OREGON COAST
Photography Retreat
SEPTEMBER 1-3,2026
ONE RETREAT COULd pull you out of routine and drop you into wild landscapes, deeper connection, and the most inspired work of your life?
what if...
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE EXPERIENCE
- THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO SHOOT AROUND the oregon coast WITH AN AMAZING GROUP OF PHOTOGRAPHERS
- 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS SHARED ACCOMMODATIONS IN A BEAUTIFUL GROUP VILLA.
- TWO GROUP DINNERS & WELCOME GIFTS!
- SIX AMAZING STYLED SHOOTS WITH REAL MODEL COUPLES - 3 ELOPEMENTs | 3 CASUAL COUPLES.
- BREAKFAST & DAILY SNACKS.
- FREE TIME TO RELAX OR EXPLORE oregon WITH NEW FRIENDS!
- OPTIONAL GROUP Q&A WITH YOUR host melissa
- ACCESS TO A PRIVATE GROUP CHAT AFTER BOOKING! THIS GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET EVERYONE WHSO IS GOING BEFORE HAND, AND THE OPTION TO MAKE TRAVEL PLANS TOGETHER!
- NETWORKING! YOU'LL MEET OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS & VENDORS, AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE IN OUR INDUSTRY.
- FREE TIME TO TAKE OPTIONAL HEADSHOTS OF EACH OTHER AT OUR STUNNING LOCATIONS.
- EXPERIENCE! THIS LOCATION WILL PROVIDE YOU THE EXPERTISE ON HOW and when to shoot on the coast, AS WELL AS INFORMATION TO PASS ONTO FUTURE CLIENTS.
- OUR WANDERING RETREATS, SHOOT-REFLECT-GROW WORKBOOK.
- INFORMATION ON WHAT TO PACK- WEATHER DEPENDANT!
- BEHIND THE SCENES BINGO PACK... WITH EPIC PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS!
Hey, I’m Melissa, the face behind Wandering Retreats!
I’m all about exploring the world with a camera in hand, and that passion has led me to something even bigger...Wandering Retreats! What started as a love for photography and travel has transformed into hosting incredible retreats for photographers who crave adventure, growth, and connection. There’s nothing more fulfilling than bringing creatives together in breathtaking destinations, capturing unforgettable moments, and sharing the journey.
But beyond the camera and epic travels, my heart belongs to my family. My adorable son, Hayden, is my world! he keeps me on my toes and fills my days with so much love and laughter. When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll probably find me at a hockey rink or baseball field, cheering him on. I’m also beyond grateful for my amazing and supportive fiance, Brendan, who not only encourages my dreams but also joins me on most of my international retreats. Traveling the world with him by my side makes these experiences even more special, and I truly couldn’t do this without him!
Oh, and did I mention I’m a total coffee addict? A good latte is my weakness, and I’ll never turn down a coffee run, no matter the time of day.
Wandering Retreats has given me the chance to combine all the things I love...photography, travel, and building an incredible creative community. If you’re looking for adventure, connection, and a space to grow both personally and professionally, grab your camera and come explore with me.
meet Melissa
I can't wait to meet you!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER.1st
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER.3rd
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER.2nd
- Everyone Arrives!
- Greetings + Welcome Goodies
- Meet the Group
- Welcome Dinner
- Head to Cape Kiwanda for our first two sunset shoots
- Early rise! Breakfast, Coffee & Getting ready.
- Head to Elk Flats Trail for our second shoots
- Head back to the Villa.
- Free time, Lunch outing + Optional group Q&A
- Head to Canon Beach for our last two sunset sessions
- Back to the villa for a late dinner and free time.
- Breakfast, Coffee & Packing
- Good-byes and checkout.
retreat timeline
let's talk shooting locations:
So… Are You coming?
I HOPE SO!! This is a chance to travel, make new friends, shoot in STUNNING locations, make a ton of new friends and add epic images to your portfolio! I promise, you WON'T be disappointed!!
" Melissa was AMAZING! "
I was really skeptical going into this weekend because I was just pretty anxious about it being so new and different than anything I'd ever done before (and with a bunch of strangers nonetheless!) but Melissa planned the most incredible day and a half of shoots and I am still in so much awe of how well it went and how much camaraderie and friendship came out of such a short amount of time! it was perfect and beautiful and well worth the early mornings and sleep deprivation for sure. thank you thank you thank
" Melissa & Abby, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart"
Melissa & Abby, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! You are amazing humans and amazing photographers. I learned so much from everyone this weekend and thank you all for making me feel so welcome. I left with lifelong friendships and amazing images to share and I cannot wait to do another one with you both. Your retreat was so welcoming and there was so much thought put into this weekend and I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you thank you thank you. I <3 you all!
" This was one of the best retreats that l've been on!"
My husband and I both attended the Tulum Mexico retreat, and had a blast! The models were stunning, and the locations were out of a dream! If you have a chance to attend a workshop with wandering retreats don't think, just say yes, and buy the plane ticket!
" Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting together such a wonderful retreat! "
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting together such a wonderful retreat! There was so much thought and planning that went into every little detail. I left with SD cards full of gorgeous photos and life long friendships.
My heart is so full, cannot wait to attend another one of your reteats
" Does it make me a baby if I cry in the airport ?
Does it make me a baby if I cry in the airport ? Miss you all so much already. This was an incredible experience!!
" My first ever retreat experience was with Melissa at Wandering Retreats."
From the beginning, I felt absolutely taking care of. I made a mistake in my reservations, pre-retreat. The day-of the retreat, my partner and I got stranded in Calgary, AB so we couldn't get to the retreat NOR could we get to the Edmonton airport to go back home. Melissa took care of the situation. She personally went OUT of her way to pick us up about an 1 hour away from her home, hosted us at her home, brought us to the retreat AND even drove us back to the Edmonton airport with her boyfriend over 2 hours away. I will FOREVER be grateful for Melissa. She is such a caring person. I cannot wait to attend more retreats of hers, and maybe one day we'll get to host one
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH:
You'll get all this (and more) for just. . .
- 6 styled shoots! 3 couples adventure shoots & 3 Elopements!
- 2 Nights, 3 Days in a beautiful group airbnb
- Wandering Retreats SHOOT | REFLECT | GROW workbook pdf
- Two included dinners
- An Informational Guide of the Area
- Access to the VIP Attendee group chat before & during the retreat
- Networking opportunity
- A group Q&A session with melissa
- Friends for a Lifetime!
INVITE A FRIEND AND RECEIVE $100 OFF EACH OF YOUR TICKETS!
$875 USD
2 MONTH PAYMENTS
apply now
apply now
ONE PAYMENT
- SIMPLIFIED PLANNING
- PEACE OF MIND FROM THE BEIGINNING
- YOU'RE COMING TO OREGON!
$1750 USD
- FLEXIBILITY WITHOUT PRESSURE
- SPACE TO PLAN WITH INTENTION
- YOU'RE COMING TO OREGON!
