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January
5th-10th, 2025
Educational Lectures & Demos By:
Jessica McKnight & Lindsay Adler & Pratik Naik
Educational Lectures
& Demos By:
Jessica McKnight & Lindsay AdleR
& Pratik NAIK
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, at the amazing Vida Asana, our 6-day/5-night women's photography retreat from Jan 5th-10th, 2025, promises an immersive journey of growth and transformation. Nestled between the lush jungle and pristine beaches, this serene setting provides the ideal environment for relaxation, rejuvenation, and focused learning.
Styles & Niches Covered:
- Fashion Photography
- Swimwear Photography
- Lifestyle Photography
Throughout the retreat, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Immerse yourself in photography business education designed to keep your pipeline full with ideal clients and elevate your brand to new heights, with the potential to make $10K, $15K, or even $20K a month.
- Enhance your portfolio through multiple styled photo sessions, set against the backdrop of the captivating jungle and sun-kissed beaches of Playa Hermosa.
- Hone your photography skills with expert guidance and hands-on instruction.
- Connect and network with like-minded female photographers from around the globe, forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
- Experience an excursion to the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park & catch the sunset at the famous El Avion restaurant.
- All inclusive pricing includes meals, lodging, excursion, and shuttle service to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Indulge in delicious cuisine, unwind in comfortable accommodations, and leave the logistics to us as you focus on soaking up all the knowledge and inspiration the retreat has to offer.
Spaces for this exclusive retreat are limited to just 22 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all attendees. Don't miss your chance to join us for this transformative journey – reserve your spot today and embark on a path to success unlike any other!
Includes:
5 nights / 6 days of In Depth Learning & Epic Adventure.
Jan 5th - Jan 10th, 2025 -Costa Rica
At Vida Asana Yoga & Retreat Center
Calle Hermosa 1 km East - Playa Hermosa
Puntarenas - Garabito - Jaco 61101
• One group shuttle to and from the airport, on the day the retreat starts and ends.
(If you need an individual transport, those arrangements would need to be made 7 days in advance. The price is $150 each way. Some exceptions apply or you can arrange your own private shuttle)
• Rooms - All rooms at Vida Asana are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathrooms, and hot water.
Most rooms have a mini fridge, and our common area also has a large fridge, exclusively for our guests.
WIFI reaches every guest room on the property, and all common spaces, except for the Jungle Yoga Shala.
Rooms are also stocked with Raw Botanicals all organic soap, shampoo, and conditioners.
• Three abundant organic meals per day.
Every menu item is created using whole, and as often as possible, organic ingredients. Food is gluten free, and primarily plant-based, with eggs and yogurt at breakfast, and fish served at dinner every second night.
• Excursion Day to Manuel Antonio National Park with evening Dinner at El Avion Restaurant
• Optional Morning Yoga In a spacious open-air jungle yoga shala, with mats, blocks, straps, bolsters provided.
• Pool, sun deck with lounge chairs, hammocks, and covered lounge area.
• Bicycles for transportation to and from the beach.
Prices based per occupancy- Please note if you would like to share a room with someone specific, please let us know, otherwise you will be given an assigned room per our choosing based on selected occupancy. (Due to limited availability, rooms are reserved for students only)
Shared Rooms:
Triple Occupancy $2290 Per person (SOLD OUT)
Double Occupancy $2350 Per person (SOLD OUT)
Non Shared Rooms:
Single Occupancy Room: $2700 Per person (SOLD OUT)
Airport SJO-Juan Santamaría International Airport
Alajuela Province, Río Segundo, Costa Rica
Sponsored By:
Beyond Brilliant 2025 in Costa Rica
is officially SOLD OUT.
Join the waitlist for any last minute spots or to be notified with updates as they become available.
- A group shuttle will transport all students arriving at airport to Vida Asana.
