Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Model | paid $500
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
The shoot was such a fun and memorable experience. The team made us feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely cared for from start to finish. The attention to detail and energy throughout the day made it feel really special.
Advice for the host
Everything felt really warm and well organized. The only thing I’d suggest is having more water or drinks available throughout the shoot because we definitely got thirsty between looks and posing. Overall it was still a beautiful experience.
Ride or Die Retreat
Tomi | Attendee | paid $3,000
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
I have loved the creativity, diversity, and heart put into these retreats. Steph is a badass and truly works so hard to make these retreats so incredible. The floral and styling detail is unmatched. I would say I've gone to half a dozen popular retreats in the industry and Ride or Die so takes the cake.
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $3,600
Felt safe: SomewhatRecommends for queer + BIPOC: NoWorth the price: No
Ride or Die Retreat
Gabrielle | Model | paid $500
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
What happened
It was an amazing time. Multiple photographers were present to learn from the lead photographer Stephanie. We were at Hotel Peter and Paul for the shoot.
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $3,600
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: NoWorth the price: No
This retreat was marketed as an inclusive, floral forward event with two full weddings and an elopement. 2/3 model dresses did not fit and they had to be clamped in which really limits what you can do. There was no organization, the hosts kept asking us to time ourselves and it just ended up being a total cluster of people shooting over each other and not being able to shoot because of timing. None of the couples had any experience and they all said they were uncomfortable in front of the camera. Totally get wanting to use real couples for educational purposes but this wasn't an educational retreat it was a portfolio one. Having wardrobe that doesn't fit + uncomfortable models showed in the photos. They had 2 queer couples and failed to introduce anyone with pronouns. All the shoots started late and the elopement shoot was rushed because we ran out of time inside due to it starting late. There were detail suites but with different names than the models and no props to use, literally just stationary. You'd think with a 'floral forward' event they would have had something to go with the details. There was also no 'real wedding' flow outside of a couple spots for portraits. No getting ready outfits, etc. Nothing that really made it feel like a 'real wedding' other than the brides being in dresses that didn't fit. At a 3.6k price point, nothing else was included. There was no water, snacks, anything. No lodging or transportation or meals. Paid 1.2k/shoot for models with dresses that didn't fit and that didn't like to be in front of the camera. Minimal details + setup. They also chose a venue with a history tied to slavery which is absolutely wild. The hosts seemed like they were more there to kiki with each other than make sure the attendees were good. Would not recommend.
Advice for the host
Organization. Have a plan for the attendees. Make sure the dresses fit the models and the models you hire are comfortable in front of the camera. Setting up one pose and letting all 12+ people shoot it sucked up so much time. If you advertise as a full wedding day, there should be elements of a full wedding day. Have props for the details, you need something more than just stationary alone (especially when this was advertised as floral forward).
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $2,600
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
I'm queer myself, and one thing I loved about this retreat was the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ models and couples!
I also made a solid group of friends during this retreat, which was awesome!
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $4,000
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
One of the best if not the best retreat around! Steph’s creativity, inspiration and hard work is unmatched. From the organization and attention to detail to the all inclusive models and styling, there’s no one like Steph putting together such amazing and creative styled shoots.
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $3,000
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
This retreat was really worth the return on investment. So much detail went into every shoot and the creativity is like nothing I've ever seen. Steph's team of vendors was incredibly kind and helpful. She also chooses diverse models, which I really appreciated. Overall, it was just a great experience and I hope to go back again one day.
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $2,750
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
Attending a Ride or Die retreat was one of the greatest experiences in my photo career. While it’s been a while since my time there, retreat elevated my confidence in the photo industry and created a space where I felt arguably the most loved & passionate I’ve ever been.
Ride or Die Retreat
Anonymous | Attendee | paid $3,000
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
The best retreat I’ve been to hands down!
Ride or Die Retreat
Chelsa | Attendee | paid $1,800
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
AMAZING RETREAT. Incredible content that I still love and use today.
Ride or Die Retreat
Leslie | Attendee | paid $4,000
Felt safe: YesRecommends for queer + BIPOC: YesWorth the price: Yes
I host retreats myself and have been to so many and the ride or die retreats are top notch for my portfolio. I feel they are so leveled up from anything I’ve attended. My favorite part is how they break u into small groups so u have individual time with the couples and don’t have to fight for your shot. I also really love the art direction. They’re so creative and think outside of the box. They really are like walking onto set of a Vogue shoot and getting to photograph it. This is my second shoot with this team and I will def attend more
What happened
I had an incredible time and it was amazing for my portfolio
Advice for the host
