May 2026 Photography Retreat hosted by Michael Ash Smith & Nicole Cudzilo
Slip into the high desert landscape for a laid-back retreat focused on recharging, connecting with like-minded creatives, and making art.
It’s a hybrid model, a retreat as well as a workshop!
All workshop photography sessions will be held during ideal lighting conditions, in the morning and evening. You will have time to rest, reflect and connect during the middle of the day. We are limiting the group size to offer the opportunity to not only foster creativity, but to strengthen your own practice with personalized feedback.
We're all about sharing techniques! You will learn “how we do what we do” so you can apply those skills to your own artistic journey & projects. Some breakout sessions will include posing and direction, working with polaroids, metering in different lighting conditions, using light and shadow intentionally, visual storytelling, and working with movement / slow shutter speeds.
We will be staying at a beautiful 6,000 square foot private property on 3 acres in Taos. The property includes spacious outdoor decks, wood fireplaces, seam showers, jacuzzi tubs and large communal areas for editing. Our 3 models will be staying with us as well, giving you plenty of opportunities to create and make amazing photographs!
The Hosts:
Michael Ash Smith is a photographer and artist who works with rare analog cameras, experimental films, and alternative processes to translate inner emotion into visual form. Through years of trial, error, and immense exploration, he shaped his craft in Philadelphia before moving to Denver, where his focus shifted more fully into fine art. Guided and inspired by literature, music, poetry, and philosophy, he builds ethereal, immersive worlds—artworks that offer a straightforward window into the way he sees and interprets the world.
Artist Statement:
“My photography took a profound turn when I allowed myself the freedom to explore my own emotions. While I had always technically created for myself, I came to realize that much of my work was shaped by external expectations. That all changed with my 2020 series, “Archetype,” where I delved into Carl Jung’s concept of "The Shadow." Since then, my creative process has become deeply introspective, often exploring themes like anxiety, depression, suicide, and balance. I used to fear revealing what was happening inside me, and while I remain cautious, photography has become my outlet to express who I am—to both myself and the world.”
Nicole Cudzilo is a New Mexico-based artist and educator whose work explores the intimate connection between nature and the human experience. Known for her evocative environmental self-portraits, she uses her own form as a subject and a symbol, becoming both a part of the natural world and a contrast to its grandeur. Nicole teaches workshops throughout the country for professional and amateur photographers and has been an advisor and contributor in numerous photography publications. She has exhibited internationally, winning numerous awards with pieces held in private collections worldwide.
Artist Statement:
“My work primarily uses self-portraiture to explore the ties between femininity, nature and desire. By embracing the moments in between movement and stillness, action and reflection, each photograph becomes a sort of visual meditation, accenting the delicate tension of what it means to be human—both fragile and powerful, deeply connected to the natural world, yet inherently individual. My work invites viewers into a space of contemplation, mirroring my deep interest in identity, introspection, solitude and transformation while asking viewers to consider their own relationship to the natural world and the inner self.”
The Models
The Dates & Itinerary (subject to change)
May 7-10th (Thurs-Sun).
Thursday May 7:
- Guests arrive at 6pm
- Casual get-together
Friday May 8:
- Sunrise Shoot (location TBD)
- Open middle of day.. Relax and exploring time. A great time to just shoot around the house with the limited lighting conditions. Hosts will be available for questions.
- Sunset Shoot (location TBD)
- Special Dinner (included)
Saturday May 9:
- Sleep in, do whatever you’d like!
- Creative expression and open shoot time around the property
- Sunset Shoot (location TBD)
- Hanging out and sharing work from Friday.
Sunday May 10:
- Closing thoughts + final work sharing from Saturday.
- 10/11am check out
* A more specific timeline will be provided closer to the retreat.
The Cost
$2,000 - 50% is required to secure a spot (max is 8, could be 6 if no room sharing takes place) and the remaining 50% will be due 30 days before the retreat. NOTE: we are willing to extend a discount of two people would like to share a bed/room as well as if a “couple” would like to attend but only one of the people will be participating in the photography portion. If this is you, please email me at michaelashsmith@gmail.com.
If something happens and you can’t make the retreat, or you need to back out, spots are transferrable to others at any time and full refunds may be available: A full refund is available until March 6, 2026. If you cancel between March 7, 2026 and April 6th, 2026 a 50% refund is applicable, or 100% if we can secure another spot. If you cancel after April 6, a refund is available ONLY if we can secure another spot, because we are locked into the house.