the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka
the photography expedition with emily abay to sri lanka
$0.00
1st - 7th november, 2026 - 7 days
Starting from - €3800
Deposit €500
Payment plans available
escape to ahangama, sri lanka with photographer emily abay for a seven-day photography retreat designed to awaken your creativity and deepen your craft.
chase golden light across untouched beaches, journey through lush landscapes, and experience sri lanka’s wild beauty on safari, capturing the island’s magic through your lens. through a series of intimate workshops, emily will guide you in scouting breathtaking locations, mastering sunrise and sunset shoots, working with a resident model, and refining your images in post-production.
set against sri lanka’s vibrant energy and breathtaking scenery, this retreat is an invitation to create, explore, and grow. share the experience with a small group of like-minded women in a supportive, inspiring space, and return home with new skills, compelling images, and memories you’ll carry long after the journey ends.
“this retreat is an invitation to connect more deeply with your craft, with the landscape, and with yourself.”
itinerary
day one
welcome day
YOU HAVE ARRIVED in sri lanka, the pearl of the indian ocean. a land of lush jungles, golden beaches, and rich culture, with ahangama’s palm-fringed shores offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility
SETTLE into your luxury island villa and freshen up
MEET emily, in-house model kristina and your fellow travellers in a brief welcome meeting
WELCOME dinner in the quite calm of the jungle villa by your local chefs
INTRODUCTORY talk from emily
day two
stories in motion
BREAKFAST at the villa
WORKSHOP with emily in galle. head into the historic streets of galle for a hands-on photography workshop led by emily. learn how to confidently shoot in open, public spaces while working naturally around crowds and unpredictable environments. you’ll be guided on how to think on your feet, read light quickly, and compose images that transform busy, bustling scenes into calm, intimate moments, capturing authentic stories within the movement.
FREE TIME, after the workshop, enjoy free time to explore galle at your own pace. wander the streets, relax at a café, grab lunch, continue shooting independently, or simply take a break. this open time allows you to apply what you’ve learned, revisit favourite spots, or rest and recharge.
Dinner at the villa with fresh, local ingredients, followed by a relaxed group discussion and review of the day’s photographs.
day three
within the landscape
BREAKFAST at the villa
ARRIVE in sri lanka’s lush tea country, where rolling emerald hills and layered landscapes create a truly breathtaking setting. here, you’ll photograph kristina within expansive scenery, learning how to tell visual stories through movement, composition, and thoughtful use of natural light. emily will guide you on how to balance subject and environment, read the landscape, and create images that feel both intentional and emotionally engaging.
RETURN TO AHANGAMA for free time to unwind and reset. relax at the villa, explore the local area, grab a coffee or late lunch, take a swim, continue editing, or simply enjoy some downtime after a full day of shooting.
DINNER in the villa with fresh, local ingredients
day four
the art of rest
BREAKFAST at the villa
FREE DAY today is yours to unwind, recharge, and enjoy ahangama at your own pace. spend the day relaxing by the pool, heading to the beach, or exploring the town’s many cute cafés and eateries. whether you feel like shooting casually, editing images, or fully switching off, this day is designed to give you space to slow down and reset.
OPT IN FOR
a guided yoga class to stretch, reset, and reconnect
an ice bath experience for a refreshing physical and mental reset
a massage for deep relaxation and recovery
a guided river paddleboard trip around the venue, offering a calm and scenic way to explore the surroundings from the water
DINNER in the villa with fresh, local ingredients
day five
into the wild
EARLY BREAKFAST at the villa
NATIONAL PARK SAFARI. spend the morning exploring ddawalawe national park, one of sri lanka’s most remarkable wildlife reserves. as the park wakes, venture through open plains and along winding waterways in search of elephants, leopards, water buffalo, and vibrant birdlife, all moving freely in their natural habitat. The early hours offer the best light and the quietest moments, creating space to observe, absorb, and witness the wild at its most peaceful.
RETURN to the villa after a day of exploration and wildlife. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, grab lunch, rest by the pool, edit images, or simply slow down after an unforgettable morning.
DINNER in the villa with fresh, local ingredients
day six
from first light to farewells
STILT FISHERMEN SUNRISE WORKSHOP with emily, capturing the quiet poetry of dawn as fishermen balance delicately against a blush-coloured sky and the ocean glows with first light. working in soft, shifting light, you’ll be guided on how to observe patiently, read subtle movement, and compose images that feel calm, intentional, and story-driven, honouring both place and moment.
BREAKFAST at the villa
FREE TIME to practise your new photography skills, enjoy a final swim in the ocean, and soak up the last golden hours of sri lanka
SUNSET BEACH SHOOT guided by emily. as the day softens, we’ll gather once more on the shoreline for a final guided shoot. Photograph golden light as it melts into the horizon, the beach becoming warm, cinematic, and still. emily will offer gentle guidance on light, composition, and emotional storytelling, bringing your visual journey full circle.
