The Purpose

Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges as a creative person is to go beyond what what we now know as our art. How do we grow as artists? Where do we find our inspirations? Why are we blocked in our creativity? These are some of the common questions of all creative people. Some of the reasons are outside influences, some have to do with your past, and for some, it is fear. Leslie Artis-Gan and Michael Gan, Masters of Photography and Photographic Craftsmen, will take you on a journey of self discovery and explore ways to untap that creative potential within.

Leslie has spent most of her life as an artist in the medium of painting. It was only since 2004 that she picked up a camera and learned to create art with photography as the basis for much of her recent works. Earning her Master of Photography and Craftsman degrees in 3 1/2 short years, Leslie’s work has been gaining attention from the art community as well as internationally. She is the Chairman of the Board for Northern California Professional Photographers.

Michael has been in love with the camera and the more traditional approach of photography since the 1970’s and has been a practicing full time professional for thirty years. His work has gained international attention for his monochrome work. He is very active in “giving back” to the profession on the National, State, and Local levels. Michael is currently working to qualify for PPA affiliate judge status and serves on the Certification Committee, OurPPA Committee, and is a PPA Board of Director.

The Retreat

Nested in a hill overlooking the tip of Point Reyes National Park and the Pacific Ocean, Dillon Beach is a secluded beach town on the Sonoma Coast 20 miles west of Petaluma, California. The home was custom built in 1978 and has been the location of many of Michael and Leslie’s commissioned “beach” portraits. May, July, September and October are the perfect months on the Sonoma Coast, and we expect clear, calm and warm weather during the retreats. Please call us for accomodation and meals information.

All images copyright by Meritage House of Photography 2005-2011, a division of Meritage on Main, Inc., Petaluma/Dillon Beach, California (707)658-1566