I love art and photography retreats.  They’re the perfect little packages of some of my favourite things: travel, art, photography, being around like-minded people, self-reflection opportunities, “me” time…I could go on…

After the first few retreats that I attended, I started to realize that it wasn’t just the hand-ons activities that I enjoyed, but I was equally in love with taking pictures of other creatives and artists doing their thing.  I love witnessing their troubles melt away as they get lost in their art. Inspiration fills the air.

Last spring, while in Victoria, BC, visiting family, I had the opportunity to drop in on a little retreat called Six Breaths held at the Sleeping Dog Farm.  Artist & retreat coordinator Andrea Soos, graciously allowed me to photograph her participants getting their paint on.

It was a great chance for me to catch up with Danielle Donaldson, a kindred whom I met at my very first Be Present Art Retreat in Oregon a few years ago.  She had travelled from California to teach her mad watercolour skills.  Blu Smith, a Victoria based artist, was also on hand to demonstrate his techniques to create huge, stunning, abstract paintings.  I’ll let my photos tell the story of the fun that was had by all that weekend.

I’m honoured to have had some of my photos from the retreat recently featured alongside Andrea’s story in Stampington’s Mingle Magazine, a magazine that showcases creative ideas for unique gatherings.  Stampington has such gorgeous, inspiring publications so I’m thrilled to be included for a second time.  Have a look at the fabulousness called Six Breaths 2015.

Kate Daniel is a natural light photographer from Calgary, Alberta with a passion for art & photography retreat photography.

Like what you see?  Contact me to photograph your next retreat.

Simple, real, natural….your life, my lens.