Portfolio-Building Retreat for photographers ready to create high-end imagery, grow as artists, and immerse themselves back into a Community they once loved.

Create Iconic Work With A Crew Behind You and Educators Beside You!

high-end imagery without the planning headache—then refine your skills through hands-on coaching.

Thursday April 16 - Saturday April 18!

Event is being held in the Milwaukee area

VIP Package includes overnight stay from Thursday April 16th thru Sunday April 19th!

MOST PHOTOGRAPHERS DON’T NEED ANOTHER CONFERENCE —
they need a curated, smaller room, where the right people create something real again.

You Didn't Lose Your Passion You Lost Your Creative Home

Step into a fully produced Invitational where the location, models, HMUA, and education are already handled—so you can create, improve, and feel part of the scene again.

Does it feel like you’re doing everything right… but without the right environment, it never hits the same?

When you’re stuck coordinating looks, locations, models, and HMUA, or settling for unfamiliar meetups, it drains the joy fast. And instead of building momentum, you’re left with inconsistent results and that quiet feeling of creating alone.

You don’t have to keep trying to recreate what we lost by piecing it together from scratch.

The Moonlit Couture Invitational is a curated, smaller retreat where the right people, location, talent, and education are already in motion so you can shoot with confidence, learn in real time, and leave with work you’re actually proud to show.

Here’s how the Invitational removes the heavy lifting, restores your creative momentum, and gives you a clear path to stronger images and a community you’ve been missing.

INTRODUCING:

The Moonlit Couture Invitational Retreat

In Milwaukee & Wauwatosa, WI

Further details will be emailed to ticketed participants!

A curated, smaller retreat built for photographers who want portfolio-level images, real education, and their creative home back—without the Anxiety of coordinating locations, models, HMUA, and sFX (or gambling on meetups that fizzle out).

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

Step one

Choose Your Level of Immersion

Pick the experience that matches how deep you want to go.

VIP (15 seats) is for photographers who want the full immersion:

(1) 45-min 1:1 with a model (assigned fairly based on availability/rotation)

(1) 45-min 2:1 educator mentorship for culling/editing/portfolio review during Fri–Sat

Meals included so you stay in the trenches and keep momentum

On-site lodging (shared rooms / close quarters — you agree to adapt)

Fri & Sat Additional Moonlit Sessions

General Admission (25 seats) is for photographers who want the core experience:

Thursday Moonlit Session Slot

Friday + Saturday morning classes + two structured rotation shoots each day in the afternoon

No lodging/meals, and GA departs before the Fri/Sat Moonlit Sessions

Step two

Follow the Built-In Structure (So You Leave With Real Work)

Arrive Thursday, shoot the included Moonlit Slot that night, then lock in the rhythm:
Friday & Saturday = morning education/shooting + two structured rotation shoots in the afternoon.
Everything is curated—sets, looks, models, HMUA—so you’re not “hoping it works out.” You’re executing inside a system designed to produce results.

Step three

Create, Cull, Submit — and Protect the Room

To keep this experience high-caliber and fair for all, everyone agrees to two things:

Dedicated culling/editing blocks are required
You’ll submit at least 3 usable edited images per model per look you shoot during the designated submission window (you can upload more later)

Code of conduct is non-negotiable
Professional, respectful behavior, and a safe environment for everyone—so the room stays creative, focused, and worth coming back to.

Choose your immersion level, follow the structure, and leave with a portfolio—and a creative home—rebuilt on purpose.

you felt the difference when it was gone

Take The Action Needed to Bring The Community Back To Life With The Moonlit Couture Invitational

BEFORE (what it feels like now)

You miss what we had—that room that pushed your work higher—and everything since has felt scattered, smaller, or hollow.
You invest time and money just to hope you leave with something usable—Then When you get home and upload your images you see how many shots missed the mark and The Regret Sets In.
The “conference” version got expensive fast—without always adding more value vendor floor costs, trade-show logistics, and extra classrooms that didn’t always draw enough attendees. We’re doing the opposite: investing that money into high-value production (Locations, styling, SFX, environments) so photographers leave with results.
You’re craving a comeback—artistically and socially—but you don’t want to waste money on “cheap tickets” that only deliver cheap results.

AFTER (what you step into here)

You’re back in a real creative home—a smaller, curated retreat with standards that bring the magic back on purpose.
You’re in a controlled, staffed environment (sets, models, HMUA, structure) where the work actually gets made.
You leave with deliverables because culling/editing blocks and minimum submissions keep the weekend moving, results are track-able, and the arrangement is fair for everyone.
You’re part of the rebuild: a code of conduct + shared expectations protects the room, the talent, and the long-term future of this community.
You’re investing in top-notch production and mentorship with options to choose your immersion (GA vs VIP + add-ons) based on what you’re here to build.

