When Work Takes You Somewhere Unexpected
How a three-day event in Yarra Valley became an impromptu creative retreat
Sometimes the best trips aren't the ones you plan months in advance.
They're the ones that happen because you simply said yes.
Recently, I travelled to the Yarra Valley to provide videography for Amplify HER, a three-day transformational retreat hosted by My Mummy Australia. The retreat is designed to help women reconnect with themselves, grow personally and professionally, and step confidently into the next chapter of their lives through immersive workshops, coaching, and community.
For me, it wasn't just another client booking.
It became another one of those unexpected business trips that reminded me why I love what I do.
Turning A Work Trip Into A Creative Retreat
One of the perks of the event was that shared accommodation and meals were included for all three days.
Which was incredibly generous.
But...
I decided to book my own room anyway.
Partly because I love having my own space to recharge after a long day of filming.
But mostly because I'd convinced myself this was the perfect opportunity to create content for my own business.
At this point, I've accepted that my content creation days are becoming unnecessarily expensive because apparently I only feel inspired to film reels if I'm staying in a hotel or Airbnb.
It's becoming a problem.
A very aesthetic problem.
after 3hrs of videography, I did 4 more hours of creating for ssau
Day One: Surrounded By Women Building Incredible Businesses
Before filming officially kicked into full swing, I had the chance to observe some truly inspiring women.
One of them was Angela Crawford, Director of Oasis Buyers Agent.
Listening to her journey, from serving in the Royal Australian Navy to becoming the founder and CEO of her own successful buyers agency, was genuinely inspiring. It's always refreshing hearing from women who've built businesses through resilience, leadership, and backing themselves.
Throughout the day there were also market stalls where women showcased their businesses, products, and services.
One of my favourite parts of working events isn't always what's happening on stage.
It's everything happening in between.
The conversations.
The introductions.
The excitement people have when they get to talk about something they've poured their heart into.
Finding Your People
That evening we all shared dinner together.
There's something about creative events that naturally pull together people who think similarly.
I found myself chatting with some wonderful women, but one conversation stood out.
I met another Creative Director and Brand Designer.
And honestly...
I think there's just something about creative director brains.
We somehow ended up talking about ideas, branding, storytelling, business, and probably fifteen different creative rabbit holes within ten minutes.
If you've ever worked in a creative industry, you'll understand.
It's like finding someone who speaks the same slightly chaotic language.
After dinner, I headed back to my room.
Normal people probably would've relaxed.
Instead...
I filmed content.
Again.
Somewhere along the way I've realised that running a creative business today also means showing up consistently online.
I've spent years helping brands tell their stories.
It's probably time I keep telling my own too.
So there I was.
Setting up my camera.
Moving furniture around the room.
Talking to myself.
Filming reel after reel.
By the end of the night I'd somehow created ten new pieces of content.
Productive?
Absolutely.
Slightly unhinged?
Also absolutely.
Safe to say my brain had officially reached capacity because I finished the day with a headache that even my Meta Calm X couldn't negotiate with.
More Than Just Event Coverage
One thing I've noticed about travelling for work is that every project teaches me something beyond photography or videography.
Sometimes it's the people you meet.
Sometimes it's the conversations.
Sometimes it's simply being removed from your normal environment long enough to think differently.
Working events like Amplify HER reminds me that storytelling isn't just about filming speakers or capturing highlights.
It's about documenting transformation.
The nervous excitement before someone steps on stage.
The conversations over dinner.
The friendships forming between complete strangers.
The confidence people leave with at the end of the day.
Those moments are often the real story.
And as someone behind the camera, it's a privilege to preserve them.
This trip reminded me that not every business trip needs to feel transactional.
Sometimes changing your environment, even for a few days, is enough to spark fresh ideas, meet inspiring people, and create the kind of content you've been putting off for weeks.
Would I book my own hotel room again just so I could batch, create reels?
...Ask my bank account.
It'll probably say no.
But honestly?
I'd probably do it anyway.
Sometimes the best investment you can make isn't just in your business.
It's in giving yourself the space to create.
Planning an event worth remembering?
Whether it's a retreat, conference, brand launch, workshop, or community gathering, I believe the best event coverage captures more than just what happened, it captures how it felt.
If you're looking for photography and videography that tells the story behind your event, I'd love to help.
