A RETREAT FOR WANDERLUSTING PHOTOGRAPHERS LOOKING TO REWILD THEIR CREATIVITY

fearless creative retreats

Join me for a 5 day journey of curiosity in to your creativity and wonder in Istanbul. A city of endless inspiration and vibrancy. Explore, capture and connect to your curiosity on this once in a lifetime experience.

hey you!

FEARLESS creative you!

Ready to rewild your creativity and exercise your wanderlust?

FEARLESS CREATIVE RETREATS are designed for photographers, visual storytellers, and curious creatives who want more than just a trip. They are an invitation to step away from the noise of everyday life, immerse yourself in a remarkable place, and reconnect with the part of you that notices beauty, seeks meaning, and longs to create.

This retreat is an exploration of the world around you and of your own creative voice. A “retreat” can sound like a withdrawl from the world but this trip is very much a charge IN to the world. Through inspiring locations, thoughtful guidance, and shared experience, you will be encouraged to look more closely, move more intentionally, and capture that which authentically moves you. These are not rushed tours or box-ticking itineraries. These are curiosity-led experiences built around wonder, presence, and creative growth.

Yes, those are big ideas, but these retreats offer the space and opportunity to live them.

istanbul 2027

“We travel because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity” – jonah lehrer

Join me in Istanbul 24th-28th May 2027 for a once in a lifetime photography trip that blends creative exploration with cultural immersion in one of the world’s most visually rich and inspiring cities. From layered streets and vibrant neighbourhoods to waterfront light, historic architecture, markets, textures, and everyday human moments, Istanbul offers endless opportunities to observe, compose, and create. This retreat is about slowing down enough to truly see it and giving yourself the time, support, and inspiration to photograph it in a way that feels uniquely yours.

itinerary round up

5 days, 4 nights, creative coaching, local tour guide, luxury accommodation + authentic experiences

Over five days in Istanbul, guests will explore a rich mix of iconic landmarks, historic districts and vibrant local neighbourhoods, with plenty of opportunities to photograph the city’s architecture, street life, culture and atmosphere. From the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar to the colourful streets of Fener, Balat, Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk, the itinerary is designed to balance must-see highlights with more characterful hidden gems, ending with time in the creative districts of Pera, Galata, Cihangir and Karaköy, plus a private sunset Bosphorus cruise and farewell dinner.

imagine…

“If there’s one thing the divas have shown it is that to indulge your passions fully is to know yourself completely.” – holly morris

Imagine spending a days adventure in Istanbul’s streets, capturing, exploring and diving deeper and deeper in to your creative self. We return, hearts full, cards full and relax here to swap stories from the day. The Adahan DeCamondo Pera in the heart of Istanbul is the perfect base for real connection and restoring ourselves before we go again tomorrow. Comfort right where we need to be and I know you’re going to be inspired to shoot in the elegant interiors. Maybe some pre dinner drinks on the roof terrace to wind down too?

day to day

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Day 1 | Arrival + First Frames

Arrive in Istanbul and settle into the rhythm of the city. In the evening, meet the group and head out for a relaxed welcome dinner. Think warm light, new faces, and your first quiet moments of noticing.

Day 2 | Icons + Everyday Moments

We explore Istanbul’s historic heart, from grand architecture to the small, human details in between. Mosques, textures, movement, and light, balanced with time to shoot intuitively. The Grand Bazaar brings colour, chaos, and endless storytelling opportunities.

Day 3 | Colour + Contrast

Today is all about wandering and finding awe in all you see. The pastel streets of Fener and Balat, layered history and inspiration from local life unfolding. Then across the water; ferries, reflections and a shift in pace on the Asian side. Expect slower moments, neighbourhood scenes, and space to follow your eye.

Day 4 | Creative Energy + Golden Light

A more open day to explore Istanbul’s creative districts, discovering cafés, side streets and hidden corners. Shoot what feels good and/or you will have the option for a mini personal branding shoot by me. In the evening, we take to the water for golden hour and our farewell dinner on the Bosphorus. The city silhouettes, soft light, and a final shared experience to capture it all.

Day 5 | Departure

A slow morning to soak it in, review your frames, and say goodbye, for now.

why travel with me?

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – oprah winfrey

I have always been someone who brings people together. At home my house has always been the place my family and friends gather for celebrations and in business I have always brought people together. If you have a read of my reviews you’ll see people describe me as fun, warm, energetic, welcoming, positive and infectious and I am so proud of that. But most of all I am proud when people talk about how I make them feel; relaxed, at ease, inspired, confident!

Over the last few years I have been bringing photographers together for creative opportunities mainly in my iconic photo walks. In my opinion creativity thrives in community and building people up is my super power. I am also a seasoned retreat participant and organiser and I am obsessed with the beautiful things that happen when a group of otherwise strangers come together and go on a journey.

Bringing all this experience together and to the rich backdrop of Istanbul is the dream. I believe so much that I can create a truly once in a lifetime adventure that my attendees will carry with them for the rest of their creative careers.

Have a read of some of the reviews from people that have worked with me in these capacities…

I booked Charlie to capture behind-the-scenes content at my recent Visibility Retreat in Barcelona – and wow, did she deliver! I’m over the moon with the gorgeous photos she took and the video clips that I’ve already been using in my content. She has such a brilliant eye and instinctively knows how to capture the magic as it’s unfolding.

But Charlie brings so much more than talent behind the camera. She’s one of those people you instantly want around – full of fun, warmth and positivity. Her energy was infectious and she lifted the whole group throughout the retreat. Everyone adored her! She made my attendees feel at ease, brought fun to every moment and played a huge part in making the retreat feel so special.

Vicki Knights

Charlie is honestly such a positive force to be reckoned with in this industry. Joined one of her photo walks last year and it was a fantastic experience. Gear to meet other women both in the photography industry and other businesses and swap head shots. Charlie is so encouraging and enthusiastic, can’t recommend enough!

Jodi Hanagan

Charlie has created such a fun space to to be creative, learn new techniques and share ideas with other photographers. It’s relaxed but focused and a great opportunity experiment with any aspect of your photography. Charlie is very welcoming and brings so much energy to the event, I can’t recommend it enough….AND, she takes a cracking photo or more!

Sheena Sabharwal

I’ve been on two of Charlie’s photo walks and they’ve both been excellent! Charlie is so welcoming and instantly makes you feel at ease, especially when photographing other photographers and being photographed yourself. It’s so interesting seeing how others direct poses, and Charlie is amazing at choosing beautiful locations and creating such a warm, relaxed vibe.

After the walk, everyone shares their images and I came away with a bank of fantastic, ready-to-use photos. I’d highly recommend these walks to other photographers — a great way to get creative, meet like-minded people, and come away inspired!

Mona Neam

investment

£2449 twin | £3249 solo

Included in the price are 4 nights at the beautiful Adahan DeCamondo Pera Hotel, 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, all excursions and transport between tours, English speaking local tour guide throughout, 24 hour support and 5 days of creative leadership from me. Airport transfers are included, but on a group basis so depends on your personal arrival and departure times.

Exlusions are international flights, any visas required, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late check out at hotels, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary and personal insurance.

BOOKING INFORMATION

You can secure you spot with payment of a £500 non refundable deposit. Allocations of twin rooms and solo rooms may be subject to the broader groups availability and preferences.

“YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE LENGTH OF YOUR LIFE, BUT YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE WIDTH AND DEPTH” – EVAN ESAR