EARTH, SKY & WATER

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Water will be the dominant element, as well as recurring backdrop, in this small group figurative workshop. We are made mostly of water. Our planet is mostly water. How many ways may we use this connection to deepen this communion? How can water serve as a metaphorical element in our photos?

This is an opportunity to work on figurative images in a smaller group setting, in various river, creek and pond settings as well as in other natural environments. Learn to work collaboratively with models (all ‘real people’- artists and friends rather than ‘professional’ models) to put intimacy and genuine emotional connection in your photography.

Go past the easy route of putting ‘pretty’ people in ‘pretty’ locations leading to pretty but boring photos. Instead, with Doug and Jenna’s help,  we work towards making photos that delve deeper into the human psyche and spirit.

This workshop is help in collaboration with Jenna Erickson, founder and owner of Open Air Places, and artist, painter and photographer that specializes in self-portraits in the natural environment.

We start our workshop Wednesday night with a get together to share previously-made photos and get to get to know each other better. Thursday morning we get to work making photos with our models.

WORKSHOP LOCATIONS

(all owned and operated by Doug)

Samsara Ridge, 7 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI and just over a one hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. Samsara Ridge is 44 acres of hills, forests, and fields with a deep swimming hole in the shallow, rocky, spring-fed Wolf Creek. There is also a pond, with one side forested and the other side open. It has a dock and a raft, with canoes and kayaks. There are forests and fields and a high ridge on top looking out over the St Croix River Valley into Minnesota. It is also very close to the St Croix River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River.

Trade River Retreat Center is 20 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI. The heavily wooded property is on the banks of the Trade River, a small sand bottomed river with a swift current, great for making photos in the water.

Wood River Retreat, just outside of Grantsburg, WI is 16 acres of woods with a steep ravine, with several small springs that run into the Wood River, a rocky river with a strong current. All properties have complete privacy and seclusion.

CLASS LIMIT: Only 8 Students!

DATES: September 17-21, 2025

Wednesday, September 17 – Sunday, September 21
Starts Wednesday evening September 17, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday September 18 – Saturday September 20, 8:30 am ­– 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 21, 8:30 am ­– noon

MEALS: Wednesday evening: hors d’oeuvres provided
Thursday – Sunday: light breakfast provided, lunchtime sandwich bar with home-made soup & salad, dinner is on your own
Saturday night: campfire cookout dinner

LODGING: Not provided or included in cost of workshop

LODGING OPTIONS:
Doug has two area Airbnb cabins that can be reserved for lodging. Both are on properties we will be using as exterior locations. Doug is holding these dates so others can’t book them. Call or email Doug @ doug@douglasbeasley.com for more info or to reserve lodging.
   – Luxury Eco Tiny House at Samsara Ridge, North of St Croix Falls, WI
   – Wood River Retreat Cabin, just outside of Grantsburg, WI
Lodging also at:
   – Grantsburg Inn is located on Hwy 70 in Grantsburg
  – Holiday Inn on Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls.
  – Also several nearby Airbnb locations
  – Commuting from the Twin Cities also possible (but not recommended as staying away from home will create a more retreat-like experience)

COST: $1,050 plus $250 model fee: Total $1,300 (does not include lodging)

REGISTER: via Open Air Places

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS

“I just wanted to write you and tell you what an incredible experience your latest workshop in Santa Fe was. It was exactly what I was looking for and more! You’re such an inspirational teacher. In fact, today after work I am going out and doing your simplify exercise.”

— Nate Proctor, Walnut Creek, California

“Thank you so much for the experience you gave me. I appreciate your attention to detail, and the time you took with me. I enjoyed sharing your art and creating mine. I feel so blessed to have met you and shared time with you.” 

— Tillye Kamin, Austin, Texas

“The week’s experience with you has provided a base for my recommitment to photography. Everyone’s willingness to share and to listen to our personal individual photographic ‘hang-ups’ was very special.” 

— Woody Widlund, North River, NY

“I would like to thank everyone for sharing their love, ideas and experience. I feel very grateful to have shared a week with such an amazing group of people. Now I’m preparing to go back to school with a healthy dose of inspiration.” 

— Kevin Lenihan, Chapel hill, NC

“I want to thank you again for what I learned and experienced in Santa Fe. I often find myself focusing on what I learned in your workshop and applying it during my shooting. I am also much more confident in my work and my vision.” 

— Cheryl Malone, Quincy MA

“I am really writing to thank you for a life changing experience. My wife and I cried as we reviewed my photos from the course — especially the self-portrait. I know your teaching, or leading, has touched others before, but I hope you live a rich life for the incredible experience you have given me. And I learned some photography too.” 

— Blake Martin, South Windsor, CT

“I just want to send a personal note to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop. I learned things that will help me move forward in my search for more creativity and feeling in my work.” 

— Jim McKinniss, Rodondo Beach, CA

“I found your workshop to be very expansive to my way of viewing and potentially creating photos. “This way of seeing is just a glimpse now, but I hope to continue to develop that part of me. Which I think is actually just letting my authentic voice/vision be heard instead of stifled by how I think I should be photographing. Thank you for creating an open and supportive atmosphere.” 

— Mary Lynn Sasso, Kensington, CA

“I have been thinking of you lately and feeling so grateful for your class. I have grown so much thanks to your guidance. With your class I am in love with photography again.” 

— Susan Boe, Santa Fe, NM

“My images from this week have a certain resonance and emotional vibrance that my previous images did not have.” 

— Bob Kessler, Chicago, IL

“I’ve had time to reflect a bit on your class and I wanted to thank you again for such a wonderful week! What a blessing that you generously share so much of yourself, your talent, experience and wisdom… I feel richer as a photographer and richer as a person from the experience last week.’”

 — Kathy Oliver, Houston, TX