Wildress Retreats
Join our fantasy portraiture and self portraiture workshop in the heart of the epic Norwegian Fjordlandscape. From the mythic mountains of Jotunheimen to cascading waterfalls and emerald green deep fjords
About our summer workshop
Join us for an unforgettable photography workshop in Årdal, nestled in the heart of Norway’s fjord landscape. Throughout the workshop, you’ll explore a variety of breathtaking locations: dramatic waterfalls, serene lakes, ancient woods, deep river valleys and panoramic views of snowcapped mountains. Capture the iconic fjord views and wander through the lush landscapes of the Utladalen Landscape Protection Area and the wild, winding river valley. Each setting offers unique opportunities for fantasy-style, self-portrait, and portrait photography, with nature’s grandeur as your backdrop. Experience the magic of Norwegian midsummer, when the evenings glow with soft, golden light and the days stretch long into the night. In this enchanting atmosphere, you’ll hear stories of the Huldra—Norway’s mysterious forest spirit—whose legend is deeply tied to the land and its light. Årdal is one of the places in Norway with the most tales of the mythical Huldra. Capture fantasy-style, self-portrait, and portrait photography inspired by these tales and the natural beauty around you. As night falls, the sky remains bright, bathing the landscape in a gentle, ethereal light that’s perfect for atmospheric photography. This workshop is designed for re connectiong with nature, artistic growth, community, and personal renewal—set against the wild beauty of Norway’s West Coast. Enjoy the freedom of whimsical dresses and running barefoot through fields of wildflowers, reconnecting with the earth and nature. Take part in wild swimming in rivers and fjords, feeling the invigorating embrace of Norway’s waters. We invite you to rewild yourself—embracing playfulness, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging in Norway’s wild landscape. We will explore how photography can be powerful tools for advocacy and storytelling. Our goal is to inspire you to use your creativity to make a positive impact and share meaningful stories with the world. Price: 10 000 NOK Please note that accomodation has to be booked separately and directly to the accomodation provider (hotel/airbnb etc) we will give you further details upon application Not included: Flights, transportation/car rental, food
Gallery
Our Vision
Wildress Retreats is a result of two adventurous souls finding each other at a magical self-portrait retreat in Madeira in November 2024. The shared love for photography, dresses, and connection to nature didn’t just spark creativity but also inspired the idea to create our own version of a creative and supportive community through magical photographic retreats and workshops. Being Scandinavian, we quickly realized we could create something uniquely Nordic, centering on the wild, mythic nature of the North.
When naming our retreat we wanted something simple yet symbolic to represent the essence of our idea. The name Wildress is a combination of the words wild, wilderness, dress and godess.
Connection with nature and with each other is at the heart of what we do. We encourage childlike curiosity, softness, whimsical play, and stepping gently outside your comfort zone. We focus on being present in mind and body, to let go of perfection and instead focus on the joy of the process. When something feels good, it often looks good too.
In Scandinavia, many of us grow up with a deep bond to our ancestral landscapes, and we feel privileged for that. Our connection to nature remains close; we care for it and understand it on a deeper level. Yet we also see how this connection has been lost in many parts of society, as nature becomes a scarce resource sacrificed in the name of progress. Now more than ever, it’s essential to rebuild and reconnect with our natural roots. Humans are nature, and the further we drift from it, the more we lose parts of our own humanity.
We believe that reconnecting with our inner creative forces also reconnects us with the natural world. When we care about nature, we protect it. Photography is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s also about opening our eyes to the need for preservation and protection. Creative photography can be a powerful statement, whether subtle or bold. Even sharing beautiful landscapes communicates a value: that nature is worth protecting.
We believe in reusing resources, which is why most of our retreat dresses are thrifted. We follow a minimal-impact, leave-no-trace philosophy, source locally whenever possible, and embrace slow, sustainable tourism.
At our retreats, we also teach about local conservation efforts and environmental challenges, showing how small personal actions can make a meaningful difference. We are also proud to collaborate with Sooo Magazine, an international digital publication focused on sustainability.
We also want our retreats to spark creativity across disciplines. Beautiful places can inspire painting, writing, music, singing, and more. We welcome all creative expressions and envision our retreats becoming multidisciplinary spaces for the arts.
Our vision is to build a shared, inclusive international community rooted in creative connection and inspiration. Diversity enriches creativity, and we believe joy grows when it is shared with others who value it too.
Our collaborators:
We get to borrow handmade fantasy inspired leather items from
Demon Crow Leather, an exeptionally skilled leather designer.
Frøya water pure by nature will keep us refreshed and hydrated
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