Each day begins with a gentle start. We’ll head down to the beach for a walk, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and, if you feel like it, enjoy a swim in the Indian Ocean. This quiet time is an important part of the retreat. When we slow down and let go of everyday distractions, our minds become more relaxed, allowing creativity to flow naturally. And our cameras come everywhere with us!

After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning learning through a combination of photography theory and practical sessions, giving you the opportunity to immediately put new techniques into practice.

Lunch is followed by some free time to relax, read, enjoy the beach, or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather for an editing session where you’ll learn how to bring your images to life using Lightroom Classic.

Evenings are all about slowing down again, sharing stories around the fire pit, enjoying a delicious dinner, and reflecting on the day’s photography.

Throughout the Retreat You’ll Learn:

● Manual camera settings
● ISO, Aperture & Shutter Speed
● Metering
● Focus modes
● Reading light
● Bird photography
● Birds in flight
● Landscape photography
● Seascapes
● Water motion
● Long exposure photography
● Composition
● Storytelling
● Creative photography
● Lightroom editing
● Building confidence behind the camera

More than anything, this retreat is about slowing down, enjoying the beauty of Bazley Beach, sharing great food and conversation, and learning to see the world differently through your lens. Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or looking to refine your skills, you’ll leave inspired, confident, and excited to keep creating.

Day 1 – Understanding Your Camera Theory

● Camera settings
● Understanding the Exposure Triangle
● How ISO, shutter speed and aperture affect your image
● Shooting confidently in Manual Mode

Practical

● Still life photography
● Applying your camera settings in a relaxed environment

Day 2 – Seeing the Light Theory

● Focus modes
● Focus points
● Reading and understanding light
● Bird photography techniques

Practical

● Guided hike
● Photographing birds in their natural environment
● Putting focus and light into practice

Day 3 – Creating Strong Images Theory

● Composition
● Visual storytelling
● Photographing textures
● Landscape photography
● Long exposure techniques

Practical

● Beach and coastal photography
● Creative long exposures
● Sunset photography

Day 4 – Bringing It All Together

Our final morning hike is an opportunity to put everything you’ve learnt into practice while receiving personal guidance along the way. We’ll finish the retreat with one last sunset session, celebrating four days of learning, creativity, and connection with nature. You’ll leave not only with beautiful photographs, but with a greater understanding of your camera, a fresh perspective, and the confidence to continue your photography journey.

Rates

*Rates are inclusive of the photography course, 2 hikes, all meals and 4 nights’ accommodation. Rooms are serviced daily.

• R9748.00 p/p sharing
• R12365.00 single supplement
• Accommodation:

CasaMandla Cottage – is a private, tranquil space offering the choice of one king sized bed or
two single beds. The cottage features an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a fully equipped
kitchen and a peaceful patio overlooking the swimming pool and lush garden.

Casa En Suite – is a spacious, air-conditioned room with beautiful sea views. It features a luxurious king-sized bed and a private en-suite bathroom creating a peaceful and comfortable space to relax.

Mandla En Suite – is an airy, air-conditioned room, also with sea views, air-conditioning. It features a plush king-size bed and a private bathroom.

Summary

Just an hour from Durban, CasaMandla offers the perfect coastal escape to reconnect with yourself, your camera, and your creativity. This is more than a photography course. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover your creativity.

At CasaMandla, the ocean sets the pace. Mornings begin with birdsong and a walk along the beach, where the fresh sea air and endless horizon help quiet the mind. When we slow down and let go of the distractions of everyday life, we begin to see differently, and that’s where creativity begins.

Whether you’re photographing birds, landscapes, waves, or the little details often missed, you’ll learn to use your camera with confidence while enjoying the peace and beauty of Bazley Beach. There is time to learn, time to relax, time to laugh around the fire, and time to simply be. Nourishing meals, beautiful surroundings, and a small group ensure a personal experience
where you can reconnect with both photography and yourself. You’ll leave with new skills, beautiful photographs, and something even more valuable, a refreshed mind, renewed inspiration, and a creative spark that stays with you long after you
return home.