Ready to take your family sessions (and confidence!) to the next level?
Ready to take your family sessions (and confidence!) to the next level?
- Family posing, storytelling and styling ideas
- Direction on capturing connections
- Fine-art, sitter sessions, editing and so much more!
Instant Access | Unlimited Replays
Any of these sound familiar?
I know the vision I want to create, but my images are missing the 'wow' factor
I could use some guidance getting my clients to loosen up in front of the camera
I'm feeling a little uninspired with my work and are looking to change things up. But where to even start?
I love, love, LOVE refining my craft and I'm always curious about how other photographers work.
Then you're in the right place!
You love photographing families
- but keeping things fresh & inspired?
Maybe not so easy.
If that's you...I get it. Trust me...I REALLY get it.
But here's the truth - to avoid becoming a copycat of your favourite artist or having every session feel like the exact replica of your previous one, you need to seek out new sources of inspiration
—and this retreat can be the kickstart your need.
It's time for your images to shine.
Press play for a peek inside!
Get ready to immerse yourself in an experience that will inspire fresh ideas, light a creative fire in your heart, and take your family photos to a whole new level!
Enroll Now!
No need to book expensive airfare or hotels
"I love all the prompts and the way you set everyone up to capture real, in-the-moment emotions. "
— Rebecca
(...and what you'll be learning!)
Meet your instructors
Go behind the scenes with Alex for a conceptual portrait featuring her own family during a family game night. Alex goes in-depth with her use of color theory, mise en scene, and how she creates an environment utilizing off-camera flash for this mid-century-inspired portrait.
Editing shown: Yes
Amber is known for infusing wonderment and delight in her portraits. In this class, come behind-the-scenes as she captures enchanting children portraits during golden hour into magic hour. You’ll also see how she uses brushes in Lightroom to create her magic
Editing shown: Yes
Capturing dynamic family portraits in-studio may not be as hard as you think! Ambreia is a master of studio photography. Get unstuck in the studio as she guides you through studio family posing, lighting and so much more including a walk through of her culling and sales process!!!
Amy will guide you in getting started with documentary family photography --from start to finish. Learn her secrets for blending in so well, your clients will forget you are even there so you can capture unscripted moments.
Editing shown: Yes
Discover how Andrea creates her signature magical pictures of kids with animals. Get an inside look at the chaos behind the creations and how she poses, shoots, and edits to capture the perfect picture
Editing shown: Yes
Although a stunning location is a bonus, that isn’t always an option or what our clients want. Follow along as Anna takes you to her little town - showing you that sometimes you just need to see the diamond in the rocks.
Editing shown: Yes
Discover the secrets to creating a comfortable easygoing environment for family storyteller sessions. In this video, join Aspen and a family of 4 (with expectant mama) for a sunset session to see her work her magic.
Editing shown: Yes
In this class, Bobbi will show you how documentary family photography gives you and your family clients the ultimate freedom - how to celebrate and relish their real life without posing or directing. Discover how to depict real life with honesty and magic and go into your next session with increased confidence.
Step behind the scenes in my studio, where Carol will guide you through capturing the perfect shots for composite photographs. She’ll then show her step-by-step editing process, bringing all elements together seamlessly to create something magical.
Editing shown: Yes
Join D'Ann of Smitten & Swoon Photography on a golden hour shoot. Walk away with an understanding on how, why and when to use off-camera flash, how easy it can be, and how to make that flash look natural. Discover her favorite modifiers and settings so that you can apply what you learn right away.
Editing shown: Yes
In this immersive course, you'll delve into harnessing the beauty and potential of everyday locations to create truly magical sessions. Whether it's a local park, the side of a street, or a seemingly average urban corner, you'll discover how to see the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane.
Editing shown: Yes
Learn to craft and capture the perfect cake smash session. Genevieve will provide step-by-step instruction and guidance on designing captivating sets and skillfully photographing cake smash sessions. Master the art of creating visually appealing setups and capturing irresistible moments that will entice customers to choose you for capturing their little one.
