OVERVIEW
This experience is an opportunity to slow down, tune in to local rhythms, and make images that reflect your inner journey (just as much as your outer journey). It’s so easy to return home from a trip with images that feel surface-level - images that fail to translate the emotion you experienced in the field. In “Sacred Light, Silent Shadow,” we'll explore deeper creative territory. We’ll discuss poetic seeing and meditative image-making as we move into closer communion with the spirit of the place. We’ll consider the difference between images that present facts ...and images that bring tears to the eyes. We’ll turn our attention to gorgeous slants of light and moody shadow (the heart and soul of powerful art). You’ll come away with a collection of expressive photographs, a more intimate relationship with your creative practice, and a greater confidence in your ability to take your vision on the road. - Laura Valenti
Building on the lessons of our first Kyoto retreat last year, we are putting together a wonderful program for Kyoto featuring Laura Valenti and her gentle creative spirit. With Laura having spent part of her childhood in Japan (contemporaneously at the same school as our director, George Nobechi), and having led a wonderful program for us in rural Japan in the fall of 2023, she is a perfect fit for our second Kyoto retreat-style photographic experience. The selection of images from her 2023 trip to Japan you can see on this page bear witness to the kinds of photographs you can strive for by learning from her.
Each day, we will gather in the comfort of our fabulous hotel to talk about images and image-making together. Outside, you may hear the sounds of late spring frogs or the first cicadas of the start of summer. Perhaps raindrops will be falling on the rooftops, and the stone pathways of Gion will glisten in the rain.
We will then depart together to explore a beautiful temple garden, perhaps try our hand at calligraphy by copying Buddhist sutras, or sip some matcha green tea while overlooking a tranquil pond. On other occasions, we may visit more vibrant quarters such as streets lined with traditional shops, engage with local people and learn about their lives. Or we may simply hang out by the famous Kamo River at sunset, watching locals and visitors alike enjoying the beautiful golden hour.
This retreat will allow you plenty of freedom—to sit in your thoughtfully designed room, contemplating the city’s timeless charm, perhaps writing poetry while having coffee, or reading a great book.
You can join all our group excursions or opt to join only some while doing your own activities on certain days. Some meals will be planned such that we can all gather together, and on other occasions, you can opt to find your own dinners - with your fellow participants, spouses, or on your own, too.
Our team will share our hidden gems of Kyoto, as well as help you to navigate through the busier iconic places at the best times possible to avoid crowds.
SCHEDULE
1 night in Tokyo - Fun excursion, welcome dinner.
7 nights in Kyoto (OMO5, modern Japanese hotel in the heart of Gion district) - Days will consist of group excursions to temples, shrines, and gardens (both iconic and off-the-beaten path). Our local team will curate the best experiences. You can also choose to branch out on your own if you wish, and you'll have the freedom to do so. We'll also have 1-on-1 mentoring and classroom sessions with Laura.
1 night in Tokyo - We'll travel back to Tokyo via bullet train, have a bit of time for shopping, and then share a farewell dinner.
Dates
October 17th - 25th (inclusive), 2025
(Participants should depart North America/Europe no later than October 15th to arrive on the 16th before the workshop begins on the 17th. For your return trip, plan to fly out on October 26th or later).
What’s included
9 nights accommodations (modern Japanese art hotel in Tokyo and modern Japanese hotel in Kyoto)
9 light breakfasts
6 group dinners (2 in Tokyo, 4 in Kyoto with 3 nights free on your own to explore Kyoto’s culinary delights)
Domestic transportation (round-trip bullet train to/from Kyoto)
Admissions to temples, shrines, and museums in our group excursions
Detailed info pack on travel to Japan
What’s not included
International travel
Extra hotel nights
Travel/trip insurance (highly recommended)
Lunches (cheapest meal of the day in Japan, estimated $10~$20 depending on the meal)
Alcohol (except at designated events such as the welcome and farewell dinners)
Supplement for spouse to stay in your room (please write to us for more information)
Class Size
6~9 participants depending on the breakdown of duos and singles. We reserve the right to close registration at any time.
Tuition
$8,450 US per person, double occupancy (when paid by bank wire) + $345 for credit card. Single supplement $550.
Payment schedule:
$2,500 deposit to register
50% of the balance due when the trip hits our go number
Remainder due August 15, 2025
2025 Cancellation Policy:
Up to 120 days before the trip: 50% of the deposit
119~90 days prior to the trip: 100% of the deposit
89~60 days prior to the trip: 50% fee
59~0 days prior to the trip 100% fee
Please do not book international travel until we have officially confirmed that the trip will proceed (minimum 6) *Travel insurance is required unless a waiver release is signed.
*Travel insurance is required unless a waiver release is signed.
About Laura Valenti
Laura Valenti is a photographer and curator who helps people hone their vision, deepen their relationship with their craft, and make meaningful images they love.
She’s had her fingers in a lot of pots in the art world, for over 20 years now. Laura teaches interactive e-courses, supports emerging photographers in her creative mentoring program, speaks to photo groups, and curates exhibitions for galleries and photo festivals worldwide. She also juries photo competitions and serves as a reviewer at national and international portfolio review events, where she helps photographers fine-tune their vision and promote their work with more confidence.