The Good, the Growth, and the Creative Reset in Montana

From August 14th through the 17th, I had the opportunity to attend a photography workshop and retreat in Whitefish, Montana, and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the experience since coming home. Retreats like these can be incredibly impactful, but they can also be very dependent on timing, expectations, and where you’re personally at in your business. This is my honest take, shared thoughtfully and with grace.

The Styled Shoots: A Huge Creative Win in Glacier National Park

One of the biggest highlights of the retreat was the styled shoots. We had two elopement styled shoots and two couple styled shoots throughout our time there, and overall, they were beautifully executed. The elopement shoots, in particular, were strong, intentional, and incredibly valuable for my portfolio. The styling, locations, and flow of those sessions made them feel realistic while still being elevated, which is exactly what I look for in styled content. The couple sessions were also creatively inspiring. That said, the final couple shoot felt a bit less structured than the others. It took place on the last day of the retreat, and honestly, it felt like everyone (hosts and attendees alike) was mentally and physically exhausted by that point. Afterall, we had been "go go going" nonstop. While it wasn’t my favorite shoot of the experience, it felt more like a natural dip in energy for all of us rather than a lack of care or intention.

The Educational Portion: Great for Some, Less Impactful for Me

Throughout the retreat, there were educational segments woven into the schedule. While I always appreciate the effort to provide business education alongside creative experiences, much of the material covered systems and workflows I already have in place within my business. This isn’t a bad thing by any means. If you’re earlier in your photography journey or still refining your processes, this type of education could be incredibly helpful. For me personally, it didn’t feel especially aligned with where I’m currently at or how I run my business, so the value I gained from these segments was more limited.

Overall Experience and Final Thoughts

Looking back, the retreat was a mixed experience for me. Creatively, it delivered. The location was breathtaking, the styled shoots were a huge asset to my portfolio, and being surrounded by other photographers in such an inspiring setting was refreshing and motivating. From an organizational and execution standpoint, there were moments that felt less polished. The structure, communication, and overall flow of the retreat could have been stronger, and that did impact my experience at times. That said, I don’t regret attending, but I will be more selective in which retreats/workshops I do in the future (and ask waaaaay more questions.)

The value I gained from the creative opportunities alone made the trip worthwhile. As with any workshop or retreat, the experience you have will largely depend on your expectations, your stage of business, and what you’re hoping to walk away with. If you’re considering a photography retreat, my biggest advice is to look closely at what’s being offered and ask yourself what you need most right now. For me, this retreat served as a reminder that while education is important, creative fulfillment and intentional experiences are what truly move the needle for me at this stage.

The Location Alone Was Worth the Trip

Whitefish, Montana is one of those places that instantly slows you down in the best way. I met up with another attendee and we killed some time walking around and doing the typical tourist things (buying souvenirs for our kids and spouses.) Once enough time had passed, we headed to the Airbnb. The retreat was hosted at a stunning Airbnb that felt both elevated and comfortable, and it set the tone for the entire experience. Waking up in a beautiful space surrounded by mountains and fresh air made it incredibly easy to feel creatively open and inspired.

Sometimes the environment itself does half the work, and this location absolutely did.

Foggy forest road at sunrise with sunlight streaming through tall evergreen trees and yellow road markings.

A panoramic sequence of rolling hills and blue skies with puffy white clouds viewed through a car windshield.

Idaho, despite all of the construction, was an incredibly easy and reflective drive.

Finally arrived in Northern Montana!

The Travel: Fernley, Nevada to Whitefish, Montana

Getting to Whitefish wasn’t exactly quick or convenient, and that was a very intentional choice. I drove from Fernley, Nevada to Kalispell, Montana the day prior to the retreat/workshop, a 16-hour drive that I planned specifically so I could arrive without feeling rushed or depleted. (From Kalispell, the drive to Whitefish where the Airbnb was, was only 30 minutes.) I wanted to show up present. Not scrambling. Not exhausted. Just ready. Driving instead of flying gave me time to mentally shift out of everyday work mode and into something slower and more intentional. Long stretches of road, changing landscapes, and hours without a tight schedule created space to reset before diving into several full days of shooting, learning, and connection. By arriving at the Airbnb on the 14th already settled and rested, I felt grounded heading into the retreat. And honestly, that made a bigger difference than I expected. How you arrive matters just as much as where you’re going.