Women in photography

Photography retreats just what

the doctor ordered ByRuby Harfield

Abusiness designedtohelp women traveland improve theirphotography skills is also helping their health and wellbeing.

Women in Photography (WIP)was founded by award-winning NewZealand photographerLesley Whyte.

WIP isa global provider of photography tours andretreats.

Whyte said WIP has one aim “to grow the photographicpassion of women andfor themtobecome more confident in using theircamera”though an incredibly fun, social plusextremely interactive and handsonway.

“We know thatfor women itcan be very busy jugglingcareer and home life with,at times, not much me time.

“We recognise that attimes we need me time, somecamera time and being with other women.

“Whether ourattendees arebeginners and only just started using theircamera, still on auto,or even more advanced, our photographytours andretreats are therapeutic and just what the doctor ordered.

Photography isa medium to express yourself, and also helpstobringfocusto positive life experiences, she said.

“Itcan enhanceyour self-worth and even reduces thestress hormonecortisol.”

WIP has developed an annualfour-day retreatinconjunction with RiverValley Lodge, nearTaihape, specificallyfor photography wellbeing, she said.

“RiverValleyhas been chosen as it is a place to restore, rejuvenate, recreateand regenerate– it’s where we can immerse ourselves in nature, builda real connection with yourcamera and embrace ourselves as women.

“Ofcourse, allourother photography retreats andtours aretherapeuticfor a photographer with us beingtotally immersed in the surroundings and enjoying that camera time.

“Travelling with like-minded and equally photographicpassionatewomen, we’ve seentobe so beneficial, the women sayat the end that they’ve not been thinking about anythingother than beingtotally immersed ingetting theircamerasettings rightto capture stunning imagery.”

Women in Photography is led by women for women and is believedtobe the only global provider of photographytours and retreats dedicatedtoenthusiasts, hobbyists, beginnersand intermediatelevel photographers, Whyte said.

Theretreats andtours arealso incredibly fun and social plusextremely interactive with Lightroom& Photoshop sessions.

ABOVE LEFT: A Women in Photography group sittingatthe 800year oldTotarastumpatBlue DuckStation in the Ruapehu District. ABOVE RIGHT: A grouptourattheTommy Solomonstatue in the Chatham Islands. Photos/Supplied BELOW: Award-winning New Zealand photographerLesley Whyte, whofounded Women in Photography. Photos/Supplied

New Zealand’s only organisation providing photography workshops, adventures, events & tours, run by women, for women.

Contact Lesley Whyte for more information lesley@womeninphotography.co

Our retreats and tours are led by a dedicated team of Women in Photography mentors who have been chosen as they share Women in Photography’s philosophy of mentoring and growing “YOUR photography passion.”