wallflower friends

we are deb schwedhelm and leah zawadzki--best friends, photographers, artists and, shall we say, partners in crime.  for us, photography is so much more than running a small business; it's about the love and passion of it all. wallflower friends was created (after years of discussion and brainstorming) because we wanted to do something different. something unique.  something that inspires and encourages.  we wanted a photographer retreat that not only fosters learning and growing, but also strongly infuses inspiration, excitement and creativity.

the information we will share has been gathered over the years and is based on our photography, business and life practices.  and we're so thankful to be able to share. throughout the retreat, we will be open and honest with everything. feel free to ask us anything.  

tuition
wallflower friends' 2 1/2-day retreat tuition is $2,000.  this includes instruction by both deb and leah, a wallflower friends inspiration photo book and dinner friday and saturday night. we also have a few fabulous surprises and giveaways for you. $1000 is due at time of workshop registration. the remaining $1000 is due no later than august 30th. please inquire about payment plan options, if needed.  check, credit card or paypal is accepted.

participants
we feel that those who will gain the most from wallflower friends are passionate photographers, who cherish the inspiration and creativity--not only in photography, but in life. you should have a basic understanding of photography (camera, AV or manual shooting, photoshop, etc.) and an online portfolio (e.g. website, blog, flickr).  

accommodations
all friends will stay at the incredible sundance resort (not included in workshop tuition). we feel this is part of the retreat; part of the creative journey...and we're really excited about it. room rates range per night from -- $75 for a shared loft room, $146 for a private loft bedroom and $228 for a private studio or suite (tax, environmental fee, housekeeping gratuity and porterage fee is included in above rates.). rooms will be coordinated and reserved through wallflower friends on a first-registered basis. please do not contact the sundance resort to reserve your room; however, payment will be made directly to sundance resort.

travel arrangements
sundance resort is a 55-minute drive from salt lake city international airport.  friends will be connected in advance, in hopes that arrival times can be coordinated and transportation shared.  out-sourced, sundance transportation service is available -- $100 each way for up to 4 guests. to reserve a chauffeured luxury sedan or SUV or for additional information, please contact sundance's preferred sedan service, medallion limousine at 801.364.8788. 

arrival | completion times
a get-to-know-one-another celebration will begin friday at 3:30 pm, so please be settled in at the resort and ready by that time. the retreat will end sunday at 3 pm.  for those interested, an optional private portfolio review will begin sunday at 3 PM.  completion time will depend on number of portfolios deb and leah will be reviewing.

speakers
both, deb and leah, will be sharing the instruction, demonstration, discussion and review time.

cancellations | refunds
if you need to cancel for any reason, please email us ASAP, as an incredible amount of planning and coordination is involved with each and every workshop.  please note that if you cancel prior to august 31st, a refund will be issued minus a $500 administrative fee.  if you cancel august 31st or later, a refund will be issued minus a $1000 administrative fee.  

things to bring
please bring your camera, a prime lens and 5-10 5x7 portfolio prints (if participating in the portfolio review). feel free to bring a laptop for personal use; however, it is not required for the retreat.  come with an open mind and creative soul. please do not bring your family. remember, this is your magical time; your fabulous retreat.

to register, please:

  • pay deposit, complete and submit the registration form.  please ensure that your email and phone contact information are correct!
  • once deposit payment and registration is received, you will be emailed a registration confirmation and log-in information for the password-protected portion of the wallflower friends website.  
  • sign in and review the wallflower friends information.  please note questionnaire completion dates. 
  • remaining $1000 balance can be paid at any time and is due no later than than august 30th.