At Play with Parker(An Intimate portrait intensive)

August 7-9  |  $1500  
Asheville, NC
Fun Ticket
Fun Ticket

Somewhere along the way to becoming "serious" photographers, a lot of us forgot how to play. We have found ourselves off the trail of that innate journey of curiosity leading to wonder.

The wonder that lured us into this art form in the first place has been traded for textbook setups, technical perfectionism, and the paralyzing pressure to create a “viral image” every single time we pick up a camera.

It’s time to shake that off.

This August, I am opening up my personal home studio to just six photographers for a three-day, immersive creative laboratory. No egotistical blah, no stiff lectures, just pure, hands-on, intentional experimentation and self-discovery designed to reignite the fire in your own creative process.

some Play time activities:

  • Voice Lessons for the Photographer: Moving the past standard workshop model of “this is how to be me”, we will be exploring your personal experience, taste, and beliefs to find out what your mind actually wants to say through the lens.

  • The Architecture of Light (An Unconventional Approach): Throw away the textbook lighting diagrams. We will play with unconventional sources, harsh light, no light and natural found light to create mood, balance and voice.

  • The Psychology of Interaction: Deconstructing the delicate dance between photographer and subject. You’ll learn how to break down walls, introduce spontaneity, and direct a portrait session so it feels like a shared, living experiment.

  • Hands-on Creation (Film & Digital Welcome): You take the reins in the studio with curated subjects. I’ll be right there beside you to bounce ideas off of, push your parameters, and help you embrace the "happy accidents" that make art human.

  • The Physical Reward: We’ll explore the art of curation and sequencing, and you will walk away with a stunning, museum-grade fine art print created during the weekend to take home.

So why is play so important, Parker?

Great question! Let me tell you!

In a world that loves to focus on rigid structures and final results, play is the one space left for pure experimentation. It allows for those beautiful, human "happy accidents" that routine could never plan for. Whether you are holding a camera, writing a line of code, or just trying to solve a problem, play is what keeps the process alive, honest, and actually fun.

is this right for beginners?

fine art portraiture, fashion, editorial

access to my gear, my models my home field advantage

make sure they know we are gonna talk gear and technique as well!

portraits are som important! Why we make them . some portraits find their value may years later when a person passes

the question is powerful. what are questions you want to ask to allow your photos to ask the viewer, the world

FAQ’s

  1. What skill level is required to attend? I believe this workshop is of great value at any skill level. After all, I will be trying to get you to that beginners mindset anyway!

  2. Do I need a specific type of camera or gear? Nope! Bring whatever you are most free to create with. Just know that whatever you bring it and yourself will be pushed to its limits.

  3. Will we be focusing on technical skills or creative concepts? YES! 

Day One

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

How It Works

  • Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.

  • Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

In photography there is no “RIGHT WAY”.

Now that we have that out of the way, lets find your way.

Let’s make a play date!

make a video for background. something fun short and looped

Fun Ticket