How Women's Retreat Photography Empowers Attendees
At women’s retreats, attendees come to reconnect with themselves, gain clarity, and find empowerment. But imagine if they could leave not only with those inner shifts, but also with a tangible reminder of their transformation, a portrait that shows them the incredible, strong, beautiful woman everyone else sees.
I grew up in an environment where women were expected to be small; they were silenced and always relegated to the background. I want women to see how incredible they are, with the gifts, strength, and resilience they possess.
As a professional photographer based in Iowa and California, I want to show them how amazing and beautiful they are and that they deserve all life has to offer. So often, women hold back in fear and don't take a step towards their dreams. They have these incredible, big dreams, but are scared to try. I want them to see that they have everything they need to take that step
I was inspired to start offering RAW Portraits because I realized that most women do not see themselves from the perspective of those who love them. They don't like to look at themselves and often hate having their photo taken. So, offering something that allows a woman to be natural and comfortable, and to capture what her family sees —her emotions and her reactions from her smiles to her tears to her laughter—it shows them how incredible they are.
It helps them love themselves just the way they are.
Imagine the power and beauty of offering a special RAW portrait session to your retreat attendees?
The Benefits of Adding RAW Portrait Photography to Your Women’s Retreat
1. Tangible Keepsake - Long after your retreat, your attendees will have their beautiful RAW Portrait to keep forever. She’ll have a tangible keepsake of her experience and always be able to transport herself back to that powerful moment when she truly saw herself. She’ll have something to take home that’s beyond notes and memories.
2. Empowerment - The empowerment from her portrait experience will be like no other. She’ll finally be able to see the amazing woman that she is and step into who she is meant to be. Just as your retreat gives women breakthroughs, the portrait session deepens that empowerment and makes it visible.
3. Self-Confidence - I’ve seen this happen over and over again. I show a client her beautiful professional portrait, and I see her fall in love with herself. Now she has proof, in her hands, that she is amazing and inspiring. Your attendees will leave not only inspired but also with a daily reminder that fuels their continued growth.
Your attendees will enjoy all of these benefits and more with a RAW Portrait Session.
Transformational Retreat Ideas: Real Women, Real Stories
The Aspiring Chef
One woman lit up when she talked about her love of cooking. Her RAW Portraits captured the joy in her gestures and expressions, proof of how deeply her passion runs. After the session, she gained the confidence to enroll in culinary school. Today, she’s continuing her studies in LA and working toward her dream of opening a restaurant.
The Cancer Survivor
Another woman had endured a long battle with cancer. During her session, she let herself express anger, sadness, and love, all the emotions she usually hides. For the first time, she saw herself the way her family sees her: resilient, radiant, and deeply loved. Now, those portraits serve as a daily reminder of her strength and beauty.
The Woman Who Took a Leap
One client came to her session simply to step out of her comfort zone. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but what she received was an unforgettable gift, the chance to see herself authentically, without masks. Her portraits revealed not just who she is, but the ways she inspires her family and community.
What will your attendees discover about themselves?
Let’s Bring RAW Portraits to Your Upcoming Women’s Retreat
Each of us has a story, has dreams, and yet we are so critical of ourselves.
If only we could love ourselves and see ourselves as others do. Instead of insecurity, failures, and things we dislike about our bodies, we would see the resilient, courageous, beautiful, loving, and gifted individuals we are to this world. To have a beautiful portrait on our wall to remind us of that and an album of these images to remind us to love ourselves, to take the leap, to know the incredible gift we are to this world.
That is the purpose behind the RAW Portrait. To help you see the true and beautiful you.
My name is Rachael Venema, and I’m a portrait photographer at Rachael Venema Photography.
If you’re planning a women’s retreat and want to give your attendees a transformative experience they’ll carry home with them, let’s talk about adding a RAW Portrait Session. I’ll handle everything, from planning to delivering professional artwork, so you can focus on creating your retreat. Reach out today to start planning together.
Let’s collaborate to bring RAW Portraits to your upcoming women’s retreat! My home base is in Ankeny, IA, and I frequently travel to Ripon, CA. I’m available to travel all over the USA. We can work together to create a RAW Portrait Session that’s special to your retreat. I’d love to learn about you and the retreat you’re creating.
If you want to get in touch with me, please send me a message here.