Is a Photography Retreat Worth It? My Experience at Woofventures Retreat 2025
Retreats in any industry are an investment — of time, money, and energy. As photographers, we’re constantly weighing the same question: Will this experience elevate my craft enough to bring more confidence, creativity, clients, and income down the road?
For me, when I learned that Ewan Cheyne of Mutley’s Snaps (Scotland) and Kristen Murray of Kristen Murray Photography (Virginia) were teaming up again for another Woofventures Retreat, the decision was an easy yes. And when they announced a new co-lead, the incredible Elke Vogelsang of Wieselblitz in Germany, it became an absolute no-brainer. Each of them brings such unique strengths, and I knew their combined knowledge could push my work to a whole new level.
Arriving at Woofventures 2025
This year’s retreat was hosted at Muckrach House, a stunning manor in the northern Cairngorms — the kind of place that feels like it was designed specifically for creativity. And somehow, the Scottish weather blessed us with almost too lovely conditions for May. Photographing dogs against rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, serene lochs, and deep forests felt like stepping into a dream.
Since I was living in Germany at the time, I was able to drive and take the ferry, which turned the entire trip into a scenic adventure. There’s nothing quite like the dramatic roads of Scotland to get you excited for a week of creating.
What Woofventures Offers
The retreat is a blend of education, inspiration, rest, adventure, and a whole lot of laughter. Here’s what’s included:
7 nights of accommodation
5 days of education and on-location shoots
Hands-on shooting both outdoors and in studio
A relaxed mid-week rest day (believe me, you need this!)
Studio demonstrations + one-on-one help from instructors
Off-camera flash instruction
Editing time with instructor support
Commercial photography education
A private chef for 6 days (dietary needs included)
Transportation during the retreat
But the bullet list doesn’t capture the heart of it — the people, the knowledge shared, and the creative breakthroughs absolutely do.
A Week of Learning, Shooting, and Connection
Every day started early and ended late, in the best way. Breakfast was casual but delicious — and Kristen’s husband made the best eggs if you asked. From there, the flow alternated beautifully between learning and shooting.
One thing I appreciated most: there was actual time to edit. At other retreats I’ve attended, the schedule felt rushed and the support limited. Here, the instructors were always accessible — quick with suggestions, guidance, and genuine encouragement.
I gained so much not only from Kristen, Ewan, and Elke, but also from the other photographers attending. Some had been in the industry for years and generously shared their shortcuts and perspectives. Others were newer and asked great questions — and I loved being able to help them with the business side of things.
Meals were a highlight too — our private chef prepared mouthwatering dishes that made every lunch and dinner feel like a celebration.
What We Learned
Throughout the week, we covered:
Off-camera flash
Commercial work
Posing people and dogs together (the session where Kristen posed with Ewan and her husband Daniel was pure comedy gold)
Studio lighting
Editing in Lightroom and Photoshop
Creative compositions & working with each environment
For the evening shoots, Kristen paired us up and rotated the instructors. Each one had a totally different eye and way of approaching the landscape, which helped me see the scene in new ways every single night.
I grew so much — from getting more confident with action shots thanks to Kristen, to mastering mirror-like reflections with Elke, to refining studio lighting with Ewan.
The Mid-Week Break
The rest day was needed. Some people took a hike with local Scottish friends and their pups. I, however, loaded up the car with new friends and headed to Inverness for exploring and window-shopping. Connecting over good food and conversation was the reset my body and mind needed to keep creating throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I’m incredibly grateful I took the leap. Spending time with old friends, making new ones, and pushing myself in such a supportive environment was priceless.
Ewan and Kristen — complete opposites personality-wise — balance each other beautifully, and Elke was the perfect addition to the team. Yes, retreats can be pricey. But this one? I never once felt like I didn’t get my money’s worth.
Even after the retreat, the value kept coming:
Portfolio review
A detailed website audit by Ewan’s wife, Claire of Wildflowers and Pixels (which has inspired a full site revamp!)
Classroom content
Lightroom & Photoshop actions
Studio setup access
And the chance to photograph and snuggle the incredible Golden Retriever, Ruckus, who absolutely stole my heart
I’ve attended other pet photography retreats, and this one stands above the rest. If they ever host an alumni retreat or a “Not a Retreat,” I would be on the next plane.
Scotland already held a special place in my heart — but experiencing it while photographing dogs? That was a once-in-a-lifetime gift I’ll never forget.