VISION RETREAT

After a successful first offering, we have decided to offer our retreat again in October 2025.

This is a unique offering for those looking to move from photographer to artist.  Or from photographer to one who wants to create more expressive images. 

Because this is a unique offering where having like-minded people is critical for the success of the retreat, we are asking you to write to us answering this question.  Why do you want to attend this retreat?  

Your response will help us to understand where you are on the “photographer to artist” continuum. It will help us to evaluate if this retreat would be useful to you at your stage of development. We’d hate to have you come and not have this be a 100% positive experience.

Unlike a workshop or tour, a retreat is different. We will have a lot of deeply personal group discussions, we will photograph in the same location each day, and there will be absolutely no technical talk. This retreat is about finding and following your Vision. 

Below is an outline and some thoughts about our expectations.  Please read carefully as this should help you decide if this is the right offering for you.

1. We will be going to an unknown and non-iconic location. It is important that you arrive with no knowledge of the location. The idea is for you to come in neutral having not seen any other images of the location.  We want each participant to arrive open to being taken by what they see and receive, with no influence from outside sources
2. Our intention is to help you get started on the path to finding your own vision. You should not expect to leave after our week together having achieved this but rather have a path to move forward on.
3. This will be an EGO FREE zone.  There will be no comparison to others work.  There will be no sharing of images.  It is important that those attending be like minded and serious about taking their photography to the “next level.”  Our intent is to foster an atmosphere where you feel safe to share your thoughts freely without concern for judgement.
4. This will also be a no comparison zone.  No asking for feedback or no giving feedback.
5. There will be a fair amount of homework prior to your arrival.  This work is critical to having a successful retreat. The homework will consist of mostly introspective work based on a series of questions and reading Rick Rubin's excellent book “The Creative Act: A Way of Being"     In fact, we strongly suggest you read it twice! 
6. We will meet daily at Cole’s home for discussions.  
7. A typical day will start with breakfast at Cole’s home and 2 hours of interactive discussion based on the homework mentioned above.  We will then drive to our location, get lunch and then shoot for about four hours.  We will then return for a short break and dinner together.  After dinner we will continue our discussions.
8. You will not need a Laptop to process images during the week.   
9. During each evening’s dinner, two individuals will have a one-on-one session to discuss one of the homework assignments. This will not be a group discussion; each person will meet with individually with either John or Cole.
10. Our job is to create a safe environment for each to feel comfortable participating and sharing during the retreat. We recognize there will be different personalities and comfort levels with participation.  Being mindful of what, how much, and when to share will help all have an opportunity to share, learn and grow.
11. Be prepared to be completely honest and open. Your participation is critical both for you, and for others. What you’re thinking and feeling may resonate with someone else and give them the courage to share their fears and thoughts.
12. Be prepared to participate in group discussions. We want to hear from everyone and so we ask you to consider what type of participator you are: are you the quiet one who sits back and just listens or are you the one who speaks up frequently? In each case, we need you to step up or step back so that each person has the opportunity to share their thoughts.

Deposit is $1,000 and is non-refundable.

Cancellation Policy:

Deposit is non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. 

Things happen. In those situations, the following applies…

All cancellations are subject to a $250 service charge. In addition, if you cancel and your spot is otherwise filled, you will be refunded the full amount you have paid (minus the $250 service charge). However if you cancel and your spot is not filled, the following fee schedule applies:

• 90 days or more: full refund minus a $250 fee and the non-refundable deposit on a foreign tour as stated in the Deposit Information above.
• Less than 90 days: no refund including the deposit.
• Travel Insurance is highly recommended. 

During our first retreat, two individuals had to cancel just a couple of weeks before the event for medical reasons. They did not have travel insurance and there was no time for us to find others to take their place. I felt terrible about not being able to refund their money.  PLEASE consider getting travel insurance!  I have partnered with TravelEx.  When you register you will receive a notice from WeTravel with a link for insurance.

You did not hit a home run with the retreat. You hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth of the seventh game of the World Series to win the World Series.  - Roger

Cole and John, you created the perfect environment for us. Thank you so much for all your work, all your dreams, all your believing. I believe each one of us, both of you included, have made progress in our journeys. It’s been an extremely valuable time for me.   - Dennis

This was the most significant and influential experience I have had for a long time. Thank you for your loving support and belief in me.   - Tamar

Thank you very much for the fabulous Retreat, it was remarkable and I’m proud to have been a part of the 1st one.  It was an honor.    - Willy

One of the best weeks of my photography life. The discussions were incredibly helpful and powerful and intellectually stimulating which created a very strong emotional bond between the participants. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about what vision is and whether you have a vision. It is not for someone who wants to work hard and take pretty photographs but for someone who wants to take the next step in improving their photography.  - Barry

Perfection from beginning to end. Supportive environment for new realizations and growth - Sarah

Cole and John, you created the perfect environment for us. Thank you so much for all your work, all your dreams, all your believing. I believe each one of us, both of you included, have made progress in our journeys. It’s been an extremely valuable time for me.   - Dennis

This retreat appealed to me the first time I heard about it.  It was a dream to be able to attend.  And it did not disappoint.  As a matter of fact, it exceeded my expectations.  John and Cole set the stage.  Their dream of helping us find our vision could not have been executed more effectively.  The format allowed for this sharing in a very intimate and safe space.  A group was brought together that didn't have any experience with each other (with the exception of Earl and I).  Yet, we established a bond that I have never experienced before in such a short time.  
I left with more confidence in my ability to express my vision through photography and more confidence in myself as an ARTIST, as opposed to "just" a photographer.
Let me say this: do not sign up for this if you are looking to only make better photographs; do not sign up if you aren't willing to be vulnerable; do not sign up for this if you aren't willing to dig deep. The retreat was internal work and thoughtfulness.  It was listening.  It was a place to be a safe person for someone else to share their vulnerability.  
And the time, work, effort, and introspection was completely worth it.   I attended a photo workshop the next week after leaving Colorado. (I know, crazy)  And the way I approached my time there was completely different.  I took time to see and experience a setting.  There was no rushing about to "capture THE shot."  I was able to find my vision in the individual settings.  Did I still experience some of the old anxiety?  You bet.  But now I had tools and support to overcome these feelings.    - Margaret