Creative Adventure*
NAMIBIA
23 Jan - 31 Jan 2027
video by Frederick Van Tonder
Our Creative Adventure 2027 is here
Travel with us to one of the most beautiful places on earth
Felix and Pratik have created an itinerary based on a keen curiosity, explorative spirit and desire to share with others. They’ve teamed up with Bella Kotak to deliver a truly exceptional experience.
*our creative adventures are not strenuous. You won’t have to do any serious hiking or any ‘roughing it’. Namibia is very well equipped and the accommodations are fabulous.
What is it?
A Creative ‘Adventure’ is an exciting experience traveling to various points of interest in a given location.
In this case, we’re starting 2027 off with the cream of the crop:
Namibia
Felix, Pratik, Bella and the team will take you on an exploration of the most incredible locations Namibia has to offer.
You get to take as many pictures as you like, while we take care of every detail, using our in-depth knowledge and connections forged over the years.
We’ll set up styled shoot experiences with a model(s) in locations hand-picked for their natural beauty. You’ll get to shoot in mind-bendingly beautiful locations, photograph with full access to our expertise.
It’s a lot of fun and you get to experience our favorite - the famous Namibian sunsets.
Each day is set up to wow you, to build upon the previous day’s experience.
We won’t give it all away here, but read on to find out more.
Bella Kotak
Special Guest
Fine Art Photographer, Educator and Founder of onlythecurious (Photoshop Tools)
Pratik Naik
Host
Commercial and Editorial Retoucher, Photoshop Educator and Co-Founder of Photoshop Plugin Company Infinite Tools.
Felix Kunze
Host
Commercial and Portrait Photographer, Lighting Educator Member of the Explorers Club
Who you will meet
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One of my favorite things is showing people places that I love.
The first time I went to Namibia, it took my breath away. I knew immediately I would keep coming back for the rest of my life.
The Namib is the oldest desert in the world - and that’s the feeling that envelopes every moment - a wisdom and calm that comes from the land itself. It defies explanation.
For our Adventure, I’ve figured out something I think is unmatched anywhere else on earth - an experience devoid of the throngs of tourists, a way to access one gorgeous location after another, pretty much undisturbed. And even better, you don’t have to think about a thing, everything is taken care of.
I come back feeling refreshed and inspired, and so do those who travel with us.
I’ve been a lot of places, nothing rivals Namibia.
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Namibia always felt like a foreign place left simply for my enjoyment through the photos taken by others. The first time I had a chance to visit Namibia with Felix, it felt life-changing.
Even as I type this words feel inadequate to describe the place.
The vast and ever-changing landscapes somehow exceed every photo I’ve seen, and we experience it in such a beautiful way - creature comforts are accounted for and yet we are at the doorstep of tremendous mind-bending beauty!
When I close my eyes I still vividly see sights I’ve never seen anyone capture.
Not only that, we’ve made it our mission to pepper in curated photoshoots organized by Felix and Bella at these once-in-a-lifetime locations that you’d find impossible doing on your own.
The best part is experiencing these moments of absolute wonder with creatives who appreciate it and also amplify the experience.
It feels like being a kid all over again - filled with a level of joy hidden within us.
Coming back from this trip will give you a permanently life-changing perspective on life that I wish upon everyone.
If you’re reading this, I implore you to lean into your curiosity and come adventure with us in style!
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Ah Namibia, the land of the sun, the wild, the dunes and long roads with not trace of humanity in sight! (Perfect!)
It’s a place like no other - genuinely one of my favorite places on this earth.
This will be my fifth time experiencing it and I can’t wait!
The African air mingled with a unique heat and scent from the desert scape that spills out in front of you stirs emotions that even now I struggle to articulate.
I feel both an adventurer and one who is control of my destiny, one made from my own choices.
Choosing to join Felix and Pratik on this retreat has created some of the best memories and moments of my life so far. The locations we stay in are beautiful - every evening we experience the sunset from a new vantage. Scenic sunset chasing is Felix’s passion and I’m here for it! I’d follow him anywhere!
Whenever possible I love to set up creative photoshoots where I invite everyone to join in! These shoots are filled with play and magic as we capture moments together, bouncing ideas between us while engaging with the stunning landscape.
After each trip I return home as an artist whose senses and soul have been nurtured, core memories made, and lovely new friendships forged!
