Old World Artistry. New World Mindset.
Tamara Paskey-Alexander & Mitzi Starkweather are thrilled to bring you an unforgettable, all-inclusive fine-art photography retreat where you will be immersed in timeless aesthetics set in a historic castle in Northern Portugal. Here you will learn not only portrait photography techniques, but ways to help you serve your clients in a wonderfully genuine way that will make them want to come back to you again and again. We will help you connect to your art emotionally in ways that you haven’t seen in a workshop setting before so you can return home with not only jaw dropping images for your portfolio, but a healthy mindset so you can implement everything you learned in a sustainable way.
Create from authenticity. Be moved by human connection. Feel at home in your art.
Where We Will Create
Historic Castle in Viano do Castelo, Portugal
What You Will Learn
From Mitzi:
Raw Portraits
Creating real connection with clients during the shoot which results in lasting client relationships, amazing referrals, and effortlessly large sales.
From Shame to Authenticity
Mitzi’s journey as a business owner and how she moved from shame and fear into authenticity and love, and the ripple effect it produced for her clients and business influence. It starts with YOU.
Cinematic Reels for Brand Building and Advertising
We photographers have tons of content (images, videos, bts) but get stuck when it comes to how to share it on social media in the most effective way. This class will change that and ignite your creativity while giving you an actionable reel/tik tok blueprint.
Self Portraits as Journaling
A regular self portrait practice is a must for every portrait photographer. Mitzi’s self portrait journey has been more than a fun creative outlet – she uses her self portrait practice for reflection, testing new techniques, processing emotions, and remembering how vulnerable her clients feel when they book a shoot. This class will be inspiring and emotional, as well as practical and instructive.
From Tamara:
Fine Art Nude Posing
Inspired by classical art and rooted in an understanding of anatomy and movement, this class explores how to guide the body with intention to evoke emotion and tell deeper stories. You’ll learn how to direct your subjects with clarity and care, creating a collaborative experience that results in timeless, emotive imagery.Balancing Genuine Creativity with Successful Business Practices
It is possible to run a profitable business without burning out or compromising your art. This class is all about creating structure—through thoughtful policies, client experience, and automation—so you can make space for true creative flow. You’ll walk away with tools to serve your clients deeply, sell with ease, and build a slower-paced, high-touch business that fuels both your bank account and your spirit.Artwork Composition & Printing
Your clients deserve more than digital files—they deserve art. We dive into what makes an image feel gallery-worthy: from composition and print standards, to understanding what collectors & clients are truly drawn to. We’ll explore the intersection of fine art principles and consumer desires, so you can confidently create work that’s both meaningful and marketable.Out of the Studio & Into Nature
There’s something sacred about photographing outdoors—waking up with the sun, breathing in the fresh air, and being adaptable. This class is about embracing the elements, working with unpredictable light and weather, and honoring the environment and your subject. You’ll learn how to foster trust, ensure your client’s comfort, and create in ways that feel grounded, connected, and alive.
Combination Classes from Mitzi & Tamara
In-person Sales
How our processes are the same, and how we differ. Why connection on multiple levels is beneficial and how to raise your sales average without “selling”.
Styled or Outdoor Shoot TBA
The Details
Date: October 3rd to 7th, 2025
Where: Viana do Castelo, Portugal. 1 hr north of Porto
Cost: $4200 early bird (raises to $4400 May 15th) Payment plan available.
Availability: Limited to 18 attendees
Lodging: Included in the castle. Semi-private rooms. All rooms have 2 beds/ are shared. We will take personalities & sleeping preferences into account when assigning rooms. (See photos of the castle bedrooms in the slider gallery above) *Please inquire via the contact form if you’re interested in staying off property at a hotel within 15 mins walking distance.
Meals: All meals included. Allergies taken into account.
Transport: Transportation from Porto airport to the castle on Oct. 3rd at 10:00am, and return on the 7th leaving the castle at 11:00am via a bus/van is provided. You must book your own flights.
Content: Hands-on photography education, mindset, & healthy business practices
Bonus #1: Shoot in nature in a river or beach (structure TBD)
Bonus #2: Mitzi & Tamara will photograph YOU!! Walk the walk & talk the talk!
Bonus #3: One afternoon we will take a trip to the Dreambooks Pro album company factory an hour from the castle to see how products are made, and for a special dinner!
Educators: Tamara Paskey-Alexander & Mitzi Starkweather
Facilitator: Aroha McKaig
Models: A mix of professional fine art models and regular humans!
