitated Learning encourage us to look within ourselves to find balance, regain strength, renew spirit and rediscover our power. Eponicity programs incorporate horses, but there is no need to be a horse lover to open the door to connection.

Day 4

Horse trek to a private waterfall

You’ll bond with your horse, your amigos, and mother nature as we ride through the rain forest to continue our exploration of mindfulness and creativity. Topics of study include visual storytelling, landscape photography, and mindful photography.

Evening Presentation: Storytelling and the Photo Essay

Day 5

Choose Your Own Experience

Take today to relax, explore, or whatever you like. Rob will be leading photography clinics throughout the day. We can arrange a massage therapist to come to your cabin. We can help you plan a zip-line adventure. Or anything else you might like to do in the area.

Day 6

Arenal Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna

The Arenal Hanging Bridges offer a unique view of the rain forest. You’ll shoot various birds and wildlife, as well as beautiful views from suspension bridges high above the forest.

The group will visit the town of La Fortuna for lunch and exploring in the afternoon. You can practice your street photography, visit the local stores, or simply enjoy the culture.

Evening: Visit one of Arenal’s volcanic hot springs for dinner and a soak.

Day 7

Morning: Photography exercises. Creativity and storytelling

We will spend the morning shooting and exploring around the hotel grounds. You will have assignments and suggestions to bring together what you have learned the rest of the week.

Afternoon: Lightroom live critiques and Q&A

Rob and Leila will help you finish your favorite images and prepare them for a slideshow to be presented that evening.

Day 8

Farewell breakfast and event conclusion.

Transportation to the airport can be arranged through the hotel.

* We provide bus transportation from the airport in San Jose (SJO). Most flights from the US arrive around noon, and the bus leaves by 2:00 unless otherwise specified. Some guests prefer to fly into San Jose on Saturday and spend the night in case of any travel delays. Your return transportation to SJO airport is not included. Our guests leave at different times and many people extend their stay in Costa Rica after the workshop. Airport transportation can be arranged through the hotel once you arrive on Sunday. Cancellation Policy.

January 19-26, 2019

Tuition: $2195
from SJO airport
Deposit: $1000
Limit: 12 photographers

Highlights:

A unique exploration of creativity and photography
Experienced professional photo instructors
Knowledgable and friendly local guides
“Off the beaten path” locations
More shooting with less travel between locations
Cultural exchange with local people
Make friends and connect with other photographers
Improve your photography in real-world situations
Learn creative post processing techniques with your own images
Deluxe Accommodations
World-class meals

Your Instructors

Rob Knight

Photographer and trip leader. LUMIX Ambassador • Tenba Visual Artist • Adobe Certified expert

Equipment Suggestions

A Mirrorless or DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses. Please bring your camera manual.

A versatile mid-range zoom lens (18-55mm, 24-105mm, etc) is fine. You will also want a longer telephoto lens (something 400mm or longer is best) for shooting wildlife on the trip. A dedicated macro lens and a wide-angle zoom lens will also be handy.