Capture Magic Retreats for women

explore. create. connect! MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME!

Tetons * Banff * Chicago * glacier NP * HILTON HEAD

 

Click play and learn all about my Women Capture Magic Retreats!

Video created by Emily Hamson/Cover image Kristen Ryan Photography - June 2021

It all Began when….

Many years ago, I had a vision of a retreat for women passionate about landscape & nature photography. An intimate in person workshop retreat focused on chasing the light in beautiful scenery and an opportunity to connect, create and build community among like minded women. The concept of a women’s retreat was not new nor was a landscape photography workshop, but a landscape photography focused retreat for women was a concept I had never seen before. As I continued teaching landscape and nature photography to women, my desire to bring them together grew. I believed there was a need for an intimate experience for women to create and explore together.

With my heart in the Tetons since I was a little girl, the idea was born for the Magic in the Tetons retreat. Spending time throughout my life at my grandparents’ 1970 built home brought a love and knowledge of these incredible mountains and there is nowhere in the world I would rather explore and photograph. The first retreat was born in September 2017 and the response has been so enthusiastic, there is now a Magic in the Tetons retreat for autumn, summer AND winter!

August 2019 brought the first Magic in Chicago ladies retreat! I have lived in or outside Chicago since 1994 and have so much love for this beautiful and vibrant city and summer in Chicago is a magical time.  It was a great pleasure to share this adventure with a fantastic group of ladies. We had an incredible weekend that allowed us a great variety of shooting opportunities. Most of all, we had lots of fun exploring the city and enjoying friendship and connection. Magic in Chicago is still TBD for 2023 but I hope to schedule a summer weekend for this adventure!

In the Summer of 2017, I spent 2 weeks with my family in the Canadian Rockies and fell in love with their grand beauty. I immediately envisioned a future retreat in this incredible place. In October of 2021, we managed the hoops required by border control and Magic in the Rockies 2021 was a great success! It was amazing to return to this beautiful and magical place. Magic in the Rockies 2023 is planned for November 2-6 and will open for registration this October!

Also new last year was Magic in Hilton Head! I first visited this beautiful southern island in May of 2003 when my dad and stepmom got married. It has found a special place in my heart over the years and I’m excited to spend time enjoying the salty air, sound of the waves and the slow pace of the south with a small group of ladies each year. We have the most beautiful stretch of private beach just a short walk down the trail from our beautiful Airbnb!

In 2021 and 2022, I explored the magic of Glacier National Park with two incredible groups of women and I am very excited to return again in September 2023. Glacier NP is a jaw dropping and awe inspiring park with endless photographic opportunities waiting for you.

I’m looking forward to bringing this incredible experience to other beautiful locations in the coming years.

Send me a message if you have a great location idea! In the meantime, I’m working on a few ideas :)

What the Ladies Have to Say……

“If you have the opportunity to attend one of Kristen’s workshops, do it. You’ll walk away with new ideas, new friends, and some great images to treasure!” - Laura Gampfer (Tetons 2017, Chicago 2019)

“Kristen understands landscape photography extensively and is deeply connected to the locations where she hosts her retreats. She seeks to understand where you are in your journey and meet you where you need the most guidance. I will attend many more of Kristen’s retreats in the future!” - Joanne Markey (Chicago 2019, Banff 2019, Tetons 2021)

“Kristen’s Magic in the Tetons Retreat was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. If I could do this retreat every single year I would!!” - Kathy Linford (Tetons, 2017, Tetons 2019, Chicago 2019)

“The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and fun!! We had SO MUCH FUN and MANY laughs!! LOVED this workshop and I will do more with Kristen in the future.” - Kris Kirkpatrick (Tetons 2019, Banff 2021)

“I was blown away by the level of commitment and genuine passion shared by Kristen.  She has a magical way of sharing a place that is special to her with the rest of us.  I can't wait to do another retreat with her.” - Debbie Gottdenker (Tetons 2018, Glacier 2022)

 “I hope I’m lucky enough to be able to attend another retreat in the near future!” - Sonia Trocchio (Tetons 2019, Banff 2021, Tetons 2022)