Editing shown: Yes
The Pastell Studio team share their expertise as they navigate the nuances of photographing children, highlighting tips on lighting, choosing props and adding extra magic during post-processing. Discover creative poses and playful interactions to capture the innocence and spontaneity of childhood.
Editing shown: Yes
With the use of colour and styling, go behind-the-scenes to see how Kirsty creates a fun and fabulous painterly-style image. She’ll show you how to create perfect skin and gorgeous colours - both using hand-edits, and her own action to show you how to recreate the same look…but faster!
Editing shown: Yes
Kristen equips you with the tools you will need to document the unique dynamic of individual families with multiple children. This lesson will focus on styling multiple young children, how to organize the session, and making sure the experience for the client is as stress free as possible.
Editing shown: Yes
Enjoy a unique look behind the scenes of one of Liz’s sessions where she’ll share all of the ways she prompts and poses her clients and utilizes natural light from harsh light to blue hour to create dynamic, beautiful portraits.
Editing shown: Yes
In this class, join Melissa on a playful, love-filled family session. She shows how she engages children of all ages, incorporates play into her sessions, and invites all family members to show love during sessions. You’ll also have a chance to watch her editing process that enhances the mood of her sessions.
Editing show: Yes
Photographing dogs is quite literally a different animal than photographing kids. Even though they may have chaos in common, this class will give you newfound confidence for working with the four-legged subjects at your sessions.
Editing show: Yes
Come behind-the-scenes to see how Shannon captures authentic moments in this gorgeous indoor lifestyle studio motherhood session with two little ones. You’ll also have the chance to watch her editing process, which includes a combination of hand-edits with presets and actions to create the final stunning image.
Editing shown: Yes
Dive into this lively, hands-workshop where you'll learn how to bring out the best in your Gen Z subjects using movement and natural light. With Renee's expertise in editorial-style photography, you'll discover how to ditch the static poses and embrace a dynamic shooting style that keeps your subjects engaged and natural.
Editing shown: Yes
In this class, Ruth will show you how to use window light in your home to create beautiful portraits. Join her as she works with two children to create an artistic image about childhood and sisterhood. Ruth will discuss lighting, posing, gear, wardrobe, shooting and editing, giving you the knowledge and confidence to shoot beautiful photos in your own home
Editing shown: Yes
Join Robin in an urban setting where she shows you how the location was used to support the story. Learn her unique process of using the subjects, location and light in creating frames that create a storytelling portrait. Discover how she uses colour grading in post-processing to support the story and visual aesthetic, tying it all together to create a finish portrait clients love.
Editing shown: Yes
Learn how to interact with and draw natural emotion and storytelling in large family sessions that are unique and individualized based on the family’s interests and lifestyle.
Editing shown: Yes
Stacey will show you how to choose a location and use it to your advantage when working with ADHD and Autistic kids, keeping them interested and preventing them from acting out due to boredom. Discover how to plan photo sessions around honoring neurodivergent quirks and create a great session experience. When a family leaves a session feeling honored and respected, it will increase your referral and repeat family business.
Editing shown: Yes
Photography can tend to look one way with specific "rules for styling, posing and wardrobe. Learn how to adjust your session style for any family you serve. This class will inspire you and show you how you can weave together the foundations of family photography with the culture and diversity of your clients.
Editing shown: Yes
This class is all about creating heirloom, fine-art studio portraits for children. Valerie will guide you through tips on off-camera flash and lighting, styling and props, posing and camera settings, and considerations when creating images with compositing. She'll also share her process for a full fine-art edit using Lightroom and Photoshop.
Editing shown: Yes
Family Retreat
2024 {online}
Let's do this!
Choose the option that works best for you
3 monthly payments of
$297
$99
single payment
Enroll Now →
Enroll Now →
USD
USD
New to our Retreats?
It all happens online.
