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Hey photography lovers!
We are beyond excited to be announcing a BRAND new UTadventure experience! Read on!!!
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As you grow as an artist you come to understand more deeply what makes YOUR message unique.
Do YOU have something to say that’s different, that’s never been said before?
To do that requires that we take bigger risks artistically.
That means taking “bad”, dark, hidden things and transmuting them into light. Or, showing the darker side of things we have culturally upheld as “good”, perfect and beautiful.
It’s easy for us to allow society to influence our creative choices, to stay safe within what we know is ‘liked’ and already upheld as symbols of beauty.
But to us, artists, true beauty lies in being vulnerable.
In being real.
That’s when we are at our most genuine, our most human.
Being vulnerable is the permission to feel the FULL spectrum of emotions.
To desire.
To fear.
To feel the way you feel without having to apologize for it.
To express yourself authentically, and let others see the beauty of this expression.
Every single person has their own suffering and their own pain longing to be exposed and understood. It’s OK to be in pain, to fail, to be insecure, to fear, to grieve, to relish pleasure, to explore - all these things are what makes us REAL.
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Dasha U by Dmitriy taken in Chiapas, Mexico
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Being vulnerable is an opportunity to ask: what do you want to DO with your story? With your subject's story?
How can you transmute these stories into art?
What can you teach someone?
What will they learn from you?
What will they feel?
What is your message?
Do you know?
Have you taken the time to ask?
As artists we don’t have permission to close our eyes to the world. We are the people that have to keep looking, even when it hurts, especially when and where it hurts the most. We have to stay open and vulnerable and inspire others to do the same.
It is not easy, it is not something you choose, it is something that chooses you, an invitation you grow into, an occasion you must rise to meet - but it IS worth it.
It will awaken you to who you’ve always been, all along.
Through choosing to stay honest and vulnerable in our art, we can lift each other up and alchemize the pain and struggle of human existence into joy, relief, and mutual healing.
This deep creative work will change you.
Are you ready to be changed?
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Dasha U by Dmitriy in Chiapas, Mexico
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Then let us take you away to beautiful Chiapas, Mexico’s Mayan heart, for our
FIRST EVER PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT!
Together, we will:
- Explore the true meaning of beauty, one which lies in vulnerability.
- Focus on the quality and depth of your images & create photos that will make you experience a spectrum of emotions.
- Truly connect with Mother Nature and go inward to hear what the heart wants to create.
- Spend our time listening deeply to each other’s visions, sharing ideas, building excitement and exchanging stories, all of which is a crucial part of making honest art.
Do you feel the call to dive deep into your imagination, push beyond your creative zone and explore true vulnerability through intimate collaborations?
Then join us for a totally different UTadventure experience!
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Dasha U by Dmitriy taken at Mayan ruins in Palenque National Park
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Here is what we have in store for this photography retreat:
THE EXPERIENCE
- 5 day adventure in the lush jungle of Chiapas, Mexico
- 6 magical photo locations
- 3 photographers, 2 models
- The opportunity to deeply connect to nature and one another through mindfulness practices
- Guidance on creating raw, vulnerable art
- Daily image review and discussion
- Delicious regional meals
Enjoy a relaxed pace allowing for more connection, rejuvenation and creativity!
THE DATES
The retreat begins on March 30th and ends April 3d of this year.
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Ancient city of Palenque in the rain by Dmitriy
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THE DESTINATION
The state of Chiapas is Mexico’s best kept secret!
You will love exploring its lush jungles, forests teeming with wildlife, and its majestic archeological sites, as we navigate the waters of its lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Twelve indigenous cultures, each speaking their own unique language, make the mountains and shorelines of this area their home.
With it’s stunning natural beauty and long-preserved indigenous heritage, Chiapas is a MUST visit for a photographer looking to venture off the beaten path and sharpen their photography skills in an unusual environment.
Prepare to be BLOWN AWAY by the most vivid colors, fragrant air, juicy greenery, overabundant flora/fauna and remarkable landscapes!
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"Ready to explore" Dasha U by Dmitriy in Chiapas
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THE LODGING
For the duration of the retreat, we’ll be sharing a chic modern home situated in the misty rainforest, just minutes away from the ancient city of Palenque - the most beautiful jewel of the ancient Maya world.
