Join us for a Photography Retreat May 28, 29, 30, 31 (2026)
There’s a place where wings stretch the sky to the sea, where light drips slowly across Victorian porches, and where every tide rearranges the canvas. That place is Cape May—and this May, it becomes your creative playground!
Click the images in the carousel to get an idea of the seascapes and quintessential Cape May imagery you will have the opportunity to photograph.
Trade hurry for wonder. Trade snapshots for intention. Join us for four days of immersive photography where motion, light, and story come together. This retreat is about more than capturing images. It’s about learning to see. Come Curious… Leave Inspired.
You’ll explore:
Birds in motion and behavior (including flight techniques and timing)
Seascapes and landscapes shaped by light and weather
Long exposures that turn waves into silk and clouds into brushstrokes
ND filters, wave stacking, and cloud stacking for creative effects
Composing “Cape May scapes” that blend story, place, and mood
At Cape May, spring migration is in full swing. Shorebirds skim the surf. Gulls carve the wind. Nesting Egrets and Night Herons displaying and courting and tending to the next generation. Birds: Breeding Season, Courtship Displays, Eggs & Chicks, Feeding, Behavior, and (BIF) Birds in Flight. Whether you’re new to bird photography or want to improve your BIF, this retreat blends art, fieldcraft, and computational intelligence into an experience that will change how you photograph wildlife forever.
And between those wild moments, the landscape itself invites you to slow down—Victorian houses glowing in pastel hues, endless beaches, and skies that feel painted fresh each hour.
Whether you’re just beginning or refining a seasoned eye, you’ll be guided with hands-on instruction, real-time feedback, and plenty of space to experiment. No pressure. No perfection required. Just curiosity and a willingness to create.
Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. We’ll take care of the rest.
When: May 28-31 (2026)
Who: Any camera model is welcome. One hotel, multiple locations, 3 OM SYSTEM ambassadors (Frank Smith, Lisa Cuchara, and Tom Cuchara)
Where: Cape May NJ (we will visit surrounding areas as well) The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). Other options: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
How: An immersive retreat designed to inspire, challenge, and transform your photography.
Come Curious… Leave Inspired.
Where to stay: We have a central hotel in Wildwood, but you may choose from a variety of places to stay: Hotels, motels, Airbnbs, VRBO’s, etc.
Step into the vibrant heart of Coastal New Jersey during bird breeding and displaying season, when birds erupt with color, movement, dance, and new life. This is the moment when feathers flare, mates court with ritual elegance, and tiny downy chicks stretch their wobbly necks toward the rising sun.
Join us for an immersive Photography Retreat, created for photographers who crave both inspiration and technical mastery. Whether you’re eager to capture the split-second lift of a black-crowned night heron, the glowing plumes of Great Egrets in display, or the tender moments between parents and chicks, this workshop will guide you toward images that feel alive. Add to this the vibrancy of the Victorian homes and the quintessential beaches of the Atlantic
Why Photographers Love This Retreat
Learn from OM SYSTEM Ambassadors
Work in small groups with Frank Smith, Lisa Cuchara, and Tom Cuchara — each offering their signature techniques, creative vision, and personalized guidance.
Hands-On Sessions in Stunning Locations
Rotate Through Instructors & Subjects
Designed for Growth & Creativity
Community & Camaraderie
Share your images, get feedback, learn together, and recharge your artistic spark with photographers who love birds as much as you do.
Any camera model is welcome.
A Retreat of Light, Learning & Community
From sunrise rookeries glowing in gold to afternoon BIF sessions to sunset wetlands, you’ll be surrounded by color, energy, and like-minded photographers who share your love of nature, creativity, and growth.
We’ll help you compose for storytelling and emotion as well as slow down, observe, and truly see the behaviors unfolding before you
Whether you’re new to bird photography or ready to master bird photography, this retreat is for you. Join us to capture it with the tools and vision that help you create images that sing.
Retreat Includes
Pre-retreat Zoom orientation
Small groups & rotating instructor stations
Hands-on instruction concentrating on bird photography, with a touch of creative nature and computational techniques
Post-retreat image sharing + optional critique
Schedule (All times are Eastern time) (exact start time subject to change)
Travel Insurance.
We understand that life happens and that sometimes unforseen circumstances may necessitate the need to cancel or reschedule. Unfortunately, we can not offer refunds unless we are able to fill your spot with someone on the waiting list. We can, however, recommend travel insurance to cover your costs if you have to cancel. There are many travel insurance companies available, but one we have had experience with is Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com, they offer different insurance options, we recommend looking into the choices.
A Note About Flexibility.
Please note that our retreat schedule may shift slightly based on weather, light, or other conditions that help us give you the best photographic experience. We also tailor our instructor team to the size of each group. As registration fills, additional OM SYSTEM Ambassadors or instructors may be added; if a group is smaller, the number of instructors may be adjusted accordingly. Either way, you’ll always receive plenty of personal attention, hands-on guidance, and a supportive learning environment.
