Lens Launch
Launch Your Dream Photography Business
from Costa Rica with fellow Female Entrepreneurs.
May 3rd - May 7th, 2025
Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center in Samara, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
5 Days of Connection & Productivity
Samara,Costa Rica
$7497 per person
Special Pricing for May!
$3577 per person
(Limited to 10 People)
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What is the Lens Launch's Retreat?
Lens Launch is a 5-day immersive retreat designed to help female photographers build and book their dream photography business. Surrounded by like-minded creatives, you’ll craft your brand, capture a professional portfolio, and walk away with real bookings already on your calendar. It’s branding, business, and sisterhood — all in one unforgettable experience.
Does this sound like you?
You’ve got the vision, but need help turning it into a brand with a logo, website, and socials that feel like you.
You want a standout portfolio, but need creative space and support to build it.
You’re ready to book clients — you just need a system that works and helps you feel confident doing it.
You’re stuck on pricing and offers and wish you had clarity and direction.
You’re craving a circle of creative women who truly get you and support your growth.
About our Event Host: Carlie Oakenshield, Photography Business Ninja
Carlie Oakenshield is a professional photographer and creative director who specializes in branding photography that tells a story. She’s helped build over 10 brands, blending visual strategy with soul to bring bold visions to life.
As the founder of her own production company, Carlie now empowers women to step fully into their brand through imagery that books clients and builds confidence.
Everything Taken Care of For You
This event is designed to be the perfect vacation: a great balance of personal breakthroughs, deep connections, play time and relax time. We have done all of the travel logistics and planning for you. Just get yourself to Costa Rica!
What is included:
Room & Board. Your room will step out onto the palm trees and beach front.
Morning & evening circles, lead by Carlie Oakenshield.
Daily activities include bonfires, boogie boarding, kayaking, and more. Choose to participate in all or none.
Relax. There will be plenty of hammock and pool time.
Food. Your dinners will be provided, and you will have a full kitchen in your apartment-style room for the rest of your meals. There are also 20+ restaurants in town.
Ocean Front Experience
Ocean Front
Fenix Hotel
Our guests at the Fenix Hotel enjoy stepping out of their rooms onto the white sand beach.
The property includes a small pool, hammocks and beach beds, and a quiet unpopulated beach front.
It is a WOW.
We are a 15-minute ocean stroll to the city center with 20+ restaurants. Close enough but far enough to get away from it all.
Your Room
Whether you are coming with a friend or by yourself, our guests enjoy an apartment-style hotel room with a main living area and full kitchen. The regular event fee includes a shared room with two XL twins.
You may also upgrade to a private room with a King bed for $500 (if available).
All bedrooms have A/C.
A Sampling of our Events & Activities
Live Music
Enjoy live music on our private beach as you watch the sunset with new friends. This is a magical night you won't want to miss. INCLUDED.
Yoga on the Beach
Enjoy yoga overlooking the beach, led by our amazing staff of yoga teachers.
Massage on Site
Our massage therapist can give you a private massage in your room or on the beach while you listen to the waves. OPTIONAL.
~ $70/person
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy laughter & drinks as we chase the sunset on this magical excursion. Whales & dolphins might join us. OPTIONAL.
~ $55/person.
Travel FAQ's
Q: Do I need to bring adapters? Hair dryer?
Nope, regular plugs work fine. You won't need a hairdryer--your hair will dry in minutes with ocean breeze.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
Liberia, Costa Rica. Yes, you need a passport.
Q: Is the area safe? For women travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for all travelers.
Q: Will there be people who aren't part of our group there?
Nope. The entire boutique resort will be just us.
Q: How much is airfare to Liberia Airport from the US?
$700- $1000 is normal, and we recommend checking the discount airlines directly. Southwest and Alaska have round trip flights regularly for $500 or under.
Q: What is the age group? Are kids allowed?
All adults are welcome. No kids or babies will be at the event. We find that when launching our photographers, focus is required.
Q: How far are we from town?
About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center.
Q: Can I get a private room?
Yep, private rooms are available until they sell out. Just select the upgrade when you check out.
Q: How big is Samara?
Samara is a quaint, travel-friendly beachfront town with 20+ restaurants and shops, banks, etc. It is not a party town.
Q: Can I do additional tours / excursions?
If you have dream to helicopter, zipline, or surf, we have tours for that and more. We'll have a list to choose from when you get here.
Q: Can I come early or stay longer?
As long as the hotel has availability for those dates, absolutely. Contact us to book the hotel as a regular hotel guest outside of the event week. (This website is the only place to book a spot for this event.)
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Payment in full is due to book your spot. All payments are 70% refundable up to 120 days before the event. Payments are not refundable 120 days before the event.
Q: Should I rent a car?
You can rent a car at Liberia Airport. We can also coordinate a shared airport shuttle for you and the other guests.
Q: Can I come for just a few days of the event?
The rate is for the entire event. You will pay the same whether you stay for all or a portion of the event.
Q: Can I come with a friend? A partner?
Yes! You and your female friends and partners are invited.
Q: Do I need to upgrade to a private room if I am coming with someone?
There is no need to upgrade to a private room if you are coming with someone. Just let us know if you would like two twins or a king bed in your room. Both of you will pay regular attendance price.
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