Nature's Light Show / PA Firefly & Night Skies Photo Retreat 2025

OVERVIEW

This workshop is for photographers who want to create a portfolio of unique synchronous fireflies in a rare location where they perform their “dancing” ritual for a short time each summer. The exact locations have been researched and hand picked for optimal firefly viewing for photographers. You will be taught all aspects from settings to post processing in this full service workshop. Everything from education to lodging has been prepared for you. There will even be stations set up for a variety of compositions. It is sure to be a great weekend outdoors enjoying nature’s light show!

Retreat Upgrade Options

Book by 3/16/2025 for your choice of one complimentary upgrade

Option 1: BOGO Bring-A-Friend / Share a room and receive Buy One Get One for a Retreat registration. Just book one Retreat and you can bring a friend to room-share at no extra cost. This option will include 3 nights in a two bed room at the lodge.

Option 2: Lux for One / Book a Retreat registration by 3/16/2025 and receive a complimentary upgrade to the Farm-to-Table option with breakfast delivery each morning and a $50 meal credit towards dinner for each night of your stay.

Retreat Rooms / Room Share OR Single Bed Room with Breakfast Delivery

Includes 3 nights at the lodge, Thursday through Saturday night in a Gallery room with breakfast delivery each morning, a private bathroom with rainfall shower and heated flooring, a desk, closet, and toiletries.

Your stay also includes freshly baked cookies upon arrival, a breakfast basket delivered to your room each morning between 9-9:30 am and an in-room hot beverage station featuring "Melitta" coffee pods and assorted "Tazo" teas.

Retreat Luxury Upgrade / 3-Night Farm-to-Table Package / Breakfast Delivery & $50 Lodge Dinner Credit Each Night

Includes 3 nights at the lodge, Thursday through Saturday night in a Jetted Tub Suite with breakfast delivery each morning and a $50 meal credit towards dinner for each night of your stay.

Room features include a gas fireplace with jetted tub and fireside seating, a small dining table set with neighboring mini fridge, a king bed, a television, a bathroom with dual sinks, hairdryer and toiletries, and a bathtub with shower. (Some rooms have a balcony with forest view instead of a television.)

Your stay also includes freshly baked cookies upon arrival, a breakfast basket delivered to your room each morning between 9-9:30 am and an in-room hot beverage station featuring De Fer coffee packs and assorted Tazo teas.

SCHEDULE

With the long summer nights as our playground this retreat will have two sessions each day: Afternoon and Night

Day One

Afternoon Session
3pm - 5pm
Orientation, gear check, instructional session

Dinner Break

Night Session
7pm - 1am
We will start by photographing our station in golden hour and sunset light to set focus, practice and build the layers for post processing. Then we will photograph the firefly spectacle as it unfolds!

Day Two

Afternoon Session
2pm - 5pm
Photo review, post processing 101 course (Optional: bring your laptop to participate)

Dinner Break

Night Session
7pm - 1am
We will start by photographing our stations in golden hour and sunset light to set focus, practice and build the layers for post processing. We will photograph the fireflies at the various stations set up for you to enjoy!

Day Three

Afternoon Session
2pm - 5pm Sunset photowalk for waterfalls, macro and forest scenery

Dinner Break

Night Session
7pm - 1am
We will start by photographing our stations in golden hour and sunset light to set focus, practice and build the layers for post processing. We will photograph the fireflies at the various stations set up for you to enjoy!

Day Four

Morning
9am-10:30am
Photo review, post processing 102 course (Optional: bring your laptop to participate)
11am Check-out

F.A.Q. & Terms

Cancellations Policy

Should you wish to cancel with at least 60 days notice your reservation can be deferred to another trip. No refunds/transfers will be given within 60 days of the trip dates.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Included: Photo planning, instruction, and location scouting

Excluded: Meals, accommodations (unless booking retreat option), transportation, gratuities, personal items, travel insurance, other items of a personal nature

Travel Insurance

Guests are responsible to obtain travel insurance. You can often add this on from your airline when booking your flight or through a third party service. We are not responsible for delays, inclement weather, travel cancellations, or costs associated with weather or travel disruption.

Wildlife Participation

By joining this trip you agree to the understanding that the natural landscapes and wildlife are wild. We will make every effort with the lodge and guides to be in hotspot locations but we cannot guarantee that our flora and fauna will cooperate.

We Are On Nature’s Schedule

Our itinerary is flexible to adjust for light, weather and any other conditions that may impact our sessions.

Safety First

Participants are responsible for and should be aware of any travel restrictions and health guidelines that they are subject to for their state and the states we will visit.

Participation in this class is an opportunity for individuals to engage with nature and photography in a unique and immersive way. However, it's important to note that all participation is at one's own risk.

While every effort is made to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, outdoor activities inherently involve certain risks. Factors such as uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and wildlife encounters can present challenges during the class.

Participants are responsible for their own safety and should exercise caution at all times. It's recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for outdoor exploration, as well as to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the duration of the class.

Additionally, participants should be mindful of their surroundings and adhere to any guidelines or instructions provided by the leaders or guides. This may include staying on designated trails, avoiding restricted areas, and respecting wildlife habitats.

By participating in the class, individuals acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities. While every effort is made to minimize these risks, participants are ultimately responsible for their own well-being and should exercise prudence and good judgment throughout the experience.