TUSCANY
5-DAY IMMERSIVE RETREAT DEVOTED TO STYLING, FOOD & LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY & HIGH-QUALITY LIFESTYLE CONTENT CREATION FOR MAGAZINES & BOOKS.
DATES WILL SOON BE ANNOUNCED!
SECURE YOUR SPOT FOR €947.
“If you love everything about Italian food, and want to learn how to create your very own digital mini cookbook as well as editorial content for food- and lifestyle magazines, this retreat is for you! ”
Come along with Danish 7-time award-winning and bestselling cookbook creator, photographer, publisher, and experienced magazine content creator, Sif Orellana and her local team on a full five-day intimate editorial content creation, photography, and visual storytelling retreat in beautiful Tuscany, September 27th - October 2nd, 2023.
LEARN HOW TO CREATE STELLAR EDITORIAL CONTENT
We are so excited about this retreat and have put our hearts and souls into creating the most educational, inspiring, and eventful program, that teaches you how to create high-quality editorial content for magazines, blogs, and books, take your photography and visual storytelling skills to the next level and give you a unique opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the world while indulging in the best Tuscan fall food and treats.
Throughout the retreat, Sif Orellana will share her experiences and toolbox with you on how she has managed to create, write and photograph 18 cookbooks, seven of which have earned International awards. She will tell you about her workflow, teach you how to style and shoot evocative food photos, capture the soul of a location (both indoor and outdoor), tell captivating food & travel stories, and learn and develop new skills to grow as a photographer. Apart from creating and publishing cookbooks, Sif has also worked as a freelance journalist, photographer, and content creator and had multiple features published in national and International food, lifestyle, and travel magazines.
“TAKING HIGH-QUALITY FOOD & LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY AND CRAFTING COMPELLING FOOD & TRAVEL FEATURES FOR MAGAZINES IS TRICKY, AND I HAVE CREATED THIS WORKSHOP TO SHARE ALL MY VERY BEST TIPS AND TRICKS WITH YOU AND LOAD YOU WITH KNOWLEDGE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHIC AND EDITORIAL INDUSTRY. ”
LET'S CREATE A MAGAZINE TOGETHER
During the retreat, we will build up the illusion that we are all part of an editorial department at an international magazine, FOOD & TRAVEL. The theme of the upcoming magazine is A TUSCAN FALL TALE - a theme that the magazine wishes to cover from different angles through various features about Tuscany, lifestyle, traditions, local recipes, the people, hidden treasures, and food stories. Sif takes the role of chief editor of the editorial department and guides each attendee in the choice of her angle of “A TUSCAN FALL TALE”.
EXCURSIONS & CLASSES
Throughout the retreat, we will invite you on a number of excursions, where we can both capture the soul of this bountiful region with our cameras (iPhones or bigger cameras) and enjoy some good meals at handpicked local cafés and trattorias.
Each day during the retreat we will have classes and training sessions, where Sif will share her experiences within the photographic industry with you, and teach you about styling, expression, light, trends, composition, use of props and backgrounds, editing and camera techniques. She will give you all the tools needed to bring your visual storytelling and photography to a higher level and help you transition from a passionate amateur to a heart-driven successful professional. Please note that the itinerary may be due to small changes.
“During the retreat, I will teach you everything I know about how to create stellar editorial content for books and magazines. We will have in-depth classes and training at the farmhouse and during our five days together we will create a compelling digital magazine, and fill it with photos shot at the local market, during a cooking class with a local nonna (where you learn how to make the most photogenic and delicate fresh pasta with edible flowers and fresh herbs), and on other excursions to hidden gems of the area, among others to Portovenere overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia, more romantically known as the Golfo Dei Poeti.”
WHO
This educational retreat is aimed at anyone interested in food- and lifestyle photography and content creators - from amateur bloggers to those looking to break into the industry on a professional basis, or even those who just love posting images of gorgeous food that they eat. Come and join us for an incredibly yummy and informative retreat in the most charming atmosphere you can dream of. We can’t wait to take you on this experience-based learning adventure!
EQUIPMENT
You can bring whatever camera you normally shoot food photos with. Some guests come with nothing but iPhones, others come with film cameras, others with point & shoots, and the majority with DSLRs. Bring also your laptop and tripod.
