Cornwall Boconnoc Mindful Photography Retreat, 3rd to 7th November 2025

Workshops and retreats by Still are a way of exploring mindfulness through the art of photography. Set in some of the most beautiful scenery and sweeping landscapes that the planet has to offer, you will be encouraged to switch off from the outside world, giving yourself time and space to be creative. Time is one thing we can guarantee you will have; there will be no rushing and no pressure. The emphasis is on the quality of the experience.

Forget technical jargon and equipment envy. Shed the pressure to perform; trade pixel-perfect edits for the imperfect beauty of authenticity. You’ll learn to see with your heart, to feel the symphony of nature play upon your senses, and find yourself… not in pixels, but in the quiet spaces between them.

 It's about stepping off the digital treadmill and surrendering to the moment. Each click becomes a meditation, a dance between light and stillness, where the only competition is with your own thoughts.

THE DETAILS

This year I am really excited to be presenting my third mindful photography retreat based at the stunning Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall.

We will be based in The Stewardry a stunning 18th century Manor House set in the 3000 acre estate near Liskeard, south east Cornwall.

As well as sharing my mindfulness concepts around photography I will also be including more photographic technique for those who wish to improve their creative craft as well as as paying deeper attention and finding a unique vision, that comes from using mindfulness and photography to enhance the experience of a moment.

Many workshops try to squeeze in visiting as many locations as possible - with Discover Still we spend time in a single location over a period days, exploring in depth the areas that really call to each individual. This approach is something that I have been working on for a number of years and have found it leads to a very different way of engaging in photography, leaving a much more connected sense of experience than the traditional whistle stop tour.

One of the most important aspects of photography for me is the final print, as a result I am incorporating a printing and book making element to this very special retreat so that you will leave with more than a hard drive filled with images. You will have a hand sewn book of your images, something truly memorable from your time at Boconnoc.

Because of the privacy of the estate and access that we have you will be able to come and go as you please, you can choose whether to photograph through the night or at either end of the day, you can really feed your soul as you lose yourself in nature.

Boconnoc has something for everyone, lakes, wonderful trees, a gentle meandering stream as well as a stunning timber mill and aw wide variety of architecture. During the retreat we will explore what speaks to each of us, without the need to impress or compete but just to enjoy the rich variety of subjects. On the final day we will make a hand sewn book of your images for you to take home as a permanent reminder of your experience.

The group size is limited to six participants, allowing for greater one to one time, dedicated feedback and instruction, plus a more personal experience, which means no waiting for others to get out of your way.

Our local chef Sian will provide all meals, from a hearty breakfast to start your day, followed by a light lunch and a two course dinner - there will of course be tea and cake in the afternoon too.

All dietary requirements are catered for. Teas and coffee plus snacks are freely available, but I do not include alcoholic beverages, but you are free to bring your own wine or beer.

Boconnoc’s story begins hundreds of years ago. Since the days of the Domesday Book, people have inhabited this beautiful tract of Cornwall—and the estate itself is alive with centuries of history.

After 12 years of dedicated refurbishment, Boconnoc now represents the heights of Cornish luxury. With its Georgian architecture, picture-perfect countryside, and buzzing fairs, festivals, and busy events calendar, it captures all the enchantment and beauty of Cornwall. Luminaries, royals, and other famous personalities have all found their way to Boconnoc: from King Charles I, who spent the night in what is now the King’s Bedroom, to Thomas “Diamond” Pitt, the former Governor of Madras. In fact, Pitt made Boconnoc his home after selling his infamous diamond—first discovered in Golconda, India—to the French Crown. This retreat promises to be a truly magical experience