As an exciting part of this journey, we will also be spending a night in a comfortable, rustic cabin deep in the Lacandon jungle, home to the Lacandon people, one of the most isolated societies in the world.
THE LOCATIONS
Accompanied by the cacophony of tropical birds and the growl of howler monkeys, with your trusted camera in hand, you will indulge in the most adventurous experience UTadventure has yet to offer:
- Wash the stress away at cascading turquoise & aquamarine waterfalls.
- Climb mossy ancient pyramids of magical Mayan temple sites.
- Traverse the longest river in Mexico on your journey to the Guatemalan border.
- Spend a night in the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve with the Lacandon tribe.
- Explore the lushest jungle in Mexico with the help of a Lacandon guide to show you its secrets.
- Bathe in the soft sunset colors at mystical Palenque ruins, famous for its classical era architectural beauty.
As usual, our locations are totally OFF THE BEATEN PATH, allowing for a unique, private experience.
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Dasha U by Dmitriy in the jungle, Chiapas
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THE MODELS
Lior Allay
Lior’s intuitive understanding of art from the perspective of a photographer, videographer, model, dancer, and poet infuses every shoot with intensity and authenticity while expanding your collaborative possibilities.
She enjoys pushing the boundaries of visual language and is fluent in authentic movement. As a reiki master, yoga teacher and trauma-informed art therapist, Lior’s unique training invites exploration, curiosity and expansion into the creative space.
Operating on both sides of the lens for over a decade and facilitating healing experiences through art make Lior an ideal partner in your personal journey toward authentic, vulnerable art.
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Lior Allay by Scrappy Radish
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Dasha U
With over 8 years of experience as a fine art model, a photo actress, and an upscale photography event organizer both in the US and internationally, Dasha is delighted to hold space for a much more intimate creative process and explore the deeper meaning of beauty with you.
Being already deeply connected to the magical Mayan land of Palenque, she can’t wait to introduce you to its wonders!
After taking a long creative break which lead her to re-evaluate her art and the way she sees beauty, Dasha is eager to create in a different way: more real, more daring, more vulnerable.
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Dasha U by Dmitriy in Chiapas
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GETTING THERE
There are 2 ways to get to the city of Palenque:
1. Fly directly: Palenque is a smaller airport and sometimes it is easier/cheaper to fly to a bigger city in Mexico (Mexico City or Cancun) first and then book a separate flight from there to Palenque.
2. Fly to Villa Hermosa which is a 2 hr drive from Palenque. We’ll pick you up from there.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Customize your retreat with exciting add-ons to make your trip even more meaningful:
- Traditional Temascal (Mayan sweat lodge) to promote healing, well being and introspection
- Reiki healing session to balance and realign your energy flow
- Private yoga class with focus on relaxation and rejuvenation
- Private creative coaching by Lior Allay to take your photography to the next level
- In-house massages to relax your body & mind
*additional costs apply
THE FOOD
Are your taste buds craving new flavors? We got you!
You’ll be indulging in traditional Chiapanecan cuisine, fresh seafood to die for, mouthwatering home-made barbecues, as well as intriguing pre-hispanic dishes.
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Dasha U by Dmitriy in Chiapas
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THE COST
The price is $4,000 which includes:
- Lodging for 4 nights (5 days)
- 6 photoshoots
- All transportation while on tour
- All model fees
- Breakfast
- 2 delicious home cooked meals
- All site entry fees
- Workshop on Art, Beauty & Vulnerability
And so much more!!! :)
What’s NOT included: your flights, group meals, and tips.
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Nude iguana by Dmitriy in Chiapas
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Whew!
Too exciting. :)
This is a very special project, just for the dearest members of the UTadventure tribe! We won't be opening registration to to the general public, choosing instead an application only approach for now.
If you want to have unimaginable adventures, challenge your photography skills, grow as an artist, and partake of Chiapas’ incredible natural beauty, mysticism and magic, all while being surrounded by a tribe of like minded creatives, this exotic retreat is for you!
If you are interested in attending, please reply to this email RIGHT AWAY with a link to your work and a paragraph about why do you want to join us.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
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sunset at the Mayan ruins by Dmitriy in Chiapas
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Can't wait to retreat with you in Chiapas!
With love and gratitude,
The UTadventure Team Dasha & Dmitriy
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