March 25th and 26th, 2025
CHARLESTON, SC
All-inclusive luxury Retreat for women photographers who seek relax while refocusing their business to the next level
Our exclusive two-day retreat in the charming city of Charleston is designed for women photographers who are ready to elevate their craft and build a thriving business.
What You'll Walk Away With
- Business Mastery: Engage in powerful discussions and hands-on sessions that will arm you with the strategies and confidence to grow your photography business. From pricing and client relations to marketing and branding, you'll gain insights that are practical and actionable.
- Stunning Portfolio: Capture the essence of Charleston through guided shoots and styled sessions, adding breathtaking new images to your portfolio. These will not only showcase your talent but also attract your ideal clients.
- Inspiring Community: Connect with a network of like-minded women who share your passion for photography. Exchange ideas, collaborate, and build lasting relationships that support your growth both personally and professionally.
All-Inclusive Experience
We've taken care of every detail to ensure your time with us is both enriching and relaxing. Your stay includes luxurious accommodations, meals, and curated photography experiences around Charleston.
All you need to do is show up ready to be inspired and create.
The Retreat Location
Charleston is a city like no other; with artful architecture, textures and surprising vignettes around every corner and filled with the Spirit of Charleston
Everywhere you look, the city has a gorgeous mansion or cobblestone street to explore—the most elegant version of Southern charm, juxtaposed with contemporary art and snappy street fashion.
A Time to Connect, Refocus, and Relax
Beyond learning and photographing, this retreat offers ample time for relaxation and personal reflection. Connect deeply with fellow photographers during communal meals and evening gatherings or editing sessions, or take advantage of the serene environment to find solitude and recharge.
Whether you crave connection or quiet, our retreat is designed to nourish your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.
Retreat Logistics
The Retreat will be held at a beautifully renovated home in the heart of downtown Charleston, steps away from King Street and close to all the most popular attractions. Step into the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, featuring a curated, mid-century modern aesthetic with lovely textiles and design elements.
Giving it a more intimate feel, there will only be 10 photographers at this event (plus Skye and her assistant). Aside from Skye's husband, this will be a women's only retreat.
Check-in will be 11am on October 15th, just in time for a group brunch at the Retreat House. Checkout will be by 10:30am on October 17th.
There are private bedrooms (with private en suite bathrooms) and single-bed shared rooms (see location images below) with a shared bathroom - with a total of 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms.
The Retreat House includes access to a private heated pool with pool bar and restaurant.
Note: there are stairs at this location
The Photo Shoots
Three photo shoots included with the Retreat.
Charleston will be in FULL BLOOM in March.
March 25th we will be photographing models at the exquisite Middleton Place Inn + Gardens from 3 - 5pm.
March 26th we will spend the afternoon in the historic district for a branding session (see below) then lunch together as a group, then another shoot with models in the historic district of Charleston.
The perfect opportunity to rediscover your
love of photography and to reignite your creative spark.
Branding Session
Walk away with new images of YOU for your social media or website.
All optional, of course!
The second day of the Retreat will begin with us gathering for a branding session in the historic district of Charleston.
This was everyone's FAVORITE part of my recent photographer event, hands down.
We connected, we laughed, we felt empathy for our clients on the other side of the camera AND we got amazing images of one another.
The images the attendees captured of one
another are GORGEOUS. And it was fun!
Bonus Shoot
Magnolia Gardens
For those who choose full-payment to book their Retreat spot, will be invited to a bonus shoot at the awe-inspiring Magnolia Gardens on October 17th, from 2- 5pm.
The models will have two clothing changes and there are countless photo opportunities at Magnolia Gardens with its numerous bridges, ponds, foliage, hedge mazes and of course, the flowers.
Please note: we will be checking out of the Retreat lodging location the morning of March 27th -- from that point any food, travel and lodging is the attendees responsibility.
Testimonial
"I have attended other “styled shoots”, but only walked away with just a few pretty photos and still having those negative feelings of being inadequate and comparing myself to other photographers. I knew that the location would provide amazing results. However, I walked away with so much more than beautiful photographs.
Skye was absolutely amazing in reaching the root cause of obstacles that we as artists place in our own way preventing our businesses from thriving and growing. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the beginning, but by the first slide, it felt as though she saw exactly what has been going through my head and the wide range of internal emotions in my heart. For the first time, I felt seen. She saw all that I have tried so hard to hide from others. At the shoot location, she brought together great artistry in styling, hair and make up along with talented models. Additionally, I was able to connect with other photographers not only professionally but also through mutual energy and becoming friends even clear across the country.
