Before the retreat
From Guessing to Intentional
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You like natural light but don’t always know how to read it
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You move your subject around and hope something works
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Your highlights blow out or your shadows feel muddy
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You know exposure, but your images still feel inconsistent
After the retreat
From Guessing to Intentional
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You’ll know how to locate usable light quickly
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You’ll understand where to place your subject for the best result
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You’ll make more confident decisions about highlights and shadows
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You’ll have a repeatable way to photograph light on purpose, not by accident
Join the Retreat
Don't be left guessing
LIGHT: ON PURPOSE
A Guided Weekend Photography Retreat
Learn to recognize, shape, and photograph natural light — in one focused weekend.
Many photographers understand exposure but still struggle with the most important ingredient in a compelling photograph: light.
They see beautiful light in other images but aren’t sure how to recognize it, shape it, or use it intentionally in their own work.
This quiet weekend retreat will guide you through a simple process for finding and working with natural light wherever you photograph—even in your own home.
By Sunday afternoon you will no longer be guessing about light.
You’ll have a clear method for using it intentionally.
Retreat at a Glance
Format: Guided online photography retreat
Duration: A relaxed weekend experience
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate photographers
Location: Photograph in your own home or workspace
You’ll receive:
• Guided video lessons
• Weekend shooting exercises
• Personal Light Map template
• Optional bonus practice days
• Access to the retreat learning space
A window, a simple subject, and your camera are all you need.
Why Light Changes Everything
Many photographers spend years learning settings, lenses, and editing techniques.
But the photographs that stop us—
the ones that feel calm, expressive, and intentional—
almost always have one thing in common:
They use light deliberately.
When you understand how to see and shape light, ordinary scenes begin to transform.
A flower on the table.
A small object near a window.
A quiet corner of your home.
Suddenly those moments become photographs worth keeping.
The Method You'll Learn
This retreat is built around my L.I.G.H.T. framework, and a curated selection of chapters from my book, 30 Days of Light, which is included with the purchase of this retreat.
The framework helps photographers move beyond guessing and develop a repeatable way to work with natural light.
During the retreat you’ll practice how to:
L — Locate usable light in your environment
I — Inspect its direction and quality
G — Get the best angle for your subject
H — Hold highlights while shaping shadows
T — Tidy the scene so light becomes the star
Rather than overwhelming you with theory, each step is paired with simple, guided shooting exercises using everyday subjects.
About Your Instructor
Carol Fox Henrichs Ed.D., is a fine art photographer and educator whose work explores quiet moments in nature and everyday life.
She is the author of the photography learning guide 30 Days of Light, a practical approach to understanding and using natural light.
Through workshops, books, and guided learning experiences, she helps photographers slow down, observe carefully, and develop a more intentional relationship with light.
You can view her images and publications on her website at https://cfh.art
How the Weekend Works
The retreat unfolds through a series of short lessons and guided practice sessions.
You can move through the material at a comfortable pace across the weekend.
Friday / Getting Ready
• Welcome and orientation
• Choose your subject
• Identify your light location
Saturday / Seeing Light
Practice the first steps of the framework:
• locating usable light
• inspecting direction and quality
• finding the best angle for your subject
You’ll create your first set of photographs during this stage.
Sunday / Refining Light
You’ll refine and strengthen your images by learning how to:
• manage highlights
• shape shadows
• simplify the scene so light becomes the focus
You’ll also begin building your personal Light Map—a guide to where the best light lives in your environment.
What You’ll Leave With
By the end of the retreat you will have:
• 4–6 finished photographs created using intentional light
• A clear process for evaluating natural light
• A personal Light Map you can use anytime you photograph
• Greater confidence in your creative process
Many photographers discover that once they learn to see light this way, their photography begins to change everywhere.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is ideal for photographers who:
• understand basic camera settings but want stronger images
• enjoy photographing flowers, objects, or quiet scenes
• want a thoughtful, creative weekend with their camera
• prefer calm, guided learning rather than fast-paced instruction
No elaborate equipment is required.
A camera, a window, and a simple subject are enough.
Choose Your Retreat Experience
Both options include the full Light: On Purpose retreat curriculum. Choose the experience that best fits the way you prefer to learn.
Self-Guided Retreat
$59
A flexible, independent retreat experience for photographers who prefer to learn at their own pace.
Includes
• Full retreat lessons and guided exercises
• Retreat workbook and Light Map tools
• Bonus practice materials
• Access to the retreat learning space
• 90 days of access to complete the retreat and revisit the lessons
This option is ideal for photographers who enjoy working independently and exploring the material on their own schedule.
Best for:
Independent learners who want a thoughtful and affordable way to explore the retreat.
Guided Weekend Retreat
Most Popular $149
A more immersive retreat experience with live guidance, feedback, and a shared weekend rhythm.
Includes everything in Self-Guided, plus
• Live kickoff session to begin the retreat together
• Opportunity to submit images for instructional feedback
• Live wrap-up session and Q&A
• Guided retreat pacing across the weekend
• A small cohort experience with fellow photographers
• 90 days of access to revisit the retreat lessons and continue practicing
This option is ideal for photographers who appreciate structure, live guidance, and direct interaction during the retreat.
Best for:
Photographers who want a more supported and interactive learning experience.
Access Details
Your registration includes 90 days of access to the retreat materials.
This gives you plenty of time to complete the retreat, revisit the lessons, and continue practicing what you’ve learned.
A Weekend to See Differently
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need special photography equipment?
No. A camera and a window with natural light are enough. Simple subjects work beautifully for this retreat.
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What if I’m still fairly new to photography?
If you understand basic exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), you’ll be comfortable in this retreat. And I know sometimes we forget, so I have included (at no extra cost) optional lessons from my photography fundamentals course covering exposure and composition.
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How much time will it take?
Most participants spend about 3–4 hours across the weekend, depending on how deeply they explore the exercises. However, I would plan for 5-8 hours across all 3 days.
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Do I have to photograph flowers or still life?
No. Any simple subject works—flowers, objects, small scenes, or everyday items.
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Can I complete the retreat later if my weekend is busy?
Yes. The lessons remain available for 90 days, so you can revisit them anytime in that time frame.
Your Invitation
If you’ve been wanting to reconnect with your camera and finally understand how light works in your photography, this retreat offers a calm and practical place to begin.
Join us for a weekend of learning to see light differently.
Pricing options
Explain how different pricing options might be valuable to different segments of your audience.
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$49.00
Regular price