The Moonlit Couture Invitational

Here's Everything you get:

✅ Thursday Night Moonlit Kickoff (Included) - Rotational Shooting For All Photographers + Exclusive To VIP 1:1 model sessions
A kickoff shoot night that drops you right back into the atmosphere—curated, staffed, and ready—so you’re creating before the weekend even starts. GA participates in kickoff rotations; VIP receives schedule 1:1 model session during this session.

✅ Friday & Saturday Morning Education (with a Look you shoot)
Hands-on learning built into the retreat flow, including a look—so you’re not just “watching,” you’re improving while you shoot.

✅ Friday & Saturday Structured Rotation Shoots in the afternoon (Two Looks Per Afternoon)
Two fully produced afternoon looks each day with planned rotations, models, and HMUA handled—so you get real variety and consistent output without the coordination headache.

✅ Dedicated Culling + Editing Blocks (Required)
Protected time to review, select, and polish your work while you’re still in the zone—so momentum doesn’t die when you get home.

✅ Dedicated Production Time (3 Usable Edited Images Per Model Per Look Required During Edit Time)
A simple requirement that keeps the experience fair for models/HMUA and protects the quality of the room—while still allowing you to upload more later.

✅ Code of Conduct + Professional Standards
A respectful, safe, high-standard environment. This is how we keep the community alive—and why the experience stays curated instead of turning into chaos.

VIP Ticket Total $1999 (only 15 available)

Below is a breakdown for each VIP Features

✅ (1) 45-Min 1:1 Model Session (Assigned In Order Of Purchase) | Value: $299
A private block with a model—booked according to availability—so you can slow down, direct with intention, and create signature images.

✅ (1) 45-min 1:1 Educator Mentorship (Culling / Editing / Portfolio Review) | Value: $299
Personal guidance at a scheduled time during Fri/Sat to help you choose stronger selects, refine your edits, and sharpen what you’re building.

✅ On-Site Lodging (Shared Rooms / Close Quarters) | Value: $1000
Stay in the house so you don’t lose momentum commuting. You’re in the trenches with the crew—this is where the camaraderie comes back.

✅ Both Fri & Sat Moonlit Sessions | Value: $399
VIP includes Friday + Saturday Moonlit Sessions — the edgier, cinematic looks designed for signature work.

✅ Meals Included (Stay in the Flow) | Value: $250
No disappearing to hunt for food. You stay present, connected, and creating—without breaking the energy of the room.

Add-ons are available to GA and VIP if spots remain (VIP already includes the items listed in the VIP section).

Optional Add-Ons (For the Extra Edge)

✅ Additional Moonlit Session (Edgier / More Cinematic Looks, limited availability) | Value: $199
For photographers who want the bolder, darker, more elevated work—these sessions are where signature images get made. Upgrade is for only one Moonlit Session beyond the provided Thursday. We have a capacity of 20 photographers per house whether

✅ (1) Additional 45-Min 1:1 Model Session (Assigned In Order Of Purchase only during Moonlit Sessions, limited availability) | Value: $299
A private block with a model—booked according to availability—so you can slow down, direct with intention, and create signature images.

✅ (1) Additional 45-min 1:1 Educator Mentorship (Culling / Editing / Portfolio Review, limited availability) | Value: $299
Personal guidance at a scheduled time during Fri or Sat to help you choose stronger selects, refine your edits, and sharpen what you’re building.

PLUS, YOU ALSO GET Entered in a

$300 Gift Card Raffle (Included)

Every General Admission ticket automatically includes entry into our $300 Gift Card Raffle — no extra purchase required.

Want better odds? You can earn bonus raffle tickets through select upgrades (VIP, Moonlit Session add-ons, 1 on 1's, etc.).
It’s our way of rewarding the people who help us keep this retreat elevated, sustainable, and worth bringing back.

No purchase necessary beyond your event ticket. Winners announced at the end of retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Moonlit Invitational (and how is it different from a conference or meetup)?

The Moonlit Invitational is a curated, intimate retreat built for photographers who miss the room we used to have—without trying to recreate a full-scale conference. Everything is structured and staffed (shooting locations, looks, models, HMUA, dedicated instructors), with education built into the flow so you leave with real work and real momentum—not “just a bunch of photos.”

What equipment should I bring?

You'll need a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and your off camera lighting with flash triggers. A wide-angle lens and a portrait lens are recommended. We will be shooting in various environments. You should bring equipment that is easy to move around and versatile for shooting in potentially tight spaces. If you purchased a VIP ticket then you'll bring what's necessary for 3 overnight stays.

