A creative Awakening in Bali: How a retreat Transformed My Passion for Photography

How do you put into words an experience that changes the course of your life? An unexpected adventure that surpasses all expectations, creating a space for creativity and collaboration against the magical backdrop of Bali? Stepping off the plane back in the UK, I felt a profound shift—nothing will ever be quite the same again. I had discovered a newfound passion for photography, and creativity flows through me like never before.

A Creative Retreat

A few months ago, I spoke with Harry Russell, founder of TropicLust. I had followed his work in videography and photography in Ibiza and had heard whispers of his plans for a retreat—an immersive experience for videographers, photographers, cinematographers, and UGC creators. As he spoke of his vision, I knew I had to go. Initially, I thought it would be a chance to pick up some techniques to enhance my content for Wellbeing Magazine. But, truth be told, Bali had long been a dream destination of mine, and this felt like the perfect excuse to finally go.

With flights booked and a place secured on the retreat, a wave of panic set in—I didn’t even own a camera! Imposter syndrome took hold. Who was I to attend a retreat for photographers when my only experience was snapping shots on a Google Pixel? Nevertheless, I took the plunge, purchasing a Canon R10 and hoping I’d pick up some skills along the way.

It turned out that another guest was on the same flight. We met at Heathrow and embarked on our journey to Bali via Hong Kong, sharing our hopes and expectations for the retreat. Arriving in the late afternoon, we navigated the humid airport and found ourselves caught in what seemed to be a scam for collecting our taxi. Thankfully, Harry was able to guide us to the correct car, and soon, we were en route to our villa in Ubud.

As dusk fell, we wound through a narrow lane and arrived at what can only be described as something out of a Bond movie—a luxury villa that could easily grace the pages of a high-end travel magazine. Two expansive villas, each with private pools, gyms, and massage rooms, were joined by a courtyard and a yoga pavilion, all nestled within a lush tropical paradise.

Meeting like minded people

Joining a retreat can feel like stepping onto the set of a reality show—strangers from different backgrounds, all converging for a shared experience. Would we get along? Would we connect? But I needn’t have worried. The people I met were kindred spirits—each one a talented, beautiful soul.

Harry’s following extends across the globe, and being immersed in a group of creatives from different countries and cultures was a unique privilege. That first evening, we gathered around a large communal table, sharing stories over freshly cooked food. A quick Instagram check revealed that I was in the presence of some seriously talented individuals. Imposter syndrome tried to creep in again, but I reminded myself—growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

The retreat was structured to nurture both body and mind. Each morning began with fitness sessions led by Harry’s longtime friend, Naim, designed to enhance mobility, strength, and endurance—essential for those working behind a camera. By Day 5, I understood why. Photography is physical. Whether crouching for the perfect angle, balancing on a boat, or scrambling over rocks to frame the ideal shot, our bodies needed to be as agile as our creative minds.

Creative inspiration

Our daily excursions, in sleek luxury minibuses, took us to breathtaking locations chosen to ignite inspiration. Every setting—a cascading waterfall, a black-sand beach at sunset, vibrant rice terraces—demonstrated the transformative power of light, texture, and composition. We were fortunate to have Maria, Aslihan, and Lauren as our models, effortlessly bringing our visual concepts to life.

Weather added its own challenges. Arriving during the rainy season, we quickly learned that when it rains in Bali, it pours. But Harry and Lauren adapted the schedule seamlessly, ensuring we could shoot safely without compromising the experience.

Initially, I had joined the retreat with the intention of learning practical videography skills for my magazine. But something unexpected happened. I fell in love—with photography, with the art of capturing light and movement, with the sheer joy of creative collaboration. I found myself drawn to photographing people, captivated by the nuances of body language, the interplay of shadow and form.

More than the technical skills, the retreat gifted me something even greater—the power of community. Working alongside fellow creatives, I found my tribe. The friendships formed in that short time feel like they’ve spanned a lifetime. This retreat wasn’t just a workshop; it was an incubator for connection, creation, and shared growth.

Sara and I bonded over a pair of Vionic shoes—I had brought them along to practice creating content, and she introduced me to the world of UGC. We bounced ideas off each other, and I already miss her infectious laugh. Late into the night, we’d sit around the villa, watching as each person crafted their own visual interpretation of the day’s adventures. The talent around that table left me in awe.

There was so much laughter, and each day felt like play—something that many creatives rarely get to experience in their daily grind. So many of us work in isolation, or in environments that don’t always understand the creative drive. Here, we found a supportive space where everyone was encouraged to lean into their artistic instincts without fear of judgment.

This was the first retreat under the TropicLust banner, but it certainly won’t be the last. By the end of the week, we were already speculating about where the next adventure might take us. Harry has a gift for curating experiences that are anything but formulaic—each retreat, a new and unique journey.

This time, I experienced the magic of Bali—chasing waterfalls, capturing the raw power of motorbikes racing across black-sand beaches at sunset, snorkelling from a catamaran and watching underwater cameras in action. I shot in torrential rain and golden sunshine, constantly adapting, constantly learning. Next time, the adventure will be entirely different, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

I have made friends for life, and I know one thing for certain: after an experience like this, travel—and life itself—will never be the same again.

Stepping into the unknown can be daunting. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone, challenges your perceptions, and asks you to trust the process. But that is the magic of a retreat—it propels you forward in ways you never anticipated. And for that, I am truly, deeply grateful.

DISCOVER: tropiclust.co.uk

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