Capture Magic Retreats for women

explore. create. connect! MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME!

Tetons * Banff * Chicago * glacier NP * HILTON HEAD

2024 Retreat dates:

Winter Magic in the Tetons - January 28 to Feb 1 SOLD OUT

September Magic in the Tetons - September 27 to October 1 SOLD OUT

Magic in the (Canadian) Rockies - November 5-9 - Registration coming May 8!

2025 RETREAT DATES:

Winter Magic in the Tetons - TBA

June Magic in the Tetons - TBA

Magic in Glacier - September 7-11, 2025

September Magic in the Tetons - September 28 to October 2

Magic in the Rockies (Banff) - TBA

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 has taken a couple years off but I hope to bring it back in the near future!

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 2024 is planned for November 5-9th!

Also new in 2022 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.Look for Magic in Hilton Head to return again in the next couple years!

In 2021, 2022, and 2023 I explored the magic of Glacier National Park with three incredible groups of women and while it will take a break this year in 2024, I look forward to hosting another group in September 2025. 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……

“For years, participating in a Kristen Ryan landscape retreat was [literally] on my bucket list. I’ve now been on two retreats with Kristen (Tetons and Banff), and my landscape photography has improved so much with each one! On our drives to the locations, I asked so many questions, and she was always so happy to help and answer all of my questions. Kristen has helped me to learn there is beauty to be found and photographed at any time of the day and in a variety of lighting conditions. I look forward to attending another retreat with Kristen in the future!” -Valerie Abenroth (Tetons 2022, Banff 2023)

“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, Hilton Head 2023, Winter Tetons 2024, Tetons 202)

“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, Winter Tetons 2024)

“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, Glacier 2023)