APRIL 6-9, 2024
The Wandering artist retreat
Join me for an all-inclusive weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico!
The Wandering Artist Retreat is long weekend hosted by Sara Johansen. Take the time to connect with other photographers, rejuvenate creativity in work and more. This is a weekend about you, getting to shoot what you want to shoot, taking the time you need to fill your creative bucket.
The retreat is limited to 8 attendees.
Ok, let's break it down
I'm forever wanting and needing more time for creative freedom and experimenting with my photography. I need time for me to create just to create. It's a powerful thing to lean into, so The Wandering Artist Retreat is a weekend where you can do the same.
I feel it is extra important as a photographer and artist to get away, recharge, be inspired and meet other creatives. I'll lead the trip, but also be there to chat with all attendees. We're going to talk all things art, film photography and, of course, take all the pictures. I'll show you how I shoot, talk through experimenting with film and more.
It's time to take that weekend for yourself.
Come and have your creative cup filled to the brim.
Sara and The Wandering Artist reignited my love for photography. For about a year, I had only picked up my camera when I traveled. I stopped shooting just for the sake of it. Photography was my first artistic love as an adult. I felt like a piece of me was missing when I stopped shooting, but never had the fire to pick it back up. Until the retreat. It was refreshing being somewhere new. I didn't have to plan or think about anything. I just loaded my camera and rolled with it. It was freeing and exciting.
Jen. S
I'll be your planner & Guide so you don't have to worry about a thing
THE DETAILS
Cost per attendee is $2,000 which covers your lodging for the weekend, transportation, food and more. I consider my retreat all-inclusive - the last thing I want is unexpected costs for you and I've priced it as best as I can to make it cost effective.
Lodging at a stunning local home that sits on 6 acres of land. Just outside of Santa Fe, we're only 10 minutes from downtown. There's an outdoor fireplace for cozy star gazing and a hot tub for relaxing.
All meals and snacks are included. There will be lots of food at the house and when we go out to lunch or dinner as a group, your meal is covered. Santa Fe has lots of incredible food downtown, so if you want coffee around town, local fare outside of planned spots, those will be on your own.
Each attendee will have a portrait taken by Sara during the weekend and will receive all portrait images taken by Sara for their use.
Number one on the must see list is The Georgia O'Keefe Museum. We'll spend a morning exploring the museum. Plus, non-flash photography is allowed, so you know we're going to have some fun in there.
Oh, other amazing thing happening? A solar eclipse. Yup, we're going to be out in magical Santa Fe to watch the eclipse on April 8, 2024. While we won't be in the direct line for a total eclipse, we'll be close enough to it that we will be able to see (AND PHOTOGRAPH) a stunning partial solar eclipse.
Travel to Albuquerque or Santa Fe (if unable to make the van leaving Albuquerque) and any food outside of what is provided will be the responsibility of the attendee.
THE WEEKEND RUNDOWN
ALL INCLUSIVE
I don't take costs lightly, so you're getting an all-inclusive weekend with your registration cost. If you want to veer from planned activities, that's ok! But everything I've got planned in the itinerary, even meals, are included in your registration.
PLANNED FOR YOU
I'm doing all the planning so you don't have to - all you have to focus on is yourself and experiencing the weekend to the fullest. Details? I got them.
FOCUS ON CREATIVE RENEWAL
You can come knowing I've planned all activities to help you reach inspiration and creativity. I want you to walk away from the weekend feeling a renewed spirit in your work, and I'm planning activities to nourish that goal.
SPONSORS
THE FIND LAB
Professional film processing, scanning, custom & hybrid editing to help you shoot more film, more often. Plus, a discount on developing and processing on your retreat film!
ULTRAVIOLET BACKDROPS
Ultraviolet backdrops are hand painted canvas and muslin photography backgrounds, each one unique, one-of-a-kind, and durable. You'll get access to an exclusive Backdrop In A Bag to use throughout the weekend and a discount to buy your own!
SHOOT IT WITH FILM
Shoot It With Film is here to help you share your passion for film photography. Whether you love medium format, instant cameras, or anything in between, you’ll find a home here with inspiring and educational content to enjoy. Enjoy your film work being featured on their site after the retreat!
I'm continually drawn to the desert. There's something about the landscape that floods me with inspiration. Add in the incredible art scene of Santa Fe, I knew it would be the perfect spot for The Wandering Artist. Close enough to Albuquerque to get in easily on a flight, but smaller and perfect for being a place where you can sit and take a deep breath. I hope to bring a balance between the bustle of downtown Santa Fe and the quietness of the desert.
WHY SANTA FE?
Q: What if I cannot go after I pay for my spot?
A: Unfortunately due to the nature of the retreat and me being a small business, all sales are final. You do have the option to sell your seat to someone else if you can no longer attend. Once the retreat is sold out, I will help you with selling your seat.
Q: Do I have to pay it all at once?
A: At checkout you will pay $500 to secure your spot. After that, there will be two additional payments of $750 each (Feb. 1 and March 1). Any sign ups after March 1 will require full payment.
Q: Do I have to ride in the group van from Albuquerque?
A: Don't want to ride in the van? Driving in from somewhere? Want more days in the area? That's totally ok! You can meet us in Santa Fe!
Q: I'm an introvert and worried about too much group time - will it be overwhelming?
A: Hi, fellow introvert here, so I can absolutely relate. In fact, if there's any part of the scheduled weekend you want to step away from, you are more than welcome to. This is a weekend to help you restore your creativity, and I want to help you achieve that. Even if that means you need to take some solo, introvert time.
Q: What if I don't shoot film photography?
A: That's ok! I've hosted digital shooters before, hobbyist or professional, all are welcome!
Sara's retreat was so pivotal in my journey in 2022. There’s truly no words how I felt so welcome, not just as a film newbie or a person with a chronic illness but as a friend out having fun learning and shooting. The confidence and growth gave me the courage to follow my heart both in photography and life.
Sara is a beautiful person with a big heart & an amazing teacher.
Lissa W.
I'm at the point in my photography journey that all I really want out of a retreat is for someone to make things easy - provide a place to connect with like-minded artists, take me to amazing photo destinations and light a little fire under my creative soul so I can't wait to pick up my camera. This is exactly what I got from this retreat and so much more. It's the perfect way to connect with yourself and others, and explore new places and inspirations!
Cami T.
When Sara plans and executes a creative retreat you can rest easy that every detail is meticulously planned and well thought out. Every moment of the retreat was like a big hug for my creative soul. When imposter syndrome was kicking in, she could tell. Sara showed me that she cared about me but also about me being the best I could be creatively. I felt seen. And loved. And safe in Sara's hands at the retreat.
Jen F.
Ok, I'm ready to commit - What's the Cost?
Each spot is $2,000, but today, you only have to pay $500 to reserve your spot. Because who doesn't love a good payment plan. Additional payments of $750 each will be due on February 1 and March 1, 2024. If sign up is past one of these dates, you will be invoiced immediately after initial payment is made.
$500 Initial Payment