Unleashed Workshop 2025 - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Three unforgettable weeks.
Twenty-four passionate photographers.
Four fantastic shooting locations.
One extraordinary corner of the world.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia was the destination for our 2025 Unleashed Workshops, and it welcomed us with open arms, and endless photographic inspiration.
Across three back-to-back weeks, eight students each week joined renowned pet photographers and acclaimed teachers Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner-Bullock for an immersive four-day experience that combined creativity, learning, and connection.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus
“Surround yourself with people who inspire you to see the world differently.”
Set in the heart of Cape Breton’s wild landscape, our base for the workshop was The Intervale: a rustic and spacious log cabin that became our shared creative retreat.
For four days at a time, we lived, ate, and worked together, discussing ideas over morning coffee, editing side-by-side, and sharing stories into the evenings as the Atlantic breeze rustled through the golden leaves of the surrounding countryside.
Our live-in chef Chris prepared wholesome, delicious meals every day, ensuring everyone stayed nourished and energised. The aroma of savoury delights alternated with the irresistible draw of freshly-baked cookies and muffins each day. Some tried to stay strong, but it quickly became obvious. Resistance was futile.
Craig captured this insane double rainbow over one of the barns at the Intervale during our Nova Scotia workshop.
Creativity. Support. Motivation.
Unleashed Workshops aren't just about technique; they are about total immersion.
For four days, our students lived, ate, and breathed dog photography. Working together, supporting each other, and laughing together. Discussing ideas over morning coffee, sharing images shot that day, working through challenges and applying solutions. All day, every day.
Did we mention the laughing? So much laughing!
Being in such a bubble boosts the creative juices like nothing else, and it was wonderful to see the motivation of all our students to push themselves to new heights.
The rhythm of the week - learn, shoot, review, rest, repeat - created an atmosphere of determined focus and camaraderie that pushed everyone to create their best work, experimenting in a safe space with the support of other people who truly understand.
"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."
- John Muir
Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.
From the open expanse of Inverness Beach to the intimate forest trails of Uisge Bàn, each shooting location was selected not just for its natural beauty, but for the creative opportunities it offered.
The shifting light, changing terrain and variety of textures demanded adaptation and awareness. These are essential qualities for any photographer seeking to strengthen their craft.
Working in pairs gave students time and space to explore freely, to observe and respond rather than simply follow. There was no queue for a “hero shot” or fixed setup to replicate. Every student had the opportunity to interpret the scene as they wished, choosing their own angle, light, subject placement and timing.
They weren’t there to reproduce an image; they were there to create one.
Craig and Charlotte guided this process with sensitivity and intention. Their approach is never purely instructional; it is collaborative, fluid, and deeply personal. For those newer to working in these situations, they offered more hands-on assistance: demonstrating how to use available light, control exposure, or find compelling compositions in the environment.
With the more experienced students, the relationship shifted toward conversation and exploration: discussing their creative intent, challenging assumptions, and brainstorming fresh perspectives within the same scene.
Rather than leading from the front, their gift is in working alongside each student, sometimes quietly observing, sometimes suggesting small technical adjustments, and often asking questions that lead the photographer to their own realisations.
Every frame taken during the workshop was the result of each individual’s choices: their eye, their timing, their connection with the subject and the environment. That independence, coupled with thoughtful mentorship, allowed authentic styles to emerge naturally.
By the end of each day, the transformation was clear. Students weren’t simply improving their technical skills; they were refining their vision. The guidance was always there - steady, encouraging, and tailored - but the artistry belonged entirely to them.
"Attending Unleashed in Nova Scotia with Charlotte and Craig was an incredible experience from start to finish. Their passion for both animals and photography shines through in every moment, and their teaching style strikes the perfect balance between technical guidance and creative inspiration. I learned how to capture genuine emotion, work confidently with dogs and natural light, and tell a story through each image - all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of Nova Scotia."
"Charlotte and Craig create such a supportive, fun, and motivating environment that you leave not only with better skills, but with a renewed love for your craft. I can’t recommend Unleashed Nova Scotia highly enough!"
- Yamile Haibi
Shoot One: Inverness Beach
Our first shoot at Inverness Beach gave students freedom to explore. From the golden light bouncing off the surf to the weathered driftwood and boardwalks, everyone found a unique way to tell the story of this coastal haven. The variety of textures, reflections, and leading lines made for dynamic compositions and bold experimentation.
Click through the slideshow below to see student's and instructor's images, and some fun behind the scenes shots too!
The power of total immersion
There’s something transformative about stepping away from everything and giving your full attention to your craft.
When you join an Unleashed Workshop, you step into a space where photography becomes your entire world; where each day revolves around light, creativity, and shared passion. Surrounded by like-minded people who understand what drives you, inspiration flows easily, and the outside world fades into the background.
Without deadlines, distractions, or competing priorities, it’s just you, your camera, and the dogs. You start to see more clearly, not just what's in front of your lens, but what you want to say through it.
