photo by The Ferros
Workshops and retreats are the answer for anyone craving an immersive education experience. These unique events allow photographers to meet community members while also providing an opportunity for growth. And luckily, there’s a workshop out there to teach you something new no matter your experience level. Online courses are a convenient choice, but nothing can replace physically connecting with like-minded creatives.
Wedding photography workshops can share fresh perspectives to lift you out of a creative rut or train you on a particular topic, such as editing or elopements. Whether you’re looking to revamp your behind-the-scenes workflow or hope to expand your portfolio, there truly is a wedding photography workshop or retreat fit for everyone. Here are some of the best ones taking place in 2024.
photo by Joy Zamora
1. Capture Love
Main Focus: Portfolio building and business growth
Dates: March 4-7, 2024
Capture Love is a Northern Ireland retreat, hosted by local photographer LIT photography NI, with an emphasis on shooting ethically and responsibly in Ireland. It’s a safe space, and rather than lectures, it’s a very collaborative approach to mindset and business growth; along with a full day of shooting on the iconic Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland. So whether you’re looking to build your portfolio or better your business, this is the perfect workshop for you.
2. Way Up North
Main Focus: Destination wedding experience
Dates: Lisbon January 21st; São Miguel, Azores January 23rd-24th; Lofoten, Norway May 21st-22nd
If you’re eager to enter the destination wedding market, Way Up North may be the retreat for you. Hosted by Cole Roberts and Anna Ascari, these workshops are designed to model a complete multi-day destination wedding. You’ll gain experience and build your portfolio, all while learning the ins and outs of destination wedding photography.
3. The ACTIVATE Retreat
Main Focus: To activate your next level through hiking, introspection, and impactful conversations
Dates: August 19th-21st, 2024
For photographers needing business inspiration and strategy, take a look at The ACTIVATE Retreat in Iceland. Host Steph Zakas welcomes you to Iceland to experience unparalleled beauty while learning how to plan for and reach business breakthroughs. At this retreat, you’ll work on your mindset, dream up new ideas, and build an entrepreneurial strategy to take your business to the next level.
photo by Chloe Ramirez
4. The Shootout Society
Main Focus: Portfolio Building
Dates: Varied
Looking for wedding photography workshops that will leave you with knowledge and photos to add to your portfolio? This is it. The Shootout Society provides the perfect place to build a portfolio that attracts your dream clients while giving you the chance to foster friendship and community. They’ve hosted over 200 styled shoots since 2017 and are now offering full-blown retreats in beautiful destinations across the globe.
5. Shutterfest
Main Focus: Learning & Networking
Dates: April 2nd–4th, 2023
Retreats aren’t for everyone. If you’re hoping to add a conference to your 2024 calendar instead of a small workshop, then check out Shutterfest. Since Shutterfest is for all photographers, there is a wide range of learning, networking, and business opportunities beyond weddings. With over 60 educators spanning multiple disciplines, if broadening your skillset is important, then this is the event for you.
photo by Aimée Flynn
6. Lens & Light Photography Workshop
Main Focus: Networking and business development
Dates: February 26th-29th, 2024
The goal of the Lens & Light Photography Workshop is to provide an educational experience and networking community to inspire current and upcoming photographers within the wedding, commercial, portraiture, and creative industries.
7. Engage Summits and Experiences
Main Focus: Networking and business development
Dates: Amalfi Coast, April 22-25, 2024; Farmington, Pennsylvania, June 3-6, 2024; Zambia, Africa, September 9-13, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, December 16-19, 2024
Engage Summits offers summits, experiences, and retreats with the goal of uniting the luxury global wedding and event industry. These unique events all over the world are to spark magic, ideas, and innovation that’ll take your business to the next level.
photo by Berlynn Photography
8. Reference Masterclass
Main Focus: Collaboration
Dates: Provence, France, April 8-11, 2024
Reference is a masterclass for wedding planners and photographers who want to learn to work together to elevate their brand and move up the ladder. Their team will compose numerous luxury styled shoots, giving you two days to shoot and create together.
Which wedding photography workshop are you excited to attend this year? Let us know in the comments! And if your 2023 budget or schedule only allows for online courses, fear not. We have a roundup of the best online courses available for wedding photographers, too.
photo by Maddie Mae
