Masterclasses and Retreats for Photographers
Simply Art is an educational collaboration between world-renowned photography educators and artists, Erin Elizabeth Photography and Anja McDonald Photography. After decades of teaching professional photography workshops worldwide with our solo businesses, we decided to combine forces and bring our wealth of knowledge and experience into collaborative events designed to help photographers strive towards longevity, profits and success. Our masterclasses and retreats have become wildly popular worldwide, and we are proud to say that we have helped thousands of photographers around the globe take their businesses to the next level.
Skills you will gain from attending Simply Art masterclasses or retreats:
Technical knowledge about settings and WHY we use them
Advanced posing in both studio and outdoor sessions
Lighting techniques with one or multiple lights
Client preparation and client relations
Pricing in EXTENSIVE detail - we want you to be profitable!
Marketing - finding the RIGHT clients in your area
Branding yourself and your business
Choosing locations and session times
1:1 mentoring session time with both Erin and Anja
Editing - both fine art and normal client workflow
AI - how it can contribute to your workflow
Steps to increase your productivity - time is money!
FULL access to the Simply Art Academy Facebook group
FULL access to our extensive catalogue of videos and resources
Unconditional on-going support via our exclusive group
ALL of Erin’s extensive teaching videos
A newborn posing guide to keep
ALL of Anja’s actions and editing resources
Individual portfolio review
A beautiful workbook covering every aspect of the masterclass or retreat
And much MUCH more!!
Simply Art masterclasses are designed to be MORE than just a one stop educational experience. We give you the crucial foundations to truly KNOW your camera, lighting, posing, editing, and business strategies, all of which are vital for longevity in this industry. However we also take that next step to stay in contact and provide continued education and resources to help you drive your business towards financial success. We know it’s not just about being able to create pretty pictures - there is so much more to running a successful photography studio, and we will make sure you learn everything there is to know about how to make that happen.
We have an extremely high return rate for our students - many of them have been on multiple retreats, a fact for which we are extremely proud. If you’d like to know more about what our past students say about Simply Art Masterclasses and retreats, please check out their testimonials below. We look forward to meeting you and starting your journey towards success!
Want to hear what our students have to say? Check out our past student testimonials on our main page by clicking here!
2025 Masterclasses and Retreats
Behind the scenes!
Hear what our students have to say!
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Attending the newborn photography retreat in March was an absolute game-changer for my business. This experience, led by the incredibly talented and world-renowned photographers Erin and Anja, was nothing short of outstanding. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a world of newborn photography like never before. The comprehensive course covered everything from mastering intricate poses to the nitty-gritty of running a successful photography business. Erin and Anja's expertise shone through every session, and their passion for teaching was truly inspiring. One of the standout aspects of this retreat was the hands-on experience. Learning the art of newborn posing from two of the best in the industry was a dream come true. Their patience, attention to detail, and willingness to share their trade secrets elevated my skills to a whole new level. The knowledge I gained here has not only improved the quality of my work but has also set me apart in a competitive industry. But it wasn't just about the technicalities. Erin and Anja also shared invaluable insights into the business side of newborn photography. From branding to marketing, pricing strategies, and client relations, they left no stone unturned. Their guidance has helped me streamline my business practices and boost my brand's presence in the market. Beyond the enriching content, the retreat fostered a sense of community among fellow photographers. The camaraderie and shared passion for newborn photography made this experience even more special. I left not only with enhanced skills but also with wonderful new friendships. In summary, this retreat was the best investment I made for my newborn photography business. Erin and Anja are true industry leaders, and their dedication to teaching and empowering fellow photographers is commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to excel in newborn photography and take their business to new heights. Thank you, Erin and Anja, for an unforgettable and transformative experience!
- Bernie Rose Photography
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I attended the Simply Art Retreat in Rockingham, Western Australia with Erin, Anja and Carly towards the end of 2022. I initially held off on registering for this event. I was slightly nervous about attending 3 days in a house with 10 people I had never even met, BUT I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and bought that spot! From the moment I entered the beautiful premises I was greeted with warm hearts, genuine smiles, made to feel welcome and comfortable. I absolutely loved the energy that came with this workshop! Erin, Anja and Carly are true professionals without being intimidating. They are hilarious, vibrant and such talented creatives, it was such a a vibe to learn from both of them. I loved that their teaching styles and unique personality traits made them so completely different to watch and listen to. I found I could take away a lot of practical tips and insights into how they both work in a variety of situations, invaluable really. Every element of the workshop was inclusive, fun and practical. I honestly learnt so much during my time at this retreat. It was jam packed with exciting shoots from sunrise to sunset, studio to lifestyle, even headshots! They had engaged a diverse range of subjects which added to the overall experience. There was freedom to ask questions, and seek feedback constantly throughout the retreat. There was time to hang out and get to know these ladies (believe me they are pretty crazy fun to be around), and all of the other attendees too. We ate, we drank, we laughed and we learnt, it was 3 of the best days I had in 2022. The biggest takeaway for me from this retreat, is that I will be back attending another one in 2023!!! Nic x
- Place of Love Photography
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A little post for fellow photographers... I honestly can not speak highly enough of investing in upleveling and professional development with the right educators. There are so many 'educators' out there offering 'Auff" or simply what they to' and they have no idea how to customise their education to suit the Individual needs of their students. We are seeing a massive surge of relatively newer photographers offering workshops etc who have no idea how to actually run a profitable and sustainable business and also have no idea how to answer technical questions regarding lighting, poses etc. a lot are actually offering workshops etc because they aren't actually making money or ends meet in their business BUT they are telling others how to run a business If you want value for money and also an incredible experience, my recommendation is to invest in education with @simplyartmasterclass @anjamcdonaldphotography and @erin_elizabeth_photography) Regardless of your shooting style or editing - their workshops are created to further you and your business. Both ladies also offer one on one mentoring!!!!
