Above image self-portrait by Noa Beck at Samsara Ridge 2025

Four days of fun, play and serious creative exploration in the woods, fields and waters! Under the guidance of Jenna, Doug & Noa be immersed in the act of making self-portraits. Sometimes prompts will be provided or we will react to the unfolding events in our lives.  will reflect, discuss and respond to each other. We will make work in the many private areas available but also have the opportunity, if desired, to work in pairs or even trios helping each other to create meaningful images that reflect our inner and emotional states of being. Risk-taking is encouraged within a safe, nurturing, supported group. Photos made can be shared for feedback and discussion or you can decide to keep your images private. We can also expand on what a self-portrait means by creating work that may not feature our bodies (‘physical presence’ instead of bodies?). We will explore how landscapes or even found objects can be metaphorical self-portraits while also looking at all of our images through the lens of the inner self.

We will share work brought from home, work-in-progress made at our retreat and you also get to see the instructors self-portraits and see demos of their methods for making their images, both technical but more importantly see the motivations behind the creation of their images. Jenna will share how she uses the natural environment to create her unique self-portraits. She will also give a presentation on the very unique titling of her work, vital to the deepening of our understanding of the work itself. Doug will share a selection of his metaphorical self-portraits. Noa will share how she incorporates her stream-of-consciousness writing with the very raw emotionally open-hearted and deeply personal images she is creating and how she uses self-portraiture to explore inner worlds and to deepen her therapeutic work.

After breakfast, each day will start with a reading or poem, then maybe a short movement session to ground into our bodies, followed by a daily photo exercise to help unlock possibility, led by Doug. Then individual time to make your own self-portraits in whatever environment or space you are called to work in- there are numerous options. Samsara Ridge provides 44 acres of very private space (no one else will be there during our workshop); woods, open fields, grasses and wildflowers, roads and trails, both a shaded swimming hole in the swimmable creek and a meadow pond with a dock and raft to explore themes or ideas. Some sessions will also be at Doug’s nearby Trade River Retreat Center with a shallow clear sand-bottom river, great for playing and making photos in and an authentic log cabin that can also be used as a location. And if that’s not enough great locations, the nationally designated Saint Croix River is just a short drive about a mile away from Samsara! We will use prompts to deepen our relationship to place and further understand how that shows up in our work and how that relates to what it is we are trying to express.

After a healthy lunch at our kitchen pavilion or at the picnic tables along side the creek, we will have time for talk to discuss aspects of creativity and share concerns. Then more afternoon time alone to create, or for self-care or down-time for self-reflection. You can head to the swimming hole for a refreshing dip, lay in the hammock and read, journal, canoe or kayak at the pond, wander the wooded trails, or rejuvenate in the cedar barrel sauna on top of the ridge. There will be guided Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) walks and evening bonfire talks as well as more sauna time…

All participants will be given Self-Portrait themed back issues of SHOTS Magazine for inspiration. Other examples will also be shared.

This will be a completely unique opportunity to work alone and together immersed in the creative process, making work that is usually made alone in a mutually supportive, non-judgmental environment of like-minded individuals.

Where: Held at Samsara Ridge at Wolf Creek in NW Wisconsin. 10 miles North of Saint Croix Falls, WI. One and a quarter hour drive from the Twin Cities. A private oasis of 44 acres along the pristine cold, clear Wolf Creek with wood, fields, trails, a swimming hole, and a meadow pond. It is also home to the Wolf Creek Eco-Luxury Tiny Home on Airbnb and just 7 miles South of Doug’s Trade River Retreat Center. Mornings we will gather at Samsara Ridge for breakfast and as our starting point. Carpooling encouraged. Once there, usually no vehicle will be necessary and ride sharing available.

DATES: Thursday August 27 - Sunday August 30
– Thursday August 27 6 pm - 9 pm
– Friday & Saturday 8:30 am – 6 pm, Saturday night cookout 7 – 9 pm (optional)
– Sunday August 30 8:30 am - Noon

Instructor Info:Noa’s bio & Instagram
Jenna’s bio & website
Doug’s bio

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stay on the land at Samsara Ridge or there are several hotels, motels and Airbnb’s in Saint Croix Falls, WI, about 10 miles South. It’s also a fairly easy commute and scenic one hour and fifteen minute drive from the Twin Cities.

• Glamping: Lotus Belle Tent $225 or Forest Yurt for $175 (can be rented alone or split between friends for slightly more)
• Tent space: camping at Samsara Ridge available for $30 ($10 a night). Bring your own tent and sleeping bag.
‍ ‍• Luxury-Eco Tiny House at Samsara Ridgeis on hold from Airbnb so 1 (or 2) of our participants can book it thru Open Air Places
• Commute from home and join us for breakfast. It’s an easy one hour and fifteen minute drive from the Twin Cities

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch each day and a Saturday night cookout included. Grills and kitchen provided to make your own dinner. Good strong coffee is a must and will also be included!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This workshop is appropriate for all levels. All camera formats welcome, including iPhones. No previous self-portrait experience necessary.

CLASS LIMIT: 12 students

COST: $775 Includes breakfast, lunch and Saturday night cookout. Does not include lodging. Limited scholarships available.
(We trying to keep the cost low to attract more young and lower-income artists. If you can help sponsor an artist who can’t afford to attend please let us know.)

DEPOSIT: $200  Final payment due 30 days before workshop.

REGISTER: with Vision Quest Photo Workshops
Send deposit of $200 or full payment of $775 with ‘Self Portrait Summit 2026’ indicated in payment.
• PayPal, Venmo, Cash App or personal check accepted. We can also send an invoice to pay by credit card.