FAREWELL dinner
PHOTO SHARING & CLOSING CIRCLE in a cosy informal setting to share a selection of favourite images from the journey. This is a celebratory and reflective space to acknowledge growth, creativity, and the stories captured along the way, before closing with a gentle circle to mark the end of our time together.
day seven
farewell
BREAKFAST
FAREWELLS and airport transfer as you say goodbye to sri lanka, feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected
accommodation
you’ll be staying on a serene inland island surrounded by protected mangrove forests and native flora and fauna, a true sanctuary of luxury and transformation. just moments from sri lanka’s stunning southwest coastline, and only 1.7 km from the indian ocean, the setting offers a rare balance of seclusion and connection. the beautifully designed suites are created for comfort and deep rest, encouraging a slower pace and blissful sleep. with nature present in every direction, still waterways, lush greenery, and the quiet rhythm of the surrounding landscape, this is a place to reconnect with yourself and the natural beauty around you. a peaceful, grounding environment designed to help you rest, restore, and fully unwind, held within one of sri lanka’s most quietly extraordinary settings.
a letter of invitation from emily
Dearest Photography community,
These days it’s easy to take a photo, right? Just pick up your phone, point, and shoot. Maybe even run it through an AI app that spits out a ready-made grade to make it look polished. Even your grandma can take a picture. But does that make you a photographer? Nope.
Being a photographer is so much more than pointing, shooting, and applying a filter. It’s about patience. It’s about learning to anticipate what happens when light hits your lens. It’s about rising before dawn to chase the first glow of sunrise, and staying ready when the sky suddenly shifts into storm, testing your instincts and pushing your creativity. It’s about problem-solving, adapting, and finding the confidence to create something beautiful in any condition.
I’ve been a photographer for over 20 years, and I’ve reached a point where I feel deeply called to share not just my craft, but the way photography teaches us to see.
I’ve shot countless beaches in my career, but Sri Lanka is different, a place that feels alive with stories at every turn. From Ahangama’s golden coastline to its lush jungles and timeless temples, this retreat is an invitation to connect more deeply with your craft, with the landscape, and with yourself. I’m so excited to share this journey with a small group of women who, like me, carry both a love of travel and a love of photography.
Join me for an unforgettable week in Sri Lanka, and return home with the most meaningful souvenir of all: powerful images created by you, in a place bursting with beauty.
Love, Emily x
our past retreat with emily - the photography expedition to the philippines
“If you're looking to do something a little different for your next holiday I can't recommend this company enough. Their experiences are unique and you are basically guaranteed to make some life-long friends. I did a week-long photography workshop in the Philippines which blew me away! They also organise it really well so everything's stress free and you can just relax and enjoy. I'm usually the kind of person that researches my own itineraries and it was nice to hand over the planning for a change and be surprised with all the activities they arranged - island hopping, canoeing down jungle rivers, and exploring mangroves and white sandy beaches were some highlights.” - Georgia
exclusions
flights to and from colombo
meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
tips and gratuities
travel insurance
visas
opt-in activities
inclusions
6 nights accommodation in ahangama
workshops by emily as listed on the itinerary
breakfast/brunch everyday (except for day 1) provided by in house chefs sourcing local ingredients
dinner everyday (except for day 7) provided by in house chefs sourcing local ingredients
national park safari
day trip to galle
day trip to tea plantations
aweventurer transformative travel journal
goodie bag
all ground transportation in country for activities
1 group airport transfer from colombo
FAQs
How can I join?
Please secure your place by paying a deposit, the full trip price or opting onto a payment plan. Confirmation will take place via email. There is a maximum number of places available on this trip so act fast.
How many people will be on the trip?
Our trips run from 10 - 16 people.
How do I get there?
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, with direct and connecting flights available from major cities worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Travelers from the US and Canada can connect via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore.
What is the rooming configuration?
Rooms are a mix of private or twin rooms.
How can I pay?
Either pay in full or pay the deposit now, and book onto a payment plan, using the book now button.
Are payment plans adjustable?
Yes. All payment plans are flexible and can be adjusted to suit your needs, provided the full balance is paid at least two months before the trip start date.
Why is pricing shown in euros?
You’re welcome to book and pay in your own currency, however our retreat pricing is displayed in euros because we pay our suppliers and partners in euros. this helps us keep pricing consistent and transparent across all locations.
What should I pack?
Essentials
Workout clothing
Flip-Flops/Sandals: For beach and casual wear.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Protect skin and avoid bugs.
Snorkeling Gear & Dry Bag: For water activities.
Extras
Reusable Water Bottle: Many islands have refill stations.
Cash (USD): For payments and tips.
Power Bank & Underwater Camera: For excursions and memories.