If you’ve always wanted to experience something wondrous, wild, and creative, while feeling safe and secure in the company of seasoned travelers then this is for you!
*attendance of specific hosts is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to substitute hosts at any time for any reason.
Why Namibia?
Namibia boasts many of the world’s most incredible shoot locations and is known for its stunning light.
Because we know the ins and outs of every location, we can usually get each spot mostly to ourselves.
You simply can’t get this kind of experience on your own.
or keep scrolling to see more
Inspiration to the max
Discover new artistic horizons by immersing yourself in the relentless natural beauty of Namibia.
You will join a small group of photographers for a creative experience like no other.
You’ll come home inspired and refreshed.
Oh and as a bonus: you get a break from winter!
Out-of-this-world portfolio building & creative team
Your team:
Concept & Styling by Bella Kotak
A model hand-picked in Namibia
Felix & Pratik on-hand for any shooting advice and questions
Production, Locations & all logistics taken care of
You focus on your creativity and getting portfolio-worthy images
We will create a professional photoshoot in a couple of the locations we are traveling to, with boundless other opportunities to create great images.
The images you shoot will blow your mind.
These are experiences you’ll treasure for yourself and in your portfolio forever.
All this in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.
An experience that is more than the sum of its parts.
Unbelievable locations
World class in every way, there’s hardly a country with as much versatility, beauty and gorgeous light anywhere on earth. Every new spot will take your breath away.
Over the years Felix and co have travelled around Namibia to create an itinerary that is all heavy hitters.
There’s no ‘filler’ content here.
“Now’s the time to visit Namibia, before everyone else does.”
As Felix says:
“I still get goosebumps when I see the sun rise over those iconic ancient trees at Sossusvlei, or when I get the first glimpses of the humbly-named Fish River Canyon (my favorite). And there’s so much more.
What really sets Namibia apart is the parts no-one tells you about; the moments in between, the random Ostrich/Oryx/Giraffe/Zebra you didn’t expect, the wonderfully diverse flora (have you heard of the mysterious ’fairy circles’?), the stunning and varied landscapes you drive through or the quaint spots where we have lunch.
Namibia knows how to show off. The world is waking up to Namibia’s beauty, now’s the time to visit Namibia, before everyone else does.“
Growth, Joy & Connection
People like you are what makes these experiences special.
These trips create life-long bonds and make close friends. Spending a few days together traveling, talking shop (or not), and doing all this in a vibrant environment unlocks something really unique.
An honesty and openness that is hard to achieve in any other setting.
Photography can be a lonely pursuit (especially in dreary January) - this is the antidote!
For many of the attendees, this is a chance to level up by building stronger connections to people who share the struggles, solutions and successes to being a photographer.
Between the hosts and fellow attendees, the insights shared, the moments of connection and the ideas bouncing back and forth, not to mention the photography itself - these all make all of this an experience that can only be described as ‘boundlessly enjoyable’.
Hear from previous adventurers
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I don't think that I've ever been as emotionally invested in photographs that I've taken as I have on this trip. I look at them and I am gobsmacked. Not because I shot them, but because all of the elements came together and it was alchemy.
Tanya Maycock
Portrait Photographer
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It's difficult to put into words what an incredible experience this was. I had wanted to see Namibia, to add something new to my portfolio and to shoot for myself - but, in the end, it was an opportunity to challenge myself to explore beyond my comfort zone, to see the world through the eyes of other creatives, and to dream. Felix, Pratik and Bella organized an amazing experience but they truly thought through every detail of the trip, including amazing locations, beautiful places to stay and incredible restaurants that seemed to appear out of nowhere. They were locked in on everyone's well-being and had backup plans in case anything went awry. I'll conclude by saying that, as an adult, it is rare to step back and let someone else take the reins but they instilled such confidence in their planning that I got to experience Namibia like a child might - with wonder and curiosity - because I wasn't worried about a thing. I can't thank them enough for all they did and hope I can join them again someday- in Namibia or anywhere else they want to go!
Karissa Van Tassel
Portrait Photographer
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I don't know if I chose this trip or it chose me. What I expected to be a photographic adventure - meeting new people and exploring other methods - turned into something of a persoinal pilgrimage. I'm still processing the myriad of ways this experience, as well as each of these people, has touched my life. I am changed for the better.
