Photo Summits

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

- MARCEL PROUST -

And to you, Monsieur Proust, I say, "why not do both?" I select each of my retreat locations based on light, beauty, and that mysterious quality that artists flock toward. From the rugged misty shores of the Oregon coast to the architectural splendor of old Chicago, all my retreat locations are selected to be the perfect backdrop for stellar photos and a whirlwind of inspiration. So what goes down exactly? We live together for a few days. We cook together, eat together, have down time together, shoot together, talk light, branding, websites, and how we can create a more beautiful world. We become a small family, all while learning and growing with one another.

Italy

MAY 11- 15th, 2025

Next year, join a group of friendly photogs to live La Dolce Vita in Italy. Styled shoots, incredible food, inspiring photo talks. Get reinspired behind the lens and learn how to build a thriving photo business in a supportive community of likeminded artists.

I never want my retreats to feel overwhelming so I keep them small and intimate. I love being able to help each person with their individual needs. My greatest joy is seeing lifelong friendships be forged and constantly hearing about the incredible return each attendee gets from their investment.

"I left Brandi's retreat feeling creatively rejuvenated. It wasn't a jam-packed, fight-for-your-shot kind of workshop.

We moved at an organic pace and were able to each have our moment with the couple we were photographing. Watching Brandi pose and direct the couple was incredibly helpful. She created such a sense of community and I truly value every single person I met there. There's a reason we all signed up to do it again next year!"

- MILLY, THE ROSE REFLECTIVE -

Brandi has a knack for bringing people together in a way that allows for everyone to move at their own speed and feel comfortable doing so.

From the way she teaches, to the atmosphere she creates by hosting, to the goofy conversations in-between it all. No one is being competitive or trying to one-up any other photographer. We all got amazing shots and communicated well thanks to Brandi’s guidance. We all got time with the models to ourselves. Upon looking at everyone’s photos at the retreat and afterwards I am blown away by what everyone was able to capture! By the end of the retreat we had all learned so much, got to know each other and really felt like a little family, none of us wanted to leave! Brandi is such a phenomenal photographer and teacher, the concepts she came up with were beautiful, her power point was jam packed with info, and I look forward to attending more of her retreats in the future! 100000/10 would recommend!!

- LILA CALLIE -

Sample Schedule

9 AM

Wake up, stretch it out, saunter down for coffee and convo, share some photos.

11 AM

First workshop -- idea exploration, shooting technique breakdown, editing, social media, branding, burnout, etc etc.

1 PM

Communal lunch, down time, maybe a siesta. dip in the pool?.

4 PM

Shoot prep followed by light chasing golden hour shoot.

8 PM

Communal dinner

10 PM

Candlelit shoot. Low light exploration.

11 PM

Stargaze until your bed summons you.

THE SHOOTS

See how other photographs approach a shoot, see how they edit, learn how they work with couples, and leave with tangible portfolio pieces.

I want you to be able to learn from me as I pose and work, but you'll also have the absolute goldmine of fellow retreat attendees to learn from. I always try to give each attendee their own time with the couple we're photographing. I want them to put their own spin on things and for others to see that each individual photographer has their own working style, and that there is no wrong way.
‍
My approach to a shoot is to do a full faux elopement. We'll photograph a couple getting ready, having morning coffee, saying their vows somewhere epic, and a portrait session both indoors and out. The goal is to have the couple for the retreat stay with us again so that everyone can get to know them, study their mannerisms, and learn afterward what made them comfortable or seen.

What's included?

- All workshops and shoots -

- Friendship like whoa -

- All meals -

- Coffee that flows like water -

- More inspiration than will fit in your carryon -

- High-fives -

- Accommodations in the villa -

PRIVATE ROOM WITH ONE BIG BED

Have some space to yourself and starfish at night.

$1,650

sign me up!

ROOM WITH TWO TWIN BEDS

Meet your new favorite bestie. These shared rooms have two twin beds.

$950 (per person)

sign me up!

Questions you might have...

ARE THERE LADIES ROOMS AND GENTLEMEN ROOMS?

All twin rooms are open to all gender identifications. If you are uncomfortable staying in the same room as other genders, then your best bet is to book the semi private room with a friend or be matched with a stellar roommate.

WHAT'S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

I know, things come up. In the unlikely event of someone needing to cancel, it will be their responsibility to sell their spot. All payments are non-refundable. I will, of course, help you and post on my socials to try and get the spot sold.

ARE WE ALLOWED TO BRING OUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, CHILD, OR PET?

Unfortunately not. We cultivate a tight knit community of fellow photogs while at the Photo Summit. And you know I love your pets, but alas, they'll have to stay back at home.

WHERE DO WE FLY INTO? ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?

Either Florence or Pisa, depending on where you're coming from. I'll be in touch about travel as the Summit gets closer. To keep the Summit accessible, travel to and from the villa are not included.

Contact

HEY THANKS!

I'll be in touch shortly with all the next steps!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.