LEARN
to do storytelling & shit
Want to fully immerse yourself in skill building?
Neon Raven offers an array of workshops that run the gamut of learning how to dream up and complete a conservation project, to improving photo skills or learning how to apply your existing passions (whether it’s photography or jewelry making) to social and environmental good.
Some workshops and retreats run completely in house and others are formed through trusted partnerships with like-motivated businesses and photographers. See below for descriptions of current offerings!
Consultations
Whether it’s improving your portfolio or embarking on a dream project, it can be seem overwhelming trying to do it all on your own. I offer an array of consultations to help you confidently step past any hurdles and take your efforts to the next level. Conservation needs you, and I want you to feel well-equipped to bring your skills to the wildlife, places and people who need your help.
See below for package details!
COLOMBIA
Feb. 11 – 18, 2020
Max. class size 7
Morgan had the pleasure of spending over a month traveling to four remote regions of Colombia in 2018, and marks the trip as one of the most memorable and enjoyable wildlife adventures she’s ever experienced. These adventures became part of the acclaimed documentary series The Birders. On this trip we will travel to the largest coastal mountain range in the world to journey along the renowned Northern Birding Trail. Created by Summit Workshops, join nature and wildlife photographers Morgan Heim and Clay Bolt on a spectacular workshop in this rarely visited paradise.
Whet your whistle for your Colombia adventure with Morgan as your digital guide with films on the Amazon, Pacific Coast, Llanos and Western Andes.
Find more details on the Summit Workshop Site.
Cost: $5995
CONSERVATION STORYTELLING
Aug. 31 – Sept. 26, 2020
Max. class size 6
Join this weeklong, intensive conservation workshop run in partnership with Jaymi Heimbuch Photography. During this workshop, we will be covering the efforts of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast based in Astoria, Oregon. Enjoy the natural wonders of the Oregon Coast while learning how to become a better storyteller.
Want to get a deeper glimpse at who you’ll be helping? Watch the film about the Center created by CAT Footwear!
You’ll learn how to conceive and execute a photo project for a real client, as well as learning about the business side of project development, such as fundraising, pitching and finding partners.
Cost: $3800
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMIT
Sept. 27 – Oct. 2, 2020
Class size 2 instructors per 10 students
Run by the Summit Workshops, this nature photography workshop is one of the seminal skill and career development events for nature and conservation photography. This is not just a workshop. It’s an event, where you will be taught by an international team of some of the world’s top photographers, editors and industry experts.
Get portfolio reviews, pitch stories, go on field trips to photograph Grand Teton National Park wildlife and landscapes. Learn skills such as light painting. Photograph life on a working ranch. This workshop will transform your life.
Mo was a scholarship recipient in 2008 to attend this workshop. Now she lives full-time as a conservation photographer and teach as one of the faculty. So much is possible.
Learn more at the Summit Workshop website.
Cost: $2595
Weekend Retreats
For Career & Wellness
Pricing:
- Single: $2500
- Double (two friends): $1800 per person
- Triple (three friends): $1500 per person
Note: If you are one person wishing to have a private retreat, the price is the same as the single option. Just let me know you want to be the one and only! Otherwise, retreats are capped at three people maximum.
Scheduled on a rolling basis
All retreats take place over the weekend. Plan to fly into Portland (PDX) the Friday before and leave either Sunday night or Monday. Schedules include two full days of activities on Sat and Sunday.
It is recommended you rent a car. Astoria is a beautiful and easy 1 hour 45 minute drive from Portland. There is an option to take public transit if you wish, involving a train/bus combo. If you choose public transit, we will pick you up from the bus station. Just talk with us during registration, and we’ll give you info on how to book. The downside is that it involves a little more logistics on your part. The upside is it’s cheap and relaxing.
Your warm hug of a place to help you turn your talents and passions into a livable business for environmental and social good.
What’s this about?
Based in Astoria, Oregon, these customized mini-retreats offer a personalized career development opportunity for those wishing to incorporate environmental and social missions into their businesses, whether it’s photography-based or finding a new outlet for your given skill. There are ways to use your gifts for good, and you will need to know how to tell your story.
These retreats are best-suited for one to three individuals with an adventurous spirit. You will enjoy a weekend homestay with Mo. Lodging options include either sharing a furnished garden-level apartment. Or you can bring your tent and enjoy our spacious and secluded backyard overlooking the Columbia River. Warning: You may have deer wander by your tent and nibbling on apple trees. For those living the van life, you are more than welcome to park at our house which has private off-street parking.
Expect to Enjoy:
- Visioning sessions to clarify your business ideas
- Strategic planning
- How to craft and share your story
- Yoga and environmental mindfulness led by instructor Elizabeth Kotaisch. Weather depending, sessions will take place outdoors, either in the garden or at the beach
- Business planning and how to market your skills, taught by Kylene Quinn. Kylene is a college instructor who holds a Ph.D. in business.
- Naturalist led hikes in any of the myriad forest and coastal trails around Astoria. Led by Philipp Wickey and Adam Kotaisch.
- Wildlife & Landscape Photography Excursion, led by Mo
- Combination of Home-cooked meals and nights out on the town. One of Mo’s favorite things to do is cook for friends. And Astoria is fast becoming known as a foodie town, with multiple breweries, a whiskey bar and no shortage of fine dining, despite only having a population of 10,000 people.
- One large cuddly dog named Javier.
We can structure your retreat in the way that will most appeal to you. If you want a deep dive on your conservation project and portfolio reviews. We can build that into your stay. Above all, expect to have fun and come out of it feeling refreshed and inspired to take your dream job to the next stage.
*Images depict a little bit of the ambiance for your small seaside retreat.
Consultations
Growth is not a solitary venture
Project Development
What you learn:
Advice on project structure & strategy • Editing your portfolio for funders, editors, exhibits, etc. • Tips on how to form partnerships • How to craft pitches • Visioning sessions • Guidance on execution of projects • Fundraising tips • Scalable approaches
Basic Package: $350
What you get:
- 1-hour online consultation
- 1/2 hour follow-up session
- Development of 3 priority action items
- Written Summary
Getting Serious Package: $600
What you get:
- Two, 1-hour online consultations
- 1/2 hour follow up session
- 1 between session portfolio edit via email
- Development of 3 action items per session
- Written Summary per hour consultation
Dream Project Package: $1,500
What you get:
- 5 online consultations
- 1/2 hour wrap-up session
- 2 between session portfolio edits via email
- Development of 3 action items per session
- Written Summary per hour consultation
Individual Portfolio Consultations
Initial Review Price: $150 Single, Follow-up Price: $100
What you learn:
- How to improve your photography technique
- Troubleshoot post-processing
- Edit your portfolio for an upcoming meeting with editors, festivals, funders, etc.
- Editing for story
What you get:
- Pre-session: Attendee sends the portfolio in preparation for our discussion
- 1-hour online consultation tailored to your goals
- Summary of feedback, includes a bonus tip and action item tailored to you