A SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO THE NUDE
May 21 - May 26, 2025
BADLANDS: A SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO THE NUDE
Assignment/Response Workshop at the Badlands of South Dakota
May 21 - 26, 2025
Whether you are a very experienced people or figure photographer or you are a complete novice who has never worked with the nude, this is a wonderful opportunity to work with the figure in the landscape in a supportive, non-sexist, non-competitive environment.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: No experience working with models or nudes necessary. This is a perfect opportunity to explore this classic aspect of photography in a nurturing setting. While participants must have a basic working knowledge of their camera, the creative process of image making will be emphasized over the mechanics of camera use. Both digital and film, in all formats, are welcome. Open to all levels of photo experience but better suited to those looking to expand their creativity and vision.
CLASS LIMIT: 8 students
DATES: Wednesday Evening May 21 – Monday Noon May 26, 2025
Arrival at lodging on Wednesday afternoon/evening May 21
Workshop begins 8:00 am Thursday morning May 22
Workshop ends Monday May 26 at Noon
MODELS: 2 Female, 1 Male, sometimes more…
COST: $950 plus $325 models fee. $1,275.00 total. Lodging not included.
DEPOSIT: $200 Final payment due 30 days before workshop.
REGISTER: HERE
• PayPal also accepted: send deposit of $200 or full payment of $1,275 to doug@douglasbeasley.com with ‘Badlands 2025’ indicated in payment.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS FROM THIS WORKSHOP
“I had such a wonderful week with you and everyone in the Badlands. It was by far the best workshop I’ve done. I felt I really did learn some things out there. I gave myself the freedom to make photos, even if that ‘little voice’ was saying ‘no’. By the time the last day came the ‘no’ was barely audible. It felt good to have that freedom. Thanks again.”
— Michelle Blair, Minneapolis, MN
“The Badlands was a workshop I shall not forget for some time. It is rare when you are having a great experience that time stand’s still, but I engrossed myself in the workshop so much that time seemed to be a dimension that didn’t exist. The morning of the last day I was “In the Zone” and didn’t want it all to end. The people, the setting, the Circle View, and your inspirational discussions all made it positively unforgettable. Here’s to good wine, good food, good chocolate, and most of all good people.”
– John Olson, Plymouth, MN
“I’d say these were some of the best workshops I’ve ever attended. They brought me back to some core aspects of myself and helped me expand my photographic vision so it better connects to who I am.”
– Ray Remiszewski, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I want to thank you so much for the experience you gave to Ray. I can hear in his voice that his soul and spirit were so moved by the space you created. This has had such an impact for Ray at a personal level and in his work as a photographer. With what you gave to him, you have also so given to me and there are no words to truly articulate my gratefulness.”
– Bernadette Barton (Ray’s wife), Vancouver, British Columbia
“I really appreciated all the opportunities, feedback, and guidance at the workshop. Thanks for being so supportive, and for assembling such a great group of people. I feel like I learned something from everyone.”
–Dustin Floyd, Rapid City, SD
“Thank you for another surreal experience. I will have to get used to going back to Texas and waking myself up from the dream that your workshops create.”
– Tillye Kamin, Austin, TX
“The time I spent in the Badlands was truly one of the most powerful experiences I have encountered so far in my life. I thank you for creating such a safe space for that energy to flourish.”
– Ilia Horsburg, Vancouver, British Columbia
“Although it may not always be evident (I’m a slow learner) your workshops have greatly influenced how I look at things photographically, especially how you communicate with your subjects. Thank you for that glimpse and for sharing it with your students.”
– John Olson, Plymouth MN
“Thank you for my passage.”
– Kat Moser, Omaha, Nebraska
“This workshop was such an awesome experience for me — I cannot stop thinking about the interesting, funny, sometimes emotional interactions with everyone. The conversations with you were very, very helpful, from lighting to perspectives, to connecting with models/subjects to letting go of my own fear…every time you gave me what I expected, yet every time you surprised me with your insightful answers. Help was delivered in very subtle yet powerful ways. I can tell you the influence is deep and is beyond just photography.”
– Ning Fan, Fairfax, VA
“Thank you so much for being a great teacher. By providing the opportunity, location, models, and guidance you have taught and given me, and so many others, more than you can imagine. You have taught me to “see” rather, than to “take” a photograph.”
– Gabriela Husch, Athabaska, Alberta, Canada
“Just a quick note to say one more time to all of you what a wonderful experience we shared with you in the Badlands. A huge thank you to Doug for arranging the workshop and for inspiring us to grow beyond our comfort levels in our photography. The images are special but the inspiration to continue to search within ourselves for our individual path is amazing. To our gracious models for sharing your beauty both physical and emotional with us we are grateful. It was a privilege to share the images we made together. Thank you for the gift of those images and also for your suggestions, advice, and laughter.”
– Dinah and Barry McNew, Greenville, TX
“No – I still haven’t reentered the world and refuse to. So many parts of me are still transfixed across the Badlands workshops. I don’t want to leave those experiences!”
– Ray Remiszewski, Vancouver, British Columbia
“I have never had so fun in my life, what a trip…
Not only did I have a good time, but it was a spiritual, soul stirring experience as well, beautiful people, beautiful land. I look at things differently now.”
– Michael Schuhmann, Tampa, FL