Julie Barto
Portrait Photographer
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Thank you for everything that I learned on this adventure. This trip has helped and impacted me so much. I am still 'young' but now I know where I'm going. I feel so privileged - not feeling lost, and that's helped a lot with my confidence for all areas of my life.
Crisol Estrada
Photographer & Designer
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"The Namibia photo retreat will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I arrived, there was this incredible warmth and ease—everyone was welcomed so genuinely that it never felt like a group of strangers. Within days, it became a fun-loving family, with days filled with food (apple pie!), laughter, and endless inside jokes. Traveling from one breathtaking location to another was an adventure in itself—long, dusty drives filled with conversation, music and quiet awe as Namibia’s vast landscapes unfolded around us. Spotting wild giraffes, oryx, and zebras along the way was a thrill, and every stop brought new beauty, fresh inspiration, and memories I’ll never forget (roadside yoga included). But the most meaningful part for me was the time spent side by side with the hosts and all the other creatives in our industry. Sharing meals, stories, and experiences with such talented and genuine people against the backdrop of Namibia was truly once-in-a-lifetime. I’d be remiss not to mention our incredible models and the beautiful Namibian people we met along the way—they added so much heart to the experience. The hosts poured so much care into every detail, making it seamless and allowing us to simply soak it all in. Their generosity and love for Namibia shone through everything, turning the retreat into so much more than photography. It became about connection, growth, and wonder. I came home with incredible images, yes—but even more than that, I came home with friendships, inspiration, a full heart, and a deeper understanding of what it means to create in community and truly be part of one."
Shannon Beauclair
Women empowerment & Family Photographer
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"The Namibia Retreat is truly a life-changing experience. I’ve attended twice and wish I could go every year. You are guided by some of the best instructors in the industry, including Felix Kunze, Bella Kotak, and Pratik Naik. Alongside them is an incredible group of attendees who share the same compassion, kindness, and passion for the craft. The retreat is thoughtfully organized with a focus on safety, unique lodging, and breathtaking photo locations. You leave feeling both creatively and emotionally inspired. These are some of the best memories of my life, and I feel fortunate to have created some of my strongest portfolio images surrounded by the beauty of the people I was with and the incredible country of Namibia."
Kaela Speicher
Editorial, Beauty, Portrait, and Commercial Photographer
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"Namibia with Felix, Bella, and Pratik was pure magic! From the epic landscapes and dreamy locations to the food, cozy stays, and the best travel buddies ever — everything was spot on. And the wildlife — never guaranteed, but so generous to us — made the adventure even more unforgettable. I came back with my batteries fully recharged, creativity on fire, hundreds of photos I’m proud of, and the warm feeling of having gained wonderful new friends. Being out there with such an amazing crew of photographers — shooting, laughing, and soaking in the beauty of Namibia — was honestly priceless. I’m grateful for every single moment! Huge thanks to Felix, Bella, and Pratik — you made this adventure truly unforgettable."
Hubert Adamczyk
Headshot & Portrait Photographer
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"How do you put into words a place that feels like it only exists in movies? For me, that place was Namibia. The wildlife, comets streaking across the night sky, an endless blanket of stars, and sunsets so stunning they didn’t feel real…i was in constant awe. Each location felt like its own dreamscape, pulling us deeper into an adventure that was both surreal and soul stirring! And thanks to the most incredible hosts, I got to completely unplug and just be in the moment. Everything was organized to perfection, making the experience effortless and unforgettable. This trip was the definition of a bucket list moment for me, and I’ll be first in line when the opportunity comes again. And to top it off, going in January was the ultimate reset! A breathtaking way to start the new year in full abundance and remember just how beautiful life can be."
Jacqui Jimenez
Photographer - Boudoir, Maternity, Branding - focused on Women’s photography
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"From the moment we connected to the moment we said goodbye, I knew my life would feel different, as would my photography. The manner in which Felix and Pratik put us all together, we felt immediate joy together. Felix is the master planner which meant we didn’t have to think. Just do and show up on time. Everything was planned out to the T and my body relaxed into knowing this adventure was going to be special. Every minute was incredible. I didn’t know what to expect from the photography experience - I was not disappointed. I’ve been more of a documentarian than a fashion photographer and I can only say I was spoiled for life by the opportunity to photograph our models in the stunning beauty of Namibia. Bella styled the models beautifully. I was forever changed in my work. Felix and team put gather a masterpiece of a journey and photo experience and it’s not something to be missed if you can make it - do it!"
