The Photographer’s and Travel Blogger’s Ultimate Training Retreat MikakuPhotography, Retreat, Tours15 comments

Sorry this retreat is now Sold Out
9 days/8 nights

Been thinking of traveling or blogging for a living? Want to improve your photography skills? Wondering how to drive traffic to your blog?

If we were to tell you, you could learn all of that, and more, while having the best tropical vacation of your life, might that be something you would be interested in?

What if we told you that we would offer you a special discount off of the already low price? Add to that Eco-luxury accommodations and instruction from award winning professionals in the field. Intriguing, isn’t it? Our focus is threefold…

1. Improve your Photography
2. Improve your Blog
3. Promote, Market and Monetize

Floating Leaf’s signature Photography and Travel Bloggers Training Retreats are dedicated to providing a deep cultural submersion, professional guidance and instruction, and personal and professional enrichment. Not only will you be exposed to exquisite natural beauty and ancient culture unlike any other on the planet, experienced instructors will provide you with all the tools you need to have a profitable blog. Your teachers are proven professionals who will SHARE crucial steps in developing and promoting your website. It has taken decades of experience to create this training retreat and we welcome you to join us for nine days in Bali’s fascinating and vibrant culture, its majestic natural landscape and the warmth and generosity of its people. It’s a perfect way to advance your career and follow your passion.

Hone you photographic skills and learn to build a world-class blog while exploring unmatched natural beauty and a deeply spiritual and sophisticated culture.

What makes Floating Leaf retreats unique and special?

Our retreats are designed by travel bloggers for travel bloggers.

Established and proven professionals, having received awards, certifications and success with their own blogs, will lead you through what has lead them to success.  Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel while staying up to date with the most current techniques.

After decades of exploration including numerous web properties, photography expeditions, marketing gigs, etc. we have been able to condense only the very best tools, locations and guidelines to provide you with a rich array of photographic and blog development opportunities.

Content is king and there are few places on earth where you can get better content for your blog. Obviously the visuals of Bali are stunning, plus we can arrange interviews with a multitude of interesting people for compelling stories and first hand information.

What you will learn…

Classroom sessions and workshops are at the heart of the experience as there is a lot of information, tips and tools to go over. But these classrooms are likely the most beautiful you have been in. Our main classroom overlooks the ocean and volcanoes. The resplendent island of Bali is also our classroom as we will visit many spectacular sites and your instructors will always be available to assist you.

Whether you are just starting on your 1^st blog or already have a successful web property, we can help you. We offer daily breakout sessions with private instruction, critique and insiders tips so you can get the specific help you need.

Check our Bali Photo Gallery for more of what you will experience.

Your travel or photography blog may get the respect and admiration of your peers and close friends, but without knowing how to promote your work across digital media, it won’t receive the traffic it deserves. We’ll show you how to use online marketing techniques to drive traffic to your blog or website. What you’ll gain from this training:

On the web side…

• Use search engine optimization the right way for high visibility in all the major search engines.
• Know which social media platforms get you the most engaging visitors.
• Learn where to find people who want to read your blog and become your followers.
• Discover how to monetize your blog or website so you can become location independent.
• Learn how to analyze visitor behavior with Google Analytics.
• Use video and images that can double or triple visitor engagement.
• Know the best online resources to promote your web properties.
• Discover the secrets to affordable outsourcing of the technical stuff.
• Learn the tips and tricks which Google supports and which will get you dinged.

On the Photo side…

We don’t just take you to unique and stunning sites; we discuss the art of photography and what to do with your striking images after the shutter is clicked to get the most out of each exposure. Hone your photography skills along side seasoned photographers and educators while capturing the natural wonders of the paradise island of Bali.

• In-camera skills- composition, exposure, settings, elements of design and more.
• Postproduction tools, techniques, shortcuts and pitfalls.
• Shoot unrivaled landscapes and compelling people
• How to use the photo rules (and how to break them as well).
• Digital workflow, keywording, sorting, and much more.
• Light, light, light
• Presentation, optimization and SEO
• Special workshops, breakout sessions, critiques and individual learning opportunities.
• Evening strategy sessions to prepare you for the next days shoot

Finally, you’ll leave our training with a clear, step-by-step outline for rapid and sustainable growth as well as the knowledge and resources necessary to take your blog and photography to the next level.

Don’t take our word for it. Click here for Testimonials and learn what past participants have to say about our Bali retreats.

Unique access.

The benefits of our Balinese lineage and local relationships are the access to private ceremonies, Royal Palaces, communities, and other locations that the public would not be able to enter or participate.

Work with experienced local experts.

We are an experienced group with strong connections to the local communities and art education. We have decades of experience with locations, seasons, people, as well as the current twists and turns that inevitably creep up in each new adventure.

Small groups provide individual attention.

We keep our groups small so we can work with each guest independently and customize the experiences to fulfill each participant’s passions and unique interests. This allows all skill levels to benefit and to assure you get the content that you want. Our group will be limited to 10-12 people and maybe smaller. We will only sell six villa bedrooms, so once they are full we will accept no more participants. Currently, only five rooms remain.

Want to see what you can shoot? Check our Bali Photo Gallery for inspiration.

Responsible Eco-Tourism.

Every opportunity is used to lessen our impact and carbon footprint of our tours and we strive to contribute positively to all host communities we visit. All tours have a sustainable and charitable component. Bringing donations to impoverished villages is a highlight for many participants as it creates a special bond between cultures and leaves a tangible impression for both parties. We work with local charities and offer excursions to provide additional assistance for those who need it most.

