Photography retreat in PDX
Dates - November 8-10/2024
Location - MT Hood area
The main idea of this retreat is to create a perfect safe space for a small group (up to 8) artists and creators so we can connect, share our struggles and wins, and of course, learn from me and each other while having fun at the stunning Airbnb house surrounded by the nature of Pacific North West. This retreat will be useful for all photographers, filmmakers and creators no matter what level are you on.
Why me?
Oh yea, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Nick Bondarev, a commercial and documentary photographer and filmmaker with over 15 years of industry experience. I was published in NatGeo, NYTimes, Tatler, and a bunch of other magazines.
I have worked with Mercedes, Harley Davidson, Meta, Canva, and other massive brands, but that’s not what sets me apart from hundreds of other industry folks. What makes me a better person to learn from is that I was starting from zero so many times. I grew my career back in Russia, from less than nothing to historical photography awards, publishing my book, government projects, international clients, art galleries, and even building my own travel company. Everything fell apart when I moved to the States in 2019 and then COVID happened. But despite the tremendous challenges of immigration in the post-COVID world, I got back on track.
During those difficult times, I learned so much and ended up being beyond grateful for this adventure, and I'm sure my knowledge will help you bring your creative career to another level, but most importantly, not to go nuts while you're working on it.
Basically we gonna have 2 days at amazing Airbnb with close access to the nature so we could combine learning with refreshing joy of being outdoors. We gonna cook together, have fun together, hike together and will try go keep ourselves away from screens as much as we can.
Here is what I wanna share with you:
1- Choosing or adjusting your creative path and building your brand.
Whreather you want to focus on weddings, commercials, documentaries or any other king of visual storytelling I will guide you through the process of creating your personal brand and portfolio inlined with your personality and financial goals.
2- Marketing.
That’s basically the most important part of any business nowadays and only the strongest are will survive.
We gonna talk about social media, SEO, pitches, follow-ups, treatments, storyboards, communication with client, Facebook adds, using AI for your business, Pinterest, Beehance and other platforms and more and more.
Basically everything from creating your marketing strategy to closing deals and delivering your shoots.
3- Byproducts and diversifying your business.
That’s very important part of any business too and often ignored by artists. Personally I have many art related sources of income from selling my book, licenses and prints to photo stocks.
I wouldn’t say loud word “passive income” here but it’s pretty close to it.
4- Portfolio review.
For everyone in the group I will make personal consultation and portfolio reviev to make sure you can use all the information received during our workshop.
I will help you to set your own creative and marketing goals and make sure you’ve got the best plan to get there.
5- Gear and editing.
I do believe that your gear is the least important part of your business but i know you really wanna talk about it so to be it. And of course I will show you how I edit:)
Investment: $1450
$1150 if booking before August 1!
A 50% deposit is required for booking, and the balance is due 30 days prior to the workshop date.
What’s included:
Accommodation for 2 nights in the Airbnb house
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (all your dietary preferences will be considered)
Workshop program listed above
1-hour follow-up call with me after the workshop
Knowledge, fun, connections!
What’s not included:
Transportation (but if you don't drive, I'm sure we will figure it out together)
If you wanna join us of you have any questions please email Bondarev.management.gmail.com or use contact form and i will be happy to chat.
Cheers, Nick