2026 South Australian ICM Photography Retreat

Join Women in Photography for our 2026 ICM Photography Retreat in Hahndorf!

Immerse yourself in the art of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and create captivating, impressionistic images under the guidance of renowned photographers Karen Waller and Lesley Whyte. Set against the scenic beauty of Hahndorf in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, this “Capture to Print” retreat is the perfect opportunity to deepen your creative skills while embracing the ethereal qualities of ICM.

During this retreat, you’ll explore techniques that bring a painterly touch to landscapes, still lifes, and other scenes, capturing autumn’s breathtaking colours, textures, and moods. Karen will guide you through essential settings and movement techniques, covering everything from composing dynamic still-life scenes to using natural and simple studio lighting for stunning in-situ shots. You’ll dive into foundational editing techniques to amplify the mood of your images. Featured ICM images are by Karen Waller.

Single calla lily – single capture and long exposure. A single studio light and ICM technique.

Ginkgo leaves – single capture and long exposure. A single studio light and ICM technique.

Succulant – single capture using ICM technique and available light.

Two calla liilies – single capture and long exposure. A single studio light and ICM technique.

Single Poppy – single capture and long exposure. A single studio light and ICM technique used to create the image.

Retreat Highlights:

Hands-on Instruction: Develop your ICM technique with personalised guidance from Karen.
Capture to Print Experience: Learn the full process from shooting to printing, with Lesley guiding the final steps of printing A3+ pieces—ready to frame as cherished mementos.
Seamless Travel and Accommodation: From your midday arrival at Adelaide Airport on April 27th to your departure at 9 a.m. on May 4th, enjoy full transportation, private accommodation staying at The Manna with own room (no sharing) and all-inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Intimate Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 10 participants for a personalised and immersive experience.
Safeguard Your Prints: A protective tube and acid-free paper are provided to ensure your printed images stay pristine during your journey home.

What’s Not Included:

Personal travel to/from Adelaide
Travel insurance
Alcohol
Morning/afternoon teas
Purchases of a personal nature

Who Should Attend:

This retreat welcomes photographers at all levels! A basic understanding of camera settings is recommended (make sure to download your camera manual onto your phone).

Equipment List:

Essential items include your camera, and pack a variety of lenses, wide angle and telephoto. No tripod is needed as ICM is a hand-held technique.
We strongly encourage you to have your camera’s sensor cleaned prior joining us and to also pack a lens cleaning kit.
Laptop with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop or a tablet with Lightroom & Photoshop Mobile. We have a loan laptop with Lightroom Classic and Photoshops along with an iPad with Lightroom and Photoshop loaded – please contact Lesley if you’d like to use these.
If you’re considering new gear, we’ll have a Nikon Z fc camera with lenses available for trial.

Book Your Spot:

NZ$5,900 per person
Reserve Your Place: Secure your spot with a NZ$1,000 deposit, with the balance due six weeks before the retreat. We accept payment by credit card or bank transfer, and instalment plans are available.
How to Register: Click “REGISTER” to confirm your place and begin your journey with us.

Cancellation and Refunds:

Payments are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot.
We strongly recommend travel insurance in case of illness or unforeseen circumstances.
If we must cancel, we will offer a full refund or allow you to transfer your deposit to another event.