HERON & HEARTH
Photo and Wellness Retreats on the Oregon Coast
Where conservation's leading storytellers mentor you, one weekend at a time.
Supporting skills development while giving you a break from the grind
One of our teaching assistants, lounging beneath the Oregon sunshine.
Two mentors, four students, one home. Real rest.
The Gist
You’ll hang out at my house in Astoria, Oregon, with editors and photographers from the likes of Audubon, National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and award-winning filmmakers.
salon-style sessions at a private backyard studio
conversations around the fire pit
practical photo and restorative field trips
home-cooked meals
stunning views of the Columbia River
native plant gardens filled with friendly wildlife.
Every retreat is different. All are designed to leave you feeling empowered and rested.
Upcoming Retreat
The Developing Story w/ Audubon Director of Photography Sabine Meyer
and National Geographic Explorer Morgan Heim
Oct. 9-13. 2026, 3 days/4 nights
Price: $5,200
($1,500 Deposit holds your spot)
Special Scholarship Opportunity! See below.
MAX 4 SPOTS
(2 SPOTS REMAINING)
Focusing on project development and how to present your strongest work, whether to a gallerist, editor, or grant panel.
We will help you structure and shape a strong project portfolio, hone your story-based photography skills, and create a visual roadmap for where to go next.
‍ ‍Restore: Mushroom Hunting
Japanese Sauna
Practical: Story in a Frame
A casual, salon-style experience with studio sessions, practical exercises, fireside chats, home-cooked meals and relaxation.
What to Expect:
What NOT to Expect:
Lectures, lots of people
Everything except the travel to Oregon and some drinks. We'll even pick you up from the airport if needed.
What tuition covers:
Where you’ll stay
Up to two students stay in my home, featuring:
a quiet, Japandi-influenced space with native gardens that draw resident wildlife,
a backyard studio doubling as a classroom and edit bay.
Homestay spots are first-come, first-served at booking.
Others stay in equally charming nearby lodging.
Either way, you will luxuriate and learn at my home and studio.
Scholarship
opportunity
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Through a generous donation, we can support one aspiring photographer’s attendance.
Full package included. Recipient is responsible for travel.
This will not happen every time. We are thrilled to get to offer it for the fall!
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Send a short statement of need (200 words max),
your website and/or instagram
sample project portfolio and synopsis (12 images, 150 words)
Submit either via dropbox or pdf to mo@heronandhearth.com, or the button to the left.
Deadlines:
Apply by Sept. 1
Notification by Sept 10
Accept by Sept. 20
Rooservelt elk, strut their stuff in the fall on Oregon’s North Coast. These elk, the largest subspecies on Earth, frequent our communities year-round, and especially show-off in Oct. through Nov.
Reserve Your Spot
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Deposit: $1,500 at booking.
Balance Due: Remaining balance due by September 15, 2026.
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Cancellations on or before September 15, 2026: Eligible for a full refund of all funds paid.
Cancellations after September 15, 2026: Payments are non-refundable, as instructor travel and venue logistics are fully locked in by this date. However…
Credit Transfer Option: If you must cancel after the September 15 deadline, you may transfer up to $3,000 of your paid funds as a credit toward a future workshop within one year. Any remaining balance beyond $3,000 is forfeited to cover unrecoverable event costs.
Scholarship Seats: No deposit required. Scholarship recipients must confirm attendance by September 20, 2026, so that we can offer the scholarship to another student if needed.
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If we need to cancel the workshop for any reason, we will either refund your payment in its entirety or give you the option to defer the full value to a future workshop of your choice.