AU NZ

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

Events, photo walks, talks from the masters, in-depth workshops. Expand your horizons with one of our many events across Australia.

Starting Never Ends is the one place for all Sony camera mini-sites. Learn about all new Sony camera products in a fun interactive way.

AU NZ
An incredible 3-day wedding photography retreat in stunning Queenstown NZ

About the event

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
  • 3-Day Retreat: Kicking off in the afternoon on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, and wrapping up at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.

    Accommodation: Relax in triple-shared rooms for 3 nights, with the option of a queen bed for couples (upon request).

    Educational Sessions: Enjoy 6+ in-depth sessions led by your expert hosts and inspiring guest speakers, designed to elevate your skills and business strategies.

    Photography Content Sessions: Participate in 3 professionally styled shoots, including portrait, wedding, and fashion photography, to build your portfolio and expand your creative techniques.

    Optional Heli-Shoot Add-On: Take your portfolio to new heights with an optional helicopter mountain elopement shoot featuring a real wedding couple.

    Meals: Enjoy a welcome BBQ dinner, daily breakfasts, 2 lunches, and a 2nd night group dinner. Other meals not specified will be at participants’ expense, including dinner during the final night wrap-up party in Queenstown (dinner is optional and can be purchased separately).

    Exclusive Perks: Receive a Swag Bag packed with goodies, form lifelong friendships, and leave with renewed inspiration for your photography business and creative journey

     

  • Transport to the Mountain Muse Retreat Accommodation: This includes flights, car hire, or any public transport to Queenstown. We highly encourage carpooling, and we’re happy to assist in connecting attendees to help organize shared transport arrangements.

    Travel Insurance for individuals. We recommend you take out full comprehensive insurance for your trip.

    Personal Snacks and Drinks: While some meals are included, we recommend bringing your own favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy between sessions and during downtime.

    Photography Equipment: Be sure to bring your own gear!

 

ACCOMMODATION

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.

CONTENT SHOOTS

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.

 

EDUCATION SESSIONS

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.

 

THE SCHEDULE

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

Pricing and Payment Schedule


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.

Techniques covered

Wedding photography 
Portrait photogra
phy Destination Weddings
 Wedding Photography business 
Artistic portrait photography

What to bring

Full comprehensive list supplied on booking.

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

Personal Snacks and Drinks: While some meals are included, we recommend bringing your own favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy between sessions and during downtime.
A full comprehensive list will be sent to attendees who have booked.
Yes on location at Lake Hayes Mansion.
Yes - 3 nights triple shared single bed rooms. These will be arranged for comfort between attendees.
MOBILITY: Expect physical movement similar to shooting destination weddings in mountainous terrain. This includes walking on inclines, declines, uneven ground, rocky paths, and stairs. To fully enjoy and participate in the retreat, ensure you are comfortable with this level of activity.
Knowledge of how to use your camera equipment is important.
Yes please contact Shae on info@shaeestellaphoto.com
Deposit to secure your spot is $450 with the balance due on the 1st of October, 2024. See full pricing in description. REFUNDS: If you’ve paid the deposit or full amount but need to cancel, we regret that we are unable to offer a refund. However, your ticket is fully transferable, meaning you can arrange for someone else to attend in your place.

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.

2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

2025 Alpha Awards Photo Competition

Celebrating its tenth year, the Alpha Awards showcase the very best of photography captured on a Sony Alpha camera and lens, giving you the chance to share in over $60,000 (AUD) worth of Sony digital imaging gear. 

Terms and conditions apply.*

Advocate

Shae Estella

Shae Estella is an internationally acclaimed wedding & portrait photographer based on the East Coast of Australia. Whilst Shae calls the Sunshine Coast home...

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Shae Is a wealth of knowledge and one of the best in the wedding industry. Working under her guidance is a pleasure! Thank you Shae”

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Shae was an excellent host! This was my third workshop with Shae and it won’t be my last. She is so friendly & helpful!”

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Event capacity: 2
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