Salt Lake City, Utah | June 25-28
a photographers dream content weekend
“This wasn’t just a retreat—it was a reminder of the magic that happens when passionate people come together with purpose” - Lucy S.
meet your host
maegan grendell host & speaker
HELLO!!! My name is Maegan Grendell…Creative portrait photographer & host of The Creative Collective! I live in Utah, and moved here in 2020 after living in Washington State my whole life!
Growing up, I was surrounded by a passion for art and photography. My parents both have a love for it as well, which is why I picked up my first camera at age three. I never put it down. There is nothing quite like creating art with people, and of people. Especially art that is untraditional, authentic, emotional, and tells a story.
Besides photography, I love spending time with my friends, husband, and family… I love music and concerts, the gym is my favorite stress reliever, I always need a lil drink, I want to travel everywhere and anywhere, and I feel happiest outside :)
I never would have dreamed I would get do to something as fulfilling and motivating as this, let alone as my full time job. Photography allows me to create with intent, meet the most kind-hearted people, spend time in stunning locations, and tell stories in a new way.
This will be the THIRD Creative Co, I can’t believe it. I am so excited.
I cannot wait to meet you & to create with you!
the speakers
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Summer Grace
SPEAKER / WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER & EDUCATOR
Summer Grace is a Washington-based wedding photographer, but her true passion lies in teaching and mentoring other photographers. She began her journey into photography at just 16, quickly discovering it was more than a career—it was a way to connect, tell stories, and create something extraordinary.
As the founder of her educational brand Summer School, she empowers photographers to refine their craft and build sustainable, inspiring businesses. Drawing from her own experiences navigating the ups and downs of the industry, she shares practical advice, creative inspiration, and the tools needed to stand out in a competitive field.
When she’s not teaching or photographing weddings, Summer enjoys life in Tacoma, WA with her husband, a musician and audio engineer, their baby girl Georgia Grace, and their pup, Indigo. Through her work, Summer’s mission is to help others create art and a life they’re proud of.
@summergrace.photo
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Mya Nichol
SPEAKER / INSTAGRAM EXPERT AND BUSINESS COACH
Mya Nichol is a sustainable business coach and Instagram expert who teaches entrepreneurs how to grow a profitable, life-first business. As a mom of two and a homesteader, she’s built a business that supports slow mornings, dirt-under-the-fingernails afternoons, and $5k–$50k months—all from strategic content and simplified systems. Today, she helps her students do the same through clear messaging, organic marketing, and sustainable business foundations that don’t require hustle or burnout.
@myanichol
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Wild Abby Photo
SPEAKER / DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHER
Abby is a photographer based out of Logan, Utah. It’s a small mountain town centered entirely around the outdoors. She travels frequently for weddings around the world and shoots an excessive amount of film. Her goal from the beginning has been to have fun, and keep things creatively fresh. She’s built a business that is free flowing and abundant in hearty friendships, good food, and a consistent shared stoke for days spent outside on the waves and trails and rocks. She believes that life is our first and greatest work of art and has learned through years of trial and error to balance a deeply fulfilling personal life within a deeply fulfilling business. She’ll be talking through the layers of emotion, history, and colors that keep us honest and imperfectly human as artists.
@wildabbyphotos
the locations
mountains, salt flats, studio, sand dunes
the investment
all inclusive
DON’T MISS A THING
An all inclusive ticket includes:
A 3 night stay in our air bnb
8 meals
Access to all 10 styled shoots
Education from all 4 speakers & q&a
Portfolio building photos at all 4 locations
shared bed
$2,850
private bed
$3,200
*Does not include travel or transportation to and from shoots*
day pass
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR JUNE 26th
A day pass ticket includes:
3 meals
Access to 4-5 styled shoots
Education from 2 speakers & q&a
Portfolio building photos at 2 locations
$900
*Does not include travel, lodging, or transportation to and from shoots*
what past attendees are saying…
“Going to creative co was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been to a few retreats like this and this one has been my favorite. Maegan’s concepts are mind blowing and seeing them come together was absolutely crazy. The variety of shoots, the models, the attendees, and the speakers were all perfect and my experience could not have been better. 10/10 you’ll regret it if you don’t go.”
