BALTIC WINTER, HIIUMAA ISLAND, ESTONIA

During this unique Photo Retreat we will photograph day and night one of the most serene winter landscapes on Earth: the island of Hiiumaa, Estonia. This pristine island, home to UNESCO-recognized heritage and natural treasures, encapsulates the purest essence of Baltic winter—snow-draped forests, silent beaches, frozen reeds, historic lighthouses, and the vast, ice-fringed Baltic Sea. In February, Hiiumaa becomes a visual symphony for the photographer: subtle tones, elemental shapes, crystalline air, and a contemplative mood that invites quietness, silence, and deep introspection. During this Photo Retreat, we will enjoy total flexibility and the feeling of having a memorable modern home away from home—our own contemporary house nestled in the heart of the island, a perfect base for exploration and creativity.

There are many ways of experiencing and photographing Hiiumaa, but this one will be richer and more memorable than any other you can imagine. We will be living in a wonderful modern house set in nature, a warm and welcoming sanctuary where we will spend our nights, share nourishing meals prepared by our own chef, and have dedicated space to work on the images we make—editing, printing, and creating a beautiful handmade book at the end of the Retreat. From our doorstep, we will venture to windswept beaches, evergreen forests, reed-fringed marshes, and the island’s iconic lighthouses—Kõpu, Tahkuna, and Ristna—each a poetic beacon in the winter light.

We have chosen the quietest period of the year to visit Hiiumaa—February—when the island rests beneath fresh snow and the sea breathes ice. We will avoid crowds entirely and embrace the profound stillness that winter bestows, enjoying crisp, clean air, soft light, and long blue hours that are perfect for photography. This is the season for elemental beauty, for listening to the hush of snow underfoot, for watching the horizon glaze with ice, and for discovering how peace itself becomes our subject.

As with all our Photo Retreats, Rafael will work every day with each participant to edit, post-process, and print a curated portfolio of images made during the week. At the end of the week, Anca, who is also a professional bookmaker, will craft a handmade artist book for each participant, beautifully showcasing a curated selection of your printed photographs from this extraordinary winter retreat—an authentic, unforgettable experience on the island of Hiiumaa.