Beyond Brilliant Photography Retreats
Upcoming Retreats
Upcoming
Retreats
October 6th - 10th, 2025
Join educators Jessica McKnight, Pratik Naik & Bella Kotak in a unique Texas ranch surrounded by 46 acres of breathtaking landscapes. This retreat will provide hands-on learning, styled shoots, business education, and mindfulness experiences, ensuring you leave inspired, refreshed, and equipped to take your career to the next level.
Marble Falls, Texas
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January 11th - 17th, 2026
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, at the amazing Vida Asana Yoga School & Retreat Center, our 7-day/6-night photography retreat promises an immersive journey of growth and transformation.
Costa Rica
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For years, I believed success meant working harder. So I did—late nights, early mornings, pushing through exhaustion, always chasing the next milestone. Despite all that effort, the impact I craved always felt just out of reach. My patience thinned, my joy faded, and burnout moved in and made itself at home.
Something had to change. On a whim—and with more urgency than clarity—I signed up for a month-long yoga teacher training in Costa Rica. Before it started, I gave myself a week to play. Surfing, zip-lining, swimming, riding ATVs—I felt present for the first time in years. I remembered what joy felt like.
How Beyond Brilliant
Retreats Were Born
A Note from
the Heart :
Then the real work began…
Five hours of yoga a day. Eight hours of breath work, meditation, and deep reflection. Slowly, I peeled back the layers of hustle and ego.
I wasn't manifesting—I was manipulating. I wasn't attracting—I was chasing. I thought I had to do more to be more.
But the truth was, I needed to rest. To reconnect with my heart.
One morning in meditation, deep in the jungle surrounded by birdsong and the calls of howler monkeys, I received a vision—clear and undeniable. I was being called to serve. To become a Sevaka—a yogi in service to others.
In that moment, I saw what Beyond Brilliant could be: a sanctuary for photographers—an industry I love, yet one so often plagued by burnout, imposter syndrome, competition, and loneliness. What if I could create a space where people didn't have to pretend or push to the edge? What if I could help them come home to themselves?
That was the birth of Beyond Brilliant Retreats— 5-10 day intentional retreats that are a blend of mental wellness, world-class photography education and adventures to help you center, be present and reset.
These retreats aren't just about technique. They're about healing, realignment, and reigniting creative fire from a place of peace, not pressure.
Since then, every retreat has been INCREDIBLE! But more importantly, the transformation I've seen—the joy, the breakthroughs, the growth—has been extraordinary. We've built a community rooted in authenticity and shared purpose.
We're not just photographers—we're family.
This is more than a retreat. It's a new chapter for photographers ready to lead with heart, prioritize wellness, and rediscover what truly lights them up.
So ask yourself, what is the cost of staying in that place?
Your health. Your creativity. Your relationships. Your business.
Burnout doesn't just steal your energy. It dims your light.
But there is a way through…
Now, imagine yourself, just days after the retreat—your shoulders no longer tight with tension, your mind clear, your breath deep and steady. You feel grounded, not rushed. Inspired, not overwhelmed. You wake each morning with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity, no longer chasing the next milestone, but creating from a place of peace, authenticity, and joy. You trust your intuition again.
You remember why you picked up a camera in the first place. And perhaps for the first time in a long time, you feel whole—not just as a photographer, but as a human being deeply connected to your art, your vision, and your own inner brilliance.
At The Beyond Brilliant Retreats
Connect with your Tribe, Elevate your Business and Unleash Untapped Creativity!
These aren’t just retreats—they’re immersive, soul-shaking, game-changing experiences designed exclusively for photographers who are ready to grow and go on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression, connect with like-minded individuals, and truly thrive. We are here to help you work towards building a business that’s in-line with your dreams and your true purpose.
Here’s what makes Beyond Brilliant unlike anything else:
Wellness Meets Creativity
Burnout? Imposter syndrome? We see you. Our retreats integrate daily yoga, meditation, and mindset coaching to help you tap into sustainable creativity. Because let’s be real—art doesn’t flourish under pressure. This is your reset button: the space to clear your mind, find your focus, and unlock next-level inspiration.
World-Class Educators
You won’t just learn—you’ll be mentored by award-winning photographers and visionary leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. Our educators are the real deal: passionate, approachable, and handpicked for their ability to inspire and elevate your craft.
Business + Creative Mastery
From lighting, posing, styling, and post-production to smart business strategy—we cover it all. You’ll gain insider tools, hands-on techniques, and the confidence to elevate your portfolio and grow your brand. Plus, stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge trends and tech that the industry’s top pros are already using.
Insanely Beautiful Styled Shoots
Ready to upgrade your portfolio with jaw-dropping images? You'll get exclusive access to styled photo walks featuring pro models, dream wardrobes, wild animals (yes, zebras and llamas happen!), and locations you’d never find on your own. These shoots are pure creative magic—and only available to Beyond Brilliant attendees.
