2025 WORKSHOP
June 23-25, 2025
set at a hidden prohibition era club on lake MICHIGAN, JOIN US FOR THREE DAYS OF INSPIRATION that WILL GIVE YOU THE CHANCE TO REFLECT and GROW your wedding photography practice, WALKING AWAY WITH NEW IDEAS, A FRESH VISION AND OLD FRIENDS.
Who is this for?
Wedding photographers who truly care about their craft, value meaningful connections with clients, and aspire to create a thriving, fulfilling business—both financially and personally. If you’re seeking guidance, fresh ideas, and genuine inspiration from someone who has experienced it all, this experience is for you.
ABOUT KATE HEADLEY
Kate Headley is a distinguished wedding photographer based in Washington DC, and Harbor Springs, Michigan. With a reputation for combining digital and film photography, she has been named a top photographer by BRIDES (3 times), Martha Stewart Weddings and Washingtonian Weddings. Yet, she remains true to her own vision and voice, taking on weddings that inspire her and fulfill her soul.
Kate’s approach to photography goes beyond mere documentation: she sees it as a study of life, love, and family. She has built meaningful connections with her clients, often continuing to document their lives beyond the wedding day. This commitment to storytelling has made her a sought-after photographer all over the country.
As a coincidental bonus, Kate received a Master of Arts in Teaching in the field of Museum Education at the George Washington University — she promises to dust off those skills and create a memorable learning experience with wedding photographers in mind.
the why:
After 18 years of photographing weddings, I decided to produce and host a wedding photography workshop to share my knowledge and experience with aspiring photographers to reconnect with your work.
Ultimately, I want to inspire you to approach wedding photography with fresh eyes, capture authentic moments, and tell compelling stories that couples will cherish for a lifetime. I plan to do this workshop just once.
Northern Michigan is a special place to me and I think you will fall in love with the Great Lakes and the laid back charm of Harbor Springs.
kate
ITINERARY
June 23 Monday / arrival during the day for evening welcome cocktails and bites on Kate’s cottage lawn.
June 24 Tuesday / interactive, collaborative and hands-on classroom time throughout the day, followed by a private dinner at the historic Terrace Inn, then a sunset photoshoot on the dunes of Lake Michigan.
portfolio reviews throughout
June 25 Wednesday / morning activities and image review back at Club Manitou from morning to afternoon. Break, then end the experience with a small shoot of our gorgeously designed dinner table with a talented local planner and enjoy the party under the stars, freshly inspired.
portfolio reviews throughout
June 26 Thursday / final portfolio reviews in morning only (OPTIONAL for everyone, especially if you must travel on to a wedding)
Workshop Highlights
Find Your Voice: Engage in sessions that encourage you to explore and articulate your personal style. Learn how to differentiate yourself in a competitive market by developing a signature approach that resonates with your clients.
Fresh Perspectives: Participate in light hands-on shooting exercises that challenge you to see familiar scenes in new ways. Discover how to read light and to correct challenging lighting scenarios. Struggling with how to take your work to the next level? We will chat about lens choices, gear, style and more.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow photographers, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. This retreat style workshop will foster a supportive environment where collaboration and inspiration thrive.
Gorgeous Location: Experience the beauty of Northern Michigan, offering breathtaking landscapes that serve as perfect settings for your photography. Capture the essence of this picturesque region while enhancing your portfolio.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from personalized feedback and portfolio reviews led by Kate Headley. Gain insights into effective storytelling, shooting film and digital together, ensuring your images convey emotion and discovering a style that is all your own.
Community Building: Enjoy meals and activities designed to promote camaraderie among participants. From a morning tread at Kate’s favorite hidden beach to evening entertainment at a former speakeasy, the whole experience will be memorable and fun.
This retreat-style workshop is not just an educational opportunity; it’s a chance to rejuvenate your passion for photography in a vibrant and beautiful setting. Whether you're looking to reignite your creativity or take your business to the next level, this retreat will provide the tools and inspiration you need. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your wedding photography skills while enjoying a memorable getaway in Northern Michigan.
