HUNGRY HEART
PHOTOGRAPHY RETREATS
THE ELEVATED FOLIO EXPANSION, MASTERCLASS + CREATIVELY SUPERCHARGED PHOTOGRAPHIC RETREAT, ISLAND STYLE IN GILI …
THE ADVENTURE THAT YOU ONLY JUST, NOW REALISE YOU NEEDED.
Curated by Penny Lane,Founder of Hungry Heart Society: Fashion Photographer + Creative Director
Gili Air,
Indonesia
30th Aug - 4th September
Elevate Your Art, Recharge Your Vibe: Cultivate Community.
A Fashion Photography Retreat in Paradis
I mean,, in short answer.. why not.
The beautiful, soulful and happiness charged island of Gili Air in Indonesia has pretty much everything you could possibly need for not only a soul changing adventure with burnout soothing wellness focus and world class photoshoot destinations all in one small island paradise, with a thriving creative fashion photography scene, at a fraction of a cost of doing the same things in other countries.
(The more long detailed answers below :)
Why a fashion photography retreat in Gili?
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Your folio is the MOST important tool to get you booked for bigger and better jobs, the ones that you aspire to shoot. that you know you can nail. in destinations that excite you. your folio shows clients that you are already doing that and make them want to book you and only you as they love your style…why not make your folio as amazing as you can , creating the most beautiful work how you want to create it (not clients ) and elevate your campaign , editorial + artistic folio with tailored shoots where the production is done for you with A- grade teams already organised and included in your retreat package. Just bring your genius vision, your enjoyment of what you do and your creativity without pressure (+ your camera) and let the magic develop. bali has the most amazing variety of locations in one magical island, already favoured by top photographers, world class talent . incredible shoot teams to make amazing shoots you love.
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Bali has some of the most fabulous and professional Models, Makeup Artists and Stylists on the planet, and we will be lucky to work with a professional high-end crew and talent that will make your work incredible!
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Boutique accommodation that will provide ultimate comfort, a place to recharge and a shoot location all in one on the magical Gili island. Options of Solo rooms with ensuites, or twin queens share room.
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Beautiful food will be catered for the attendees at the retreat with a combination of amazing Indonesian cuisine , and incredible food from around the world. There are the most amazing restaurants and caterers on Gili air for fresh nourishing food, that can cater to your dietary preferences. Meals will be both catered in the villa and out enjoying spots on the island.
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Overcome freelance isolation and meet your new best friends. Sharing the experience of adventure, Photoshoots in island locations and having brand building sessions that redefine what your world and business feels like. Women in the creative industries forging an inspiration network of amazing photographers from around the world.
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Goodie Bag! yes please some great gifts in your welcome pack to make your retreat more special, and also a collection of digital workbooks , planners and planing tools to be able to be customisable for your future shoots to make your business and clients presentations more smooth and visually fabulous!
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Self care and ultimate pampering. Rejuvenating luxurious Massages are included. cacao and breath work sessions.
Where is it?
BALI : Gili Air
Gili Air is a most incredible Island in the Gili Islands off Lombok. This Retreat begins on the groups meeting in Padang Bai, and getting a new fast boat over to Gili Air to begin a week of island immersion and relaxation that is next level. Ponies, bikes, crystal water and the beauty and friendliness of the Indonesian people just for a start… Be prepared to want to stay forever. No petrol scooters, no cars, no hurry. Good food, people and landscape. Incredible Incredible.
Create the work you want to be known for—
before someone gives you permission to.
For many photographers / artists / creatives it begins with a feeling—a deep knowledge in our core that this is what they're meant to do, its what fuels their soul…
Yet somewhere along the way, that certainty is often replaced by self-doubt. The questions creep in. Am I good enough? Can this really become a passion filled thriving career? Does everyone else have it figured out but me?
Creative work can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be surprisingly isolating. Behind the beautiful images, many photographers quietly carry the weight of comparison, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of building a business alone. It's easy to feel as though everyone else is moving faster, achieving more, or somehow belongs in the industry more than you do.
These retreats were created as an antidote to that feeling.
They exist to bring together photographers who understand one another—not as competitors, but as a community. A place to share knowledge openly, celebrate each other's growth, ask the questions you've been holding onto, and leave feeling inspired rather than depleted.
There is something incredibly powerful about sitting around a table with people who simply get it. Conversations become collaborations. Friendships become networks. Confidence grows. Creative energy returns.
Because thriving in a creative career isn't only about mastering your craft—it's about finding the people who remind you why you started in the first place.
The belief that community is stronger than competition sits at the heart of every retreat. When photographers lift one another up, everyone creates better work, builds stronger businesses, and enjoys the journey far more.
This is more than a retreat. It's an opportunity to reconnect with your inner artist and guide, your confidence, and a community that wants to see you succeed , love your creative life and thrive!.
PHILOSOPHY behind the RETREATSPhotography has a beautiful way of transforming both sides of the camera. It is often so far from anything to do with an actual camera, that is just thew vehicle for the poetry. The person being photographed feels seen, and the photographer leaves having seen the world a little differently too.
It's one of the most rewarding creative careers, side hustles or passions there is. But like anything truly meaningful, it flourishes with time, intention and the people you share it with.
So many incredibly talented photographers are out there creating beautiful work in isolation—quietly craving connection with others who understand the highs, the challenges and the joy of this creative life.
These retreats are about bringing those people together.
A community of curious, generous creatives. Making extraordinary work. Sharing ideas. Inspiration. Community. Adventure.
Want to create the folio, and world of your fantasy?
Meet the founder of Hungry Heart Retreats:
Penny Lane : Australian photographer for 20 years specialising mainly in Fashion + creative portraits, now in Bali that has healed her burnout and love for the work again, and providing such. an exciting industry in which to dive back into and not only shoot, but also hopefully create a community she wishes she had in the middle of her career and bring the spark for creativity and adventure! After taking a break over covid due to well that and mega career burnout , she has been able to recharge the creative juices and also see with perspective a lot of the things that could have been done differently in her relationship with her work that might have prevented the overwhelm, and just kept the fun with the functionality of making a good income while freelancing!
