Photography retreat in South Limburg

Stopping for a moment to move forward

Sometimes, as a photographer, you don't need a new camera or course, but a place. A place where you step out of your daily rhythm, clear your head and reconnect with what once drove you so much. Where you don't necessarily more have to do, but above all may look better. And where you are not alone, but together with others looking for depth, focus and energy. Exactly that is what you will find during this photography retreat in the hills of southern Limburg.

In autumn 2025 and spring 2026, I am organising two editions of a photography retreat for a small group of professional photographers. We will stay somewhere near Maastricht and Valkenburg, in a place where you put on your walking shoes in the morning and walk straight into nature. Where time seems to slow down and you finally feel the real space again to reflect on what you make, and why.

Why a photography retreat?

A photography retreat is not a workshop. It is not a master class or training. It is a carefully curated experience in which you as a photographer unwind, gain new ideas and, above all, engage with others who understand your craft. No competition, no big stage, but equality, inspiration and depth.

This photography retreat is all about calm, reflection and connection. You don't have to prove anything. You just need to connect, share and listen. And you do so in a place that is ideally suited to that.

The magic of southern Limburg

The choice of this region is no accident. South Limburg - and especially the area between Maastricht and Valkenburg - feels like a small piece of foreign country within the Netherlands. The hills are gentle and inviting, the villages timeless and atmospheric. No straight lines or tight asphalt here, but winding paths, old hollow roads and field crosses on hilltops. A landscape where you automatically slow down. And maybe even look deeper.

The scenery has something meditative about it. Morning mist slowly rising from the valley. Crows in the distance above an orchard. An unexpected view of fields undulating like a blanket. In these surroundings, as a photographer, you don't have to force anything: the work finds you. Not because it is spectacular, but precisely because it is so ordinary. And therein precisely so special.

A photography retreat here is not a tourist getaway. It is an immersion in peace, simplicity and attention. And that works. On your photography. On your mind. On your plans.

Who is this photography retreat for?

This photography retreat is designed for professional photographers who have been working for at least two years - independently or employed by a photography company. You have already made quite a few meters, but feel you are ready for something new. Maybe you want to refocus on what moves you. Maybe you are struggling with focus or direction. Maybe you are just looking for some rest, space and conversations with people who really understand you.

You don't have to be at a crossroads in your career. But you do need to be willing to reflect. To ask questions. To share, listen and help others move forward. This photography retreat is not for those who only want to receive, but rather for those who believe in the power of reciprocity.

What makes this photography retreat different?

This photography retreat is small-scale. We work with a maximum of eight participants. Not because it has to be exclusive, but because only then does it really work. Such a small group creates trust, openness and room to go deeper. You get to know each other quickly. You listen with attention. You feel seen and heard.

Above all, it is casual. I am your host and sparring partner, not your teacher or leader. I make sure everyone is covered, that no one is left behind and that the conversation has depth. But we are all on an equal footing. This is not a photography retreat where you come to learn from me, but to learn together from each other.

What do you bring?

To deepen the conversation and make it concrete, we ask each participant to prepare three things:

1. Ten photos
Choose ten images that reflect your style and vision as a photographer. This doesn't have to be a perfect portfolio. But a starting point to talk about what drives you, where your strengths lie and where your doubts lie.

2. An elevator pitch
Write a short text of up to 30 seconds explaining who you are as a photographer, what you do and why that is valuable. This will not only help you position yourself more sharply, but also get targeted feedback from others.

3. A list of requests for help
Formulate some questions or themes you want to spar about. What are you getting stuck on? What would you like to change? What would you like to see different in your work or business? Half an A4 maximum - clear and to the point.

We use this input as the basis for the discussions during the photography retreat.

The programme of the photography retreat

Although we work with a global schedule, there is room for spontaneity and need of the group. So don't expect a tight schedule, but a rhythm that invites attention and presence.

Friday night
You are welcome to the optional drinks to get to know each other informally in advance. No programme, just good conversation and a glass of wine or tea.

Saturday morning
We get up early for a walk with camera. Not to chase spectacular images, but to reflect together on light, atmosphere and observation. Nature does the work - you just have to watch.

Saturday afternoon
Between 13:00 and 15:30, I will give a lecture on the State of Photography. No endless slides, but a stimulating introduction about where we stand as a profession, as makers and as entrepreneurs. This will be followed by an open conversation in which we will delve deeper into everyone's work, position and plans.

Saturday afternoon & evening
Again, we go outside or do another activity - depending on the weather and the energy of the group. In the evening, we join a local bistro or restaurant for a leisurely dinner.

Sunday morning
Another walk together, unhurried. The landscape is different now: the light, the atmosphere, your gaze.

Sunday afternoon
We have lunch together, look back and close the weekend with focus. We leave around 14:00 - hopefully differently than we arrived.

Location and practicalities

We stay in a hotel or residence between Maastricht and Valkenburg. A place where you can walk straight into nature. The exact location will be determined on the basis of availability, but atmosphere and peace and quiet are paramount. Do not expect luxury or grandeur, but comfort, silence and character.

The photography retreat includes:

• Two hotel nights (private room)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Coffee, tea and snacks in between
• Counselling, talks, sessions and walks

Cost: €1,800 per person (excluding VAT)

Why you want to be there

A photography retreat is not a quick fix. But it can be the start of something new. Of renewed focus. Of different choices. Of inspiration you had lost for a while. And above all: of connection. With yourself, your work and your colleagues.

South Limburg is the perfect place to let that process emerge. Because the environment slows you down. Because the landscape challenges you to look differently. And because the silence here feels just that little bit fuller than at home.

If you want to move forward as a photographer, sometimes standing still is the best move.

Interested in the photography retreat?

Only eight spots are available per edition. Want to stay informed or be the first to sign up?

Then send an e-mail to mail@michielheijmans.com on the subject of "Photography Retreat Interest". You won't then be stuck with anything, but will be the first to receive all the details as soon as registration opens.

Be welcome. Not as a participant, but as a maker among makers.