A weekend retreat of photography, presence, and connection with the landscape
Join photographer Fiona Caley on the 20th to the 22nd August for a relaxed and contemplative weekend exploring photography through a mindful approach.
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Rydal Hall, this retreat invites you to slow down, become more present, and discover new ways of seeing through photography. Whether you use a mobile phone or a digital camera, the emphasis is on observation, connection, and personal response rather than technical perfection.
We’ll begin with a warm, informal welcome and introduction to the weekend.
Through sharing images, conversation, and moments of quiet reflection, we’ll explore different photographic styles and begin to settle into the pace and atmosphere of the retreat. There will also be an opportunity for an informal Q&A and to get to know the other participants.
You are invited to bring along a favourite photograph or meaningful object to share with the group — something that has personal significance or inspires you.
Saturday begins with an introduction to the cameras participants have brought along. There will be some simple, practical tips for anyone wanting to get more from their mobile phone or digital camera.
We’ll then head outdoors into the grounds of Rydal Hall for our first photographic exercise. We’ll begin by grounding ourselves in the landscape through silence, mindful poetry, imagery, or quiet reflection, creating space to become more attentive to our surroundings.
From there, you’ll have time to explore and photograph the landscape, either independently or as part of a guided group session.
Optional notebooks can also be used throughout the retreat as a way of recording thoughts, observations, and reflections alongside your photographs.
Later in the day, we’ll come together to reflect on our experiences and look at some of the images we have created.
For the weekend retreat, each participant will have the opportunity to select one photograph to be printed and placed in a frame to take home. The images will be prepared for the final group session, where we’ll share and discuss them together.
This creates a personal record of the weekend and a chance to reflect on how each person has responded to the landscape in their own way.
This is a friendly and informal retreat suitable for photographers of different experience levels. You don’t need specialist equipment or extensive technical knowledge — simply bring a camera or mobile phone, an openness to explore and a willingness to look at the landscape in a different way.
The weekend is about being present, noticing more and finding your own photographic response to the world around you.
Weekend retreat: Friday evening arrival, Saturday and Sunday sessions.
Cost: from £390
To book email: mail@rydalhall.org or call 015394 32050