
2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition
Terms and conditions apply.*
PLEASE NOTE: The $450 ticket price here on Sony Scene is the deposit required to secure your place on this 3 day retreat. The full cost of this 3 day retreat is AUD $3000 + GST or AUD $3550 + GST with the heli-shoot included. Please see the pricing section below for additional balance payment details before booking.
Join a life-changing 3 day photography retreat in one of the world’s most stunning locations, Queenstown New Zealand with Shae Estella Photo X 3 Guest speakers/photographers.
Limited to 12 photographers, this intimate experience blends education, creativity, and community.
ONLY 2 TICKETS LEFT
Capture amazing portfolio shots with hands-on wedding and portrait sessions styled by top professionals. Add the incredible helicopter mountain shoot to photograph a destination wedding atop Queenstown’s majestic peaks.
Learn from expert hosts and three guest speakers in sessions focused on techniques, creativity, and business growth. Connect with like-minded photographers, build lasting friendships, and leave inspired to take your skills to the next level.
Spaces are limited—don’t miss this unique opportunity!
MAIN SHOOT LOCATION: Queenstown New Zealand surrounding areas
DATE & TIME: Checkin: 3rd November, 2025 @ 1pm. Check out: 6th November 2025 @ 9:30am.
What's Included | What's Not Included |
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This luxurious three-story home near Queenstown combines elegant style with stunning views of Lake Hayes and the mountains. It offers both privacy and inspiration.
The bright bedrooms have private bathrooms and are set up for three single beds per room. Couples can request a queen bed. Rooms will be arranged for your comfort and privacy.
More than a place to stay, this property is a peaceful retreat to spark creativity and make your experience unforgettable.
During the retreat, you’ll take part in hands-on wedding and portrait shoots styled by top professionals, including a session at a stunning Queenstown wedding venue and a dramatic mountain backdrop portrait session.
This includes:
1 x Engagement / Portrait Session with multiple couples for variety in a scenic mountain and lake location
1 x Wedding Content Shoot at a top Queenstown wedding venue including styling for Ceremony & Reception. This will include a model couple.
Optional extra - 1 x Mountaintop wedding content heli shoot.
For an unforgettable experience, opt for the helicopter mountain elopement photoshoot. This thrilling adventure takes you to a breathtaking mountaintop location to capture stunning elopement-style imagery, perfect for elevating your portfolio and attracting adventurous couples. Don’t miss this chance to add beauty, creativity, and excitement to your work! *The heli-shoot is an additional $550.
The retreat’s educational sessions, led by expert Shae Estella Photo, hosts and guest speakers, will teach you new techniques, creative ideas, and branding tips to help grow your photography business and stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re new to photography or want to improve your skills, this retreat gives you the tools, guidance, and inspiration to take your career to the next level.
You’ll also get to meet other photographers, share ideas, and create exciting new opportunities together. By the end, you’ll feel confident, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges as a wedding and portrait photographer.
MONDAY 3rd NOVEMBER, 2025
We’ll welcome you to the retreat mansion at 1 PM on day one, giving you time to settle in before the adventure begins.
To ease into the experience, we’ll start with a retreat overview followed by a fun and engaging welcome session to spark creativity. After afternoon tea, we’ll dive into preparations for our first major shoot—a stunning wedding content session at one of Queenstown’s top venues.
In the evening, unwind with a relaxed BBQ at the retreat mansion, the perfect chance to connect with fellow attendees, review the day’s shots, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views.
TUESDAY 4th NOVEMBER, 2025
Tuesday kicks off with an unforgettable heli-shoot for those who opted in! Weather permitting, we’ll take helicopters to a stunning mountain peak for an epic destination wedding portrait session.
After an exciting morning, we’ll unwind over a fantastic group lunch, sharing experiences with fellow attendees.
The afternoon brings our first guest speakers and insightful education sessions, followed by a delicious in-house Italian dinner to wrap up the day.
WEDNESDAY 5th NOVEMBER, 2025
Kick off the day feeling refreshed with an in-depth editing and workflow session, followed by a group discussion on the latest industry trends.
After lunch, we welcome two guest speakers who will dive into branding and photography philosophy, offering valuable insights to elevate your craft.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to a breathtaking location for a couples’ portrait shoot—perfect for refining your skills and capturing images for your own branding.
To wrap up this incredible three-day experience, we’ll celebrate with a fun night out in Queenstown—raising a glass to new skills, fresh inspiration, and an unforgettable retreat!
THURSDAY 6th NOVEMBER, 2025
On our final morning, enjoy a heartfelt farewell breakfast before checkout. You’ll leave with full memory cards, fresh creative inspiration, and unforgettable memories as you head home!
Check out: 9:30am
FULL PRICING: AUD $3000 per person
Deposit due to book: AUD $450
Balance Payment: 1st October, 2025 - Remaining balance
ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT. THIS WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY.
Once you pay your deposit, you will be contacted and invoiced by Shae Estella at The Artful Muse for this event. Please supply your email to info@shaeestellaphoto.com should you not hear from us.
Please note: The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE due to change of mind, cancellation.
A$450 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 01/01/0001
Payment for the remaining balance should be made directly to the host. They will be in contact with you shortly to provide the payment details and further instructions.