Witnessed

An Invitation

Most women don't lose themselves all at once.

It happens slowly. A relationship ends. Your body changes. Life gets busy, heavy, complicated. Somewhere along the way you stop recognizing the woman in the mirror — not because she disappeared, but because the story you've been living inside stopped being true.

At some point there's a quiet moment where something inside you says: "This isn't me anymore."

Witnessed was created for that moment. This is an intimate experience for 10 women who are ready to see themselves differently — through photography, storytelling, time in nature, and the presence of other women walking their own turning points.

The story you've been carrying begins to loosen its grip. And something unexpected happens — you start seeing yourself differently. Not by an audience, not by the world, but by yourself.

This Retreat Is For You

You might be ready if

You've spent years being everything for everyone else — and somewhere along the way you lost sight of yourself.

You know the version of yourself you perform for the world. You're curious about the one underneath.

You feel the weight of expectations that were never truly yours.

You want to be seen — not for the role you play, but for who you actually are.

You're drawn to the idea that photography could reveal something deeper.

You're ready to put something down — and step into a new chapter.

The Experience

The Process

Witnessed has a clear arc. Here's what you move through over the two days.

Seeing

We explore the roles and expectations you've been carrying — the ones that may no longer fit.

Reflection

Through photography, storytelling, and time in nature, you begin to see yourself from a new perspective.

Witnessing

Your experience is held by the group — a small circle of women seeing and supporting each other honestly.

Recognition

When you see the images from the retreat, something shifts. Most women recognize a strength and presence they didn't realize was visible.

Investment

Choose your experience

Witnessed is intentionally limited to 10 women so the space stays intimate, supportive, and deeply personal.

Two ways to join. Early bird pricing for the first 5 to register.

⚡ Early Bird — First 5 Spots

Early Bird · Limited

Day Rate

$450

Arrive Friday evening.
Done by 4pm Saturday.

All sessions + facilitation
Sunrise hike at Devils Lake
Photography techniques
Retreat journal

Early Bird · Limited

Day + Overnight

$700

Stay Friday night Sept 18 at the cabin.
Wake up already there Saturday morning.

Everything in Day Rate
Friday night (Sept 18) at the cabin
Wake up steps from Devils Lake
Morning cabin time before the hike

Early bird rate is available for the first 5 participants. After that, the day rate is $497 and the day + overnight is $794.
Limited to 10 women intentionally — so this stays small, intimate, and held. Questions about payment plans? Reach out.

Your Guide

Stephanie Shanks

Photographer · Retreat Guide · Former Massage Therapist & Energy Worker

Witnessed was born from my own turning point.

Several years ago my life cracked open. After a divorce, health struggles, and losing the community I thought would always be there, I found myself barely recognizing the woman I had become. I felt disconnected from my body, ashamed of where my life had landed, and unsure how to find my way back to myself.

One day driving home from a doctor's appointment, something inside me drew a very clear line: this isn't me.

What followed wasn't a dramatic reinvention. It was a slow return — walking every day, healing my body, getting sober, spending long hours in nature, rebuilding one small decision at a time. Photography became part of that return. I realized that being truly seen can be one of the most powerful catalysts for change.

Before becoming a photographer I spent ten years as a massage therapist and energy healer, holding space for people during vulnerable moments of release and transformation. Witnessed brings those worlds together: healing, storytelling, nature, and photography as a mirror for the truth of who you are.

My role isn't to change you. It's to create a space safe enough for you to see yourself clearly again.

What You Leave With

You leave with a new way of seeing yourself — not the version you've been performing, but the one who was always underneath.

You leave with a photograph that reflects who you truly are. Not a perfect image. An honest one.

You leave having been witnessed — by the camera, by nine other women, and finally, by yourself.

A marker. A turning point. The beginning of a new chapter.

What the Weekend Looks Like

Friday Evening

Arrival & Opening Circle

Settle in, meet the women you'll share this with, and begin the work of telling your story.

Saturday Morning

Sunrise Hike at Devil's Lake

Photography and reflection practices in nature. Breakfast together after the hike.

Saturday Midday

Group Witnessing & Portrait Experience

The heart of the retreat. Being seen — by the camera, by the group, by yourself.

Saturday Afternoon

Closing Integration Circle

Integrating what emerged. Leaving with intention, clarity, and each other.

Questions

Everything you
want to know

Do I need photography experience?

Not at all. This is not a photography class. You just need a camera or a phone and a willingness to turn it inward. If you've never picked up a camera in your life, you're welcome here.

What kind of camera do I need?

Any camera works — including your iPhone. The intention behind the shot matters infinitely more than the gear. We'll even teach you how to see differently regardless of what's in your hand.

Is food provided?

Breakfast and snacks are provided on Saturday morning. You'll have time to grab lunch or dinner on your own — there are great spots nearby, and we build in plenty of time for it.

Can I commute both days?

Yes! The day rate gets you full access to all sessions, the hike, and everything else. Many women prefer to have their own space at night — completely valid.

How many women will be there?

Maximum 10. This is fully intentional. You will know everyone's name. You will feel held. You will not get lost in a crowd.

What should I bring?

Camera or phone, comfortable layers for an early morning hike, your journal if you like to write, and an open heart. A complete packing list is sent upon registration.

Is there a payment plan?

Reach out — let's talk. We never want money to be the reason someone doesn't show up for herself.

What is your refund policy?

Spots are transferable up to 2 weeks before the retreat. Refunds available up to 30 days prior to the event. Reach out and we'll work something out.

Get In Touch

Still have
questions?

Whether you're on the fence, need a payment plan, or just want to know if this is the right fit — reach out. I read every message personally.

Message received.

Thank you for reaching out. I'll be in touch within 24–48 hours.
I'm so glad you're here.