Retreat FAQs
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FAQs
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- Accomodation
- Before You Book
- Booking & Payments
- Culture
- General
- Health & Practicalities
- Photography
- Safety
- Travel
Of course.
If you’re buying your first camera, upgrading your existing equipment or wondering which lenses to bring, we’re happy to offer impartial advice before your retreat.
Our goal is to help you make the most of the equipment you already own rather than encouraging unnecessary purchases.
Yes.
Every guest receives a comprehensive destination-specific packing guide covering clothing, footwear, photography equipment, travel accessories, power adapters, weather expectations and local customs.
We believe great experiences begin long before you arrive.
We’re available to answer questions before departure, whether that’s advice about flights, visas, camera settings, clothing, travel insurance or simply helping settle any pretravel nerves.
Absolutely.
Many of our guests are using their camera properly for the very first time. We’ll explain everything in plain English and make sure you feel confident throughout the retreat. There are no silly questions, and you’ll never be made to feel left behind.
Almost certainly.
By the end of the retreat you’ll have a much better understanding of your camera, composition, light and storytelling, along with a portfolio of images you’ll be proud to share. More importantly, you’ll return home with the confidence to continue your photography journey long after the retreat has finished.
Yes.
As your retreat host and professional photographer, I’ll also capture behind-the-scenes moments throughout the journey (always respectfully and with your comfort in mind). After the retreat, you’ll receive a selection of beautiful images of yourself enjoying the experience, something that’s often overlooked when we’re the ones always behind the camera
Any camera is welcome, but we recommend mirrorless, analogue or DSLR cameras. We’ll provide advice before your trip if you’re unsure what to bring. We do advise you hire a DSLR for the trip if you do not own one and can recommend camera hire companies.
Absolutely! Most of our guests travel solo. Our retreats are intentionally designed to create friendships and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels included.
Our retreats attract women of all ages. Most guests tend to be between 40 and 70, but everyone is welcome if they enjoy travel, photography and new experiences.
These retreats have been created to provide a relaxed, supportive and empowering environment where women can travel confidently, build friendships and enjoy photography without feeling intimidated.
Yes. We carefully choose our itineraries, accommodation and local partners to ensure our guests feel safe and comfortable. We also provide cultural guidance before departure so you know exactly what to expect. We do however recommend and advise that you take out insurance that covers yourself and your equipment.
Yes. Wherever appropriate, we work with trusted local guides who enrich the experience through their knowledge of local culture, history and hidden locations. As an Arab speaker, Nina will also guide and support where possible.
We keep our retreats deliberately small (Max 12 people) to ensure everyone receives plenty of individual photography tuition and enjoys a more personal travel experience.
Each retreat includes details on its individual page, but typically includes:
- Accommodation
- Photography tuition
- Guided workshops
- Local guides where applicable
- Most meals
- Airport transfers (where stated)
- Entrance fees (where stated)
Usually excluded are:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas (where required)
- Personal spending
- Alcohol
- Some meals
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests and should include medical cover, cancellation and protection for photography equipment.
Our cancellation terms are outlined in our booking conditions. Because accommodation and local services are booked well in advance, cancellation charges may apply.
Definitely. Understanding your camera is one of the key parts of the retreat, and we’ll help you gain confidence using it.
Yes. We include editing sessions upon return where you’ll learn simple but powerful techniques to bring your images to life.
Yes. Image reviews are one of the highlights of the retreat, helping you improve your photography while celebrating your progress.
Visa requirements vary by destination and nationality. We’ll provide guidance before departure, but it’s ultimately the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation.
Guests normally book their own flights, giving flexibility to travel from their preferred airport. We’ll provide recommended flight times to coordinate group transfers where applicable. Our partner agency Fleewinter can also arrange flights and transfers for you for an additional fee.
You’ll receive a comprehensive packing guide before departure, including clothing recommendations, camera equipment and destination-specific advice.
Each retreat is different. Activity levels are clearly described so you can choose a trip that’s right for your fitness and mobility.
Photography is all about adapting to the conditions. We’ll adjust locations and schedules where possible, and often some of the most atmospheric images come from unexpected weather.
