Reconnect your Passion
Cumberland Photography Retreat
"Reconnect your passion and rediscover the pure joy of creating beautiful images"
Spend an inspiring weekend with Rory Baker on this immersive photography retreat, thoughtfully designed to help you reconnect your passion and rediscover the joy of creating beautiful images. Whether you’re looking to reignite your creative spark or deepen your skills, you will be encouraged to explore new perspectives and techniques.
Set against the backdrop of stunning natural surroundings, this retreat offers the perfect balance of hands-on learning, creative inspiration, and peaceful reflection. You’ll have the chance to slow down, focus on what truly excites you about photography, and leave feeling refreshed, motivated, and equipped with new skills. This Retreat is at the inspiring and pristine Cumberland Nature Reserve with several clean self-catering cottages/rooms and campsites ideal for overlanders and campers.
We invite you and your photography friends to join us!
Why you should consider this Retreat!
- Escape from your regular routine: Sometimes, the daily grind can stifle creativity and make photography feel like a chore. This retreat offers a refreshing break, giving you the chance to step away from distractions and recharge your creative energy.
- Rub shoulders with others who share your passion: One of the most inspiring parts of this retreat are the people that surround you - fellow photographers, all who share the same love for the craft and desire to be better and more creative photographers.
- Develop your skills in a relaxed environment: This retreat allows you to experiment freely, ask questions, and absorb new techniques without being overwhelmed. It is the perfect space to nurture your growth and confidence as an artist.
- Spend a lot of time behind the camera: Hone your skills and learn new techniques, explore creative ideas surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Photography Retreat Summary
Dates:#
13 - 15 March 2026
2 nights / 3 Days
Arrive : 11:00 am on first day
Depart: 15:00 pm on last day
NOTE - when booking there is an option to extend your stay by one night and depart on the Monday morning.
Accommodation:#
This is a summary only, please see the Cumberland Webpage for full details and amenities: CLICK HERE
NOTE: All units are self-catering.
Ankole Cottage: Two rooms, sleeps 4 - minimum 2 people sharing
Zebra Cottage: 2 Rooms, sleeps 4 - minimum 2 people sharing - only room available
Horseshoe Cottage: Open plan 4 sleeper - minimum 3 people sharing
Kudu Room: Sleeps 6 - minimum 3 people sharing
Impala Room: Sleeps 2 - fully booked
Kranz Hut: Sleeps 2 (rustic) - 1 bed available
Campsites: There are various campsites suitable for tents and ideal for overland travelers.
Cost & Payment:#
Ankola Cottage, Zebra Cottage, Kudu Room, Impala Room
Special rate applicable: R4,840 pp sharing if 30% non-refundable booking fee received on or before 30 November 2025!
R5,320 pp sharing thereafter.
Horseshoe Cottage
Special rate applicable: R4,840 pp sharing if 30% non-refundable booking fee received on or before 30 November 2025!
R5,320 pp sharing thereafter.
Special rate applicable: R4,840 pp sharing if 30% non-refundable booking fee received on or before 30 November 2025!
R5,320 pp sharing thereafter.
Kranz Hut (rustic)
Special rate applicable: R4,640 pp sharing if 30% non-refundable booking fee received on or before 30 November 2025!
R4,830 pp sharing thereafter
Campsites
Special rate applicable: R4,500 pp if 30% non-refundable booking fee received on or before 30 November 2025!
R4,780 pp thereafter
Note: If you intend to stay one more night and not be rushed on the Sunday please indicate on the booking form. In the event you will be alone for the additional night then a 'single rate' will apply for that night.
Included:
- Accommodation (excluding meals) check Cumberland website for amenities available in each unit.
- Daily fresh bottled water.
- Free set of digital Photography Essentials Flashcards by My Photo School (value R364.80).
- Full bedding provided (except campsites).
- Staff gratuities.
- Travel to and from the venue.
- All meals - all cottages/lodges are self catering, bring your own meals.
- Towels not provided.
- Beverages and drinks (we will have bottled water available).
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Seats limited, bookings are made on a first come basis and subject availability at time of booking.
- A 30% non-refundable booking fee is required withing 3 days (72 hours) to confirm cottage/lodge/room and seat on the Photography Retreat.
- The balance of the invoiced amount to be received on or before 26 January 2026 (can be made in installments up to that date).
- All else as per our standard terms - Go Here.
