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AARHUS/DArhus September
4-DAY EXPERIENCE-BASED WORKSHOP
’THE ART OF HYGGE, FOOD, INSTAGRAM SUCCES & STREET & TRAVEL IPHONEOGRAPHY IN AARHUS’.
4-DAY WORKSHOP IN ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES (+ CITIES) IN THE WORLD DEVOTED TO INSTAGRAM MANAGEMENT, STREET & TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY (SMARTPHONE), HYGGE, CULINARY TOURS, VISITS TO HIDDEN GEMS, TASTINGS + TALKS ABOUT THE SECRETS TO DANISH HAPPINESS.
SEPT. 16TH-19TH 2024
PRICE: €1.597
Are you ready to embark on a journey to one of the happiest PLACES in the world and explore the concept of HYGGE, while you learn how to master the Instagram code and capture magazine-worthy street & travel photos with your smartphone?
DID I HEAR A “OHHH YES!”?
Then join me in Aarhus on September 16th-19th, 2024 for an Instagram and iPhone photography workshop packed with tools to capture beautiful photos with your iPhone and effortlessly transform them into engaging posts, Stories, and Reels on Instagram. During our 4 days together, you will learn how to boost your follower count, cultivate an appealing and consistent style, discover your niche, and perhaps even monetize your passion and hobby through Instagram.
I'll share everything I've learned about Instagram and iPhoneography with you, and simultaneously, we'll indulge our taste buds, uncover hidden Instagram-worthy gems, and delve into the Danish way of living and the secrets to Danish happiness. This way, you'll not only enhance your Instagram skills but also take a slice of Danish happiness back home with you.
Join me for four delightful days in September, brimming with hygge, delicious food, and a journey into the art of capturing the soul of a location and enhancing your media presence on Instagram. Immerse yourself in the charm of my beautiful hometown, Aarhus, through culinary and cultural tours, while connecting with a group of like-minded creatives AND EXPLORING AARHUS FROM A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE. Let's boost your creative skills dramatically while crafting lasting memories together!
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Did you know that Denmark has dominated the top end of the World Happiness Report since it launched in 2012 and that both Aarhus & Copenhagen have been ranked in the top 5 happiest cities worldwide since 2020? “So what is it about Denmark that makes the Danes so happy,” you may ask?
If you wish to learn the secrets to Danish happiness and experience it firsthand yourself while spoiling your tastebuds and learning how to capture the soul of one of the happiest cities in the world with the camera on your smartphone - this workshop is for you!
PROGRAM
Our 4 days together will be spent both indoors and outdoors immersed in food & photo walks, street and travel photography training, Instagram lectures, culinary and cultural tours, visits to hidden gems of Aarhus, and savory and sweet tastings, that nourish both body, mind, and soul. Our daily adventures will take us to carefully selected locations in Aarhus and its scenic surroundings. This vibrant city is nestled close to serene beaches and verdant forests, offering a perfect blend of urban charm and natural beauty.
In this workshop, I'll will not only share my creative toolbox with you but also share my thoughts on what it is, that makes the Danes so happy, and introduce you to the real meaning of the Danish concept of hygge.
On one of our days together we will meet up for a good cup of coffee accompanied by delicious Danish pastries at a local food market, and I will demonstrate my approach to styling and photographing pastries in a café setting, embracing natural light and infusing a sense of "hygge" into the visual narrative. I'll share insights on selecting the perfect props, crafting a harmonious color palette, and weaving a human touch into the storytelling.
I'll guide you through my photo editing workflow, demonstrating the editing process for a few photos we took together. Along the way, I'll provide valuable tips for achieving varied and visually appealing results using my preferred editing apps. Additionally, I'll unravel the intricacies of Instagram algorithms, share effective strategies for boosting followers, and analyze successful profiles.
During our time together I will also take you to some of my favorite bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and chocolate shops to feast on savory tastings, sweet scrumptious delights, and marvelous coffee, which simply scream hygge so that you can get to know ‘hygge’ through your taste buds and through your lens.
