THE FRAME RETREAT
A curated photographic & video experience at
Lake Como
October 27th, 2026
One day inside Villa Aura del Lago, designed to create refined, editorial imagery rooted in place, movement, and intention.
CO-HOSTED BY DALILA SCATASSA LUXURY EVENTS & PLANNER AND CLOSE ENOUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
More than a workshop. A visual environment.
A day designed to create work that feels intentional, editorial, and deeply connected to place.
Set within the refined atmosphere of Villa Aura del Lago, The Frame Retreat is not about learning how to shoot — it is about why and how you choose to frame what truly matters.
This is Lake Como, stripped of clichés and returned to its essence:
light, rhythm, architecture, movement, and human presence.
The Frame Retreat was created for photographers and videographers who believe that strong imagery is not built through repetition, but through context, intention, and freedom.
For one day, you’ll step into a carefully curated setting where every element — space, subjects, styling, and pace — exists to support a single goal:
the creation of a confident, elevated Lake Como portfolio.
Not imagined.
Not simulated.
But rooted in real places, real movement, and real interaction.
LAKE COMO EXPERIENCED - NOT STAGED
AN EDITORIAL NARRATIVE, NOT ISOLATED SCENES
The experience unfolds like a story rather than a schedule.
From quiet getting-ready moments to refined interiors, from expansive lake views to thoughtfully designed tablescapes, from still details to movement on the water — each chapter is designed to give you range, coherence, and depth.
You won’t be guided toward identical frames.
You won’t be asked to replicate someone else’s vision.
Instead, you’ll be placed inside an environment where your own visual language can surface naturally.
CONNECTION AS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE
The Frame Retreat is also about proximity.
To people who share your visual values.
To Italian vendors and creatives.
To the process behind refined wedding design.
Co-hosted with Dalila Scatassa Wedding, the retreat offers an authentic opportunity to connect with the Italian wedding industry — not through networking, but through shared experience and collaboration.
THIS IS FOR ARTIST WHO…..
Want to enter the Lake Como market with intention
Seek editorial, clean, luxury-driven imagery
Value atmosphere over volume
Believe a portfolio should feel cohesive, not crowded
If you’re looking for formulas, shortcuts, or technical instruction, this is not the space.
If you’re looking to build work that feels true, refined, and unmistakably yours, you’ll feel at home here.
THE SETTING
This is where it all begins.
Nestled between lake and mountains, Villa Aura del Lago becomes the quiet stage where every story will unfold.
Its gardens, terraces, and interiors offer more than a backdrop — they offer atmosphere, rhythm, and light.
Within these walls and beneath these trees, our couples, our model, and every carefully chosen detail will come together.
This villa is not simply the location.
It is the canvas on which The Frame Retreat will take shape.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Date: October 27th
Location: Villa Aura del Lago - Lake Como, Italy
Limited to 14 participants
Investment: €1.200
Payment: up to 3 installments
Access: Application only
THE EXPERIENCE - WHAT TO EXPECT
A curated photography and video retreat set in the refined atmosphere of Lake Como.
Throughout the day, we open the doors of Villa Aura del Lago and transform its spaces into a creative environment designed for intentional portfolio creation. With a limited number of participants, the experience allows time, space, and freedom to explore each setting calmly.
Together we will move through different chapters of a visual narrative — from quiet interior moments to lake-view scenes, editorial table design, and a boat experience on the water. Each setting is thoughtfully prepared to offer variety, atmosphere, and strong storytelling potential.
Rather than replicating identical images, every participant is encouraged to interpret the environment in their own way and build a portfolio that feels personal and refined.
You will leave with a cohesive set of images rooted in the aesthetic and rhythm of Lake Como.
✔ work with two couples and one model in curated settings
✔ photograph across five distinct scenes inside the villa and around the lake
✔ experience a boat shoot on Lake Como with a real couple
✔ create editorial portfolio work in an intentional environment
✔ enjoy a small group experience (max 14 participants)
✔ connect with fellow photographers, videographers and Italian wedding creatives
✔ leave with a refined Lake Como portfolio
FAQ
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The Frame Retreat is open to photographers and videographers who want to create strong editorial portfolio work at Lake Como. Whether you are emerging or already established, the experience is designed for artists who value atmosphere, storytelling, and thoughtful imagery.
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The retreat is intentionally limited to 14 participants.
This allows everyone to work calmly, have meaningful access to the models, and photograph each setting without crowding. -
You will work with two couples and one individual model across five curated settings within the villa and its surroundings — including interiors, lake-view scenes, editorial table design, details, and a boat experience on the lake.
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Yes. The retreat welcomes both photographers and videographers.
To maintain a smooth shooting experience, the balance between disciplines will be carefully managed. -
Travel and accommodation are not included in the participation fee.
Participants are free to choose where to stay around Lake Como, and we will happily share suggestions if needed. -
The participation fee is €1.200, with the option to split the payment into installments.
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Yes. All images created during the retreat can be used for your portfolio, website, and social media. We simply ask that you credit the creative team involved in the project.
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Because places are very limited, registrations are non-refundable.
However, you may transfer your seat to another photographer or videographer if needed. -
Simply complete the application form on the website.
We will personally review each request and get back to you shortly with the next steps.
MOODBOARD
This is not a preview, but a direction. A glimpse into the atmosphere we are building.
Light that moves softly through space, never forced. Architecture as a quiet frame, never a distraction.
Gestures that feel unposed, yet deeply considered.
Textures, materials, and details speaking the same language. Movement on water, stillness on stone.
Editorial elegance rooted in real places.
Images that feel timeless rather than trendy.
What you see here is the beginning — not the result.
BOOK YOUR SEAT
Date: October 27th
Location: Villa Aura del Lago - Lake Como, Italy
Limited to 14 participants
Investment: €1.200
Payment: up to 3 installments
Access: Application only