How to bring a photographer on your retreat

I’ve run retreats of my own and have been a photographer on others.

I’ve been on the back end of painful number crunching, excel sheeting, advertising yoga retreat preparation and planning and I’ve made mistakes as a photographer and as a teacher. So if you’re thinking of bringing a photographer on your retreat, here a few things to consider:

Absorb the cost into your retreat price

I know a few teachers for whom taking me with them would have been a bit of a stretch as it would have eaten into their profits. Instead of doing that, include the photographer’s cost when you crunch your numbers - I include marketing fees when I price for mine for example. Which brings me to my next point ...

Ask far enough in advance

If you ask plan enough in advance, then you included the photographer’s cost in your retreat. And also, since it’s quite a big commitment, you want to make sure your photographer is available - if you are used to planning retreats you know that they quite often require to be planned months or even a year in advance. Lock the photographer you want in as soon as you start planning.

Double check all the costs up front

In addition of a day rate, accommodation, transport and food need to be included. Make sure there is no hidden cost for your photographer.

Include the photographer with your guests

If you’re creating a Whatsapp group for example, have the photographer included beforehand so they get to know your guests - which is a key component of getting great images! Same goes with carpooling for example - if it’s on the cards, your photographer will probably want to get involved.