Apart from the above, the program is packed with cultural and culinary experiences, photo walks to tucked away hidden gems, secret backyards, and charming cobble streets steeped in hygge that might leave you breathless. With camera in hand, we will explore my favorite nooks, sites, and places, and I will teach you how to take stellar street- and travel photos and capture the soul of a location through your lens - as well as share stories with you from my life as a Dane, who has the concept of hygge running in my veins.
“Each day during the workshop, I will also share my approach to hygge, happiness, Danish food, lifestyle, and traditions with you and give you my take on what it means to “live Danishly” and to master the art of hygge. I will fuel you with new perspectives on how to give energy to what you dream of so you can get clear about what’s most important to you in your life.”
AARHUS - THE HAPPIEST CITY IN DENMARK & THE SECOND HAPPIEST IN THE WORLD
You might not have heard of Aarhus, so I will share a few interesting facts with you.
Aarhus is a true gem when it comes to passionate foodies, chefs, artists, influencers, bloggers, and designers, and it is a travel and lifestyle photographer’s paradise, especially in the spring months, when the stunning Nordic light casts its glow. It seems sharper, clearer, and brighter, yet softer and with more tonal variation than anywhere else.
Aarhus is one of Europe’s best undiscovered gems. It is the second-largest city in Denmark and in the past years, it has been recognized as a must-visit destination by several powerhouse publications such as Vogue, Lonely Planet, CNN, and National Geographic. Back in 2017, Aarhus was chosen as Cultural Capital of Europe and European Region of Gastronomy 2017.
Aarhus’ nickname is ‘City of Smiles’, and since 2020 it has ranked as Denmark’s happiest city and the 2nd happiest city in the world.
Therefore it may not come as a big surprise, that the first thing you see when you enter the city center, is a rainbow on top of the art museum, a 150-meter-round glass walkway done in all of the colors of the spectrum created specifically for the museum by the Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson.
The rainbow isn’t just eye candy for the city skyline, though. You can actually walk inside the rainbow and look out over the city and the bay through rainbow-colored glass, which, according to the artist, “encourages people to think and sense beyond the limits within which they are accustomed to function.”
Hygge is about enjoying the simple and good parts of life together with people you care about.
WHAT IS HYGGE?
Over the past couple of years, the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced ‘hyoo·guh) has stolen the spotlight globally with hordes of books, newspaper features, and magazine articles published on the subject. Loosely translated ‘hygge’ means ‘a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being’. Research on hygge has found that in Denmark, it's integral to people's sense of well-being. It acts as a buffer against stress, while also creating a space to build camaraderie. It would be fair to say that hygge is fully integrated into the Danish cultural psyche and culture. However, 'hygge' is difficult to describe but easy to experience, and in this inspiration-packed Aarhus late summer workshop, you get a chance to experience hygge in full force from a local perspective.
Christian Bjørnskov, a professor of economics and happiness researcher at Aarhus University, sees a strong relationship between happiness and empowerment.
"Danes feel empowered to change things in their lives. What is special about Danish society is that it allows people to choose the kind of life they want to live. They rarely get caught in a trap. This means they're more satisfied with their lives."
HOTEL
If you book with the accommodation you will be staying in a lovely private bedroom at one of my favorite hotels in Aarhus called ‘’, a small French boutique hotel with 39 guestrooms, all individually decorated in Provencal style with ornate chandeliers, colorful walls, extravagant decorations, and hand-picked interiors brought back from the South of France.
The address to the hotel is:
Villa Provence, Fredens Torv 12, 8000 Aarhus.
DETAILS
WHEN:
September 16th-19th, 2024
The workshop begins on September 16th at 4 pm and ends on the 19th at 4 pm. We begin each workshop day at 10 am. On the first night, Monday, September 16th, we enjoy a festive welcome dinner together in the evening in my cozy home cooked by yours truly, and on Thursday 19th, we gather around the dining table for a lovely farewell dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. On the 17th and 18th, the workshop days end at around 5 pm.
WHAT:
4 full days of Instagram lectures, street & travel photography, talks about hygge and Danish happiness, photo walks, cultural and culinary tours, sweet and savory tastings, visits to local shops, bakeries, markets, cafés, and restaurants, and a hands-on cooking class.
