INTO BRANDYWINE VALLEY WE GO
Historic Colors: A Fall Photography Retreat in Brandywine Valley, Delaware
Into Brandywine Valley We Go
WHEN: October 22nd-25th, 2025
Cost: $1500
4 spots left!
Registration is open!
CALLING ALL CREATIVE SOULS
Who is this for?
This photography retreat is perfect for anyone with a love for travel, a sense of adventure, and a creative soul. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this retreat is designed to help you improve your skills and capture stunning images in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. It’s also a great opportunity for women who are looking to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new places in a supportive and inspiring environment. So if you’re ready to take your photography to the next level and embark on an unforgettable journey, this retreat is for you!
What will I learn?
What You’ll Learn:
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Mastering Natural Light in Transitional Seasons: Learn to work with the softer, angled light of autumn — golden hour techniques, backlighting foliage for glow, and controlling contrast in mixed-light environments.
- Compositions in Rolling Landscapes: Develop techniques for using leading lines, layering, and framing to capture the drama and dimension of the Brandywine Valley
- Capturing Texture and Mood in Rustic Architecture: Explore how to photograph historic buildings and barns, emphasizing texture, patina, and age through shadow play, detail shots, and environmental context.
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Macro Techniques for Fall Botanicals: Get hands-on with close-up photography of fading flowers and seedheads. We will explore depth of field and abstract compositions.
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Creating Cohesive Visual Stories: Build a visual story through intentional shot selection, color theory (especially with fall palettes), and use of textures
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Editing with Seasonal Sensitivity: Learn post-processing techniques to enhance the warmth and richness of fall without overcooking the colors — subtlety in saturation, contrast, and clarity will be key.
With personalized guidance, hands-on practice, and plenty of inspiration, you’ll leave this trip with new skills, confidence, and an incredible collection of photos!
Itinerary
Sunrises at 7:30 AM
Sunsets at 6:00 PM
Day 1:
- We will meet up at our hotel at noon – Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
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Afternoon Hagley Museum and Gardens
Tour the first du Pont family home and gardens in America. Take in the natural beauty of the Brandywine River, which runs through the museum grounds.
What we will see:
-Powder Yard with its historic stone structures against the tall hardwood trees covered in fall leaves. The 16 ft high operating water wheel on the river.
-The restored French-style garden is situated on its original site, reflecting plans drawn by E. I. du Pont in 1804. gardens will be full of fall texture and color
-The Corwninshield Garden ruins are filled with Italian-styled structures.
Video of fall at Hagley Museum and Gardens - Dinner outing
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Sunset Brandywine River Location TBD
Known for its meadowland views and blue gneiss stone walls built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Brandywine Creek State Park sits within northern Delaware’s piedmont region with more than 14 miles of trail and a remnant old-growth forest. The rolling meadows provide habitat to native pollinators, ground-nesting birds, and rare native plants, some of which can be seen by taking a stroll through the pollinator garden.
Day 2:
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Full day at Winterthur Gardens – lunch is available on-site in their cafe
Wander Winterthur’s 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows, woodland paths and trails, and wild garden. The garden is surrounded by nearly 1,000 acres of meadows, farmland, and waterways. It has large walking paths, but some are up hill, and there is a tram is available.
- Sunset – Brandywine Conservancy
Day 3:
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Nemours Estate
Conceived in the style of an 18th-century French mansion, this former DuPont family home features spectacular fountains, immaculate formal gardens, and regal period furnishings. Discover 200 acres of stunning French-inspired formal gardens, grounds and woodlands. Modeled after the gardens at the Palace of Versailles — complete with fountains, mazes, towers, monuments, nature trails, and more — this breathtaking landscape will amaze and inspire you.
Dinner and walking tour of the town Kennett Square
Day 4:
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Mt Cuba Center 1/2 day
Mt. Cuba Center is a renowned botanic garden committed to conserving native plants and their habitats. It was voted best garden in the US in 2022. It is a natural garden space filled with large hardwood trees, natural ponds, and long paths to meander. The colors in fall are stunning shades of gold and touches of red.
*itinerary is subject to changes
What is Included in the price?
Photography instruction, Admission fees to places we will visit.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare, transportation to the workshop (we will carpool during), travel insurance, meals eaten out, lodging – we have a block of rooms reserved, you will book your own room. We have six single rooms and one 2 bed/2 bath room reserved.
🍁 Fall Color Disclaimer
Please note that while we plan our events during typical peak foliage times, fall colors are never guaranteed. Weather patterns, temperature, and rainfall can all impact timing and vibrancy. No matter the foliage, we promise a beautiful experience full of adventure and inspiration!
How Do I Get there?
There will be a Facebook group made for the retreat where you can try to arrange sharing car rentals with other participants.
Lodging
We’re staying at the Inn at Montchanin Village. We have a block of rooms held in our name. Students will book and pay for their own rooms.
Lodging booking instructions will be sent to you upon registering.
About the Inn:
Listed on the National Historic Register, The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa was once a part of the Winterthur Estate and was named for Alexandria de Montchanin, grandmother of the founder of the DuPont Company.
In eleven carefully restored buildings dating from 1799, there are 28 richly furnished guest rooms/suites appointed with period and reproduction furniture and marble baths with all the amenities a demanding and sophisticated traveler would desire.
Most rooms have beautifully manicured private courtyards and several have cozy fireplaces.
One of the few remaining villages of its kind, the settlement was home to laborers who worked at the nearby DuPont powder mills.
Today, The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America providing a distinctive blend of historic charm, luxury and modern comforts.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
What gear do I need?
Please view my recommended gear list here: https://intothewildwego.photography/photography-gear-reccomendations/
What is your cancellation policy?
You can view all my Terms and Conditions here: https://intothewildwego.photography/terms-and-conditions/
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Lori Lankford is a seasoned nature photographer and digital artist celebrated for her unique perspective behind the lens. She is passionate about capturing the beauty of flowers, crafting abstract landscape scenes, and exploring creative close-ups. For the past six years, she has dedicated herself to sharing her expertise through teaching and leading workshops.
Three years ago, Lori joined the Women’s Photography Circle teaching team. There, she shares her passion by teaching online courses such as Lightroom and A Year of Creative Photography. Her goal is to help you see the world in a fresh new way and then capture it with your camera! Lori’s favorite places to travel are Charleston, Big Sur, and the Smokey Mountains, where she grew up. She also lived in Texas for 10 years, so is quite familiar with the area.
