Are you ready to create some breathtaking artwork?
Join Minna and Zoe at a luxurious get - away in the hills of Byron Bay. Dive in, to creating art and feeling inspired at a weekend filled with 3 photoshoots lead by Minna and Zoe, all planned out perfectly to fill your creative cup. When we are not photographing, we will be relaxing by the pool or in the living space with some good food, good people, and lots of photo editing fun.
Introducing the Luxury Sunrise, Rockpool & Underwater Maternity Retreat.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience designed exclusively for maternity photographers seeking to elevate their artistry.
This Aussie retreat is a love affair between Minna from Minna Sophia Manu Portraits & Zoe from Soulfully Yours Photography, blending their unique visions into an unforgettable creative once in a lifetime experience.
Immerse yourself in a breathtaking multi-day retreat where the golden hues of sunrise, the raw beauty of secluded rockpools, and the ethereal magic of underwater maternity photography come together in perfect harmony.
Led by internationally acclaimed motherhood photographers, this intimate retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to refine your craft, master the art of movement and light, and capture the essence of maternity in ways you’ve never imagined.
Our stay
The house
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Tucked away in the tranquil hills of Byron Bay, the house is a thoughtfully designed sanctuary blending luxury with nature. With earthy tones, modern finishes, and expansive windows that open to rolling green views, it’s the perfect space to create art.
The area
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Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and sweeping views of the Byron Bay hinterland, the area offers a peaceful escape immersed in nature. On site we will have access to a magnificent pool that overlooks the valley.
Inside the house
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Inside, the home is warm, stylish, and thoughtfully curated with luxurious touches throughout. Whether you choose to have a shared or a private room, you’ll enjoy a beautifully designed space with calming interiors.
Inclusions
• A prep guide to help you prepare for our weekend together
• Three maternity sessions spread across two days
~Beach (land)
~Pool (underwater)
~On property (land)
• Learn to pose your model with confidence
• Zoe's Photographer Guide, printed as a magazine
• A Q&A with Minna (all things business and social media)
• Editing time together
• Food, meals, & beverages
• Add stunning images to your portfolio
• Meet likeminded photographers and create friends for life
• Two nights stay
DAY ONE
Friday 6th November
10:00am ~ Check in! We will have a welcome breakfast ready and spend this time settling in and getting to know each other.
11:00am ~ Theory
- camera settings
- setting up gopro/housing
- lighting
- etc
And an underwater Q&A with Zoe.
There will be a scrumptious grazing board to pick at as we learn.
2:00pm ~ Underwater session
5:30pm ~ Dinner
~ Editing time
A relaxed approach to editing and unwinding. Think editing by the glow of a campfire or during a cozy movie night. We’ll take time to share tips, reflect on the day, and enjoy the process together in a warm, easygoing setting.
DAY TWO
Saturday 7th November
5:00am ~ Leave for the beach
5:30am ~ Sunrise session starts
8:30am ~ Get back, have breakfast with a Q&A with Minna (All things business and social media)
12:30pm ~ Group lunch
{FREE TIME}
4:00pm ~ Our third and final photo session in Soma's beautiful forest surrounds.
6:30pm ~ Group dinner with a final Q&A with Minna and Zoe
8:30pm ~ Movie night with snacks and beverages, group selfies, karaoke, and laughs. Connecting and reflecting during our last night together.
DAY THREE
Sunday 8th November
10:00am ~ check out
10:30am ~ Group breakfast at a local cafe of Byron Bay
11:30am ~ Good byes.
Dates
10:00am Friday 6th of November 2026 ~
11:30am Sunday 8th of November 2026
Prices
Private room ~ $4800 (1 space left)
Shared room ~ $4200 (FULLY BOOKED)
There is a $800 deposit fee to secure your spot, this deposit is non-refundable. The remainder must be paid by the 1st of April 2026.
FAQ
Do I have to have an underwater housing for my camera?
No you don't! I find that GoPros are a great tool for learning, and they are so affordable while saving for a housing! In fact, I still use my GoPro for all of my videos. You can also buy an underwater housing for your phone! We will have one GoPro spare if you can not get your own.
Do I have to know how to swim for the underwater photos?
Yes. We have to look out for all the attendees, models and ourselves. You must be able to swim to participate.
What skill level is this for?
This is perfect for both entry level photographers just starting out and established photographers wanting to broaden or see a different approach to underwater photography.
What kind of guidance will we receive during the sessions?
During the photoshoots you will observe us talking to and posing our model, we will observe the light and how it is hitting her, and pose her as how we see is best (we will try to be loud enough for you to hear us, but you must get in close to be able to hear). Once we have posed her (or after the session during theory talk) we will re explain what we have done (going through prompts and poses) and help direct you to the best angles and compositions. We will direct the group to move back for faraway shots and in for close ups, to ensure we all get a good variety in our shots. You are also welcome to ask us any questions you have during the session, and we will show/ explain our answers.
Do I need to practice swimming before the workshop?
We recommend practicing at least once a fortnight/ month, practice sitting, standing, laying, duck diving and swimming underwater! This will help make sure you aren’t missing anything during the underwater sessions and that you are ready to go!
What will I need to bring?
You will need
- A tooth brush & tooth paste
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Pool towel
- Goggles
- Your camera
- Extra SD cards
- Device to edit on
Will allergies and food preferences be catered to?
Yes. We will be providing filling and healthy meals, and taking food requests. If there is any foods that may cause anaphylaxis to simply be around, please let us know.
What if it rains or the ocean conditions are no good?
If it is raining for the land or pool session we will continue in the rain! The rain can make for beautiful photo opportunities.
Can I use the images I take for my portfolio?
Yes of course!! This is what the workshop is all about, to help you get the best photos for your portfolio and to take away new tips and tricks! We will send instructions on how to properly credit the workshop and our models.