Tony Sargent
Luxury Real Estate Broker & Digital Creative
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"Not sure there are words that can adequately describe this trip. It was so good for the creative soul. Every detail has been taken care of. You just get to show up and be present without pressure of producing anything other than what makes your soul happy. Namibia boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring sunsets, where the sand seems to shimmer, gradually transforming into a magical night sky. All our accommodations were well appointed. But the best part is getting to experience this trip with a wonderful, kind and fun group of people. I can’t thank Felix, Pratik and Bella enough for putting together such a well curated experience."
Irene Osowski
Portrait Photographer
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"Namibia was equal parts adventure, creative breakthrough, and soul reset. The road-tripping was as unforgettable as the destinations—every turn filled with awe, laughter, and moments that took my breath away. The very best part was the creative synergy: conversations, dreaming, and creating side by side with dynamic humans whose energy rivaled the landscapes themselves. I came home seeing light differently, trusting my instincts more deeply, and carrying the desert’s whisper with me still. If you long to reignite your creative spark and push your edges, trust Felix, Bella, and Pratik to lead the way—they’re extraordinary guides and even better humans."
Jama Finney
Branding & Portrait Photographer
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"Out of all the retreats I've done around the world, Namibia is the one that lives rent-free in my heart. The landscapes are otherworldly, the days are filled with inspiration (and surprisingly excellent meals), and every moment is shared with people you instantly feel at home with. Every detail is taken care of so you can just show up, unplug, and actually enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. I left with new and deepened friendships, unforgettable memories and photos, and a strong pull to keep coming back for more!"
Tina Leu
Portrait Photographer
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"Traveling through Namibia was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Felix, Pratik, and their team took care of every detail, curating an unforgettable stress-free adventure. A stunningly exotic untouched landscape with the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. It left me refreshed and creatively rejuvenated! The icing on the cake was getting to enjoy it all with such a wonderful group of inspiring people. I now have friends from all over the world! I will never forget this experience and am eternally grateful for the opportunity to visit this magical place!"
Julie Ross Ryan
Portrait Photographer
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"This is easily the best photography-oriented trip I've been on, bar none. It's impossible for me to pick a favorite part of the trip, even the stretches of road in the car were amazing. I loved traveling to a place I've always wanted to go with like-minded people, the sense of connection with everyone was just fantastic. It's going to take me a while to digest. This trip exceeded my expectation 10x!"
Jeanie Lewis
Photographer and Headpiece Designer
Fabulous accommodations
A good night’s rest is essential to getting the most out of this trip. That’s why we’ve partnered with several of Namibia’s most comfortable lodges along our route. Selected not just for their proximity to attractions, but also for their aesthetic beauty.
You’ll wake up to views of the vast expanse of the desert; in a lodge that’s literally built into ancient rock formations; in an old diamond mining community, all with great facilities, pools and lot of Namibian charm.
They are the perfect spots to rest and recharge for what the next day holds.
*Images from previous trips, actual accommodations may vary
Cost
$9750 (USD)*
Number of participants: max 11**
*deposit of $1999 if chosen to secure your spot
**based on single occupancy of 11 rooms, for couples or those sharing a room, please advise us in your application. Because of Namibian hotel rules, double occupancy does not materially reduce costs.
What's included
✓ 9 Day Creative Adventure
✓ Itinerary intricately planned by Felix and Pratik
✓ Collaborative Photoshoot w/Bella
✓ Location Scouting
✓ Model Fees
✓ Transportation with driver including airport transfers in Windhoek
✓ Gas and Tolls
✓ Lodging for 8 Nights
✓ Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners (excluding alcohol)
✓ Park Entrance Fees & Special Permits
What's not included
✗ Flights to and from Windhoek (capital of Namibia)
✗ Additional Accommodations in Windhoek (if spending an additional night at end of the trip)
✗ Additional Snacks
✗ Alcoholic beverages
✗ Trip Insurance
✗ Namibia Visa
Apply here
If you’d like to join us, please fill out this form, we will reach out to those who have been chosen to come along. Terms and Conditions apply