- Receive refreshments & light snack upon arrival
- Welcome ceremony introducing educators & students to one another
- Evening Dinner
Sunday: 1/5
Tentative
Schedule of Events
- 6:30 AM: Fruit & Coffee
- 7:15 AM-8:15 AM: Morning Yoga
- 8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM-10:00 AM: Morning break
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM: Art of Stylized Portraits with Lindsay Adler
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Craft your Photographic Career with Lindsay Adler (Lecture)
- 3:30 PM-5:30 PM: Photo-Walk on the Beach Swimwear / Lifestyle
- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM: Late Afternoon Break - prepare for dinner
- 7:00 PM-8:00 PM: Dinner on the Beach
- 8:00 PM-9:00 PM- Jungle Shala Circle Discussion- with Jessica McKnight
- 9:00 PM-9:45 PM: Fire Burning Ceremony -Letting Go & Setting Intentions with guided meditation- Led by Jessica McKnight
Monday 1/6
- 6:30 AM: Fruit & Coffee
- 7:15 AM-8:15 AM: Morning Yoga
- 8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM-10:00 AM: Morning break
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM: Posing to Flatter Everyone with Lindsay Adler
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: One Light Set Up with Lindsay Adler (Hands On)
- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM: High End Retouching with Pratik Naik
- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM: Late Afternoon Break - prepare for dinner
- 7:00 PM-8:00 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Night Time Swimming Pool Photo Shoot
Tuesday 1/7
- 6:30 AM: Fruit & Coffee
- 7:15 AM-8:15 AM: Morning Yoga
- 8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Breakfast
- 9:30 AM-10:00 AM: Morning break
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM: Producing Creative Styled Shoots, Start to Finish - with Jessica McKnight (Lecture & Hands On)
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Lunch
- 2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Creative Unconventional Ways to Grow your Business with Jessica McKnight
- 3:30 PM-5:30 PM: Strobe Lighting on location that gives your images a Pop -Photo-Walk / in the Jungle Fashion/Swimwear with Jessica McKnight
- 5:30 PM-6:45 PM: Pratik Naik: Introducing A.I. into your post production / work-flow
- 7:00 PM-8:00 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM-9:00 PM: Time for Ticos-Led by Jessica McKnight
Wednesday 1/8
Excursion Day to Manuel Antonio National Park
A very popular to-do on the Costa Rican ‘bucket list’.
At this park, you are guaranteed to see monkeys, sloths and a variety of other wildlife. Your guide will have a scope for close viewing and take you along the reserve culminating in one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica - white sand and mellow surf make for a perfect ocean swim. On the way back to Vida
Asana, you will stop at the famous ‘El Avion’ restaurant for the view, a bite to eat, smoothie, or an adult beverage ($50 gift certificate per student towards food and beverage for this location is included- Anything above that will be responsibility of the student).
Evening Farwell Dance Party & Sangria (with non-alcoholic option available).
Thursday 1/9
Final Morning Breakfast with Q & A
Prepare to leave with shuttle to the airport
Please note: All guests must depart Vida Asana on this date. Should you wish to continue visiting and exploring the beautiful Costa Rica, lodging and transportation must be made elsewhere on your own.
Friday 1/10
Jessica is the owner of Jessica McKnight Photography & Brilliance Key. As a photographer, she has over 25 years of experience working in just about every niche within the industry and has built a successful photography business allowing her to travel the world doing the work she loves. Her business is frequently voted best of the best in the markets that she serves. She has photographed in almost all of the 50 states as well as Germany, Iceland, England, Hungary, and more while working with Miss USA Models, Athletes, Musicians, Influencers, Celebrities, and Entrepreneurs & Business owners.
She started Brilliance Key as a way to share her love and knowledge with other photographers to help scale their businesses to above the six-figure mark. Her business systems that she uses within her own business are the systems that she teaches in her online group mastermind program and retreats. Jessica is also a Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher in which she completed at Vida Asana.
Jessica McKnight
"I love seeing my clients grow their
business and become successful.
The best is yet to come for you!"
Meet Your Host & Educator
Fashion and beauty photographer Lindsay Adler has risen to the top of her industry as both a photographer and educator. Based in New York City, her fashion editorials have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue, Marie Claire, Numero, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and more. As a photographic educator, she is one of the most sought-after speakers internationally. Lindsay enjoys teaching on the industry's largest platforms and most prestigious events. She has worked with some of the top brands in the photographic and related industries including Canon, Adobe and Profoto. Her client list features a range including NBC, Grey, Edelman, Pat McGrath Labs, Morphe, Aveeno, Unicef, Origins, Saatchi and more.
A clean, bold, and graphic style has become the hallmark of her work. Lindsay is renowned for her creativity and collaborating with designers and stylists in order to create fresh looks.
Lindsay’s energy and enthusiastic teaching style showcase her excitement to share her passion and knowledge with others, whether it is world-wide through prestigious platforms and the industry's largest conferences, or through her video tutorials or her five books.
She is honored to have been named a Canon Explorer of Light as well as a Profoto Legend of Light, and the Rangefinder Icon of the Year 2020!
Lindsay Adler
Educator
Pratik Naik is a high-end retoucher based out of the United States, specializing in commercial and editorial work. With over 15 years of experience, he retains a deep passion for mastering the art of retouching in Photoshop.
His background in fine art fuels his passion for retouching. Naik believes in a streamlined, seamless approach that respects the photographer's original vision while striving for flawless results. His ultimate goal is to preserve the natural essence of an image while elevating it to the photographer’s exacting standards.
Alongside his retouching work, Naik finds great satisfaction in teaching. He enjoys simplifying complex techniques, making them accessible for aspiring retouchers. Witnessing the "aha!" moment when concepts become clear for a student brings him immense fulfillment.
Additionally, Naik is the founder of Infinite Color, a leading Photoshop color grading extension, and their suite of other powerful Infinite tools.
Pratik Naik
Educator
Start your morning with an amazing yoga session with Marco.
Marco Amador grew up on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, where he developed a passion for running, cycling, surfing, and meditation. At 18, he discovered yoga and delved deeply into it at 24. For over 14 years, Marco has practiced yoga across Central America, India, and the U.S., learning from esteemed teachers like Saraswati, Richard Freeman, and John Friend.