About Cumberland:#
Cumberland is a 560 hectare Private Nature Reserve located to the east of Pietermaritzburg. A walkers paradise. Habitats found on the Reserve include pristine savanna, woodland, valley thickets and wetland. Extensive cliff faces, deep valleys, waterfalls and well wooded gorges provide unrivaled landscape photography opportunities. The Rietspruit Stream which flows through
Cumberland attracts many species of Dragonfly, Frogs and other interesting water-loving creatures. The Umgeni River forms part of the boundary of the Reserve and is home to many species of freshwater fish as well as some resident Crocodiles.
- Over 300 bird species
- Over 50 Butterfly species
- More than 200 wild-flower species
- 30 species of mammal
- An abundance of indigenous trees and grasses
- A healthy snake population, including a number of resident African Rock Pythons
For more information visit the Cumberland Website: Click Here!
A snapshot of what to expect!
In addition to doing some awesome guided photography walks we will learn various creative techniques and have several discussions about how you can improve and grow as a photographer. Below is some of what we will cover:
- Fundamentals of photography, this retreat is not a technical workshop but you will still be reminded of the of the basics when necessary. You will also receive a digital set of Photography Essentials flashcards by My Photo School for free See Here.
- Photography Style refers to the unique way a photographer captures and presents images. It’s like their personal signature or artistic voice that makes their photos recognizable. We will look at what defines different styles and how you can develop you own style.
- Photography with Intention means approaching your photography with a clear purpose or goal in mind.
- Photography in the different "light hours" refer to specific times of day when natural light has unique qualities. We will explore how we can capture beautiful images at the various times of day.
- Creative Challengers during the retreat we will include a number of creative techniques for example; slow shutter speeds, ICM and multiple exposures amongst others.
- Landscape stacking & hyperfocal distance to achieve sharp focus throughout the entire image.
- A glimpse at AI and the amateur photographer, an interesting but fruitful discussion.
Reconnect Your Passion
Google says: "To rediscover or revive the strong enthusiasm, interest, or love you once had for something. It’s about getting back in touch with what truly excites and motivates you, especially if you’ve felt a bit distant or disconnected from it for a while. Whether it’s a hobby, a career, or a personal goal, reconnecting your passion can bring renewed energy and joy to your life"
Daily Schedule
The below schedule is an indication only, it may change depending on weather and other factors:
Day 1: Friday
Arrive around Midday and settle in at your room. At 2:00pm we will gather on the Impala Room veranda (know as the 'Gathering-Point') for a welcoming. Here we will have a short photography discussion before heading out on foot for a photography session.
In the evening will have a communal dinner/braai at the Gathering-Point followed by a short discussion and review of the afternoon photography session and then discuss the next mornings activity.
Day 2: Saturday
Early morning wake up and a cuppa coffee followed by a meetup at a predetermined location for an early morning shoot and discussion. This will be followed by breakfast at your own cottage/room. After breakfast we will have another guided discussion and photo shoot at a location.
We break for lunch/rest at our own cottage/room until we meet at the Gathering-Point where we will again have a short discussion then move on to the next location for a guided shoot.
In the early evening we will break for a communal dinner/braai at the Gathering-Point and again finish off the day with a short photography discussion.
In the early evening we will break for a communal dinner/braai at the Gathering-Point and again finish off the day with a short photography discussion.
Day 3: Sunday
Early morning wake up and a cuppa coffee followed by a meetup at a predetermined location for an early morning shoot and photography discussion in the field. This will be followed by a brunch back at our own cottage/room. After breakfast we will meet at a location for one more photography session followed by a photography review and guided discussion at the Gathering-Point that will include some editing techniques and tips. Our program will be completed around 2:00 pm.
Note: If you wish to extend their stay for one more night and leave Cumberland on the Monday morning please indicate that on the booking form.
If you do extend your stay your mentor, Rory Baker, will continue with reviewing photos and discussing editing techniques and tips through the rest of the day. In the evening we will enjoy one more braai and perhaps an early morning Monday sunrise in the valley!
Meet your Host & Mentor
Rory is a professional photographer and coach. Renowned for his keen eye for detail and an unwavering passion for capturing the true essence of his subjects, Rory has built an impressive and diverse commercial portfolio. His work covers a wide range of photography genres, particularly within the corporate and industrial sectors, where his images meet high professional standards.
In addition, Rory is a wildlife and nature photographer having guided several photography tours and wildlife, landscape and nature workshops. He is deeply committed to nurturing creativity and knowledge in others. In 2014, he founded My Photo School with the vision of creating an inclusive and inspiring space where photographers of all levels can grow their skills and confidence.
Rory’s passion for photography is matched only by his enthusiasm for education, making him a beloved mentor and coach. His approachable style and dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment have earned him great respect among students and peers alike. Whether behind the camera or in the classroom, he continues to inspire the next generation of creatives to see the world differently and capture its beauty with authenticity and skill.
