Water will be the dominant element, as well as recurring backdrop, in this small group figurative workshop. We are made mostly of water. Our planet is mostly water. How many ways may we use this connection to deepen this communion? How can water serve as a metaphorical element in our photos?

This is an opportunity to work on figurative images in a smaller group setting, in various river, creek and pond settings as well as in other natural environments. Learn to work collaboratively with models (all ‘real people’- artists and friends rather than ‘professional’ models) to put intimacy and genuine emotional connection in your photography.

Go past the easy route of putting ‘pretty’ people in ‘pretty’ locations leading to pretty but boring photos. Instead, with Doug and Jenna’s help,  we work towards making photos that delve deeper into the human psyche and spirit.

This workshop is help in collaboration with Jenna Erickson, founder and owner of Open Air Places, and artist, painter and photographer that specializes in self-portraits in the natural environment.

We start our workshop Wednesday night with a get together to share previously-made photos and get to get to know each other better. Thursday morning we get to work making photos with our models.

WORKSHOP LOCATIONS

(all owned and operated by Doug)

Samsara Ridge, 7 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI and just over a one hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. Samsara Ridge is 44 acres of hills, forests, and fields with a deep swimming hole in the shallow, rocky, spring-fed Wolf Creek. There is also a pond, with one side forested and the other side open. It has a dock and a raft, with canoes and kayaks. There are forests and fields and a high ridge on top looking out over the St Croix River Valley into Minnesota. It is also very close to the St Croix River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River.

Trade River Retreat Center is 20 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI. The heavily wooded property is on the banks of the Trade River, a small sand bottomed river with a swift current, great for making photos in the water.

Wood River Retreat, just outside of Grantsburg, WI is 16 acres of woods with a steep ravine, with several small springs that run into the Wood River, a rocky river with a strong current. All properties have complete privacy and seclusion.

WORKSHOP PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS

$1,200 plus $250 model fee: Total $1,450 (does not include lodging)

Class Limit: Only 8 Students!

Dates:
Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20
Starts Wednesday evening September 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday September 17 – Saturday September 19, 8:30 am ­– 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 20, 8:30 am ­– noon

Meals:
Wednesday evening: hors d’oeuvres provided
Thursday – Sunday: light breakfast provided, lunchtime sandwich bar with home-made soup & salad, dinner is on your own
Saturday night: campfire cookout dinner

Lodging: Not provided or included in cost of workshop

Lodging Options:
Doug has one area Airbnb cabin that can be reserved for lodging. The property will be used for exterior locations. Doug is holding these dates so others can’t book them. Call or email Doug @ doug@douglasbeasley.com for more info or to reserve lodging.
   – Luxury Eco Tiny House at Samsara Ridge, North of St Croix Falls, WI

Lodging also at:
  – Holiday Inn on Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls. (Our first choice recommendation for lodging!)

 – Grantsburg Inn is located on Hwy 70 in Grantsburg
  – Also several nearby Airbnb locations
  – Commuting from the Twin Cities also possible (but not recommended as staying away from home will create a more retreat-like experience)

A $250 deposit will secure your space at this workshop. You can register online, or by calling Jenna at 715-577-6857. Final Payments are due 30 days prior to the retreat.