Cornwall Boconnoc Mindful Photography Retreat, 4th to 8th November 2024

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

Included: Accommodation. Breakfast, lunch & dinner as well as tea, coffee and water throughout your stay. Transport to all locations throughout the retreat. Expert photographic tuition from award winning photographer Paul Sanders, and constructive, supportive image reviews. Mindfulness coaching.

Excluded: Alcoholic Drinks. Food and drink outside of those stated (I doubt you’ll need anything else – you’ll be well fed!). Transport to and from Cornwall. Travel insurance & photographic insurance.

Fitness level: A moderate level of fitness will certainly help you to enjoy your experience of the workshop.

This year I am really excited to be presenting my second 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.

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.

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, while discovering how to use mindfulness as a tool in photography to pay deeper attention, find a unique vision and enhance the experience of a moment.

Many workshops try to squeeze in visiting as many locations as possible. Discover Still workshops take a different approach, spending time in a location over a period days as we explore 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. To this end 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 photographs. You will have a hand sewn book of your images, something truly memorable from your time in Buconnoc

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, and really feed your soul as you lose yourself in nature

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

Our 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. Alcoholic drinks aren’t included, but you are free to bring your own wine or beer.