DOUGLAS BEASLEY
EARTH, SKY & WATER: FIGURE IN THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
September 17 - 21, 2025
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Water will be the dominant element, as well as recurring backdrop, in this small group figurative workshop. We are made mostly of water. Our planet is mostly water. How many ways may we use this connection to deepen this communion? How can water serve as a metaphorical element in our photos?
This is an opportunity to work on figurative images in a smaller group setting, in various river, creek and pond settings as well as in other natural environments. Learn to work collaboratively with models (all ‘real people’- artists and friends rather than ‘professional’ models) to put intimacy and genuine emotional connection in your photography.
Go past the easy route of putting ‘pretty’ people in ‘pretty’ locations leading to pretty but boring photos. Instead, with Doug and Jenna’s help, we work towards making photos that delve deeper into the human psyche and spirit.
This workshop is help in collaboration with Jenna Erickson, founder and owner of Open Air Places, and artist, painter and photographer that specializes in self-portraits in the natural environment.
We start our workshop Wednesday night with a get together to share previously-made photos and get to get to know each other better. Thursday morning we get to work making photos with our models.
ABOUT DOUGLAS
Douglas Beasley’s personal vision explores the spiritual aspects of people and place and is concerned with how the sacred is recognized and expressed in everyday life. He has a BFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has had several books of his photography published worldwide.
As founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, Doug provides workshops around the world that emphasize personal expression and creative vision over the mechanics of camera use. He believes in helping each student find their own voice rather than making anonymous ‘pretty pictures’. Doug has recently become the owner and publisher of Shots Magazine, a printed quarterly of eclectic fine-art photography.
Doug continues to explore the notion of what is sacred in his photography and in his own life. He lives in a passive solar home surrounded by trees in Saint Paul, MN and when not out traveling the world he can be found tending his Japanese gardens, at his cabin the woods or enjoying a strong cup of coffee while listening to loud music. Personal heroes include Jimi Hendrix, the Dalai Lama and whoever invented the espresso machine.
CONTACT doug@douglasbeasley.com
INSTAGRAM @dbeasleyphoto
FACEBOOK Vision Quest Photo Workshops
MEET YOUR COHOST
Jenna Erickson is a painter, self-portrait photographer and emerging cinematographer based on the South Shore of Lake Superior, in Northern WI. She is deeply inspired by the natural world and the land she lives on and nurtures.
Her work is influenced by the ebb and flow of the seasons, a daily grounding practice and a commitment to being immersed in nature as much as possible. On a daily basis, she engages in The Art of A Creative Life which flows out through her chosen mediums.
Her photographic work is an exploration in self-portraiture, embracing found objects sourced from place and always deeply informed by the environment. Jenna’s titling practice for her images is an important part of her creative practice and seeks not to explain the work, but rather imbues it with another layer of meaning and mystery.
View Portfolios of Jenna’s photography
Jenna & Doug, Trade River Retreat Center, NW WI photo Mark Teresa
WORKSHOP LOCATIONS
(all owned and operated by Doug)
Samsara Ridge, 7 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI and just over a one hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. Samsara Ridge is 44 acres of hills, forests, and fields with a deep swimming hole in the shallow, rocky, spring-fed Wolf Creek. There is also a pond, with one side forested and the other side open. It has a dock and a raft, with canoes and kayaks. There are forests and fields and a high ridge on top looking out over the St Croix River Valley into Minnesota. It is also very close to the St Croix River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River.
Trade River Retreat Center is 20 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI. The heavily wooded property is on the banks of the Trade River, a small sand bottomed river with a swift current, great for making photos in the water.
Wood River Retreat, just outside of Grantsburg, WI is 16 acres of woods with a steep ravine, with several small springs that run into the Wood River, a rocky river with a strong current. All properties have complete privacy and seclusion.
WORKSHOP PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS
$1050 plus $250 model fee: Total $1,300.00 (does not include lodging)
Class Limit: Only 8 Students!
Dates:
Wednesday, September 17 – Sunday, September 21
Starts Wednesday evening September 17, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday September 18 – Saturday September 20, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 21, 8:30 am – noon
Meals:
Wednesday evening: hors d’oeuvres provided
Thursday – Sunday: light breakfast provided, lunchtime sandwich bar with home-made soup & salad, dinner is on your own
Saturday night: campfire cookout dinner
Lodging: Not provided or included in cost of workshop
Lodging Options:
Doug has two area Airbnb cabins that can be reserved for lodging. Both are on properties we will be using as exterior locations. Doug is holding these dates so others can’t book them. Call or email Doug @ doug@douglasbeasley.com for more info or to reserve lodging.
– Luxury Eco Tiny House at Samsara Ridge, North of St Croix Falls, WI
– Wood River Retreat Cabin, just outside of Grantsburg, WI
Lodging also at:
– Grantsburg Inn is located on Hwy 70 in Grantsburg
– Holiday Inn on Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls.
– Also several nearby Airbnb locations
– Commuting from the Twin Cities also possible (but not recommended as staying away from home will create a more retreat-like experience)
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A $250 deposit will secure your space at this workshop. You can register online, or by calling Jenna at 715-577-6857. Final Payments are due 30 days prior to the retreat.
Please review our workshop policies and guidelines prior to placing your deposit.