Life rarely gives us the chance to pause. The demands, routines, and obligations of everyday existence can make it hard to carve out time for personal growth. Committing to an Unleashed Workshop is a way of saying yes to yourself: to your development, your creativity, and the stories you've been waiting to tell.
Within this shared, supportive environment, you’re free to explore, experiment, and reconnect with why you fell in love with photography in the first place. It’s a space where confidence grows, where ideas take shape, and where you rediscover the joy of creating simply for the sake of it
"Attending the Unleashed Workshop in Nova Scotia was an "over the top" learning experience for me from beginning to end. Meeting Charlotte and Craig in person, and getting to watch and learn from them in real time was worth the price of admission."
"Although I have learned so much from them over the years, this experience was truly the "icing on the cake". I've had a few photoshoots since the workshop and find myself thinking through my sessions more thoughtfully than ever before. I highly recommend joining a workshop if you can, don't hesitate for a second, just make the commitment and I guarantee you won't regret it!"
- Debora Stacker
Shoot Two: Lake O'Law Provincial Park
Soft light and autumn tones greeted us at Lake o’Law. Here, we focused on mood and subtle storytelling - capturing serenity, stillness, and connection. Students were encouraged to slow down and observe how colour and light work together to evoke emotion.
Click through the slideshow below to see student's and instructor's images, and some fun behind the scenes shots too!
"Attending Unleashed Education’s workshop in Nova Scotia had been on my bucket list for quite some time - and it absolutely did not disappoint! Four full days of learning, shooting, and sharing my passion with like-minded people was so good for the soul."
"Charlotte and Craig are not only kind, down-to-earth humans who are deeply passionate about their craft, but also incredibly patient and generous teachers. Their hands-on approach to sharing their knowledge made the experience truly special."
"The stunning location, cozy accommodations, gourmet food, and gorgeous dog models made it all that much more unforgettable. Thank you Unleashed! If you’ll have me I can’t wait to do it all over again!"
- Florence Araujo
Shoot Three: Uisge Ban Provincial Park
With its moss-covered rocks, ferns, and the rhythmic sound of rushing water, Uisge Bàn was a highlight for all. The winding path leading to the falls challenged everyone to adapt to changing light and tight spaces, thinking critically about composition and flow.
Click through the slideshow below to see student's and instructor's images, and some fun behind the scenes shots too!
"This was my first Unleashed workshop and I can tell you (I hope!) it absolutely won’t be my last. The company, the education, the food, the models, the shoots… everything was PERFECT. Very well organized and thoughtfully orchestrated. Charlotte, Craig, and team led a fantastic experience and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants the best of a getaway and an educational experience all rolled into one. 100 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
- Jillian Turner
Shoot Four: Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Our final location encouraged creativity within simplicity. Students were asked to find variety and story within a single stretch of trail; to look deeper, notice the overlooked, and translate emotion into frame. It was a fitting exercise to round off each week: quiet, reflective, and deeply rewarding.
Click through the slideshow below to see student's and instructor's images, and some fun behind the scenes shots too!
"It was a week where I realized something I thought I'd lost, but it resurfaced during the week. Now I can move forward with peace of mind and new insights."
- Yvonne van Leeuwen
Find your people. Your tribe. Your family.
It takes courage to step beyond your comfort zone - to travel somewhere unfamiliar and spend several days with people you’ve never met.
For many pet photographers, especially those who see themselves as introverts, that leap can feel daunting.
But the moment you arrive at an Unleashed Workshop, those fears begin to fade.
A shared passion for photography and animals breaks down barriers instantly. Conversations spark easily, laughter comes quickly, and soon you realise you’re surrounded by people who understand what drives you, and who see the world in the same curious, creative way.
Though our participants come from different countries, backgrounds, and experiences, they all share the same goal: to grow, to learn, and to create. Within that mix of perspectives, something powerful happens, and a genuine sense of belonging emerges.
This isn’t just a workshop; it’s a community. A place where you can be yourself, ask questions freely, and feel supported no matter where you are in your journey. You’ll leave with new skills, yes, but also with new friends, shared memories, and a tribe that continues to uplift you long after the final day.
"Although it was something I wanted to do, I was nervous. Being an introvert I was afraid I would not fit in and that my skills would be sub standard. However, on the first night I felt at ease. Everyone at the Unleashed Workshop was so friendly, inclusive and mindful to include everyone at their level of comfort. I felt supported and challenged in a good way. I grew my skills as a photographer and the experience helped me grow as a human being as well. I am proud of myself for taking a leap of faith and joining. Thank you to everyone at Unleashed Education for this amazing adventure of a lifetime."
- Bonnie Novotny
"Nova Scotia was stunning, but it was the time with Charlotte, Craig, Fi, and Bex - and the new friends I met - that made this Unleashed Workshop unforgettable. So much laughter, learning, and genuine connection. And Chris’s meals? Absolute magic. I came home with new skills, great memories, and a full heart - and a clearer sense of where I want to take my photography next."
- Barb Thrall
Isn't it time you invested in yourself?
Join us on our next Unleashed Workshop.
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