UNPLUG.     PLAY.    GET UNSTUCK.

RESUSCITATE YOUR CREATIVITY IN THE MOST RESTORATIVE WAY POSSIBLE.

Join Kara Marie for a 3-day, 2-night nature retreat in Texas Hill Country to unplug, play, and get creatively unstuck.

Reset vibes include:

  • Quiet nature

  • Your own tiny cabin (or shared with a friend)

  • No Wi-Fi

  • Creative exercises

  • Inspiring discussions

  • Campfire chats

  • Female camaraderie

  • Creative playtime

  • Hot tub soaks al fresco

  • Stargazing

  • Simple, nourishing meals

  • Artful photo documentation of you in an at-ease, natural state

As creatives, it’s common to know exactly what we need, yet freeze in action because we’re…well…exhausted.

Collectively, the general consensus is that photographers are overstimulated, under expressed, and a little stuck right now. I hear you.

I’ve spent the better part of 7 years studying creativity and its benefits on burnout while putting and I have to tell you— the answer is simpler than we’re making it.

Find your village. Prioritize simplicity. Sit in the sun. Turn off your screens. Move your body. Nurture your friendships. Talk to strangers. Invest in yourself. Play.

I designed the TOUCH GRASS creative retreat for an intimate group with maximum impact specifically with these soul-filling philosophies in mind. We will relax. We will go with the flow. We will laugh, likely cry, rest, and create. We’ll come away from this experience with a reignited creative fire and inspired ideas.

REQUEST A SPOT

The TOUCH GRASS Creative Retreat can accommodate a maximum of 8 people in 4 tiny cabins. It’s highly encouraged to bunk with a friend for maximum experience.

Please complete the form to request a spot, noting SOLO or DUO. If there is remaining space, you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours to confirm your spot with your 50% deposit. Remaining balance will be due on February 1st.

FAQ’s

Led By:

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Led By: *

Learn more about Kara Marie HERE.

Hi I’m Kara Marie; photographer of women, cheerleader of photographers, and incessant pursuer of a life that feels good to live in. As an American hustler with a proclivity towards epic burnouts, I created this experience for me, first.

Starting in 2016, I began by blocking out 3 days a year to go somewhere remote in nature by myself to disconnect, write, live on simple basics, and inevitably return full of new ideas and the enthusiasm and energy to put them into action. Eventually, I began including creative friends on these quests and deepened the experience so much.

My journey to help photographers is fueled 100% by GENUINELY wanting to help, not because I didn’t have enough photography work nor because I wanted industry recognition. I saw a void in education that promoted career longevity and watched so many industry friends struggle to find their stride.

As such, what I teach is centered in what I like to call “the good guy stuff”; establishing creative and professional values, taking outstanding care of your people and deepening your work while living and working in a way that feels really good to you.

Hope to see you soon!

XK

WORKSHOP REVIEWS

  • Hannah McMahon, PIVOT sessions 2x attendee

    A zillion out of ten. Will always recommend.

    The Pivot Session, this second time around, has left me thinking about how it’s ok to adjust, and I think that’s the biggest thing I’m taking away from this. This release of “but I’ve ALWAYS done it this way!” Or “but I’m SUPPOSED to do this or that,” and it’s comforting, and reassuring, and liberating all at once.

    This class is absolutely packed with concepts and ideas that force you to really think deeply about the way you are engaging in your business, and what you want your life (especially outside of it) to look like.

    I might as well be a billboard for this human- I’ve attended Kara’s in person class in Milan, her Pivot Session class in Austin, gobbled up her online classes, and have been lucky enough to be photographed by her, twice. I have always admired her creative vision and not only dedication to her craft, but her realness in amongst it; we all start somewhere, and travel different paths, but what I’ve found again and again is that she’s passionate about living intentionally, and that resonates deeply both in her portrait work, and in her teachings.

    I’ll never not jump at the chance to learn from Kara, because even after every class and session and shoot that I’ve done, I always manage to walk away with something even more powerful, meaningful, and impactful.

  • Stephanie Bordas, PIVOT Sessions 2x attendee

    You will leave this workshop ready to shake up your life in all the good ways, make some art, and say goodbye to habits that are holding you back. It's about improving your career, yes, but also about improving your life and well-being.

    Kara- I love and respect how you never present the exact same workshop twice. Each time, the tweaks you make are meaningful and applicable. Thank you for being so generous.

  • JAMA FINNEY, PIVOT SESSIONS attendee

    Perfect time for a reboot, these discussions were pure fire! Much love to Kara Marie, your words and actions always hit the heart of the matter. Xxx

  • Brooke Delp, WORKSHOP ATTENDEE

    Arriving far too early for the workshop, I was greeted by a warm and enthusiastic Kara. She invited me into the hostess’s studio, a wide open, sun-drenched space overlooking Las Vegas. Stepping into the workshop felt like a dream. I’d seen all her videos and obsessed over her Instagram, but in-person is something else. It’s a carefully selected, small group of amazing photographers joining the absolute best in the genre (I’ll die on this hill). Her energy is everything you hope it will be. This isn’t a snobbish workshop. Kara’s as real as they come, and you can be yourself, too.

