Image City All-Inclusive Photography Retreat

Dates: July 23-26, 2026 Limited to 8 participants!

Photographers and image-makers are invited to gather in Rochester, New York, long known as “The Image City”, for a weekend retreat filled with tours of key photographic institutions such as the George Eastman Museum, Visual Studies Workshop, Kodak Visitor Center, as well as time to share and get feedback on your photographic work. The retreat led by Margaret LeJeune, an internationally exhibited photographic artist and educator with over 20 years experience in the field helping students hone and develop their photographic skills.

For more than a century, Rochester has played a defining role in the history of photography and imaging. It is the home of George Eastman, founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, whose innovations in roll film and accessible cameras transformed photography from a specialized craft into an everyday creative practice. The city continues to inspire photographers, scientists, and visual storytellers through institutions including George Eastman Museum, Rochester Institute of Technology, Visual Studies Workshop, Flower City Arts Center, and numerous photographic galleries and studios.

This 4 day/3 night all-inclusive workshop invites photographers, photo educators, and photographic students to explore Rochester’s unique legacy while growing their network and deepening their understanding of the field. Our days will be filled with group tours to fascinating museums and collections, workshare opportunities in which all participants will have a chance to discuss their current projects and get meaningful feedback on the work, and lots of good food!

What to Expect

• Visits to key photographic institutions such as the George Eastman Museum, Visual Studies Workshop, Rochester Institute of Technology Galleries, and Eastman Kodak Company

• Lectures and discussions by local photographers and photo curators

• Opportunities for portfolio sharing and community critique

• Amazing meals at local restaurants and brewpubs

• Relax and unwind a comfortable and cozy local hotel

Who Should Attend

This workshop welcomes:

• Emerging and experienced photographers

• Artists exploring lens-based media

• Students and educators in photography or imaging science

Why Rochester

Few cities are as deeply connected to the development of photography as Rochester. As the historic home of the Eastman Kodak Company, a global center for optical innovation, and the site of one of the world’s oldest photography museums, Rochester offers a rare opportunity to experience the roots of modern image-making while expanding your community and furthering your personal photographic education.

About The Instructor

Margaret LeJeune is a lens-based artist and educator with over 20 years experience teaching undergraduate, graduate, and life-long learners of all ages. She grew up in Rochester, NY where he father worked at the Eastman Kodak Company for 27 years. LeJeune’s career in academia culminated in her position as Full Professor of Photography at Bradley University. She has been invited to speak and teach at institutions around the world including Rochester Institute of Technology, Trinity College Dublin, Virginia Tech, Johns Hopkins, University of Rochester, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Texas -San Antonio, and University of Toledo among others. In 2023, she was named the Woman Science Photographer of the Year by the Royal Photographic Society (UK).

Tuition includes:

• All retreat programming including entrance fees to museums and galleries

• Three nights lodging in Rochester. Participants can choose single or double occupancy tuition rate.

• All meals are included with tuition. Breakfast is available each morning at the hotel. Lunches, dinners, coffee, and snacks will be provided by local establishments. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options will be available throughout the weekend.

Workshop participants are responsible for their travel to and from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). The ground transportation to and from the airport will be provided.

Tiered Tuition Model - Limited to 8 participants

$1995 Single Occupancy

$1695 Double Occupancy - book with a friend to choose your roommate or let us pair you with a new friend!

$1295 Subsidized - we aim to make our gatherings accessible for as many creatives as possible. This reduced rate includes double-room occupancy, meals, and all workshop activities and is made possible by the support of generous GroundTruth patrons. Limited subsidized tuition spaces available.

Cancellation Policy: Withdrawal from the retreat up to 45 days before the session’s start date will result in a full refund of tuition minus a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made fewer than 44 days before the retreat start date. If the workshop is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire tuition will be fully refunded minus service fees. GroundTruth Institute is not responsible for the cost of airline ticket cancellation or ground transportation costs or fees. Please plan accordingly.