Yesteryear Retreat 2026
Story-Driven Art for Women Artists at Camp Wandawega
When: August 24–27, 2026
Arrive Monday, August 24
Two full workshop days Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26.
Depart Thursday, August 27
Where: Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Think Wes Anderson meets Norman Rockwell. We’ll have the entire camp to ourselves. It is historic, rustic, nostalgic, and intentionally simple. Expect screened porches, clean linens, vintage charm, and coffee by the lake.
About the Retreat
Yesteryear is a hands-on, story-first creative retreat designed to help women artists and photographers build stronger, more intentional narrative work. Over two immersive days, we’ll style sets, shape light, direct subjects, and create imagery that feels cinematic, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Expect demos, guided shoots, presentations, editing sessions, and plenty of fireside conversation about process, purpose, and the art of slowing down to create with intention.
You’ll leave with:
• A repeatable framework for building narrative images, from concept to final edit
• Practical lighting approaches (natural + artificial) for creating cinematic mood
• A deeper understanding of color theory and how to use it to shape tone and emotion
• Editing techniques that enhance atmosphere and cohesion
• Strategies for developing personal projects and sustaining long-term inspiration
• A community of supportive, like-minded creatives
Who It’s For
Yesteryear is designed for women creatives who are drawn to thoughtful, intentional image-making, whether you’re a photographer, digital artist, or visual storyteller. Skill level doesn’t matter as much as curiosity. If you love building scenes with mood, experimenting with atmosphere, and creating work that feels lived-in and expressive, this retreat will feel like home.
Daily Flow (High-Level)
Monday (Arrival): Settle in, explore camp, and join us for a relaxed welcome mixer at golden hour.
Tuesday: A full creative day with meals provided. Lunch from one of our curated food trucks and dinner prepared by our private chef. Presentations, demos, styling, and guided indoor + outdoor shoots.
Wednesday: Another full creative day with food truck lunch and a private-chef dinner. Presentations, demos, styling, hands-on sessions, and an evening fireside Q&A.
Thursday (Departure): Farewell coffee and light breakfast before check-out.
Instructors
Vanessa Rivera
Vanessa Rivera is the artist and mother behind The Life of AIVAX, where she—together with her children and husband—builds whimsical props and sets to bring stories to life. Blending photography, digital painting, and compositing, Vanessa transforms everyday family moments into nostalgic, storybook-style illustrations inspired by childhood imagination.
Elizabeth Blank
Elizabeth Blank is an Atlanta-based underwater portrait and commercial photographer who creates vibrant, ethereal imagery beneath the surface. Since launching her career in 2010, she has worked with families, brands, and nonprofits. In 2016, she shifted her focus to underwater work, partnering with clients to bring imaginative concepts to life through one-of-a-kind waterborne portraits.
Meg Loeks
Meg Loeks is the founder of Yesteryear Retreats and a portrait photographer based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where she lives on a hobby farm with her family. Her cinematic portraits, rooted in classic Americana and domestic life, celebrate the humor and contradictions of home while using color and nostalgia to challenge the idealized. A Sigma, Profoto, and Imagen Ambassador, Meg teaches workshops across the U.S. and abroad and volunteers with The Gold Hope Project, offering portraits to families facing pediatric cancer.
What’s Included
Three nights’ lodging at Camp Wandawega (single and shared accommodations available)
Two full days of presentations, instruction, live demos, and guided photo sessions
Styled sets & props (including vintage interiors and lakeside scenes)
Downloadable editing videos from each instructor
Open Q&A opportunities
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and a welcome mixer (more details sent after registration)
Access to the rowboat, kayaks, and various camp amenities
Not Included: Airfare or ground transportation, travel insurance, personal gear. Nearest airport is Milwaukee (MKE) which is 45 minutes away from the Camp.
What to Bring
Camera + your favorite lenses
(We recommend a mix of focal lengths for storytelling: a wide angle like 35mm, a standard prime like 50mm, and a short telephoto such as 85mm.)Extra batteries, memory cards, optional tripod, laptop for culling/editing
Comfortable shoes, layers for cool evenings, swimwear if you’re brave
Any small props or wardrobe pieces you’d like to incorporate
Investment & Spots
Retreat Rates: $3,300–$3,900 (depending on accommodation type)
Capacity: Limited to 24 attendees to ensure meaningful hands-on time
Registration opens on Monday, December 1st.
To hold your spot, a $1200 deposit is required at registration. Use code: EARLYBIRD for $200 off your deposit till December 15th.
The remaining balance will be split into two payments:
• February 15, 2026 – first half
• May 15, 2026 – final payment
FAQs (Quick Hits)
Do I have to be a photographer?
No. If you’re a female creative who cares about visual storytelling, photographers, illustrators, digital artists, mixed-media artists, and anyone drawn to narrative imagery, you’re welcome.
What level is this for?
All levels are welcome.
This retreat focuses heavily on storytelling, concept development, and creative direction, and instruction scales to your experience.
However, we won’t be deep-diving into the basics of manual mode, so it’s helpful if you’re comfortable with:
The fundamentals of shooting in manual mode
Basic editing in Lightroom and/or Photoshop
Will there be editing instruction?
Yes. After the retreat, you’ll receive a downloadable editing video from each instructor, walking you through their creative process so you can revisit their techniques at your own pace and apply them to your own storytelling work.
Can I room with a friend?
Absolutely. Roommate requests are available at checkout (first come, first served).