A gathering for intentional women,
rooted in the wild beauty of Eastern Oregon.
Becoming:
Embracing Our Changing Stories
with Sarah Waters & Julia Sommer
October 8 - October 11, 2026
There comes a moment when your story changes hands.
A moment when the life you’ve been living no longer needs to be narrated, justified, or carried the same way.
This gathering is for women standing in that moment.
Not because they need reinvention,
but because they’re ready to stand in what’s already true.
Join us for 2 days of connection, reflection, nourishing meals and walking the land together for a rich and rewarding retreat.
Come away with broadened possibilities, new visions, and enriched relationships with both yourself and like-minded others.
Two Full Days + Two Half Days
-
Day One - Imagine
Afternoon Arrival
Evening Opening Circle
-
Day Two - Build
Morning Movement and Mindfulness
Workshop Part 1
Afternoon exploration in Spray and along the John Day River
Dinner in Spray
-
Day Three - Grow
Morning Movement and Mindfulness
Workshop Part 2
Complimentary Portraits with Sarah
Blue Basin Afternoon Trip
Dinner in Spray
Coronation Fire Circle
-
Day Four - Radiate
Morning Departing Circle
Explore on your way home
Meet Your Hosts
-
Portrait + Brand Photographer, Spray Studio Founder
Sarah Waters, a third-generation portrait and editorial-style photographer, has transformed her Spray Studio into a destination retreat space in Eastern Oregon.
Shaped by a lifetime inside photography and raised among master printers, artists, and those who understood that an image can hold both truth and history. Photography is a language she learned early, a way to honor people, and the fleeting nature of time.
When her twins were entering high school, she raised them as a single mother while continuing to build her life and creative path, giving her a reverence for endurance, reinvention, and the kind of steadiness women build when life asks more of them than they expected.
Her work is devoted to creating portraits that honor presence, seeing people clearly ~ images that feel grounded and truthful, and allow women to recognize themselves as they are, and as they are becoming in the world.
-
Hello Marketing, Founder,
Julia Sommer is the founder of Hello Marketing Inc., where for the past 13 years she has helped business owners clarify their voice, own their narrative, and tell their stories with courage and intention.
A strategist by trade and a storyteller at heart, Julia believes that the most powerful brands — and the most powerful women — are built on truth. Her work centers on listening deeply, asking better questions, and helping others articulate who they are becoming, not just who they have been.
As a mother, musician, and creative leader, Julia is living her own renaissance — embracing reinvention as an act of strength. She believes every woman carries wisdom shaped by experience, love, risk, and resilience — and that when we share our stories honestly, we create space for connection, beauty, and possibility.
At her core, she is a guide and a builder — of narratives, of community, and of women who are ready to step fully into their next chapter.
Julia and Sarah will guide the morning sessions and you’ll also have a chance to have a beautiful portrait with Sarah.
“My 4+ days were nothing short of incredible: a soul-filling experience that I look forward to attending again this year. Thank you, for providing exactly what was needed at the very right time.”
~ Pamela Sander
“I appreciated the thoughtful, heartfelt planning by Sarah to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment and experience.
What an amazing circle of women participants - open to play, creativity, vulnerability, sharing and support of one another…
I loved the true magic of unexpected arisings, in myself and others. Such delicious nourishment throughout the weekend too.”
~ Bobbie Chapman
Blue Basin is 40 minutes past Spray and is one of the options of places we explore. Photo by Joni Kabana.
Spray is located along the Journey through Time Scenic byway where you'll see views like this. Photo by Joni Kabana.
There are many areas to explore in the Painted Hills where Sarah will take your portrait.
Walk along the boardwalk at Painted Cove in the Painted Hills.
An afternoon float on the John Day River is always a welcome reprieve from the heat. Photo by Joni Kabana.
Overlooking a valley between Fossil and Spray.
Photo by Dave Crapser, a local artist
Mah Hah Outfitters guides fisherman along the John Day River, walking distance from Spray Garage.
Hikes in the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds get your heart pumping and imagination soaring.
Biscuits by a local community member
Dining together at Spray Studio.
A special dinner treat on our last evening together from a local ranch.
Sunsets are spectacular here in Spray. Photo by Joni Kabana.
The Spray Museum
We had a good time at the Spray Museum!
Portraits in the Painted Hills
Our first retreat, gathering together for storytelling games.
Portraits at Spray Studio
Aerial view of Spray along the John Day River. Photo by Dave Crapser, a local artist.
Portraits at Spray Studio
Enjoy dusk with a cold beverage and tasty pizza with a beautiful John Day River view at Spray's Topwater Pizza.
Night skies here are breathtaking. Photo by Dave Crapser.
Past retreat, our last morning improvisational play at the John Day River
Spray Studio hosts retreats and is the portrait studio of Sarah Waters in the small town of Spray Oregon. We welcomed a band the first year we got started!
History abounds in the John Day River Territory. Spray Studio was the "Old State Shop" back in the day, owned by Oregon Department of Transportation. It was originally built in the 1920's as a garage. This photo is approximately where the current building stands, looking similar to this structure pictured.
What to expect ~
Included:
Breakfast - all days
Lunch - all days
Dinner - all days
All Workshop activities
A Professional Portrait of you to use on your website, for social media, on a book cover, for speaking gigs etc…
Group images for your use
Not Included in Price:
Alcoholic beverages
Lodging
Transportation to Spray and Blue Basin
LODGING OPTIONS:
Sarah helps you plan your stay at one of the following:
Beautiful Airbnb on the river - Sleeps 6 Double Occupancy/3 Single Occupancy (You’ll use my Spray Resident Discount $100 OFF per night):
https://www.airbnb.com/h/sprayhouseontheriver
River Bend Motel
Cozy, quiet, clean, air-conditioned rooms at an affordable rate. Website is being redone, please call Tim at 541-468-2053 for booking information. Call soon, it does fill quickly.
Camping Along the John Day River
Call Sarah to ask about camping options too!
Additional accommodations available, ask Sarah
Who is this for:
Women experiencing life…
Have you faced personal or professional transitions?
Do you want to make deeper meaning of your journey?
Do you enjoy sharing stories - yours and others?
Do you want to rest and play?
This is for you!
A Typical Day
Awaken to the morning sun and sweet smell of sage as you sip coffee or tea before heading to Spray Studio for morning movement and mindfulness.
After a light and nourishing breakfast, begin working with Julia and Sarah in our daily workshop.
Break for lunch and wander down to take in the quiet rush of the river and stretch your legs.
Afternoons will find you exploring the beauty of the area while Sarah captures you in your most flattering element with her creative eye and professional lens.
In the evenings, we’ll continue our conversations and story exploration over dinner, finishing with the most beautifully vibrant starry skies you only see out here in the desert.
Julia and Sarah are excited to welcome you to their first retreat together. Their combined experiences have led them on this path of helping women connect and share their stories.
It is with great joy they are providing this experience at a significantly reduced rate. The full value of this experience is upwards of $2000.
We hope your time with us is meaningful, enlightening and that it will inspire you to start sharing your wisdom. This will be the beginning of a wonderful like-minded community.
Only 10 5 spots and filling up quickly.
By August 15th ~ $790
After August 15th ~ $890
Payment details will be provided upon registration.
To make your payment and find out more information, please submit this form:
