This retreat is centred on exploring landscape photography as an art form. While the technical side of photography is not our focus here, the retreat is open to any photographer who is comfortable with their camera and ready to think more deeply about what they are trying to express with it. The emphasis throughout is on artistic vision — on learning to see, to respond, and to make photographs that go beyond the technically accomplished.

At the heart of this retreat is a rare opportunity to study genuine original prints by some of the world’s most iconic landscape photographers — including works by Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter. Craig Potton will lead dedicated sessions around these prints, discussing the artistic decisions, the tonal qualities, and the vision behind them. For any serious photographer, the chance to stand in front of these works and hear Craig talk about them is genuinely extraordinary.

The retreat follows a considered daily rhythm. Mornings are spent at Zatori Lodge — studying prints, sharing image critiques, and engaging in discussion about the art of landscape photography. Each afternoon we head out into the field, exploring the extraordinary coastal landscapes of Golden Bay with Craig and Richard at your side. Evenings offer the opportunity to continue shooting in the exceptional light of Golden Bay’s long autumn sunsets, before returning to the lodge for dinner together as a group.

The retreat is structured to give you both the inspiration and the personal feedback to move your photography forward as an art form. Rather than a structured curriculum, it is an immersive experience built around four interconnected threads:

Studying the Masters — Original Prints
A defining element of this retreat is the opportunity to study genuine original prints by Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter, and some of New Zealand’s finest landscape photographers and artists. Craig will lead dedicated sessions around these works — discussing vision, tonal quality, composition, and what makes a great print great. This is a rare chance to engage with landmark works in photography and to hear one of New Zealand’s most respected photographers talk about them in depth.

Morning Sessions — Art Study & Image Critique
Through image critique sessions, one-on-one conversations with Craig and Richard, and guided time in the field, you will be encouraged to think more deeply about your own photographic vision — what draws you to a subject, how you see light, and how to develop a more personal and coherent body of work.

Afternoon Field Trips
Each afternoon we head out into Golden Bay’s extraordinary coastal landscapes — at Wharariki Beach, Farewell Spit, the Collingwood Estuary, Takaka Hill, and beyond. These are not guided tours but working sessions, with Craig and Richard alongside you as you photograph, offering observations, encouragement, and honest feedback as you work through the ideas discussed in the morning sessions.

The Art of Fine Art Printing
Drawing on Richard’s expertise as an Epson ambassador and both tutors’ deep experience in exhibiting and selling photographic prints, you will receive dedicated guidance in producing a finished fine art print — a true statement of your work. The retreat concludes with the creation of two fine art prints from your images of the retreat.