Travel Blogging is a unique art.

Your experience is not limited to the time you are on the training. We work with all participants before the tour to help fine tune gear, equipment, knowledge, etc. so you are more prepared upon arrival.  We can help coordinate renting equipment, what to pack (and what to leave behind).  We are travel professionals and provide heaps of information, checklists, packing lists, technical information, and more to help you develop your photographic as well as travel skills that you can use in future trips as well.

Be in paradise in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

Not only will you deepen your web and photographic skills and knowledge, you will do it in one of the most astonishingly picturesque locations on earth. There is good reason why Bali wins “The Island of The Year Award” almost every year. Indonesia offers some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, biologically diverse ecosystems, ancient cultures untouched by modern assimilation, and distinct and numerous endemic flora and fauna.

We feel travel is more than simply vacationing, but an opportunity to discover new cultures and ways of life. These adventures in learning and understanding bridge the gap between ethnic diversity, religions and indigenous ways of life to increase respect and tolerance for all mankind and take a step toward the betterment of our planet. And ultimately enrich your own life in the process. This is a transformational experience as evidenced by the testimonials we continue to receive.

And do it all in comfort.

Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat provides luxury accommodations, 5-Star service and all the amenities. Pamper yourself in “The Ultimate Relaxation Pool”, spacious villa bedrooms (air-con, en suite bathrooms), two spas, your own private chef, and that’s just a start. For more information, please click here.

Our photo tours use deluxe air-conditioned vehicles with a private driver and we stay in well-appointed accommodations. You can also indulge in massages and spa treatments at Melati Spa located inside Floating Leaf.

Sorry this retreat is now Sold Out

 

Who leads the Bali Photographer’s and Travel Blogger’s Training Retreat?

We are well-respected leaders in the cultural tour industry of Indonesia. In fact you will find many imitators that try to use our good name and reputation. Just be sure you are dealing with the original Balifornian Tours and you will be assured the highest quality and service during your tour. Please Scroll down to the Testimonials section to see what past participants have to say about us and our photo tours.

Michael Doliveck, an Art and Photography Professor for over 18 years, has been coming to Bali for over two decades. His work has won accolades in the US, Europe and Asia. This year alone he was awarded Travel Photographer of the Year by NYTWS and his blog was included in The Top 100 Travel Blogs to Follow in 2013. Mikaku, as he is known, is also an award-winning educator and loves to share his passion for Indonesia and it’s many hidden wonders. He has written numerous articles on Bali’s culture, art, mysticism, healing and more.

Dino Maiolo is a professional digital marketing expert and certified Advanced Google Search Marketing consultant. When Dino isn’t surfing one of the local reef breaks, he’s usually on his laptop helping clients improve their websites. He first came to Bali in October, 2005 on a surf vacation and immediately fell in love with the island and its warm people. He is a contributor to various travel and sustainability forums including the Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat Blog.

Maryam Putu Doliveck is from The Balinese Royal Family of Karangasm and was raised learning the traditional dances, arts and the culture of Bali.  Her deep connection to the island and its people will enrich your experience on the island and provide meaningful touchstones into the culture and locations. Putu’s relations help ensure that each tour takes advantage of religious and cultural current events such as ceremonies, palace visits, and other little known experiences not available on other tours.

Kadek Darsana was raised to be the spiritual leader of his village and has an unparalleled connection to the island in ways that continually amaze us. He serves many roles from local liaison, driver, and spiritual specialist. His knowledge of Sekala (what you see on the island such as colorful ceremonies, rituals, traditional dances) and Niskala (the unseen, the occult and magic that underscores Balinese daily life) will add exponentially to your experience. Also, he knows all the tricks and short cuts on the island to make the most of your valuable time and make your trip as hassle free as possible.

Sorry this retreat is now Sold Out

 

Floating Leaf Photography Tour Testimonials

Dont take our word for it. Just read what our past tour participants have to say…

Not only is Michael an excellent and respectful photography instructor, he is perhaps, one of the best teachers, of any subject, I have ever had. I realize that I was only on his photography tour to Bali and Lombok for 12 days but I feel like I have a PHD in Balinese Culture AND photography now!
David. Florida, USA

I am a well traveled photographer and I embarked on this adventure thinking it would be a fun and interesting getaway as I have been to Bali before and always wanted to return. I did not expect to learn a great deal as I already knew about Bali culture when I fell in love with it a decade ago during my first visit. But I was absolutely blown away. I realized that my first visit hardly touched the surface. Maryam and Michael’s combine knowledge of the culture and the ‘secret Bali’ they were able to share with us was one of the most profound and enlightening events of my lifetime. I was also impressed with Michael’s approach to sharing his vast photography and art experience. My photos have improved greatly and the artwork I created while in Bali is the best work I have ever done. I see it hanging in my home each day and am reminded of the beautiful Balinese people and the spellbinding landscapes in which they are blessed to live.
F.C. California, USA

Maryam, or Putu as we learned to lovingly call her, is about as sweet as one person can get. I cannot explain the feeling and benefits of traveling alongside an actual Balinese Princess! She was able to share so much intimate knowledge of the complex Balinese culture and history. And her being from the Royal Family gave us unique perspectives and access we would have otherwise never been able to experience.
Janice. California, USA

More testimonials for our tours can be found here