Connecticut Garden Photography Workshop- Women’s Photography Workshop
Into Connecticut’s Historic Gardens We Go
FLASH SALE: Use code GARDEN to recieve $500 off tuition (this week only)
Just 2 spots remaining!
June 16th-June 20th, 2026
Discover the Beauty of Connecticut’s Historic Garden Regions
From quiet country lanes to vibrant urban blooms and ocean-kissed estate grounds. Step into a world of timeless beauty where history and horticulture bloom together. This immersive garden tour invites you to explore Connecticut’s most iconic and hidden historic gardens.
Perfect for garden lovers, photographers, and creative travelers, the trip combines rich cultural history with hands-on opportunities to refine your floral and landscape photography skills. Experience three distinct areas of historical gardens –
This exclusive photography workshop is crafted especially for women, empowering participants to harness their creative expression through the lens. It’s more than just a learning experience; it’s a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie among like-minded enthusiasts. Here’s what you can expect from this enriching retreat:
Washington, CT
Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, this charming village invites you to wander through Hollister House Garden, one of America’s finest English-style gardens, and explore the cultural heart of the community at Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens. Artful design meets small-town serenity—perfect for reflection and inspiration.
Hartford’s Historic Garden District
Stroll the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, the first municipal rose garden in the U.S., and experience the literary legacies of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and Mark Twain House, where heritage gardens bloom beside Victorian architecture. This urban oasis reveals the floral soul of Connecticut’s capital.
Connecticut’s Coastal Gardens
At Harkness Memorial State Park, sweeping lawns and formal gardens unfold beside Long Island Sound. The historic Eolia Mansion provides a romantic backdrop for garden strolls, sea breezes, and sunset photography—where cultivated beauty meets wild coastal energy.
Highlights include:
– Guided visits to 8+ historic gardens and estates
– Explore Scenic historic towns with boutique shopping and cafés
– Learn framing, composition, shooting in natural light, and garden photography tips and techniques
Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone, this trip will deepen your eye for detail and awaken your creative spirit among Connecticut’s most inspiring garden landscapes.
Cost: $2400
*Lodging is not included in the price. Students will book their own rooms at the Avon Old Farms Hotel. They are holding a block of rooms for the trip.
CALLING ALL CREATIVE SOULS
Who is this for?
Who This Trip Is For
- Garden and flower/nature lovers
- Creatives, artists, and photographers
- Travelers seeking scenic day trips with history and charm
- Anyone looking to slow down, explore beauty, and leave inspired
FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY
Students will delve into the delicate art of flower photography, learning to capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of each bloom. They will be taught how to adjust focus and depth of field to make their floral subjects stand out, and employ techniques such as macro photography to reveal the subtle textures and patterns often overlooked by the naked eye.
CREATIVE CAMERA TECHNIQUES
In the garden, students will explore intentional camera movement and multiple exposure techniques to transform ordinary flowers into extraordinary works of art. Through slow, deliberate motions and layered compositions, they’ll learn how to infuse images with a sense of movement, texture, and dreamlike beauty. These methods allow petals to blur into soft strokes of color, shapes to intertwine in abstract harmony, and blooms to be reimagined in a way that feels painterly and poetic.
GARDEN & LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
Students will learn how to compose and capture garden and landscape scenes that feel alive and immersive. They’ll explore techniques for working with natural light, choosing compelling focal points, and balancing foreground and background elements to create depth. From wide scenic vistas to intimate garden corners, they’ll develop the skills to showcase a location’s unique character, mood, and seasonal beauty in a single frame.
PHOTO EDITING
After the workshop, Lori will provide you with editing videos showcasing your photography journey. Additionally, she will offer image critiques as part of the process. If you have any specific images you would like feedback on, please don’t hesitate to share them with her. Photo editing will also be our inclement weather plan.
📅 Itinerary Overview
This itinerary is subject to change based on open garden days and seasonal bloom times. Additional gardens may be added.
Tuesday
-
Arrival by 5:00 PM
-
Check in at hotel
-
Evening: Sunset visit to Elizabeth Park Rose Garden — the oldest municipal rose garden in the U.S., with over 100 acres of formal gardens and green space.
Wednesday: Gardens of Washington, CT
-
Morning: Visit Hollister House Garden, a lush English-style garden with terraced levels, walled “rooms,” a winding brook, and peak early-summer blooms including roses and peonies.
-
Lunch at Marty’s Café & boutique shopping in town
-
Afternoon: Visit Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens, the Washington Art Association, and the Shakespeare Garden at Mayflower Inn — artfully designed spaces combining creativity, serenity, and community charm.
Thursday: Hartford Garden District
-
Morning: Explore Elizabeth Park in full daylight, including the Rock and Perennial Gardens.
-
Lunch at the scenic Pond House Café
-
Afternoon:
-
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Gardens – heritage roses, wildflowers, and Connecticut’s largest Merrill Magnolia
-
Mark Twain House Gardens – eleven historically-inspired gardens maintained by UConn Master Gardeners
-
-
Evening: Optional editing discussion at the hotel
Friday: Coastal Garden Day
-
Morning:
-
Visit Florence Griswold Museum – birthplace of American Impressionism, with artist-inspired gardens along the Lieutenant River
-
-
Lunch at Café Flo on-site
-
Afternoon:
-
Stroll the formal gardens and sea-facing lawns of Harkness Memorial State Park. Enjoy historic Eolia Mansion and gardens by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand.
-
-
Group dinner at Marketplace Kitchen & Bar
Saturday
-
Check out by 10:00 AM
What is Included in the price?
✔️ Hands-on photography education and personalized instruction in the field
✔️ Admission fees to all parks and photo locations
✔️ Farewell Group Dinner
✔️ Pre-trip planning support (packing lists, travel tips, location guides)
✔️ Access to a private group chat before and during the trip for connection and updates
✔️ Post-trip photo critique and feedback session (optional but included!)
✔️ Small group experience for maximum learning and connection
✔️ Coupon from our sponsor Pro Prints.
How do I get there?
By Air:
Fly into Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) — just 2 hours from New York City airport and 3 hours from Boston airport.
By Train:
Amtrak and other services offer direct routes into Hartford from several major Northeast cities.
Lodging
Lodging is not included in the trip price, but a room block has been reserved at the beautiful Avon Old Farms Hotel, located just 30 minutes from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL).
Expect a classic New England atmosphere with thoughtful touches like:
-
Hot breakfast buffet in Seasons Restaurant
-
Grab-and-go breakfast options available in the lobby from 6AM–11AM
🛎 Room Rate: Approximately $250 per night
Guests will receive booking details upon registration.
Video by: Discovering World, One Flight At A Time
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
What is not included?
Transportation to the workshop (students will carpool during the workshop), airfare, trip insurance, other meals and beverages.
Tip for guide.
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/
Can I bring a spouse/partner?
Spouses and partners are welcome to stay with you at the hotel; however, they will not be able to participate in our group outings, photography sessions, or planned meals.
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.
Two 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.