Join us for a Photography Retreat May 28, 29, 30, 31 (2026)
There’s a place where wings stretch the sky to the sea, where light drips slowly across Victorian porches, and where every tide rearranges the canvas. That place is Cape May—and this May, it becomes your creative playground!
Click the images in the carousel to get an idea of the seascapes and quintessential Cape May imagery you will have the opportunity to photograph.
Trade hurry for wonder. Trade snapshots for intention. Join us for four days of immersive photography where motion, light, and story come together. This retreat is about more than capturing images. It’s about learning to see. Come Curious… Leave Inspired.
You’ll explore:
Birds in motion and behavior (including flight techniques and timing)
Seascapes and landscapes shaped by light and weather
Long exposures that turn waves into silk and clouds into brushstrokes
ND filters, wave stacking, and cloud stacking for creative effects
Composing “Cape May scapes” that blend story, place, and mood
At Cape May, spring migration is in full swing. Shorebirds skim the surf. Gulls carve the wind. Nesting Egrets and Night Herons displaying and courting and tending to the next generation. Birds: Breeding Season, Courtship Displays, Eggs & Chicks, Feeding, Behavior, and (BIF) Birds in Flight. Whether you’re new to bird photography or want to improve your BIF, this retreat blends art, fieldcraft, and computational intelligence into an experience that will change how you photograph wildlife forever.
And between those wild moments, the landscape itself invites you to slow down—Victorian houses glowing in pastel hues, endless beaches, and skies that feel painted fresh each hour.
Whether you’re just beginning or refining a seasoned eye, you’ll be guided with hands-on instruction, real-time feedback, and plenty of space to experiment. No pressure. No perfection required. Just curiosity and a willingness to create.
Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. We’ll take care of the rest.
When: May 28-31 (2026)
Who: Any camera model is welcome. One hotel, multiple locations, 3 OM SYSTEM ambassadors (Frank Smith, Lisa Cuchara, and Tom Cuchara)
Where: Cape May NJ (we will visit surrounding areas as well) The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). Other options: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
How: An immersive retreat designed to inspire, challenge, and transform your photography.
Come Curious… Leave Inspired.
Where to stay: We have a central hotel in Wildwood, but you may choose from a variety of places to stay: Hotels, motels, Airbnbs, VRBO’s, etc.
Step into the vibrant heart of Coastal New Jersey during bird breeding and displaying season, when birds erupt with color, movement, dance, and new life. This is the moment when feathers flare, mates court with ritual elegance, and tiny downy chicks stretch their wobbly necks toward the rising sun.
Join us for an immersive Photography Retreat, created for photographers who crave both inspiration and technical mastery. Whether you’re eager to capture the split-second lift of a black-crowned night heron, the glowing plumes of Great Egrets in display, or the tender moments between parents and chicks, this workshop will guide you toward images that feel alive. Add to this the vibrancy of the Victorian homes and the quintessential beaches of the Atlantic
Why Photographers Love This Retreat
Learn from OM SYSTEM Ambassadors
Work in small groups with Frank Smith, Lisa Cuchara, and Tom Cuchara — each offering their signature techniques, creative vision, and personalized guidance.
Hands-On Sessions in Stunning Locations
Rotate Through Instructors & Subjects
Designed for Growth & Creativity
Community & Camaraderie
Share your images, get feedback, learn together, and recharge your artistic spark with photographers who love birds as much as you do.
Any camera model is welcome.
A Retreat of Light, Learning & Community
From sunrise rookeries glowing in gold to afternoon BIF sessions to sunset wetlands, you’ll be surrounded by color, energy, and like-minded photographers who share your love of nature, creativity, and growth.
We’ll help you compose for storytelling and emotion as well as slow down, observe, and truly see the behaviors unfolding before you
Whether you’re new to bird photography or ready to master bird photography, this retreat is for you. Join us to capture it with the tools and vision that help you create images that sing.
Retreat Includes
Pre-retreat Zoom orientation
Small groups & rotating instructor stations
Hands-on instruction concentrating on bird photography, with a touch of creative nature and computational techniques
Post-retreat image sharing + optional critique
Schedule (All times are Eastern time) (exact start time subject to change)
Travel Insurance.
We understand that life happens and that sometimes unforseen circumstances may necessitate the need to cancel or reschedule. Unfortunately, we can not offer refunds unless we are able to fill your spot with someone on the waiting list. We can, however, recommend travel insurance to cover your costs if you have to cancel. There are many travel insurance companies available, but one we have had experience with is Travel Guard https://www.travelguard.com, they offer different insurance options, we recommend looking into the choices.
A Note About Flexibility.
Please note that our retreat schedule may shift slightly based on weather, light, or other conditions that help us give you the best photographic experience. We also tailor our instructor team to the size of each group. As registration fills, additional OM SYSTEM Ambassadors or instructors may be added; if a group is smaller, the number of instructors may be adjusted accordingly. Either way, you’ll always receive plenty of personal attention, hands-on guidance, and a supportive learning environment.
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