New Zealand Wedding Photography Retreat

PLEASE NOTE: The $600 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:

EARLY BIRD PRICING: (Available until 15th August 2026) AUD $3390 + GST or AUD $3980 + GST with the heli-shoot included. 

GENERAL TICKETS: (After 15th August 2026) AUD $3690 + GST or AUD $4280 + GST with the heli-shoot included.   

THIS RETREAT SOLD OUT WITHIN 3 WEEKS LAST TIME! GET IN QUICK!

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 16 photographers, this intimate experience blends education, creativity, and community.

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: 1pm on Monday the 8th, February 2027. Check out: Thursday 11th November 2027 @ 9:30am. 

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 beautiful location with a model couple and styling.

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 $590 (inc gst).

EDUCATION SESSIONS

The retreat’s educational sessions, led by expert Shae Estella Photo, host Tom Judson 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 8th FEBRUARY, 2027

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 lunch (trust me, you'll need to be full of energy for the evening shoot!), we’ll dive into preparations for our first major shoot - a stunning wedding content session at picturesque location.

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 9th FEBRUARY, 2027

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 10th FEBRUARY, 2027

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 11th 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: *EARLY BIRD SPECIAL* AUD $3390 + GST per person
(Early Bird Expires 21st August 2026 - Full Price is $3690 + GST after this date)

Additional Heli Flight is $590

Deposit due to book: AUD $600
Balance Payment: January 7th, 2027

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.

• The business of wedding photography
• Ethos of your creative art
• Photoshoots including composition and photography fundamentals, portrait and wedding photography, shooting in different light
• Off camera flash

• A full list is provided on sign up

A$600 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 07/01/2027

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.