I recently caught up with the gorgeous Kym Griffiths (photographer, Mum & businesswomen) to chat about her upcoming Refocus Retreat here in Melbourne.

So tell me about the Refocus Retreat and how it got started?

It was rather organic in the beginning. Karen (Alsop) and I started discussing the idea of an in-person get together via our online photography community ProPhoto Mums. The idea quickly grew into a weekend away – a retreat for women in photography, and an opportunity learn and support one another.

It has grown from there, with what we found was a stronger community focus than some of the other options out there. We are in our third year now, and expect this year to be bigger and better than ever.

Would you say it’s more for new photographers or experienced photographers?

While we certainly attract students and those very early in their career, I would say a larger percentage of our attendees have been in business for 4 – 6 + years, and are looking to take their business or creativity to a new level. We get quite a few more experienced members too, wanting to refocus or challenge themselves in a learning environment again.

I believe photographers from varying backgrounds and expertise are attracted to our retreat for very different reasons, so we have been careful this year to include content that would be of interest to all levels, whilst still continuing to nurture the sense of community.

 

Looks like you have some amazing speakers lined up! What will they be speaking about?

We are very lucky to have such a line up of wonderful and sharing educators! We have covered so many topics this year, newborn, family, birth and maternity, wedding, fine art portraits, fashion and editorial, even an opportunity to get your hands dirty with some old school traditional processing creating cyanotypes. But its not all photoshoots, the schedule has been carefully curated to include business and marketing content, workflow, design and editing training, talks on creative processes, and invoking emotion and connection, as well as some wonderful self development programs.

To help attendees focus on what is important to them, our online schedule can be filtered by topics & genre, so if you want to just focus on one area, such as business and marketing, it is easy to see which workshops will apply best to you.

It can’t be all work and no play! What fun events do you have planned?

We have some fun social activities planned each evening, which although optional, are a great opportunity to get to know your fellow attendees, and let your hair down a little!

From a fun ‘Get to know you’ mixer Friday, a little science experimentation with Nikon on Saturday, and wonderful self development session / ‘Embrace’ documentary screening on Sunday night, there is a little something for everyone. There is a cosy lounge and bar area you can choose to relax and socialise in too, with a roaring open fire and pool tables!

For the early risers, the landscape walks are a great way to start your morning, with a guided tour around the gorgeous Dandenong Ranges .
We have organised free mini massages on arrival at our very cool little trade show, as well as goodie filled showbags, and prizes throughout the weekend.

So how much does this awesome event cost and what does the price include?

We have an all inclusive ticket which is $1650. This includes 3 nights / 4 days shared accommodation (can be upgraded to own room), all meals (cooked breakfast / lunch buffet, afternoon tea and morning tea, and two course dinner each night), a choice of over 30 workshops and keynotes, plus all optional activities. The only extra costs will be your alcoholic drinks and if you choose to book a longer massage therapy during your stay.

We also have a self-accommodate option $1450, and have just released Day passes at $595 per day for Saturday or Sunday only.

This sounds amazing!!! Is it too late to book?

Not at all! Our accommodation based tickets are available for sale up until the 10th June unless sold prior, and Day passes / Self Accommodate passes will be available until the 15th June.

For more information go to www.refocusretreat.com.au. Can’t wait to see you there!

Thank you so much for Kym for the coffee and chat!  

Would you like to win a day pass to the Refocus Retreat?

We have a full day pass valued at $595 to give away on the 1st June to one of our customers!  Alternatively the credit can be put towards a full event pass!  Don’t miss out – enter today!

So what do you need to do to win it?

1/.  Post a photo, video or collage one of your favourite Seldex products, on our Facebook page or Instagram, and tell us why its your favourite!  Make sure to use one of your own images, not one from our website and use the hashtags #seldex #refocusretreat.  Click on this link and follow the steps to enter!

TIP: You can enter twice by posting on Facebook AND Instagram but you must use different photos!

Competition closes Friday 1st of June – winner will be announced and contacted on Monday 4th June.

Good luck!