What’s the schedule and flow (Thu–Sun) at a high level?

You’ll arrive Thursday, shoot an included Moonlit Session slot that evening, then attend the core structure on Friday and Saturday: morning education (with prepared models), two structured rotation shoots per day plus two additional Moonlit Sessions for VIPs. Sunday is checkout and travel home for VIP's—simple, clean, and intentional.

Will we be traveling around during the retreat?

Yes—plan to move a bit. We’ll be traveling between two houses, and we’ll also be working out of two studios during classes. Everything is scheduled and organized, but you should come prepared for short travel windows so the experience stays dynamic and we keep the momentum high.

What’s included with General Admission vs VIP?

General Admission (25 spots) includes:

*Thursday Moonlit Session slot (included)

*Friday & Saturday morning classes

*Two structured rotational shoots on Friday + two on Saturday
GA does not include lodging or meals, and GA departs after the Moonlit Session slot Thursday and before the Friday/Saturday Moonlit Sessions.

VIP (15 spots) is full immersion:

*Everything in GA plus lodging (shared rooms / close quarters) and meals

*A 1:1 model session during Thursday's Moonlit Session

*A scheduled 1:1 educator mentorship (culling/editing/portfolio review) during Fri or Sat to be coordinated by educators

*Additional VIP-only benefits and priority access where applicable

What are Moonlit Sessions, and how does the $199 upgrade work?

GA can add one Moonlit Session for $199 (only 5 GA upgrade spots). Moonlit is capped at 20 photographers per house per night with 5 models per house—VIP counts toward the cap.

What are 1:1 Model Sessions

Dedicated time where one photographer works with one model and they both free roam throughout the space under the events control. Courtesy to property owners, active businesses, and neighbors shall be considered. No boudoir or overtly revealing wardrobe should take place outdoors near residential areas which can bring negative attention to our retreat from the general public.

What are 1:1 Mentor Sessions

Dedicated 45 minute time slot where one photographer works with one mentor either on editing, portfolio review, or over the shoulder shooting guidance. Coordination in schedules will be necessary on our end to avoid double booking.

What is culling and editing time and what are the deliverable expectations?

Culling is the process of reviewing your images and selecting the strongest keepers. Editing is where you polish those selects (basic color/contrast, cleanup, consistency) so they’re actually usable.

During the Invitational, we build in dedicated culling + editing blocks on purpose—so you don’t leave with a card full of “I’ll get to it later,” and so our models/HMUA receive timely, usable work.

Deliverable expectation: If you shoot a look/model, you agree to deliver at least 3 usable edited images per model, per look you participate in during the event’s designated submission windows. You can absolutely upload more later—this minimum simply keeps the experience fair, professional, and sustainable for everyone involved.

Be prepared: bring what you need to work efficiently on-site (laptop/tablet, charger, card reader, and your preferred editing workflow).

What if I’m rusty or not “advanced” enough—will I feel out of place?

Not at all. This retreat is built for photographers who want to grow as artists and get back into a high-standard environment. Skill level matters less than mindset: show up ready to learn, create, collaborate, and follow the structure, and you’ll be in the right room.

What’s the code of conduct, and why is it strict?

This retreat only works if the room stays safe, respectful, professional, and collaborative—for photographers, models, HMUA, and staff. By attending, you agree to the code of conduct and the structure (including editing blocks and respectful behavior). If someone can’t uphold that, they don’t belong in this environment—because protecting the room comes first.

Who is this for—and who is this not for?

This is for you if: you miss the camaraderie, want to make serious work again, are capable in moving within rotations, and you’re willing to follow structure and uphold standards to help bring this community back to life.

This is not for you if: you’re looking for a cheap ticket to settle for less than top-notch production, you can’t work within a team environment, you refuse structure/accountability, or you simply didn’t love what we built back then. This room is for people who want it reborn—and are willing to protect it.

What’s your Event Confirmation Guarantee (March 3, 2026)?

Event Confirmation Guarantee: If the Invitational isn’t confirmed by March 3, 2026, your ticket will be fully refunded.
Event Dates: April 16–19, 2026.

Venue Logistics & Movement Expectations

We’ll work across multiple close, fast-moving studio and home environments, some with multiple floors, and we’ll travel between locations during the retreat. Please be prepared for scheduled transitions, comfortable footwear, and safely transporting your own gear (a streamlined kit is recommended).
If you have accessibility needs, email so we can discuss what may be possible within the venues, safety requirements, and schedule. We’ll always prioritize safety, respect, and keeping the experience running smoothly for everyone.