Winter of Wonder: An online creative photography retreat
Winter of Wonder: An online creative photography retreat
November 30 2023 - February 22 2024
How do you feel when you prepare to take a photograph? Excited? Inspired? Uplifted? Or perhaps you feel unsure and fearful – the pressure of taking a photograph becoming too much?
Open to photographers of all levels – whether you’ve a bag full of kit or an iphone in your pocket – I invite you to join me in an exploration of the beauty that can be found in the world around you.
The Winter of Wonder challenge you photographically to think a little differently about your photography and the beauty that surrounds you.
I will be on hand to guide you as you work alongside a brilliantly supportive community of fellow creatives to move forwards together at a steady pace.
We will work through a creative brief, exploring a range of subjects that you are free to interpret it through your own eyes and in your own style. There is no right or wrong; no marks will be given and no critical judgement passed – simply an invitation to immerse yourself in a wonderland of creativity and deep exploration into your own space, at your own pace.
It’s your opportunity to come together with other likeminded photographers to explore, inspire and learn - being fearless and imaginative.
Starting on November 30th with a face to face zoom session I want to help you grow creatively over the winter until February 22nd, through the long dark nights of winter!
The first brief will be revealed to you on the November 30th and will be completely accessible to photographers of all levels and abilities. You will gain confidence and a wider appreciation of what it truly means to be creative, expressive and fully engaged in your craft.
For those who have done online workshops with me before this will build on the previous ones, it will push you a bit harder to immerse yourself in your photography. If you are travelling you can do this project anywhere in the world, you can, and possibly will, use any sort of camera, smartphone, pen, pencil or paintbrush too!
how will the sessions work?
There will be two live zoom sessions a month - each recorded and emailed to those who might not be able to make it. A summary of each session will also be emailed in case you can’t or don’t watch the zoom recording. The zoom sessions will take place on alternate Thursdays at 1830 BST and last approximately 1 hour.
The initial session will give out our assignment and something to inspire you to think deeply about it. The following sessions will be building on the project I will offer a new technique that you can use to explore the concepts further. Each technique will require minimal equipment apart from paper, pencils, maybe a small paintbrush, scissors, camera or smart phone - you may need access to a printer but it can be a very basic desktop machine or a more sophisticated photo printer.
Should you wish to share images there will be a private Facebook Group, alternatively you can post to Instagram (very brave) using the hashtag #winterofwonder
For those who don’t wish to join the facebook group there will be direct feedback is available by email, if you would like it.
Although there is a group to share things in you don’t have to, you can simply choose to do the assignments in your own time and not share anything.
what do I need to do?
Simply sign up online, and delve into the process as deeply as you choose to.
What will it cost?
I want to make this accessible for as many people as possible. The cost of the course is £200 for 84 days of winter inspiration (less than the cost of your morning coffee, offering benefits that will last so much longer!)
How will I benefit from the winter of wonder?
Not only does the Winter Wonder offer a creative project to delve into over the dark short days of winter, but you’ll gain a sense of belonging to a community, self confidence, fun, permission to play, non judgemental feedback in a non competitive environment, and a small body of work that you can keep to yourself or share with your peers at the end and support from me! You will also develop a sense of gratitude for the ordinary, the mundane and the stunningly beautiful as well as for the bizarre with a healthy dose of lateral thinking.
Terms of booking
CANCELLATION POLICY
Still by Paul Sanders has a very strict and transparent cancellation policy. The cancellation policy applies regardless of circumstance so it's essential you understand these terms before you book.
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
We cannot be held liable for situations beyond our control, including (but not limited to) acts of war, acts of God, threats or acts of terrorism, civil unrest or unforeseen personal circumstances. We also can’t offer refunds for illness, flight delays or any other circumstances. Please, please, please make sure you have adequate insurance in place to cover for this.
CANCELLATION ON OUR PART
In the event of a teacher cancellation, every effort will be made to deliver the same content by another accomplished teacher. If we need to cancel the retreat, we will refund the money you have paid so far. We cannot be held responsible for other costs – such as flights or any other incidentals and strongly recommend you have insurance in place to cover this.
COPYRIGHT CONTENT AND COURSE MATERIALS
All course material, workshop content and marketing literature is protected copyright. What that means in simple terms is that you may not copy it.