Me, my camera, my journal and pen! That’s what I packed for the personal branding film and photography project with Agatha, a professional writer and a writing retreat organiser.
When I met Agatha and learned about her personal and her writing story I was hooked. She wrote more than 40 children’s books (all written in Dutch, under her Belgian name Aag Vernelen).
Isn’t that inspirational!
40 books!
She loves writing hence not a surprise that she is on a mission to inspire and empower others to write from the heart and develop their writing abilities. She offers workshops and retreats in Spain, Belgium and other beautiful places in Europe.
I was very excited when she asked me to capture the magic during her retreat in Spain as her official photographer.
But let’s be honest!
I was not only excited to capture the essence and the atmosphere of her beautiful seven day women writing retreat BUT mostly excited to take part in the retreat myself.
Why?
Because for many years, writing, blogging and journaling have been out of my comfort zone. I never truly enjoyed the process. I did not know where to start and how to express myself freely.
I have never been able to find a time for writing all day long without feeling guilty.
Unfortunately, the list is long…..lack of confidence, fear of being judged, criticised….
I’ve spent a week in perfect settings surrounded by the Spanish mountains, pure nature, woodlands and breath-taking landscapes and fresh air. Far away from the traffic noise, crossed streets and people. A perfect setting for me to start writing more from the heart.
During Agatha’s Writing retreat, I have experienced the powerful effects of dance, movement and Taoist practices on the creative process.
We did start each morning with yummy vegan breakfast at Case Tarsan Luxury Eco Lodge followed by the Earth-body writing workshops with Agatha.
Earth-body writing is a grounded, practical method to make the creative energy flow freely by activating the body, connecting to the nurturing energy of the earth and writing from that place. Our afternoons were filled with plenty of writing time and many creative activities.
PERSONAL BRAND & RETREAT PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Very quickly, me and my camera blended in and in the most respectful, unobtrusive and subtle way I video recorded all of this goodness creative activities: writing group exercises, 1:1 writing coaching sessions with Agatha, earth- body practice, yoga, women circle, meditation, candid shots of participant chatting and laughing, adventure trips, gorgeous venue etc. The list goes on.
Putting pen to paper can bring joy and gratitude – but what if you’re struggling to start?
During the retreat, Agatha helped us to open the gates of our creativity, so that we discover our writing voice, and start writing that which wants to be expressed through us.
“Your story, your investigation, your diary, your novel, your blog, your children’s book, your erotic stories... The form doesn’t matter. “
She helped us to start writing, and we quickly discovered our message to the world.
I am incredible grateful to Agatha for introducing me to writing from deep inside during her retreat.
Since the writing retreat in Spain, I am spending a little time each day expressing my happiness in words. It turns out that I really enjoy the writing process. Finding the words come more easily every time. Can you believe!
Journaling has changed my life on many levels. It's my new way of discovering and uncovering myself. By writing more, by writing deeper, I am able to unblock, express fully what is on my mind, connecting with my intuition and inner voice.
I am beyond grateful for each and every woman in this video because they are inspirational and very talented. And I can’t wait to see their books and stories to be published!
We connected and gained new friendships.
As a photographer, it’s very rewarding to see the beautiful branding video and images we created together across all Agatha’s social media channels and website. Now we all can see what to expect during the retreat, what to expect to see, be surrounded by, feel…that’s the power of authentic and story telling imaginary and film.
I love my new "journaling journey" and retreat photography journey!
I might not be a writer but I write from the heart!
Do you journal?
Have you ever been on a writing retreat?
Do you dream of having time to write all day long?
Agatha’s next upcoming writing retreat takes place in few weeks. Check for yourself it that’s something for you.
FB page: Agatha's Writing Retreats
Website: www.agathaswritingretreats.com
I am very lucky as a female photographer to participate and document holistic dance, yoga, writing retreats and workshops in paradise for incredibly inspiring women.
Are you one of them?
Sooooooo looking forward to working more and more on personal branding film and photography packages for upcoming retreats. Let’s connect.
“I totally recommend Magdalena's work, she is an amazing photographer and videographer. She participated in my writing retreat for women and made a beautiful video about it. She managed to capture the atmosphere and the intimate energy of the retreat. She is not only very talented, but also very sensitive and respectful towards the people she is photographing. She is easy-flowing and good in communication. She is at her best if you communicate clearly what you envision and then let it go, put your trust in her. She will surprise you!. Agatha”