**Attendees must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Mitzi Starkweather’s Gallery
Tamara Paskey-Alexander’s Gallery
Meet Your Hosts
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Tamara Paskey-Alexander
Tamara is a fine art nude photographer, educator, and retreat leader based in Dallas, Texas. After running a successful boudoir studio for over 15 years, navigating burnout, and recently selling the business, she shifted her focus to something that aligns with her soul currently. These days, Tamara splits her time between teaching photographers how to build balanced, high-earning businesses, and creating fine art nude gallery-style work that celebrates wildness and self-expression. She created the Rewilding Retreats®, transformational experiences hosted around the world that center art, embodiment, and creative freedom. Tamara is an Icon Awards associate and has received multiple accolades for her work. Through her experience employing a full time staff, owning a retail storefront, and having studios in three different states, she brings deep business acumen and heart-led strategy to everything she teaches.
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Mitzi Starkweather
Mitzi is a portrait photographer, educator, and speaker in Missouri, USA. She loves to create safe spaces for others to meet and accept their truest selves, whether it’s with her camera, written words, or intentional conversation. Mitzi has achieved Associate Photographer Accreditation through The Portrait Masters (2021) and kicked off her education career in 2023 with the release of her first “Raw Portraits Course” which quickly created a community of authentic photographers worldwide. She is an award winning photographer, and is a recognized educator for Portrait Masters, and Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She’s also a breast cancer survivor, and this experience influences the way she boldly shows up in the world and uses her light to inspire others. Mitzi enjoys her work, but as a means to enjoy the things that matter most to her: her partner and son, other family and friends, good food, and good (but also very bad) movies.
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Aroha McKaig
Aroha is a spiritual life coach, retreat facilitator, author, and creative based in Ontario, Canada, but is originally from New Zealand. With a heart-centered approach and a lifelong passion for healing and storytelling, she creates transformative spaces for others to reconnect with their purpose and inner wisdom. Aroha spent 20 years as a professional photographer, most recently owning a boudoir studio, and remains actively involved in the photography education community, blending creativity with deep inner work. Through soulful retreats, one-on-one coaching, and collaborative offerings, she helps others return to themselves with compassion, intention, and spiritual integrity. She believes that when people feel truly seen and supported, they naturally begin to shine in their own unique way.
Book Your Spot
Choose to pay in full- $4200 early bird before May 10th
Or choose a payment plan- 3 Payments of $1400
Questions & Answers
Q: What airport do I fly into? What do I need to fly internationally? A: You will fly into Porto airport. Most flights from North America are overnight, so make sure you arrive by the morning of October 3rd at the latest. We recommend arriving a day early and staying in Porto to acclimate to time change if you do not reside in Europe. You will need a valid passport to travel. Make sure it does not expire for at least 6 months past the departure date, and that your passport has at least 2 open pages for stamps. You are responsible for researching if you need to acquire a visa to enter Portugal or the Schengen Zone.
Q: I’m coming by myself and am nervous. I’ve never traveled this far alone. A: The Porto airport (and Lisbon airport if you are connecting) are both fairly easy to navigate. Most people speak at least some English, but we also recommend downloading a translator app- Google translate recommended with Portuguese pre-loaded. Just make sure you have all of your documents in order, and make sure you follow luggage guidelines put forth by your specific airline. As far as the retreat goes, most people will be coming alone!! You’ll have so much fun making new friends. This will be a very warm and accepting environment. There will be absolutely ZERO cliques or “mean girl” attitude.
Q: Is there an option to have a private room? A: Yes! You can book offsite at Hotel A Ponte, which is a 15 minute safe walk down the road. There is also room for a rental car at the castle if you want to drive. If you choose this option, you must book with us directly for a different price. All meals will still be included with the group. To be honest though, we would really love for everyone to stay in the castle.
Q: What level do I need to be at as a photographer? A: A lot of what we are teaching is aimed at professional photographers who take paying clients. But we welcome those that are somewhat beginners. We recommend that you know manual camera settings, and at least have a social media account for your work.
Q: Can I bring my significant other? A: Anyone entering the castle must be a paying attendee. Guests are not permitted. If you want to travel with your other half but not pay for them to attend, we recommend booking the off-site hotel to stay together, or have them meet you before or after the retreat for an adventure!
Q: What if I get sick or can’t come? Do you offer refunds? A: Your retreat fee is nonrefundable. We highly recommend getting travel insurance. We recommend CHUBB yearly travel insurance. It’s affordable and covers a LOT. If you want to transfer your ticket to someone else, you may do so with the prior approval of Tamara Paskey-Alexander or Aroha McKaig with at least 7 days notice. **Note, if we must cancel the retreat on our end due to weather, border issues, etc, you will receive a full refund or you can choose to go with the rescheduled option.
Q: Will I need to bring lighting or a lot of equipment? A: No, we will provide any strobes or constant lighting that we will use. We will send out a welcome guide with recommended camera equipment, but all of it will be able to fit into a regular camera bag.
Q: Is the castle accessible? A: Unfortunately no, sorry! As it is a historic, European building, there are a lot of stairs. But we will book a retreat in the future that is 1st floor and accessible!