SUMMER SOLSTICE RETREAT
Under the Midnight Sun
June 15–18, 2026 · Salo, Finland
Hosted by Ottilia Orenius & Jullianne Medeiros
THE EXPERIENCE
In the week of the Finnish midsummer, when the sun barely sets and the air feels suspended in light, we gather in a rustic lakeside villa to create, slow down, and step into a fairytale of our own making.
Summer Solstice is an immersive editorial storytelling retreat under the Nordic light, where photography meets visual poetry, slow living, and cultural ritual.
For four days, we explore light, styling, narrative, and atmosphere through curated scenes, local traditions, and intentional creative work.
THE LOCATION
Stay North · Marjaniemi (1h20 from Helsinki Airport) · A villa by the lake, surrounded by forests and fields.
We will also explore Mathildedal, a charming historic village known for its artisan shops, rustic halls, and beloved café housed in an old villa with a garden.
WHAT WE WILL CREATE
Fairytale tablescape in a tree-lined alley
Flower crown styling inspired by Nordic midsummer traditions
The ritual of gathering seven wild flowers
Outdoor scenes
Nordic summer food styling
Editorial shooting in a rustic stone hall with arched windows
Golden-hour lakeside moments
Sauna and swim in a crystal-clear Finnish lake
Long garden dinners under the nightless sky
EDUCATIONAL FOCUS
This retreat is open to all levels. We will work primarily with cameras (DSLR or mirrorless), though mobile photography is welcome.
Included in the educational experience:
Light & storytelling sessions
Styling and editorial direction guidance
30-minute feedback session
Portfolio review on the final day
Editing guidance
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DAY 1 · Monday · June 15 | Nordic light study & Storytelling
Arrival 10:00 AM · First talk · Workshop 1 · Welcome lunch · Workshop 2 · Garden dinner
DAY 2 · Tuesday · June 16 | Flower crowns · Wild flowers · Fairytale tablescape
Breakfast · Workshop 3 · Lunch · Workshop 4 · Lake swim & sauna · Outdoor dinner
DAY 3 · Wednesday · June 17 | Mathildedal exploration
Breakfast · Rustic hall shoot · Café lunch · Artisan shops · Editing time · Final midnight sun dinner
DAY 4 · Thursday · June 18 | About your light
Breakfast · Portfolio reviews & closing session · Brunch · Departure at 16:00
Your
hosts
Ottilia Orenius is a food photographer and visual storyteller based in Finland.
With over seven years of experience, she creates evocative imagery that blends gastronomy, atmosphere, and narrative.
Her work is rooted in a deep love for food, shared moments, and intentional storytelling, bringing together aesthetics and strategy within meaningful visual content.
Jullianne Medeiros
Jullianne Medeiros is a photographer, visual storyteller, and creative director, and the founder of ABOUT Magazine and With Other Eyes. Her work explores the intersection of food, light, and emotion, creating poetic and atmospheric imagery rooted in natural light and sensory storytelling. Through her photography, publications, and immersive experiences, she invites others to slow down, observe deeply, and reconnect with their own visual voice.
INVESTMENT
€2,450 · Single Room (2 places)
€2,250 · Shared Room (4 places)
€1,850 · Workshop Only (4 places)
€200 Early Bird discount with full upfront payment
Payment Plan: €500 non-refundable deposit · 50% due April 15 · Final 50% due May 15
VAT notice:
Finnish VAT (25.5%) is added at checkout for customers based in Finland. EU business customers will be invoiced without VAT (reverse charge). If you are an EU business, please enter your VAT number at checkout or contact us if in doubt.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation (depending on category)
All meals (Monday lunch – Thursday brunch)
Material for styling & floral creation
Access to rustic hall location
Sauna experience
Local beverages
Local transportation
Group airport transfer at scheduled time
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Hotel for non-residential participants
Transfers outside scheduled group time
CANCELLATION POLICY
The €500 deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance may be refunded only in case of serious unforeseen circumstances or transferred to a future retreat. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
If this experience resonates with you, we would love to welcome you.
Places are intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy of the retreat. To apply, please fill in the form below to check availability. We will then personally get in touch with you via email with all the details to complete your booking.
