More Than a Workshop: Why Unraveled Academy Retreats Are a Must for Photographers
Written by Mel Madden
What is it like to retreat with Unraveled Academy? Am I the perfect person to answer that? Absolutely. I’ve been to six Unraveled retreats (and counting!) and each one has been transformational — not just for my photography, but for who I am as an artist and a human being.
When I attended my first retreat, I thought I was just going to learn a few photography tips. What I didn’t expect was the depth: these retreats are so thoughtfully crafted that you can’t help but dig into your creativity, your passion, and yourself. That inner work sparked growth I didn’t even know I was ready for — and changed how I create forever.
The Perfect Blend of Creativity, Connection, and Reflection
To me, these retreats are the perfect mix of everything I need:
Learning, observing, and actively shooting
Connecting with like-minded women who share a passion for photography
Nourishing experiences like yoga, sound healing, and hiking
Space for journaling, reflecting, and recharging
The itinerary is always packed with goodness but thoughtfully designed to allow space for every attendee to take exactly what they need. And what that looks like is different for everyone. For me, human connection is everything. I’ve attended some of these retreats solo and walked away with lifelong friendships — the kind of friends you can call when you’re stuck creatively or just need someone who gets it.
Opening Up to Create Your Deepest Work
Each retreat begins with an intentional grounding exercise — meditation, yoga, or guided breathwork — designed to help you disconnect from the noise of your daily life and reconnect with yourself. When I first experienced this, I didn’t realize how badly I needed it. But Unraveled showed me how essential it is to make space for creativity — not just technically, but emotionally. The teaching sessions are led by some of the most talented artists in the industry. And what’s amazing is that they’re not just there to instruct — they’re there to pour into you. They share their challenges, their creative processes, their thoughts while shooting, their methods for working with light, their editing tips — all of it, openly and honestly. It’s inspiring to watch these artists create breathtaking work while simultaneously investing in each attendee. You leave every session feeling seen, supported, and deeply inspired.
Pushing Boundaries and Creating Meaningful Art
At Unraveled retreats, you’re encouraged to:
• Try new things — play around with a lens you don’t typically use
• Shoot at a slower shutter speed • Play with harsh, full sun
• Experiment without the pressure of client expectations
You’re creating for yourself — from a place of pure passion, curiosity, and exploration. That freedom is where the magic happens. I always make it a priority to carve out time for personal work while I’m there — capturing images just for me. Being in a visually different environment sparks something in my creativity that I don’t always feel at home. Some of my favorite portfolio pieces, personal art, and even work now featured in my print shop were created during these retreats.
The True Gift: Community
The stunning images? They’re just the icing on the cake. The real gift of Unraveled retreats is the community. It’s the people you reach out to when you’re looking for feedback. It’s the ones you bounce ideas off when you’re stuck. It’s the friendships that fuel your soul and your art long after the retreat is over. I am endlessly grateful for these experiences and plan to continue prioritizing Unraveled Academy retreats as a core part of my growth — as an artist, a business owner, and a person shaping a creative life exactly the way I envision it.
t the most recent retreat in the California desert, Kade Bailey asked us to dig deep and try to answer the question: When do you feel your most magnetic self? Your magnetic self - defined as authentic, connected, grounded, free, thriving. For me, the answer was easily found right in front of me…
I feel my most magnetic self at these Unraveled retreats.
Bombay Beach, CA
Bombay Beach, CA
Bombay Beach, CA
Bombay Beach, CA
Bombay Beach, CA
Joshua Tree, CA
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs, CA
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
THIS is the reason you should become a member of Unraveled.
We’re more than just an online photography school—we’re a creative home. As a member, you’ll unlock exclusive perks like the chance to be featured in our weekly blog and on Instagram, access to a supportive and talented community, and monthly releases of brand-new photography courses. You’ll also get freebies, webinars, creative challenges, and a front-FIRST DIBS ON UNRAVELED EVENTS! We’re here to help you grow, evolve, and keep your passion alive—every step of the way.