Authentic Cultural Immersion
Whether we’re in a new state or across the globe, every retreat is a deep dive into local culture, cuisine, and adventure.From the food you savor to the stories you experience, we design every moment to be rich, real, and unforgettable.
Adventure + Entertainment
This isn’t just about learning—it’s about living. You’ll laugh, connect, dance, explore, and rediscover the joy of photography (and life) through curated adventures and uplifting entertainment that light you up from the inside out.
Nourishing Gourmet Meals
Say goodbye to conference-room boxed lunches. We bring in locally sourced, organic cuisine crafted by amazing chefswho nourish your body while you feed your creative soul.
Epic, Thoughtful Swag
Our swag isn’t filler—it’s fire. Each gift is chosen with intention to match the retreat’s location and theme. From tools to treasures, these goodies are actually useful, and totally swoon-worthy. We don’t just give—we spoil you, because you’re family now.
Dreamy Destinations
Every retreat location is chosen to inspire. Think: serene, energizing spaces that spark creativity, foster connection, and offer plenty of peace when you need to unplug.
Your Creative Tribe Awaits
If you’ve been searching for a creative family that just gets you—you’ve found it. These retreats are the birthplace of lifelong friendships, collaborations, and community. You’ll leave with more than new skills—you’ll leave with your tribe.
This is more than a retreat. It’s a revolution—for your art, your mindset, your business, and your life.
Are you ready to experience something truly Beyond Brilliant?
These aren’t just retreats—they’re immersive, soul-shaking, game-changing experiences designed exclusively for photographers who are ready to grow and go on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression, connect with like-minded individuals, and truly thrive. We are here to help you work towards building a business that’s in-line with your dreams and your true purpose.
Here’s what makes Beyond Brilliant unlike anything else:
Wellness Meets Creativity
Burnout? Imposter syndrome? We see you. Our retreats integrate daily yoga, meditation, and mindset coaching to help you tap into sustainable creativity. Because let’s be real—art doesn’t flourish under pressure. This is your reset button: the space to clear your mind, find your focus, and unlock next-level inspiration.
World-Class Educators
You won’t just learn—you’ll be mentored by award-winning photographers and visionary leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. Our educators are the real deal: passionate, approachable, and handpicked for their ability to inspire and elevate your craft.
Business + Creative Mastery
From lighting, posing, styling, and post-production to smart business strategy—we cover it all. You’ll gain insider tools, hands-on techniques, and the confidence to elevate your portfolio and grow your brand. Plus, stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge trends and tech that the industry’s top pros are already using.
Insanely Beautiful Styled Shoots
Ready to upgrade your portfolio with jaw-dropping images? You'll get exclusive access to styled photo walks featuring pro models, dream wardrobes, wild animals (yes, zebras and llamas happen!), and locations you’d never find on your own. These shoots are pure creative magic—and only available to Beyond Brilliant attendees.
Authentic Cultural Immersion
Whether we’re in a new state or across the globe, every retreat is a deep dive into local culture, cuisine, and adventure.From the food you savor to the stories you experience, we design every moment to be rich, real, and unforgettable.
Adventure + Entertainment
This isn’t just about learning—it’s about living. You’ll laugh, connect, dance, explore, and rediscover the joy of photography (and life) through curated adventures and uplifting entertainment that light you up from the inside out.
Nourishing Gourmet Meals
Say goodbye to conference-room boxed lunches. We bring in locally sourced, organic cuisine crafted by amazing chefswho nourish your body while you feed your creative soul.
Epic, Thoughtful Swag
Our swag isn’t filler—it’s fire. Each gift is chosen with intention to match the retreat’s location and theme. From tools to treasures, these goodies are actually useful, and totally swoon-worthy. We don’t just give—we spoil you, because you’re family now.
Dreamy Destinations
Every retreat location is chosen to inspire. Think: serene, energizing spaces that spark creativity, foster connection, and offer plenty of peace when you need to unplug.
Your Creative Tribe Awaits
If you’ve been searching for a creative family that just gets you—you’ve found it. These retreats are the birthplace of lifelong friendships, collaborations, and community. You’ll leave with more than new skills—you’ll leave with your tribe.
This is more than a retreat. It’s a revolution—for your art, your mindset, your business, and your life.
Are you ready to experience something truly Beyond Brilliant?
Past Retreats
Past
Retreats
January 5th - 10th, 2025
With educators Jessica McKnight & Lindsay Adler; Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, at the amazing Vida Asana, our 6-day/5-night photography retreat promises an immersive journey of growth and transformation.
Costa Rica
Learn More >
February 15th - 18th, 2024
During this 4-day intimate photography retreat/mastermind you will have the opportunity to take the time to relax, recharge, and refocus your business mindset all while enjoying the white sugar sand beaches at the beautiful Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater, FL.
Clearwater, Florida