At the end of these two days, not only do I have an entire portfolio of breathtaking photographs, I have a better inner outlook for my business and myself. I am incorporating the phrase “What if it turns out great?”, in my business and in my life. I am kinder to myself, my artistry, and my business to no longer be afraid to be seen. I definitely will be adding her podcast to my playlist and am definitely considering attending another one of her workshops in the future!
Photography by Melissa Jo Keever
What does the Retreat include?
- Skye's time + talent preparing + teaching
- Includes private group for Retreat attendees
- Professionally styled models to photograph
- Access to beautiful custom and unique wardrobe
- Private or shared lodging the night of March 25th and 26th
- Tickets and admission to shooting locations
- All meals on March 25th and 26th
Please Note: we are not able to accommodate all special dietary needs.
Please contact us prior to booking if you have any dietary restrictions.
Important FAQ below
Retreat Investment
Full-payment spots will receive invitation to
bonus photo shoot at Magnolia Gardens (see above)
Affirm, AfterPay, Klarna can be used on all payment options. See checkout page for more information.
► Full Payment for Private Room/Bath Spot $1800
► Partial Payment for Private Room/Bath Spot $900 down now,
remaining balance of $900 due on or by Oct 25th, 2024
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► Full Payment for Shared Room/Bath Spot $1600
► Partial Payment for Shared Room/Bath Spot $800 down now,
remaining balance of $800 due on or by Oct 25th, 2024
Shared rooms do NOT share beds,
as seen in the lodging image gallery above.
SIGHTSEEING
There is an optional opportunity to join us the day before the Retreat to go sight-seeing in Charleston as a group (not included in Retreat). There are many museums, tours and food to give you a taste of what Charleston has to offer.
Testimonial
"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the workshop in Louisiana! I have been wanting to attend one of your workshops for the last ten years!
Somewhere along the way I got lost. I ventured away from the kind of portraits that I wanted to take and I moved towards newborns. I love babies, but it is not my passion. You said so many things that gave me that light bulb moment. Like how did I drift away from that? Why did i stop? I think maybe it was all the things you mentioned. Fear of being seen. Fear of not being good enough. Not having the money or the support. But it made me really sit down with myself. I have asked myself a lot of hard questions. I don't think I would have done that if it weren't for you.
I wish I hadn't waited so long to do a workshop with you! I have never felt so alive as when I was able to go from room to room and just photograph all these beautiful young ladies. I laid in bed after that and just thought about the possibilities and what I could do the next day! It was like it lit a fire in my brain. This is absolutely what I want to do. And now I am reorganizing my business. My whole life I have put everyone else first. Now I am going to focus on the things that bring me happiness. I am older now, and it has become even more important to me that I spend the time that I have helping and serving others.
I loved this workshop so much that I have already booked the next one. I look forward to learning more and inspiring other photographers the way you did for me! It was truly a pleasure!"
Michelle Strefling Photography
Can I buy on a payment plan?
I offer full or partial payment options. Attendees may also choose to select Affirm, AfterPay or Klarna during checkout for additional options. Please see checkout page for details.
Who is this for?
For heart-centered and ambitious photographers looking to maintain or step into six figures in their photography business. This event is suited for senior, wedding, child, and family photographers.
Where should I stay?
All lodging is included with your purchase of a Retreat spot.
What type of models will you have?
A mix of tweens, teens, women - if attendees have a certain request I will try to have it accommodated.
Will there be alcohol?
Due to liability reasons, alcohol will not be provided for students at the Retreat, however, you are welcome to bring your own. For dinners out, attendees meals will be covered, however alcoholic beverages will be attendee's responsibility.
Is There a Benefit to paying in full for a spot?
Yes, those who pay for their Retreat spot in full (you can still use Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay) are welcome to join Skye for a shoot at the awe-inspiring Magnolia Gardens from 3-5pm (Oct. 17th). Please note we will be checking OUT of the Retreat Lodging on the morning of the 17th, so attendees are responsible for additional travel, food and lodging after doing so.
Who is this not for?
This Retreat is not for hobbyists or those NO intention of starting a photography business. This is also not for those who are not open to connecting to other women, being part of the group, stuck in negative thinking and a habit of complaining. The culture of this Retreat is one of women walking into their purpose, connection for community and hope.
Where do I fly in?
The Charleston International Airport is about a 20-minute drive to the retreat location. You are welcome to rent a car, take an uber/taxi or find a carpool buddy in the private group for Retreat attendees.
What if I cannot make it?
If you cannot make it you can sell your seat to another photographer. Once the event is sold out I can help you sell your spot as well. In the end, you are responsible for selling your seat, however.