- Tess Jasmine Photography
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For any photographers thinking of doing it, can I just say I took SO much away from the retreat. Not only in terms of upskilling my technique but the business planning was absolutely invaluable. No matter what your style of photography is these ladies are solid proof of running a highly successful, highly profitable long term business with over 20 years experience each. I'm still on such a high and can't wait to implement my 12 month business and marketing plan... it's juicy and I feel solid knowing @anjamcdonaldphotography and @erin_elizabeth_photography are genuinely interested in seeing me succeed! Invest in yourself, it'll be the greatest thing you do!!!
- Laura Lambert Photography
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Hey everyone, I’ve just done the Simply Art online academy Masterclass (by Erin Elizabeth & Anja McDonald Photography) and have to share how amazing my experience was! It’s a 2 day live interactive workshop where we joined via a private Facebook group and watched them both live covering full newborn and maternity sessions. There’s also a 3rd full day which covers all their editing business & marketing. They went into so much detail about lighting, angles, posing, how they prepare for shoots and prepare clients, just everything you would need to know and it’s all recorded in the group to rewatch as often as I need. Also included was Anja’s action set and Erin’s beach family video to download, plus some bonus discounts on their favourite vendors. Overall, it’s literally everything you could possibly need to know to run a successful photography business. The biggest thing I’ve taken from it is getting it right in camera, so I’ve reduced my editing loads and have much better communication workflow with clients too. Highly recommend it!
- Carly Sinden Photography
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Thank you Simply Master Class I knew I was going to learn, but I didn't know it was going to be as much as I did. Erin Hoskins and Anja McDonald shared so much information and any questions asked, they would answer with such great explanations! Not only was it hands-on, but we also discussed many aspects that business owners might not even think about. These ladies are amazing-so humble, funny, and down to earth. This workshop changed my perspective on education and the power it has. It has been the best investment I've ever made in my photography business so far looking forward to implement all that I’ve learned. Highly recommend these ladies! Hope to join a photography retreat in the future
- Jasmine Elise Vega, Jazzy Photography
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I've attended Anja & Erin's WA Retreat in Perth this last week and it was the best thing I did this year, absolutely amazing and incredibly worth it! For me it was a dream come true to meet these two lovely ladies in person alone, but the retreat has given me so much more. Apart from learning new skills it has given me my fire and passion back that I have been lacking a little lately. It's given me confidence to put up my prices and belive in myself to ask for what my work is worth. I've come home having the courage to do what I want to do and how I want to do it in my business, the style I love, and not follow what everyone else is doing out there (whether it's how they run their business or style they offer). Follow your dream everyone and if you ever thought of attending a workshop with Erin and Anja, please don't hesitate, you won't regret it!! It was the best money spent this year and so much fun!! Special shout out to Carly who looked after us all making sure we were all fed and hydrated throughout the whole workshop. Thank you ladies for an amazing experience and great times!!!
- Reka Choy, Hello Baby Photography
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I'm a beginner photographer as in "very new" and new here. I've just recently attended the most epic NZ retreat with the amazing Anja McDonald and Erin Hoskins and I'd say I gained a lot of learnings in every aspects of the workshop. I'm glad that I joined the retreat and I feel I am starting on the right path. Although I'll be taking baby steps towards my goal, I'm so looking forward to thrive and learn more along the way.
- Ann Sampson
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I attended the first SimplyArt Masterclass WA Retreat from 15th November for 3 days. What a fantastic , fun, informative experience. We learnt Maternity, Sunrise and Sunset shoots, Newborn lighting and Natural light photography and business information to help you run a successful business. Anja McDonald and Erin Hoskins with their wealth of knowledge were so informative and no questions were off limits. Not to mention Carly Sinden who helped behind the scenes with her culinary skills and friendship. I highly recommend that you attend the next retreat. Not only that, you get to mix with others that have the same interests as you and make new friends. It was so much fun. Thank you!
- Sharon Jones Photography
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I would like to share my satisfaction over the amzing SIMPLY ART ONLINE ACADEMY with Erin Elizabeth & Anja McDonald Photography workshop I attended in Dubai , they cover every aspect of newborn & maternity photography, I personally learned a lot and I would highly recommend it to anyone planing to improve his skills.
- Ainona Ayad Photography
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Hey just wanted to do a review on the SIMPLY ART ONLINE ACADEMY with Erin Elizabeth & Anja McDonald Photography so much information for newborn and maternity, lighting, editing, posing and business talk at the end. Highly recommend and the beauty of it being online I get to watch it over and over again. Excellent education from two amazing photographers Erin Hoskins and Anja McDonald.
- Devina Wright, Wild River Photography