Get every lesson from every instructor—
ready with the click of a mouse any time you want to watch.
Learn on your schedule.
Prioritize what sounds interesting & exciting to you, move on to other tutorials when you’re ready for more.
Connect in Community
While teacher threads are closed to new questions, the group is open until the 2026 event starts. It's a safe + drama free place to grow!
Here's how it works.
~Marian
"I love being able to go back and reference so many different videos"
This for you if:
is
you love learning new techniques
YOu're excited to evolve your craft
you're ready to grow as an artist
It's probably for you if...
not
You're looking to become a Direct copycat
YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO try new things
YOU'RE Stuck on ONe way of doing things
"Investing in the retreat this year was a great decision, and I’m thrilled with the fresh ideas it’s given me."
— Stephanie, Past Retreater
Feel more confident and inspired in your work.
Discover new techniques to elevate your art.
Understand how to take your images from good to 'wow'
Learn ways to help your clients relax and capture authentic connections
ENROLL NOW →
When I first got started, I wanted to learn from others but I couldn't take time away from my family (and business) to travel to in-person events.
Plus...I found my brain could only absorb so much info before what I'm learning goes in one ear and out the other.
Can you relate?
That's why I created our online retreats, where you can learn on YOUR schedule - all from the comfort of home.
Over 28,700 students have experienced our online retreats + classes...
Will you be next?
You *could* pay a similar price for just ONE in-depth lesson …
Or, you can enjoy 26 ah-mazing classes that you can
revisit time & again as you need it in your business!
And with such a wide variety of talent joining us this year to teach, we don’t just get to witness how one person works; we get to see the process from a variety of different photographers.
Because there isn't just ONE way to do things
(and for that I'm grateful!)
If you want this to be the year that you really commit to:
Mastering your craft and elevating your art
Staying on top of current trends and pushing your artistic edge
Attracting your dream clients and sessions that truly light you up.
Streamlining your session workflow to free up time and ensure a consistent experience for clients
Discover new prompts to capture genuine interactions with your clients
Feeling inspired and excited to pick up your camera
Enroll Now →
QUESTIONS
Do I HAVE to be online at a certain time?
No. You have lifetime access (plus you can download them to watch on the go!)
Can I download the videos?
Yes! Once your retreat experience has been paid in full (for those on the payment plan), you can download the videos so you have them for life. You'll also enjoy lifetime access to the videos on our member site.
Have another question? Email us at lisa@themilkyway.ca
ENROLL NOW →
*Is there a Facebook community for the retreat?
Teachers threads are now closed for new questions - but you can still see past Q&As The group will be archived before the 2025 retreat gets underway.
Does this have captions? And/or subtitles?
Videos will have English captions.
How long are the videos?
Teacher videos will range from 30-60 minutes. Some will be video footage of the instructor in action showing specific posing and lighting techniques, while other topics will be presented in a slideshow or screen share format.
Is this professionally filmed?
Nope! In fact, each presenter will be creating/filming their own presentation which might be a slideshow presentation, a video of them in their office, studio or on location showing you a session, or a screen share where you can watch them edit.
How does the payment plan work?
If you opt for the payment plan, your first payment comes out at registration with following payments coming out automatically every 30 days. (using the same payment method as you used at sign-up).
You will have access to the retreat experience right away - however, the download links will not be activated until the final payment has been made.
Do you have a money-back guarantee?
Tickets are non-refundable. Just like an in-person conference, you go in knowing there are some sessions you are going to love and some that might not feel applicable to you. At the end of the day, you need to decide what you are looking for and if the sessions described fit what you need! You will have access to the retreat experience right away - however, the download links will not be activated until the final payment has been made.
Is there tax added?
If you have the good fortune of living in Canada, then yes, there will be GST and/or HST charged. If your business is registered, it is more of a 'paper shuffle' with the CRA vs added cost. If you don't have a business tax ID, we know tax can seem like a bummer, but think of all the wonderful things it provides....free healthcare tops our list!