— @winnslens
“Creative Co is the perfect event for photographers wanting to branch out in their photography and shoot in a new environment. I'm coming from Orange County, California, where there aren't a lot of greenery/mountains so I LOVED being able to shoot in a completely different backdrop than I am used to! Being able to watch Maegan shoot and learn from her is a dream come true and I am so happy I was able to attend. I am so grateful for the friendships I made while I was here. To be able to bond with so many photographers is so special. The concepts were executed perfectly and I will absolutely be back!”
— @amyareyphotography
From the very first shoot to the final evening together, it felt like something truly special was unfolding. Being surrounded by so many unique personalities and talented creatives—each with their own perspective, style, and story—was overwhelming in the best way. There were several moments where I honestly felt on the verge of tears, just soaking in the passion and artistry that filled every space we shared. It reminded me why I started creating in the first place. Maegan curated something incredibly intentional and soul-nourishing. Every detail, from the locations and styled shoots to the conversations and educational moments, was crafted with care and authenticity. You could feel how much heart she poured into it—and it made the whole weekend feel safe, supportive, and creatively electric. This wasn’t just a retreat—it was a reminder of the magic that happens when passionate people come together with purpose. I’m leaving with a full heart, a refreshed creative spirit, and a deeper sense of community than I’ve ever felt in this industry. Thank you, Maegan, for creating this space. I’m so grateful.
— @lucy_spencer.photo
“This retreat was worth every penny I spent. I felt very safe, taken care of, and I was having fun, learning new things each day. The entire trip, start to finish, was truly life changing. If I was specifically talking about photography, my favorite part would have to be going to each different location. My mind was blown away at each one and I kept feeling more and more excited! Overall, I would have to say the best part was meeting my new best friends. Everyone welcomed each other with open arms, there was no negativity, no drama, only positive affirmations & teaching each other new skills. Even though the car rides were long sometimes, that was where we got to know one another, tell funny stories, laugh, sing our hearts out, etc. I’m not the best at making new friends but this retreat changed my life. Yes, because of the skills and information I learned, but also because of the people I met and the relationships I formed.”
— @paytonbayphotography
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The Creative Co. is a content and education weekend that will take place in Salt Lake City, UT from June 25-28, 2026.
Attendees will build friendships, expand their portfolio, better their business, explore Utah, build a community of likeminded creatives. You will be attending TEN creative styled shoots in FOUR iconic Utah locations, and will be taught by FOUR talented and experienced educators.
20 photographers
10 photoshoots
4 educational speakers
4 locations
1 air bnb
The Creative Co. eliminates the stress of planning and allows for photographers to show up ready to create and connect.
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This three day event is geared towards photographers who have a hunger to learn, meet other creatives, expand their portfolio in new ways, and to create!
Photographers of all levels of experience and niches are welcome to apply.
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The weekend will consist of 10 unique photoshoots at 4 iconic Utah locations.
These photoshoots will include a good mix of niches; editorial, storytelling couples, creative portraits, documentary bridal, etc. All shoots have the same goal: push attendees to create outside of the box and create work like never before.
Come eager to create and break boundaries.
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Maegan will be reviewing ALL applications and choosing 17 photographers who are a great fit and will benefit most from the Creative Co. at this time.
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Our 10 shoots will take place at these 4 locations:
Mountains
Salt Flats
Sand Dunes
Studio
Some of these locations require a short walk up a steep hill. It will be warm :) Come prepared!
Please be aware that some locations are far and we will be driving quite a bit throughout the weekend!
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$600 will be required upon acceptance to secure your spot. The remaining cost will be split into three payments. The total cost is due four weeks prior to the event.
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I get it! It can seem silly to share a bed with someone you just met. If you decide to share a bed, you will be matched with a roommate that I think you would get along well with! One of my goals for the weekend is that everyone feels welcome and comfortable. If there is any worry beforehand or any issue during the weekend, please feel free to talk to Maegan!
But if you choose to do so, this helps to keep costs down as well as allow more attendees to experience Creative Co! Our Air Bnb has a limited number of beds, so sharing beds maximizes our space. The beds are queens, so don’t worry! You will have plenty of room. A sleepover!!!!