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What better place to capture the essence of the majestic Andalusian horse than in Andalusia?
This isn't just any photography workshop; it's a complete escape into a world where every detail has been meticulously curated to inspire and elevate your craft.
LED BY:
Shelley Paulson
Shelley Paulson is a lifelong equestrian and an Award-Winning Equine Commercial and Editorial Photographer based in Minnesota. For over 20 years, she has combined her love of horses with her passion for creating heartfelt, meaningful images to create a thriving full-time business.
Her work has been published worldwide, with her images gracing the pages of prestigious equestrian publications such as Horse Illustrated and Western Horseman while also appearing in advertising for major equine brands such as Nutrena and Farnam.
Her talent extends beyond her camera lens. Shelley is also known for her generosity, kindness, and genuine love for the equestrian photography community. Through her education program, she mentors and helps fellow photographers develop their skills and confidence and build a business they love.
Shelley has been leading workshops and mentoring photographers for over 18 years. She truly cares about each person she mentors, and her number one goal is to ensure that her students learn the concepts and can successfully apply them to their photography and business.
Shelley’s teaching style is concise, positive, and encouraging. Her favorite phrase to use while teaching is “Good Job!”
Nicole Begley
Hair of the Dog Academy and Nicole Begley Photography
Nicole Begley, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, is a zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer and educator. Â She is also mildly obsessed with numbers, Monday boards, pricing, and all aspects of running a business. Nicole has taken that passion to create Hair of the Dog Academy, an online community in which she empowers photographers to turn their dreams into reality and helps them create successful and profitable businesses.
Nicole has been honored to speak at many conferences and events and has hosted 20+ workshops domestically and in many of the far corners of our incredible planet since 2014.
Nicole established her pet photography business, Nicole Begley Photography, in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010 but now serves the market of Charlotte, NC. She has authored the book “Pet and Equine Photography for Everyone”, available on Amazon.
She shares her home with her husband, two teenage humans, and her island rescue dog Cami. Oh yes, Nicole is also Chief of Staff to Emma the cat and is obsessed with her horse Morocco. She is the creator of the #selfiedog series, a travel addict, and a chocolate martini connoisseur.
What can I expect?
From the moment you arrive, you'll be enchanted by the splendor of our luxurious country estate, where you'll stay throughout the workshop. This isn't just any photography workshop; it's a complete escape into a world where every detail has been meticulously curated to inspire and elevate your craft.
Picture yourself photographing a horse and rider adorned in traditional attire, mastering the art of posing and working with horses, and capturing the beauty of horses at liberty. We'll also dive into the technicalities of editing and provide business support to help you up-level your business.
And because no adventure with Nicole is complete without a touch of canine charm, we'll also have a bonus session dedicated to photographing dogs amidst the incredible architecture.
Where will you be staying?
 Hacienda las Mesas, a luxury spanish villa situated in an exclusive Andalusian hunting estate, owned by the noble family of Lopez de Carrizosa. Dating back to 1590, this unique luxury villa in south Spain is located in the beautiful countryside outside of Jerez de la Frontera, within an hour of Seville and Ronda.
WHAT WILL THE SCHEDULE BE?
While this schedule is subject to change - here’s a little preview of what we're planning...
March 27
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Arrive at the house at 6pm.
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Casual dinner will be served.
March 28
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Equine Photography 101
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Editing Demonstrations
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SHOOT ONE - Equine
March 29
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Image Reviews
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Dog Photography 101
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Advanced Editing Demos
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SHOOT TWO - Equine
March 30
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SHOOT THREE - DogÂ
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Image Reviews
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Food Tour in Seville
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Explore Seville
March 31
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Image Reviews
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Business Reviews
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Marketing Brainstorming
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SHOOT FOUR - Equine
April 1
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Image Reviews
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Explore Jerez de la Frontera
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SHOOT FIVE - Equine
What types of shoots will we be doing?
We’re finalizing the details but we will have a variety of horse and rider, at liberty, portrait posing, and something very special is in the works!
The one thing that I have heard EVERY SINGLE TIME from planning approximately 20 retreats, is that students always wished there was more time to enjoy the location!  While we have worked two afternoons of play and relaxation into the main workshop - it’s still a very full schedule!Â
So we’re staying an extra few days to be tourists and you’re welcome to stay with us!  While there won’t be formal instruction or shoots during this time - the topics of photography and business are still welcomed.
APRIL 2
- Start the day off with a riding lesson on your very own P.R.E. Andalusian horse.Â
- Explore local villages and the local food.
APRIL 3
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Trail Riding throughout the gorgeous Spanish Countryside.
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Feeling a little stiff? Let’s spend the afternoon at a spa before dinner together.
APRIL 4
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Head home with new friends, full hearts, and overflowing inspiration.
Registration Options
All prices are in USD.
Private Room with Private Bath
SOLD OUT
$6500
Include a guest? +$750
Private Room with Shared Bath
SOLD OUT
$6000
Shared Room with Shared Bath
SOLD OUT
$5500
Would you like to add on the 2-day bonus adventure?
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Only $1500 for any room type.
Payment Plan or Pay in Full?
Your choice! There's no additional fee for the payment plan - but if you pay in full you'll receive two bonus 1:1 coaching calls - one with both Nicole and one with Shelley.
If you opt for the payment plan, the payment due dates are as follows:
- Non-refundable $1,000 deposit due on booking
- 50% of balance due November 15, 2024
- Full payment due January 15, 2025
Important Details!
- Registration includes 6 nights accommodation, all food, and all transportation during the event.
- Accommodation starts at 6pm on Thursday, March 27, 2025 - and ends at 10am on Wednesday, April 2nd - unless opting for the bonus adventure days!
- NOT included in registration: airfare and transportation to and from the airport. However, we can help you arrange transportation from Seville airport or train station.
- The closest airport is Seville, CODE - although you can also reach Seville via the high-speed train from Madrid in 2 hours.
- A $100 application fee is due when submitting your application - which will be applied to your registration. This is refundable ONLY if we are unable to offer you a seat at the workshop. In which case, 100% of your application fee will be refunded.
- Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis - so get that application in as soon as possible to receive your choice of room type!Â
We are working with fellow pet photographer Travis Pantenaude to organize transporting as many Galagos as possible to a new life in the United States. The harsh reality is that the majority of the discarded hunting dogs of Spain will never make it out of the shelter - and the ones that never even get a chance at the shelter are the most upsetting of all.  Once one of those noble dog breeds and now one of the most persecuted. Discover their sad story here.
There is NO charge to you for flying these dogs home. The rescue will manage all of the details, the only thing required of you will be to show up to the airport 30 minutes earlier and escort the dogs to another rescue that will pick them up stateside. I brought two dogs home from Barcelona years ago and it was so easy!Â
Have Questions?
What level should my photography be at to benefit from this workshop?
Should I bring a computer?
What editing programs should I use?
How much access will I have to the instructors?
Is there any restriction on who may attend the workshop?
Will you be holding this workshop again?
Can I bring my husband/wife/partner?
Still have questions?
If you have any questions at all shoot us a note here or send us an email at [email protected]
