This is my (Kate Atkins) first time at the @refocusretreat and wow!!! It is so amazing just the first morning and the welcoming from all these women. It’s a wonder.
What an incredible line up of inspirational women that will be talking at Refocus Retreat @refocusretreat this year. We’ll be there in two days (!), this coming Thursday & Friday in Ballarat, as a wonderful start to a week of photography at the Ballarat International Foto Biennial @ballaratfoto . There are still a few tickets available so grab them quick!
On Friday morning we will be talking about how we came to start the podcast and then we’ll be doing a live panel discussion with some of the fantastic women speaking and attending the event.
Can’t wait!
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#australianphotographer #australianphotography #womensretreat #refocusretreat #ballarat #bifb #whmspod #whmspodcast #podcast
101 Lydiard … right in the middle of the action and where you’ll find us later this week!
Final tickets now on sale!
Your ticket includes:
📸 - All your keynotes and workshops selections for both Retreat days - by some fantastic female speakers!
📸 - Morning Tea on Thursday and Friday, Lunch and Afternoon Tea Thursday
📸 - Thursday Cocktail Dinner at Grainery Lane ( drinks at bar prices)
Lots of fun freebies and new friends!
Ballarat International Foto Biennale - Extra Perks
📸 - Biennale’s Friday Night Trivia ( collab with RR & Nikon presenting)
📸 - Refocus VIP discounted rate on Biennale Opening Weekend Pass
#refocusretreat #womensphotographers #photography #photographer #ballarat #nextweek #creatives
We are beyond thrilled to have Forough join us again at Refocus Retreat … this year kicking us off with the opening keynote address!
Forough Yavari is a Melbourne-based visual artist, fine art portrait and fashion photographer, and educator. With over 20 years of experience in the art and photography industry, and a foundation in painting from art university, she has built a distinguished career since establishing her photography business in 2013. Her work draws on her Iranian heritage and Australian life experiences to create compelling visual narratives that bridge cultures and perspectives.
Her works have been exhibited globally in solo and group shows, as well as in prestigious art fairs and competitions. A master of studio lighting, she frequently shares her expertise through workshops and presentations for photographers worldwide.
Forough’s dedication to transforming life’s stories into art has earned her numerous accolades,
including the ICC Mentorship Award, two International Portrait Photographer of the Year titles,
two Grand Awards from The Portrait Masters, and two Grand Awards from WPPI. She is also the winner of the Capture magazine Advertising & Fashion category, a finalist in the National Portrait Gallery Portrait Prize, the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, the Martin Kantor Art Prize, and recipient of multiple national and international awards.
In recent years, her artistic practice has expanded beyond photography to encompass largescale sculptures, installations, and video art. Through these works, she continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, capturing the layered emotional landscapes that define her
personal and artistic journey.
#refocusretreat #photographer #photography #women #womenphotographer
And our final speaker announcement for 2025 is the freshly minted Australian Nature Photographer of the Year (NZIPP) … oh yeah and the overall Australian Professional Photographer of the year (NZIPP) … Jo Howell!
You won’t want to miss this workshop!
Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Jo Howell is an award-winning photographer specialising in wildlife, nature, and illustrative photography. With extensive experience across Australia and abroad, Jo’s portfolio captures fleeting moments with a mix of technical precision and heartfelt storytelling.
Her accolades include 2025 Australian Professional Photographer of the Year at the IRIS Awards, alongside multiple national and international honours. Jo also works with Zoos Victoria, creating images that inspire conservation and connection with wildlife.
Warm, approachable, and endlessly curious, Jo brings an infectious enthusiasm to her photography.
#photographer #womensevent #retreat #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographwr #sheissocool #iwanttobejo
We are nearly there and just two speakers left to announce!
Everyone give it up for the incredible Kate Atkins … presented by @atkins.pro.lab !
Kate Atkins has run an award winning graphic design business before working with husband Paul to re-branding and run Atkins Lab. Kate is a life-time practitioner (and teacher) of graphic design and design led innovation as well as having worked in the photographic industry for over 30 years. We can’t wait to listen to her talk about all things personal branding!
#photographer #womensphotographer #retreat #refocus #branding #ballarat
So what exactly is Refocus Retreat …
Refocus Retreat is not your typical photography conference - it’s an experience unlike any other! Sure, we have some amazing keynote speakers and social events, but what really sets us apart are our small class sizes. We keep our workshops intimate, with only 20-25 attendees per class, giving you the chance to really connect with your peers and get the most out of your learning experience.
You get to choose the content that speaks to you! Our goal is to create the perfect mix of subjects, so there’s something for every photographer. From beginner to seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.
We know that starting a business can be tough, and even the most experienced professionals can benefit from a fresh perspective or some new inspiration.
Trust us when we say by the time you leave the retreat, you’ll be feeling energized, motivated, and ready to take your business or creativity to the next level. We can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your journey towards success!
And it all kicks off two weeks today … final tickets now available xx
#refocusretreat #womenphotographer #retreat #ballaratfoto #ballarat #workshops #speakers
A super special @ballaratfoto opening weekend offer is available for all retreat attendees … we can not wait!
#ballarat #photo #retreat #openingweekend #retreat
Have you booked your ticket … yes we are still announcing speakers - an amazing couple of days are coming for us!
Jody Haines (palawa) is a Naarm (Melbourne)-based artist whose practice emerges from a deep connection to Country, memory and time. Rooted in Indigenous feminist known materialism, her works form a dialogue between the past and present, and between Country, body, and self. Through large-scale public art, projections, and photographic installations, Jody explores themes of identity, representation, and the complexities of the female gaze.
Image credit: Self portrait, 2025, Jody Haines, photomedia artist.
#retreat #photography #women #photography #creative #ballarat