DAY OF ARRIVAL
On the day of your arrival, our wonderful local Sisterhood team and I will welcome you for a 'meet-and-greet' with festive aperitivos and delicious Italian snacks at the terrace made by our heart-warming host couple, Maartje and Davide, who cook all our meals in the farmhouse, based on organic, fresh ingredients, some of them grown in their very own garden. After the aperitivos, we will serve you a homemade Tuscan welcome dinner and celebrate our first night together.
Each morning you will wake up to the scent and taste of the loveliest Tuscan breakfast served either in the courtyard with the most stunning view of the little, charming village, Codiponte, or we will enjoy a freshly brewed cup of espresso or latte and a ‘cornetto’ and blend in with the locals in one of the charming little bars or “pasticcerias” in the area.
In the evenings we will chat, laugh, and exchange dreams, ideas, and experiences about life, work, and all that makes our hearts beat a little faster around the dining table in either the farmhouse or at handpicked trattorias in the nearby villages driven by locals with a huge love for the Tuscan cuisine.
“My wonderful team and I will do our utmost to nurture your tastebuds, and fuel you with inspiring cooking, photography, and editorial content creation classes in one of the most beautiful places in the world - at true Narnia.”
DETAILS
WHEN:
September 27th - October 2nd, 2023
Pick up at Pisa airport on September 27th at 3 PM.
Check-in at the retreat location is from 4:30 PM on September 27th, where you will be introduced to each other and the program, receive a welcome goodie bag, and have time to get yourself settled in.
Aperitivos and Italian nibbles will be served on the terrace at 7 PM and a homemade, joyous welcome dinner at 8 PM.
Check-out is after breakfast on October 2nd. We will drive you directly to Pisa airport at noon so that we are there at 1:30 PM. If you need to catch a flight earlier, we will be happy to bring you there in one of our other cars.
WHAT:
5 nights of lodging in one of two wonderful old stone houses in Codiponte, all classes, training, meals, drinks, and snacks during the retreat (both at the farmhouse + at local trattorias), hands-on-cooking-class with local nonnas, a magical fall feast in the local olive grove with lamps in the trees and a bonfire to roast chestnuts onlive grove, a photography trip (including lunch and gelato) to the romantic seaside village Portovenere, and all transportation during the retreat.
The retreat doesn’t include airline tickets, taxes & baggage fees, travel insurance (highly recommended), or meals/items/activities bought when you’re not with the group.
GROUP SIZE:
People from all walks of life are welcome.
Space is limited to 8-10 attendees.
WHERE:
Your home for the 5 nights will be in one of two charming stone houses drenched in history and set amongst olive groves and vineyards in the small beautiful medieval village of Codiponte in a quiet and unspoiled part of Tuscany. The houses are located within 8-minutes walking distance from each other and are both owned by our warm-hearted and in every way lovely host couple. They are both characterized by peace and tranquility, and you can choose between a beautiful single room or a shared double room.
HOW TO GET THERE: The nearest major airport is Pisa airport, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the workshop location by car. A pick-up will be arranged on September 27th at 3:15 pm from Pisa airport to the property, and a car will drive back to Pisa Airport at 12 pm on October 2nd (or earlier if you need to catch an earlier flight). If you wish to fly to Florence, Parma, or Bologna airport instead, you can either rent a car, or jump on a train, and we'll be happy to pick you up at the local train station in the little village ' San Lorenzo' called "Minucciano-Pieve-Casola" (it is named like that, since 3 villages are near to the station, but it's only one station). The pick-up is of course included in the retreat cost.
TEACHER:
Your teacher during the entire retreat will be publisher, 7-time award-winning cookbook author + food-, lifestyle- and travel photographer, stylist, and founder of Sisterhood Retreats, Sif Orellana. Her latest big family cookbook was named number 2 in “Best in the World” by Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is currently working on her first book for the American market, named “My Happy Danish Kitchen”.
PRICES AND ACCOMODATION
PRICE
- prices listed are per person
You have the option to book a single room or a shared double room (with two separate beds) - depending on when you book and availability. The retreat fee can be paid in either 1 or 3 installments.
* By purchasing a single room in one installment instead of three, you save €334.
* By purchasing a shared double room in one installment instead of three, you save €344.
