Introducing the Storyteller Retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains!

We are thrilled to invite you to join Meg Loeks, Jackie Haxthausen and D'Ann Boal to our all female photography retreat April 21st-24th, 2025.  Spanning over three decades of combined experience, we cannot wait to share our knowledge and inspiration with you.  With styled models and pre-planned photo shoots designed to teach you more about light, color theory and storytelling, you will get to shoot alongside us in some of the most beautiful settings in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Our home is a gorgeous rustic mansion with beautiful views, a gourmet kitchen and plenty of luxurious living space.  With delicious breakfasts, healthy lunches, and 3-course dinners provided by our own personal chef, we have taken care of every detail, so all you have to do is arrive.  With lessons on everything from business and burnout to color theory, creative storytelling, light (both natural and off-camera flash!) and advanced editing techniques, you will walk away from this retreat with many new skills and a reservoir of inspiration.  Spots are limited, and we cannot wait to see who gets to join us!

Click here to be added to the waitlist

Where: Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Who: Photographers should be able to shoot in manual, go on easy hikes, and use stairs.

When: April 21st – April 24th, 2025

Includes:

  • 3 days days together

  • Luxury cabin with mountain views

  • Limited spots for a small, intimate group

  • Delicious breakfasts including pastries and coffee daily

  • Lunch at the cabin

  • 3 course farm to table private chef for dinner

  • Various styled sessions with models including indoor fine art sessions and outdoor shoots in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

  • Educational presentations with each instructor

  • Transportation to and from the park

  • Natural light and off-camera flash instruction

  • Editing videos to be delivered post workshop

Tentative itinerary:

Here is our tentative itinerary – things may shift and change a little, but this will give you an idea of our time together!

April 21st:

  • 6pm- Everyone arrives at the cabin

  • Meet and greet with wine, tea, and snacks

  • Business and Inspiration chat led by D’Ann

April 22nd:

  • 8 am- Breakfast

  • 9-10:30 am- Presentation on lighting with D’Ann

  • 11 am-1 pm- Portrait lighting demo

  • 1-2 pm- Lunch

  • 2-3 pm- Storytelling presentation with Meg

  • 3-5pm- Indoor styled shoot with Jackie

  • 5 pm- Break

  • 6 pm-Dinner served at the cabin

  • 8 pm- Possible evening shoot with Jackie

April 23rd:

  • 8 am- Breakfast

  • 9-10:30 am- Editing session with Jackie

  • 11 am-12pm- Presentation on color with Meg

  • 12-1pm- Lunch

  • 1-1:30 pm- Pack and get ready to head to the park

  • 3 pm- Arrive at first destination

  • 3-8 pm- Outdoor model shoots with Meg and D’Ann in several locations throughout the park

  • 9 pm- Dinner

April 24th:

  • 8 am- Breakfast and farewell

Price: $3200

  • Double occupancy – share a room with a friend! Everyone will have their own bed, and every bedroom has an en suite bathroom. (Room partner preference can be submitted at the time of booking.)

Exclusions:

  • Flight to Knoxville, TN

  • Transportation to Pigeon Forge, TN

Deposit:

  • $500 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking August 16th, 2024

  • $1700 – due October 14th, 2024

  • Remainder of balance due January 21st, 2025

*If you find you are unable to attend the retreat, you are responsible for finding someone to take your place to receive a refund.