A former sponsored athlete, Marco competed in mountain biking, trail running, and triathlons, including two Xterra Triathlon World Championships. He's a licensed physiotherapist, Crossfit Level 1 certified teacher, massage therapist, and yoga anatomy teacher.
In 2013, Marco created ZENFIT, a fitness method blending yoga, functional training, calisthenics, and animal flow. This method has transformed the fitness journey of both amateur and elite athletes. Today, Marco continues to share his expertise through podcasts, master classes, and training sessions, emphasizing a holistic approach to fitness and wellness.
Marco Amador
Yoga Instructor
Learn To Shoot Like Your Educators
LEARN TO SHOOT LIKE YOUR EDUCATORS
Meet Your Models
Meet Your Models
More Information
Vida Asana is conveniently located 90 minutes from San Jose Airport (SJO), just outside of Jacó in beautiful Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Situated between the lush tropical beauty of the jungle and world-famous beaches of Playa Hermosa, our location provides easy access to a variety of activities, excursions, restaurants, and shopping, yet offers a peaceful jungle setting to repose.
Local Currency
Costa Rica’s official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate average is roughy 550 colones to the dollar. However, US dollars are generally accepted in all areas save for some smaller pueblos. If you do spend US dollars, keep in mind that you will receive your change in colones. It is recommended that you bring denominations of $20 or less as higher denominations are often not accepted in local shops and markets. It is not recommended to change money at the airport.
Helpful Apps
We recommend downloading the free communication app, ‘Whatsapp’. It is very helpful for communicating with Vida Asana and other members of your group, through data and Wi-Fi. If you will be navigating yourself through Costa Rica, before or after your retreat here, the free navigation app ‘Waze’ is helpful to have as most locations have a Waze link that they can send to you or you can look up directly.
Water
Water is taken very seriously at Vida Asana! There is no need to buy plastic bottles of water, just bring your favorite water bottle and refill at our filtered water station. All water on the property goes through five filters before reaching the rooms and kitchen, and then continues through a diverse filtration process complete with restoring any beneficial minerals pulled out during the filtering, before reaching our water station.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Guests traveling from the USA and Canada (and many other countries) do not need a visa but will need to provide a return ticket or evidence of onward travel. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining to enter the country.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend our students secure their own travel insurance.
Daylight and Time Zone
Daylight begins to show ~ 5:15am, with sunrise 5:30am and sunset beginning around 5:30pm.
Electrical Power
The country uses 120V, 60Hz current, and the same for wall outlets. This is the same as the US, so guests from the US will not need adaptors.
Clothing
Guests should bring clothes for active daytime, such as hiking sandals/shoes, yoga clothes, beachwear, swimwear, flip flops and casual wear such as; shorts, sundresses, tank tops and anything made of a light breathable material. The nights can be chilly (more so during green season) so a light jacket, or a loose-fitting long sleeve top and light pants are recommended. We also recommend a rain jacket or poncho during green season.
Meals & Special Dietary Needs
The menu at Vida Asana was created with food sensitivities in mind. Our kitchen staff is fully versed in many types of foods and special dietary needs and can accommodate any special request. We will send you, in advance, a questionnaire requesting this and other information.
Breakfast Examples:
Gallo pinto (beans and rice with aromatics and salsa Linzano- a very Costa Rican typical breakfast)
Eggs
Sweet plantains
Pico de gallo
Slaw
Fresh Fruit
______
Tortilla Española (Our version of a Spanish omelet made with camote, a local white sweet potato)
Chia pudding with almonds and strawberries
House made granola or hot quinoa made with bananas, coconut, and almond butter
Yogurt
Fresh Fruit
Lunch Examples:
Greek Salad
Fresh greens (from our garden)
Hummus and Baba ghanouj
Falafel
Tzatziki and Tahini Sauces
_______
Sushi Bowl (A mix of sushi rice, carrot, cucumber, avocado, mango, black sesame seeds, sushi nori, and sesame ginger vinaigrette)
Salad greens
Miso soup
Fresh fruit
Dinner Examples:
Vegan Lasagna
Fresh green salad
Dijon or Balsamic Vinaigrette
Apple Crisp
______
Pad Thai:
Shrimp in Tamarind Glaze
Rainbow Mix of Fresh Veggies
Rice Noodles
Peanut Sauce
Fresh Green Salad
Dessert:
Avocado Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries
Additional info:
Check In/Out: Check In – 4:00pm, Check Out – 11:00am.
We will also do our best to accommodate early check in needs and late check out requests.
Pets: Animals of assistance and or guide dogs are permissible. Vida Asana does have pets. Please let us know if you have guests with allergies or are fearful of dogs and/or cats.
Code of Ethics: Vida Asana reserves the right to refuse admission and remove from its premises any guest who does not behave within ethical manners and agreeable practices.
Past Retreat
