I'm opening up my little corner of the world to a handful of photographers for a retreat that blends education, creativity, connection, and the kind of summer fun we all need more of. This isn’t your typical workshop—this is two full days of learning, relaxing, eating good food, swimming in the river, and soaking up inspiration with other creatives who just get it.
the collective retreat
the retreat
Come spend an unforgettable weekend with me in Brookville, Indiana for a truly intimate, hands-on retreat designed exclusively for Collective members. This isn’t just about taking beautiful photos — though we absolutely will — it’s about connection, clarity, and stepping out of your day-to-day long enough to actually grow.
For $2,200, everything is included:
lodging, meals, snacks, drinks, workshops, shooting sessions, and endless creative time together.
You just handle getting yourself to Brookville — I take care of the rest.
Over two days, we’ll shoot both in-studio and on-location, covering family work, newborns, posing, lighting, styling, and storytelling. You’ll see exactly how I direct and problem-solve in real time, and you’ll also get your own chances to shoot, experiment, and build your portfolio with support at your shoulder.
We’ll dive into business strategy, editing, marketing, client experience — anything you want clarity on. Nothing is off-limits, and nothing is surface-level.
And because you’re all staying together in one cozy Airbnb, the conversations continue long after the cameras are put away. We’ll share meals (yes, Nick’s grilling again), laugh way too hard, stay up late brainstorming, and create the kind of supportive, relaxed environment where real breakthroughs actually happen — both creatively and personally.
It’s two days dedicated to growth, community, and feeling genuinely seen — not just as a photographer, but as a human trying to build something meaningful.
This intimate retreat includes two nights of lodging in cozy, stylish Airbnbs just minutes from my studio. You'll be fed well all weekend (and then some)—we’re talking grilled dinners, cocktails, mimosas, fresh fruit and pastries, lunch at my favorite spot in town, and a beach bonfire with brats, hotdogs, and all the summer sides. Drinks are on me—Twisted Teas, margaritas, soda, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated and happy.
You’ll start the experience with a relaxed backyard dinner while connecting with other attendees, followed by a full day of education and adventure. Saturday kicks off with coffee and pastries from our local spot on Main Street, then you'll join me in my studio for a fly-on-the-wall newborn session. We’ll walk to lunch (and margaritas!) before heading to the river for the afternoon to float, laugh, and unwind.
At sunset, a real family will join us for a golden-hour shootout in the same magical spot I photograph my clients. After the shoot, we’ll gather around a fire on the beach, with dinner waiting—hotdogs, brats, paper plates and firelight, the perfect close to a day full of creativity and community.
Sunday morning wraps with brunch at my house—eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage, fresh fruit, and mimosas in your hand while I live-edit the photos from the shootout.
This intimate retreat includes two nights of lodging in cozy, stylish Airbnbs just minutes from my studio. You'll be fed well all weekend (and then some)—we’re talking grilled dinners, cocktails, mimosas, fresh fruit and pastries, lunch at my favorite spot in town, and a beach bonfire with brats, hotdogs, and all the summer sides. Drinks are on me—Twisted Teas, margaritas, soda, and plenty of water to keep you hydrated and happy.
You’ll start the experience with a relaxed backyard dinner while connecting with other attendees, followed by a full day of education and adventure. Saturday kicks off with coffee and pastries from our local spot on Main Street, then you'll join me in my studio for a fly-on-the-wall newborn session. We’ll walk to lunch (and margaritas!) before heading to the river for the afternoon to float, laugh, and unwind.
At sunset, a real family will join us for a golden-hour shootout in the same magical spot I photograph my clients. After the shoot, we’ll gather around a fire on the beach, with dinner waiting—hotdogs, brats, paper plates and firelight, the perfect close to a day full of creativity and community.
Sunday morning wraps with brunch at my house—eggs, bacon, biscuits, sausage, fresh fruit, and mimosas in your hand while I live-edit the photos from the shootout.
SCHEDULE
You’ll get my full newborn + family workflow as part of your weekend, filmed and documented for you to revisit later. we will be capturing footage, and we’ll make sure you walk away with both knowledge and content. There’ll be time for Q&A, connection, and whatever else y'all need!
Normally, my fly-on-the-wall newborn workshops are $900 without lodging or food. But this retreat includes all of that and so much more.
This retreat started as a one-time experiment — and it ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. So we’re doing it again, and keeping it just as intimate: only ten spots, reserved exclusively for Collective members who want a weekend that blends creativity, community, and actual growth.
The all-inclusive rate is $2,200, covering your lodging, meals (yes, Nick is grilling again), snacks, drinks, workshops, portfolio-building shoots, and two full days of learning and connection. The only thing you’re responsible for is getting yourself to Brookville.
You’ll leave with new friends, refreshed creativity, a clearer direction for your business, and some of your strongest work to date. There’s truly nothing like Brookville in the summer — the slow pace, the fireflies, the late-night talks — and I can’t wait to share it with you all over again.
grab your spot!
booking opens dec. 10th
booking opens dec. 10th
Pretty much everything except your transportation here!
Two nights of lodging
All meals, snacks, coffee, and drinks (yes, including adult beverages!)
A full newborn fly-on-the-wall workshop in my studio
A shootout at sunset with a model family
BTS coverage, educational content, and live editing
A whole weekend of connection, creativity, and summer camp-style fun!
Pretty much everything except your transportation here!
Two nights of lodging
All meals, snacks, coffee, and drinks (yes, including adult beverages!)
A full newborn fly-on-the-wall workshop in my studio
A shootout at sunset with a model family
BTS coverage, educational content, and live editing
A whole weekend of connection, creativity, and summer camp-style fun!
what's included?
Rachel Vanoven
Rachel specializes in finding the best light possible to photograph families, babies and every age in between along with teaching other photographers how they can simplify their business and love what they do.
Rachel specializes in finding the best light possible to photograph families, babies and every age in between along with teaching other photographers how they can simplify their business and love what they do.