Hello
There are times when you miss yourself. You may not know exactly when it happened—only that somewhere between caring for others, keeping things moving, and meeting the needs of everyday life, time for yourself became harder to find.
The Art of YOU is an invitation to make that time. These intimate retreats bring together a personalized, customized fine art portrait experience, thoughtful care, creative exploration, and room to rest. A day close to home, a private stay, or an adventure shared with a small group of women—each offers space to slow down, quiet the nervous system, feel your own presence, and meet yourself again.
At the heart of every retreat is a tailored portrait session created with you. We make room for the quiet, the playful, the dressed-up, and the beautifully undone. Around that, the experience unfolds through reflection, nourishing meals, time in nature, and thoughtfully chosen wellness practices. There is room to enjoy being cared for, to try something new, and to simply be.
Day Retreats
An unhurried experience that gives you permission to step away from your usual responsibilities and spend a day in your own company. Together, we shape a balance of rest, reflection, pampering, and a customized photoshoot experience around what draws you here. There may be journaling, gentle movement, a beautiful meal, or time outdoors—with breathing room between each part. Your portrait session grows from the time we spend getting to know you and what you want to express.
Solo Retreats
A private retreat created around one woman: you. Available locally and in select destinations, these extended stays allow time to arrive, exhale, and ease into the experience. Thoughtful accommodations, personal touches, nourishing meals, a personalized photo session, and opportunities for reflection and care surround your time. We plan together, leaving room for rest, discovery, and the unexpected moments you may want to linger in.
Group Retreats
Intimate gatherings of no more than eight women, brought together in places chosen for their beauty, character, and possibilities. Each retreat has its own theme and rhythm, weaving adventure, rest, creative exploration, and connection with individually guided portrait sessions shaped around the destination. Shared meals and experiences offer opportunities to connect, while personal time gives you room to reflect and enjoy your surroundings at your own pace.
Meet Shira
I’m Shira W Rose, a photographic artist for women based in Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina. I’ve watched women lose track of time during a portrait session. For a little while, the rest of the world falls away, and there’s room to meet yourself again. I wanted to give that moment more time. That’s why I began creating retreats.
I want you to feel welcomed, considered, and seen, and to take home portraits that remind you of the time you gave yourself.
Let's Begin
Perhaps you know exactly what you’re longing for. Perhaps you only know that you need some time for yourself. We can begin there. Tell me what is drawing you toward a retreat, and we’ll explore which experience feels right for you.