    From her slideshow’s first image to the live demonstration to the final hilarious group photo, it was a whirlwind of education, creativity, and camaraderie. I was captivated by the possibilities of photography, experimenting with new techniques and perspectives. It helped that Kara didn’t simply share her finest work; she showed early photos with corresponding pricing. This demystified the craft and made me feel like I could do it, too. It gave me permission to be a novice and excitement for the future….

  • BROOKE DELP (CONT.)

    I was nervous—like, forget how to adjust your ISO in a room full of professional photographers nervous. When Kara saw me fumbling with my camera, she didn’t roll her eyes. She waited patiently, then steadied my hand as I desperately attempted to take a motion blur photo. Though she inhabits the role of educator well, I got the sense that she was also one of us, dashing around the room, deliriously happy to be making art.

    By the end of the day, we weren’t strangers anymore. Just a group of girls inspired by the talented and generous models Kara provided. When we weren’t laughing, there were moments of absolute stillness. At one point, the room went silent, but for a few “ooohs” and “ahhhs.” One of the models had struck a beautiful pose, and it was all we could do to stop everything and capture it from our own perspectives. I later saw other photographers’ images from that exact moment and was astonished to see how different each of us had seen the very same pose. I could tell from each of the edits that we’d all employed skills Kara had taught.

  • BROOKE DELP (CONT)

    Through it all, Kara was supportive. She’s mastered the art of “show, don’t tell.” She’s not merely a hype-man—but she will hype you up. She proved that we could take gorgeous photos at every experience level.

    In a world filled with workshops that promise the moon and deliver mere stardust, this experience was a rare gem—a day so extraordinary, so full of wonder and delight that it will forever hold a special place in my heart. I can’t thank Kara enough for exceeding every expectation and giving me an experience I’ll always point to as the day I finally saw myself as an artist.

  • Tanya Elyacoubi, workshop attendee

    “Artistically and mind-blowingly impactful.This day filled and overflowed my little photographer’s heart in ways I couldn't even imagine, and it was my 2nd time doing an in-person workshop with Kara. I'm still on a high from it 2 weeks + later. I am now more intentional with being an artist and seeing imperfection as art perfection without the props and fluff. Kara says you don't need it, she means it and teaches it. Her effortless way of giving you permission to peek through your camera and create unique and exquisite forms of art, all centered around your client make her the ideal instructor for anyone looking to take their boudoir or portrait photography to the next level. Forever grateful that she shares her wealth of information with those looking to grow in this field. Please don't sleep on her workshops. I am who I am today because I invested in myself and my education, learning from the best in the industry.”

  • Maria baptiste, workshop attendee

    In my photography life I've attended numerous workshops and conferences. This experience was unquestionably one of THE best! I loved it! his workshop opened my eyes to servicing clients in a more meaningful way beyond a pretty portrait or standard boudoir.

  • LuAnn Warner-Prokos, workshop attendee

    “This was an amazing workshop! I love KaraMarie's education style, her hands on approach, and kind words of encouragement and support. I went feeling not confident about this genre, but quickly felt at ease and not only enjoyed myself, I captured many great images that I could use to start building my portfolio in this genre. I would definitely attend another of KM's workshops.”

  •  Lisa Warner-Pollack, workshop attendee

    “It was such a Dream to be able to attend this workshop! I love the direction that Boudoir is moving into and Kara is such an embodiment of "Less is SO much more". I so appreciated the hands on experience with direct coaching from Kara in practicing to see the human body as the work of art that it is. I feel like I got a new "lens" to look through. This whole workshop felt like such a permission slip to let go of any "rules" I may have been holding onto.”

  • STEPHANIE BORDAS, WORKSHOP ATTENDEE

    This workshop is perfect blend of inspiration, practical shooting, business, camaraderie and fun. Kara Marie is a master of teaching photographers how to push themselves to be better artists, without copying each other's style. Her approach is conversational, casual and so refreshing! Unlike so many workshops where every participant ends up with the same shots, Kara Marie encourages everyone to create something totally different than their neighbor, allows everyone to take the reins as director and challenges the way you normally shoot. She will push you just enough out of your comfort zone so that you are sure to walk away with work that is both new for you and still completely yours. Whether you are a novice photographer looking to learn from the best or a seasoned photographer wanting to shake up your creativity, you will benefit from Kara's workshops.

  • Nancy Ambe, PIVOT SESSIONS attendee

    One of the best workshops ever!! THANK YOU Kara Marie.