DOUGLAS BEASLEY
HAWAII: IMAGES OF GRATITUDE
Dates TBD
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This is not your parents’ Hawaii. This is an incredible journey to the old authentic and indigenous Hawaii and not the pre-packaged tourist version. Even if you’ve been to Honolulu and Waikiki on the Island of Oahu please join us on the Big Island because you have not seen or experienced anything close to this Hawaii. Some of the highlights will be a trip to the lava flow on the island’s active volcano, photo shoots on black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls, wandering through old plantation villages, Buddhist temples, ancient stone spiritual grounds and meeting and hanging out with with some of the islands many artists and photographers. But the best of all are the people of Big Island, who still embrace and live the “Aloha Spirit” of old Hawaii. This is a trip you will not forget and will exceed all expectations of what Hawaii is really like.
Everyday we will embark on a new adventure to explore and photograph the Sacred landscape of waterfalls, ocean, volcano and old rusty tin-roofed plantation villages with an eye for how things in nature, worn by time and wind and rain and crashing ocean and volcanic eruptions reveal their “postures” of gratitude.
Mornings can begin with a short optional sitting meditation and a walk to the ocean to experience the early morning light and to hear the tropical rain forest wake up. Upon returning, you will all be treated to a delicious breakfast — platters of fresh papayas, banana pancakes. mango smoothies, or coffee.
After a short photo/art discussion we will usually head out on a photographic adventure. Doug will spend time helping each individual clarify their vision and reach toward their photographic potential. We will leave room for spontaneity and serendipity. Nightly discussions about the meeting of art and spirit, and how we can better interpret and incorporate it into our own art and selves, will be held hanging out in the comfort of the retreat studio or along the ocean just listening to the waves and observing the night sky.
This will be an unforgettable experience and a very unique way to experience Hawaii. Everyone is welcome. You need not be a Buddhist, just bring an open heart and a willingness to be transformed by the amazing beauty and power of Hawaii. And extra memory cards or film…
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
Images by Douglas Beasley
“It was a life-transforming trip. Thank you so much for your inspiration, humor, kindness and introduction to so many wonderful people. I take away a great enthusiasm for photography and I definitely intend to pursue that mode of expression. I will be thinking of your words, your ideas and images.”
RETREAT PRICING & REGISTRATION DETAILS
PRIVATE ROOM + Workshop & All Breakfasts cost TBD
SHARED ROOM + Workshop & All Breakfasts cost TBD
NON-WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT Room + All Breakfasts cost TBD
Pricing & registration for this retreat is TBD because our lodging site visits have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please use the form below to add your name to our interest list. We will contatct you as soon as pricing has been finalized. Thank you!