The Retreat
When and Where
September 25-27, 2020
Colorado Springs, Colorado
What does it cost to attend the retreat?
The full tuition for this retreat is $1500.
This fee is all-inclusive of meals, lodging, and the full education schedule (which includes group coaching calls prior to and after the retreat). See below for details.
Why attend Documenting Parenthood instead of another workshop?
If you are passionate about balancing the roles of businesswoman and artist, this is the family photography educational experience for you. Making new friends and drinking all the wine, that's a lie I prefer vodka, are just icing on the cake.
Behind the scenes footage captured by Leighellen Landskov, 2018 Family is Everything workshop attendee.
Colie
The Hustler
Image courtesy of Sabrina Gebhardt, 2018 Family is Everything workshop attendee.
Colie
The Hustler
Storyteller – Techie – Olympic Binge Watcher – Traveler
I'm in love with taking pictures of the good life—kicking and screaming included. My photographs are an extension of me, and you should know I've never been accused of being a quiet person. My camera loves people who make funny faces, hugs and kisses are a session requirement, and when someone throws a tantrum I click my shutter faster. If I laugh at an image while culling a session, no matter how bad it may be from a technical standpoint, it automatically goes into the editing queue.
I want to see people's loud, their love, their life. Together, we make pictures that make them say: This is Us.
Final note: I always hold a camera while I walk to my car because you never know what will happen. But you should know that in most cases I would rather eat glass than take pictures outside. #inhomesessionsforlife
The Details
This retreat includes:
All meals and lodging (Fri - Sun)
just bring yourself and a camera
At-Home Family Session (photo + video)
chaos and crying included at no additional charge
Portfolio and Website reviews
done in a group setting with wine to dull the pain
Intimate group discussions
on all aspects of the art and business of family photography
Group coaching calls
these start in January 2020 so you don't have to wait until June to begin learning
We will spend our time exploring…
Light - ALL light, not just that gorgeous natural light, but the shitty artificial kind too.
The Hustle - You know ALL the stuff you do to get the clients in your pipeline.
The Client Experience - I really hate to sound cliche, but all the things you do to create an amazing experience for your clients and keep them satisfied. This includes case studies on actual clients and tools to keep them coming back.
Workflow - This goes beyond an editing process, but that is covered as well. We will delve into Client Management and Automation to simply your life. We all dream of the work-life balance, right? Let's see what we can do to get your life back.
Creating a business that fits you - Let's go beyond the one-size-fits-all mentality and help you create a business that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the retreat officially begin and end?
The workshop begins with a Meet & Greet on Friday at 4pm and ends at the goodbye dinner on Sunday at 7pm. Don't worry, lodging for Sunday night is included in your tuition.
I am traveling from out-of-state, how should I arrange to get to the retreat location?
If you will be flying in for the workshop the nearest airport is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), however, you may find it easier/more economical to fly into Denver International Airport (DIA). The address for the workshop will be sent 1 month prior to the workshop. I highly recommend booking a flight that arrives by 2pm on Sept 25th (noon for DIA) and leaves anytime on Monday, September 28th.
If I am local can I attend the retreat but sleep at home?
Yes, but I don't recommend it unless there are extenuating circumstances. This workshop includes some long days of growth and inspiration. You will need all the hours I give you to sleep to actually sleep. The cost of your ticket will remain the same whether you stay at the house or choose to go home.
Speaking of sleeping, where are we staying?
We will be staying at a super cute 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Colorado Springs.
Should I attend if I have previously taken Colie’s workshop The Business of Telling Stories?
Absolutely! While there will be some overlap, the in-person experience is totally worth it.
Will we be able to use images taken at the workshop in our portfolios?
Yes! However, I want to caution you this is not a portfolio-building gathering. If your main goal is the creation of a new family photography portfolio this is not the educational experience for you. I firmly believe to be successful in this retreat you should come ready to fully participate and explore the body of work you have already produced prior to the workshop.
What will the schedule look like?
A detailed schedule will be provided as we approach the workshop, but here is the rough cut.
FRIDAY: We will have a welcome dinner followed by portfolio exercise. Just the way to break the ice with your fellow participants. SATURDAY and SUNDAY: Each day we will enjoy some breakfast before the learning portion of each day begins. Each day there will be a shoot, edit, and business discussions.
What is the refund policy?
All retreat seat payments are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is due to book your seat. In the event you are unable to attend the retreat in September, this non-refundable deposit will be kept as payment for the group coaching calls. You will continue to have access to any prior and future calls through the end of September 2020.
The final payment must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the retreat. In the event you do not pay the balance by this date, your slot for the retreat will be considered canceled and your spot/deposit will be forfeited.
The Newsletter
Tips and tricks for Documenting Parenthood sent directly to your inbox with some humor + awesomely real photos.