FEE
I hope to keep this workshop affordable and easy.
The price includes:
2 days of education and portfolio review
Cocktails on Monday eve
Lunch and some beautiful dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday
$1500
Participants will cover their breakfast (available at your hotels), travel and lodging.
Harbor Springs August 2024
Topics to be covered…
how to read photographs to make stronger images
expanding your wedding market to new areas
creating imagery that is distinctly your own
hybrid (film/digital) shooting
finding your voice and vision in a crowded market
how to leverage your unique identity and personal history to cultivate an authentic brand
making and selling modern wedding albums
shooting wedding details
continuing your client relationships after the wedding
publishing your work
cultivating personal projects that show your range
business, weddings in economic uncertainty and longevity in the industry
and more - please request!
LOCATION
Harbor Springs is a cute as a button town on northern Lake Michigan. Think charming coastal town without the East Coast crowds. It’s affordable; it’s relaxed; off the beaten path. Wear your fisherman core coastal grandma and fit right in.
This is not a fancy “luxury” (I hate that word) retreat. The club is old and cool and rustic. The hotels in the area are very retro, but lovely. The whole place—the town, the club, the hotels, the beaches— are incredible for photography.
Across the bay is Petoskey, another adorable town where there is more lodging and the same cottage coastal vibes. Voted cutest downtown in America by Kate.
Our classroom time and dinner on the last night will be at Club Manitou.
Club Manitou, shrouded in mystery, was a clandestine speakeasy nestled in Harbor Springs, where the wealthy elite gathered to indulge in illicit pleasures. As the veil of Prohibition lifted, Club Manitou's allure faded, leaving behind only echoes of its scandalous past and the enigmatic legacy of its infamous patrons. So let’s have a wedding photography workshop here!
The Club’s resident filmmaker will give us a private tour of the labyrinthine tunnels and share the history of the property.
Where to Stay
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Terrace Inn
Located in Bay View, an untouched by time cottage community, go authentic Northern Michigan at the Terrace Inn. We will be holding our Tuesday evening dinner here.
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Otis Hotel
Go more modern in the newly renovated OTIS MOTEL - located outside of Harbor Springs on one of the coolest roads you will ever drive on. Has a cool coffee bar and lounge.
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Colonial Inn
Set in Kate’s favorite neighborhood in all of Harbor Springs, the Colonial Inn hotel is doing a reopening and a solid option.
how to get to Harbor Springs
1. Most direct
Fly to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) and rent a car from Avis. (Delta is the only airline and it will stop in Detroit before coming north.) Be sure to see if PLN car rentals have a car first because the airport is so tiny they sell out. It’s a 20 minute drive to Harbor Springs.
2. More options, yet close
Fly to Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and rent a car. This is a larger airport with some direct flights from DC and NY. It’s a 90 minute drive to Harbor Springs through cherry orchards along the lake.
3. Most options, but furthest drive
Fly to Detroit (DTW) and easily rent a car. It’s a 4 hour easy highway drive to Harbor Springs. Driving in Michigan is easy, there are no tolls and lots of rest stops.
Ground Transportation NOTE: There are never any parking issues in Northern Michigan, you will just drive and park wherever we go. There is sadly no Uber or public transportation. If you are in a pinch, there are car services.
How many people will attend?
The vision is 6 to 10 participants.
Will we get to use the photos?
We will do some light shooting and I encourage you to make a post of the entire experience.
When is the payment due, what if I can’t make it?
Half is due upon signing up, the other half is due by June 15. Like a wedding deposit, we are holding that spot for you, so if you can’t make it, try to send someone in your place or you can use it with Kate for a zoom mentor session.
What do we need to bring?
Bring your favorite camera and lens, no need to haul tons of gear. If you want to practice on film, bring yours and Kate will have some Holgas available too. Be sure to bring a jacket, it’s chilly in Northern Michigan, even in June.
How do I sign up?