We carefully select boutique hotels, traditional riads, heritage properties and unique accommodation that reflect the character of each destination while offering comfort and excellent service. They will not be less than 4 star.
We’ll do our best to cater for dietary requirements if informed well in advance.
Not at all. Many of our guests are visiting these destinations for the first time. We’ll provide detailed pre-trip information covering local customs, etiquette, clothing, photography permissions and cultural expectations so you can travel with confidence.
We’ll provide destination-specific guidance before departure. In many locations modest clothing is recommended out of respect for local customs, although requirements vary considerably between destinations.
Yes, but respectfully. We’ll teach ethical travel photography, including when and how to ask permission, cultural considerations and how to create authentic portraits. We are also providing one model for our use wearing traditional clothing in each destination for more curated people and portrait photography guidance.
Most retreats involve moderate walking with regular breaks. Individual itineraries clearly state the expected activity level.
Please discuss any medical conditions with us before booking so we can advise whether a particular retreat is suitable.
Our retreats combine professional photography tuition with carefully curated travel experiences in inspiring destinations. You’ll return home with stronger photography skills, unforgettable memories, beautiful images and friendships that often last long after the trip ends.
Your retreats are led by a professional photographer (Nina Assam) with over 25 years’ experience, specialising in mentoring, visual storytelling and helping people of all abilities grow in confidence behind the camera. Every itinerary is carefully planned to balance photography, culture, relaxation and authentic local experiences.
Many photography tours focus solely on getting from one photo location to the next. Our retreats are designed to be much more than that.
We combine expert photography tuition with immersive cultural experiences, beautiful accommodation, exceptional food and meaningful connections with local people. There is time to slow down, enjoy each destination and develop your creative eye without feeling rushed. And to enrich your cultural experience, we always ensure you are invited to attend a cookery workshop or demonstration.
Our small group sizes also mean you’ll receive plenty of personal guidance throughout the trip, whatever your level of experience.
Absolutely.
While photography is at the heart of every retreat, we believe the best travel experiences include time to relax and explore independently. 1 Most itineraries include free time to wander local markets, visit cafés, enjoy a spa treatment, relax by the pool or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.
You are able to pick and choose how much free time you want to have.
Photography tuition is woven throughout the entire retreat rather than being limited to scheduled classroom sessions.
You’ll receive guidance during location shoots, practical demonstrations, creative assignments, image reviews and informal coaching throughout the trip.
Because our groups are intentionally small, there’s always time for one-to-one support.
Our retreats are designed specifically for people with an interest in photography.
You don’t need to be experienced, but you’ll enjoy the retreat most if you’re excited about learning photography and creating beautiful images.
Most hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi. However, internet speeds can vary depending on the destination, particularly in remote desert locations or heritage properties.
We encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect occasionally and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Drone regulations vary considerably between countries.
Some destinations prohibit visitors from bringing drones altogether, while others require permits or advance approval.
We’ll advise you before departure if drones are permitted for your chosen destination.
This depends on your personal preferences. You’ll probably want money for:
- Souvenirs
- Meals not included
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional excursions
- Personal shopping
Before departure, we’ll provide guidance on local currencies, payment methods and suggested spending budgets.
That’s completely normal.
In fact, most of our guests travel solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming and inclusive from the moment you arrive.
Shared experiences, photography and travel naturally bring people together, and many guests leave having made lifelong friends.
Yes.
Around four to six weeks before departure, we’ll invite guests into a private WhatsApp group where everyone can introduce themselves, ask questions, share excitement and arrange to meet at the airport if travelling on similar flights.
Many friendships begin before the retreat even starts.
Depending on the destination, we’ll cover topics including: :
Street photography • Portrait photography • Travel storytelling • Landscape photography • Architecture • Night photography 1 • Motion photography • Composition • Creative editing • Working with natural light • Close up and detail macro work
These retreats are designed exclusively for women who love luxury travel, creativity and photography. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced photographer, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive, small-group environment where learning and adventure go hand in hand.
Not at all. We welcome everyone from complete beginners to experienced photographers with professional cameras. Tuition is tailored to each guest’s ability.