If you choose to pay in three installments, the first payment will take place when you book your seat, the next on February 1st, 2023, and the third on May 1st, 2023. A payment link will be sent directly to your inbox each time.
SINGLE ROOM
Click on the button below to choose your preferred payment model.
DOUBLE ROOM
Click on the button below to choose your preferred payment model.
- prices listed are per person
Note: Shared double room may only be booked by two people who wish to share a room. You must be purchasing 2 spots for this option (you can of course pay separately - just write on the invoice or send me an e-mail telling me who you wish to share the room with).
“These are just some of the highlights we have in store for you - lots of other wonderful surprises will be revealed during the retreat. ”
WELCOME LETTER & SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP
About 8-10 days prior to the retreat start you will receive a welcome letter with more practical information, a list of participants, a detailed itinerary as well as an inspirational video filled with generous portions of information, tips, and tricks on Italian cooking. You will also be invited to become a member of a private ''TUSCAN FALL FACEBOOK GROUP 2023”. Here you can communicate e.g. about meet-ups before or after the retreat, practicalities, post questions, ask for advice, share insights and personal goals, and I can upload the links, recommendations, tips, and tricks, I share with you during the talks.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to the Sisterhood and fill you up with new essential learning and useful tools, that can help you improve your cooking, photograph,y and editorial content creation skills. From the day you arrive, we will do our utmost to take well care of you and fuel you with delicious food, inspiring classes, wonderful excursions, and exchange of ideas, dreams, and thoughts around the dining table between creatives and like-minded souls from all over the world.”
TESTIMONIALS
“These days have been just magical! Thank you so much."
MARIA HÄRDNER, SWEDEN
“I AM STILL IN SOME KIND OF EUPHORIA AFTER MY RETREAT WITH SIF ORELLANA."
Thank you so much for being the most inspiring, caring and warm person I have met in a long time, Sif. I will always be grateful for this retreat.
NETTAN DAHLQUIST. NORWAY
"AFTER SPENDING JUST A FEW DAYS TOGETHER AT A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS TALE RETREAT, A VERY SPECIAL BOND WAS CREATED BETWEEN EVERYONE IN OUR LOVELY GROUP."
It was such an honor to be a part of this creative bunch, made extra special by our lovely leader and teacher Sif. Her passion and ability to inspire, her big heart and kind words, her empathy and unlimited generosity are so precious and inspiring that we were all in awe. I came back home with a full heart and lots of new friends. It was unforgettable! Thank you Sif for bringing us all together and sharing your hearts and wisdom!”
KARMEN KODA, PARIS
"I
SIGNED UP FOR SIF'S WORKSHOP HOPING TO HONE MY VISUAL STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES...BUT I LEFT WITH SO MUCH MORE."
For me, the main benefits came when Sif shared the inside secrets of her incredible personal success story and from receiving invaluable individual feedback which she happily provided beyond workshop hours and even upon my return home! Importantly, she makes you feel comfortable instantly, no matter your photographic experience. Her down-to-earth approach helped participants to immediately gel well together which made the workshop fun.
Sif's style of communicating her visual storytelling knowledge is unique and made me feel truly connected and inspired. I returned home equipped with more tools and fully motivated to take action on my dreams.
I can’t speak highly enough of Sif's workshops.
IVAN EBEJER, MALTA
“I strongly recommend joining Sif Orellana in any upcoming retreat. She shares her talent, but, more importantly, her wisdom! "
You might not know but you cannot really live happily without it!
KAJSA JEPPSON, SWEDEN
“I have been full of peace and happiness ever since."
Thank you for an amazing retreat and learning experience.
LOUISE GRANHOF JUHL, DENMARK
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Due to logistics, the people involved, this is a non-refundable retreat, so please register only if you know you can attend. However, we´d happily transfer your spot to someone else should you be unable to make it and know someone who will take your spot. If a replacement traveler is found, Sisterhood Retreats will bank 100% of your paid fee as a credit to use for another workshop, retreat, masterclass, or creative gathering less an administration charge of €250 and less any fees that were incurred to make the transaction. We encourage you to have a valid travel insurance before embarking on the trip. More info about our terms and conditions can be found here.
“We look so much forward to embarking on this travel-based learning adventure with you! See you in the rolling hills of Tuscany.”
