Photographic Workshop - Abiquiu, NM - August 23rd-25th

with Nicole Cudzilo and Diane Wilde

Picture yourself draped in the gentle cocooning light of a ​summer’s evening, the bare soles of your feet skimming over the ​earth. You inhale deeply, letting yourself be enveloped by the ​mixing scents of your environment - pinon, juniper, salt, rain. ​Soft sun laps at the perimeter of your skin painting you in ​shades of honeyed gold, and in this moment you feel

powerful and vulnerable and whole.

Welcome to "Inner Reflections," a transformative self-portrait photography workshop designed for those seeking to explore their inner selves through intentional image making. This retreat goes beyond the traditional photography workshop, incorporating wellness and spiritual practices for a holistic approach to self-exploration.

Self-portraiture serves as a mirror that reflects not only your physical appearance but also your inner world. The process of turning the camera inward allows you to safely confront and examine any internalized beliefs, self-judgments and narratives that may have shaped your self-perception over time. Through guided introspection, we can examine our own ideas around self-compassion, worthiness and a type of beauty that is unconfined to societal standards or external validation.

Beauty is a dynamic, living energy that reflects your inner state of being. When you feel beautiful, you are in harmony with your true self, and existing within this harmony leads to a more authentic and empowered life.

Through the medium of self-portraiture, this workshop aims to help you discover and harness that energy, fostering a deeper understanding & acceptance of yourself while helping you create art that is deeply personal and transformative.

join us if you are –

• Seeking a creative outlet and a powerful way to express your authentic self
  

• Interested in combining art and photography with wellness and spiritual practices
  

• Looking for a supportive community of like-minded individuals on similar journeys of self-exploration
  

you can expect –

Reflective journaling and guided meditations to center yourself and set intentions for your creative work

Optional elemental yoga flow in the mornings and evenings to reconnect, unwind and support being fully present

Photographic exercises designed to help you find your visual voice and connect deeply with your body and soul

Grounding practices that will enhance your connection to the earth and your surroundings

Group discussions to gain insights, reflect and support each other in your creative and personal journeys

Optional 1:1 Thai Massage sessions that combine acupressure, Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures to balance and promote relaxation and flexibility

Meet Your Guides

Nicole Cudzilo is an artist and educator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is often inspired by imagery from the past and seeks to create work that has its own timeless quality. Primarily a self portrait photographer, Nicole uses digital and film processes for her work, often utilizing medium format, instant film or 35mm when underwater. She has exhibited internationally winning numerous awards with private collectors across the globe. She studied photography under the guidance of professional photographer Laurie Klein who was a student of Ansel Adams.

With a passion for education, Nicole teaches workshops throughout the country for adults, children, professional and amateur photographers. She mentors high-school students and participates in visiting artist and lecture programs in various public and private schools and has been an advisor and contributor in numerous photography publications.

See more of Nicole’s work.

Diane, as a practitioner with over two decades of practice in yoga, brings experience and passion to her teaching. Trained in Kripalu yoga with a focus on breath, movement, and meditation, she adeptly guides her students through transformative practices that foster holistic well-being. She offers elemental Thai Massage, using this ancient form of therapy and offering clients a unique blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. With a nurturing approach, individuals can unwind and restore balance to body and mind. She works one on one and in groups.

See more of Diane’s work.

Experience a sensual and spiritual connection to nature,

using your body as a brush stroke within the canvas of the landscape

to reveal your inner self in an artistic and intuitive way.

you will –

• Deepen Self-Connection and Authenticity:
  
• Self-portraiture is an artistic way to deepen your connection to your body and soul. Tap into your desires & dreams, and personify various aspects of who you are and who you wish to be through experiential imagery.
  

• Celebrate Yourself:
  
• Whether you come to celebrate yourself at this exact moment in time or to uncover parts of yourself that have remained buried within, this retreat is a celebration of your unique journey.
  

• Release and Heal:
  
• The body stores so much emotion and memory. By exploring your own internal landscapes through photography, movement and writing you can release buried shame, resentment, insecurity and other burdens, finding joy and liberation in the process. Physically heal the body through grounding yoga and 1:1 Thai Yoga Massage.
  

• Grow Artistically and Personally:
  
• Develop your skills as a photographer while also experiencing personal growth and self-discovery. This workshop is a unique opportunity to blend artistry with personal wellness. Develop an emotional toolkit and leave with a renewed sense of self connectedness and new ways to support self-care in your day-to-day life.
  

Accommodations

To remain in community, we will will be staying in two ​rustic castias in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The castitas are ​open floorplan studios so there will not be private ​bedrooms. Bed choice will be provided in order of ​registration: 1 queen, 1 futon, 2 twin beds (bunk style).

Each casita has a full tub and shower, kitchen, radiant ​floor heat, a kiva fireplace and outdoor hot tub. The ​area is very remote, and while we will be providing ​meals, there is one general store - Bodes, which is a ​great place to stock up on any additional food needs.

1 hour from Santa Fe

2 hours from Albuquerque

“Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico.

The property sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed ​natural terrain. The Casitas open to a rocky bluff and meadow with tepees. Trails lead along the ​bluff to the southern canyon cliff edge with spectacular views. The meadow trail leads down into ​the canyon and to the river which is part of the property. Across the meadow sit two medicine ​wheels and trails leading around the upper part of the property to the northern canyon cliff ​edge with more views.”

Meals

Healthy meals will be provided throughout your stay. Sample menu includes:

Sample Breakfast

Avocado Toast + Optional Fried Egg

Yogurt + Granola + Berries

Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

Blueberry Muffins + Pastries

Sample Lunch

Grilled Chicken Wraps

Hummus + Veggies + Pita Chips

Grilled Veggies

Fresh Fruit + Cheeses

Sample Dinner

Garlic Grilled Chicken

Watermelon Feta Salad

Couscous

Blackberry Crumble

Sample Schedule

Friday

• 4:30pm - Arrival
  
• 6:00pm - Welcome Dinner
  
• 7:30-10:00pm - Group Gathering
  

Saturday

• 6:45am - Optional Morning Yoga
  
• 7:00am - Light Breakfast
  
• 8:00-11:30am - Morning Session
  
• 12:00pm - Lunch
  
• 1:00-4:00pm - Afternoon Gathering
  
• Optional Thai Massages 1:1 (book prior to arrival)
  
• 4:30-7:30pm - Evening Session
  
• 8:00pm - Dinner in Town
  

Sunday

• 7:00am - Breakfast & Optional Yoga Practice
  
• 8:00-10:30am - Morning Gathering
  
• 11:00am - Checkout + Departure
  
• Optional Afternoon Photo Session at Abiquiu Lake
  

Pricing & Registration

Total Cost: $1,295

$995 - workshop tuition

$300 - lodging + meals

Price includes 3 day, 2 night accommodations from Friday

evening - Sunday morning. Meals include 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch,

1 dinner. One group dinner in town is not included in the price.

*does not include any travel to/from destination