AUD$500 deposit & booking fee

The Creative Retreat

Sunday 11th - Friday 16th May 2025

AUTUMN COLOURS

a creative immersion experience

Join Shirley Steel, Clair Reynolds and Len Metcalf at our annual creative photography retreat. Something a little bit different. We have created the sort of retreat for creative artists that we would want to attend. Inspiring and immersive.

During the retreat you will actively work on your own personal project. We will help you prepare, plan, create and materialise your project. For example in the past previous attendees have produced a handmade artist book, an exhibition of prints or a portfolio of prints (with box).

This retreat is intended for photographers and artists with some experience in Photography.

RETREAT GOALS

• Inspiration from the creative arts in the heart of NSW’s inaugural City of the Arts, The Blue Mountains

• Unique presentations from Shirley and Len

• Informal talks from an interesting inspiring artist

• Stimulating excursions to local venues

• Regular critique sessions with small prints

• Print larger photographs for a mini exhibition

• Support and tuition as required

• Time to create

• Promote discussion about abstract photography

• Print your work in exhibition quality prints to A2 in size

• Design and make your own artists book (yes we will help you make your own book)

PROGRAM

You will arrive and settle in on Sunday afternoon and settle into our luxury accommodation. We will have time for an afternoon of creating. After dinner with some drinks and a light meal we formally start the retreat with our first session that evening.

A typicality day on the retreat will have:

• A couple of photographic shoots. These may include exotic gardens, the built environment and landscapes.

• It will usually have one formal presentation each day.

• Time to download, edit and print your images.

• Time to work on personal projects

• Individual sessions with both Shirley and Len

• Regular critique of printed photographs.

One focus during the retreat will be the production of beautiful finished artworks. On this workshop we will have available two large format inkjet printers with archival inks and beautiful papers to print with. We will have on hand equipment and supplies for book making, box making, and matting your work.

INSPIRATIONS

Both Shirley and Len find inspiration from many diverse creative arts. These include, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, film and of course photography. During this retreat we wish to inspire you with exposure to some of these artists and their artworks.

ACCOMMODATION

Spoil yourself in luxury all inclusive accommodation. The venue can only be described as a luxurious venue.

Each participant has their own beautiful room unless twin share is selected. All linen supplied. Bathrooms are shared.

MEALS

The retreat is fully catered, with a variety of home made meals, restaurants and coffee shops.

Breakfasts are self serve from our supplies, with the option for cooking yourself some eggs and toast.

We ask that participants offer a helping hand to make the task of cleaning up after meals easier for all.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Arrive after lunch on Sunday three pm. Dinner is included on the first day.

Check out Friday morning from our accommodation at 10 am.

TRANSPORT

Bring your own vehicle or jump in with us or others. If you need picking up and need transport for the week please inform us with your booking.

If it is possible to car pool we will.

GETTING THERE

Plane

Fly into Sydney International Airport at Mascot and catch a train to Bomadary (Nowra). From the airport allow three and a half hours on the train. We can pick you up from Sydney or Nowra.

Self Drive

Head south from Sydney, or from the ACT.

INCLUSIONS

• accommodation - Sunday to Friday

• meals - Sunday dinner to Friday breakfast

• small prints for critiques

• large prints for exhibition

• bookmaking supplies

• tuition

EXCLUSIONS

• alcoholic beverages

• barista coffees

• transport

• personal photographic equipment

• personal wet and cold weather protective clothing

WEATHER

In May on the south coast you can expect a range of temperatures fromalmost freezing at night to reaching the twenties during the day.

The average high in May is 18 with the low being 12. Temperatures are quoted in degrees Celsius .

GROUP SIZE

Limited to eight participants, and four staff.

WHAT TO BRING

• Cameras, lenses and spare batteries

• Empty memory cards

• Wet weather protective clothing & an umbrella

• Warm coats, gloves and head coverings

• Computer or tablet with your usual post processing software (make sure you have a way to transfer your photographs to our printers and computer via usb - USB memory sticks supplied)

• Travel and medical insurance - Click here for more information.

• Your favourite inkjet papers to print on, but only if you have a specific preference. We will have plenty on hand too.

INVESTMENT

Deposit & booking fee AUD$500

AUD$5540 reduced from $6500

AUD$9500 couple

AUD$4950 for twin share

No discounts for this retreat are available

Balance of the fee is due 1st April 2025

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

You will need to complete our medical form and complete our acknowledgement of risk forms.

Please read our plain English terms and conditions here.

Photographs in grid above copyright © Shirley Steel 2021

Photographs in grid bellow copyright © Len Metcalf 2020