Do you want to enhance your photography practice, reconnect with nature and enjoy a community of like-minded participants? This summer series is designed for you to feel in flow with your creativity, provide you with tools to develop your awareness and self-reflection, and offer collaborative image-making, discussion and learning, in an easy and collegial environment.
June 2023.
Workshops are designed for 4-8 people per event, which will allow you to explore your creative vision, whatever your experience with the technology. Learning together will be about reflecting on your inner creative motivations while observing, feeling and experiencing within a natural environment. Exercises and discussions will be about personal creative directions, whatever yours might be. Technique may be discussed as desired. Bring your camera, questions and a collection of images to discuss in the company of like-minded photographers of all levels. Share a farmhouse dormitory arrangement or bring a tent. Spend one or two nights – or stay longer. If you live nearby, arrive for the days’ activities.
The barn studio space is available, and the entire farm property allows for forest walks, plant and wildlife observation and quiet contemplation. Nearby there are swimming options and the village with its excellent used bookstore and cafés.
(Farmhouse accommodation is limited, so book early (although tenting is also possible).
| Example Workshop Schedule | |
| Friday – evening arrival (optional) | Potluck Dinner for those who arrive earlier |
| Open discussion and socializing | |
| Saturday | Breakfast |
| Morning meditation/reflection | |
| 9:30-12:30 | Workshop Session |
| Lunch and break | |
| 1:30-4:30 | Workshop Session |
| Free time and dinner prep | |
| Dinner | |
| Evening | Discussion and social time |
| Sunday | Breakfast |
| Morning meditation/reflection | |
| 9:30–12:30 | Workshop Session |
| Lunch | |
| 1:30-2:30 | Wrap-up |
| Relaxed departure |
About Shibagau Creek Forest Farmstead
Shibagau Creek Forest Farmstead is a 100-acre retreat in a quiet valley with open meadows, forests and marshland. The property has been in the Sramek family for nearly 60 years and much of the land was replanted with trees at that time. The rustic 1900’s off-grid farmhouse overlooks the green valley and has an outdoor summer kitchen, firepit and dormitory loft, solar power, composting toilets and rain barrel shower. Open areas for tenting provide plenty of space for those who wish to camp. Trails lead through the forest down to the creek and to the upper fields with their viewpoints, perfect for silence & contemplation, walking and observing. The centre is actively in the process of development with new trees being planted this spring, the house and barn workshop space improved and forest trails expanded.
The Shibagau Forest Farmstead is situated within the traditional territories of the Mississaugas, Anishinabewaki (ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ) and Wendake-Nionwentsïo peoples who are the original owners and custodians of these lands on which we are honoured to gather. As part of the Upper Canada Land Surrenders, under the Crawford Purchase of 1784, no treaty was ever signed.
Getting Here: Outside Tamworth, Ontario, north of Napanee (Highway 41 exit on 401, or Camden East exit east of Kingston; from Highway 7, head south at Kaladar on Highway 41. Roughly 4 hours from Toronto or Montreal and 3 from Ottawa.
Weekend Schedule: Arrive Friday afternoon/evening or on Saturday morning. Finish on Sunday afternoon (an extra night stay can be arranged without extra cost).
Environment: This is a natural forested location, so bring bug spray and expect to spend time outdoors in various weather conditions.. The kitchen deck, firepit, BBQ and eating area are outdoors (there is a mosquito tent with tables for when bugs are bad).
There is a swimming lake 20 minutes drive away, a rain barrel shower onsite and composting toilets.
Meals: Food & non-alcoholic beverages will be provided with shared preparation and clean-up. This is a ‘take your waste, leave no trace’ location.
Charging: Solar power system enables some charging of devices when required. At this point there is only spotty onsite cell service by the house and no WiFi (it is a great place to disconnect). Cell service is at the top of the hill at the entrance to the property, a five-ten minute walk from the house.
Dorm Sleeping: On the second floor, there is an open-concept loft with 6 comfortably spaced out beds. Currently there is one bedroom downstairs with queen bed – more to come as we renovate the extension.
Camping: There is plenty of room for tenting in the fields around the farmhouse and barn.