WHO:
People from all walks of life are welcome.
Space is limited to 8 attendees.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The nearest major airport is Aarhus Airport, about a 40-minute drive to the center of Aarhus. Alternatively, Billund Airport is located about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from the center of Aarhus.
PRICE & ACCOMMODATION:
From €1.597 (workshop only - see prices including hotel below)
Prices listed are per person
Accommodation is not included in the listed price. However, if you wish to purchase a full package (workshop + hotel) you can choose to add four, five, or six nights of accommodation.
TWO INSTALLMENTS
The workshop fee can be paid in two installments. You can choose your preferred option at check-out. Feel free to pay in full if you would like (you save €193 by paying in 1 installment instead of two). If you choose to pay in two installments, the second payment will be due on June 1st, 2024. Contact us here if you need any help or guidance.
INCLUDED:
* Meet & Greet with bubbles and nibbles
* 1 x welcome dinner + 1 glass of wine
* 3 x morning coffee/tea and Danish pastries
* 1 x farewell dinner + 1 glass of wine
* Savory and sweet tastings
* All excursions and entrance fees
* Visits to local bakeries, cafés, prop shops & tastings
* Talks about hygge and how to live Danishly
* Street and travel iPhoneography training
* Lecture on monetizing your passion on Instagram
* Lecture on crafting engaging posts, stories, and reels
* Lecture on finding your niche and voice and how to build a consistent style
* Workshop material + Facebook group
* The unique opportunity to meet and connect with a group of like-minded creatives from all over the world
* A welcome gift on arrival
NOT INCLUDED:
* In case you choose to book the retreat without accommodation, this is obviously not included
* Transportation costs (flight/train ticket) to and from the workshop destination, taxes & baggage fees
* Travel insurance (highly recommended)
*Meals/items/activities bought when you're not with the group
* Lunch during our excursions + dinner on the 17th and 18th - these two evenings are at your own free disposal.
* The workshop fee can be paid in full or in two installments. Tickets are non-refundable, please confirm your ability to attend before purchasing your ticket.
PRICE & ACCOMODATION
You have the option to book with or without accommodation. If you book with the accommodation you will be staying in a lovely private bedroom at one of my favorite hotels in the heart of Aarhus called ‘Hotel Villa Provence’.
4-DAY-WORKSHOP
€1.597.
This option covers the 4-day workshop without accommodation at a hotel.
4-DAY-WORKSHOP
WITH ACCOMMODATION (including breakfast)
From €2.272
A beautifully decorated private bedroom will be waiting for you incl. breakfast at Hotel Villa Provence’ - Awarded 'Travellers Choice' 2022
EXCLUSIVE COMBO OFFER: 20% off
If you wish to enroll in both this 3-day classroom-based masterclass and the subsequent 4-day experience-based workshop covering Instagram, travel iPhoneography, hygge, food, tastings, and exploration, I will extend a special discount of 20% on the total enrollment price.
YOU SAVE MORE THAN €650 BY CHOOSING THIS OPTION.
The discount applies solely to the enrollment price of the masterclass and workshop and does not extend to the hotel cost.
INFO ABOUT AARHUS & NEAREST AIRPORT
Aarhus is, with its population of 330.000 people, the second largest city of Denmark, and the city chosen as Cultural Capital of Europe and European Region of Gastronomy in 2017. Lonely Planet ranked Aarhus number two in its list of the ten best destinations in Europe in 2016 due to its “cool-cat neighbourhoods, head-turning architecture and culinary wizardry.”
Aarhus is only 3 hours direct train journey from Copenhagen Central Station, and the closest airport is Aarhus Airport or Billund airport. If you fly to Copenhagen airport, there is a direct train from the airport to Aarhus Central Station (the train ride is beautiful and takes about 3 1/2 hours).
Aarhus has a large variety of cafes and restaurants, from Michelin-starred to those featuring both traditional and trendy Nordic cuisine.
Getting around in Aarhus is easy. There are plenty of busses and trams, but most places are actually within walking distance. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can also rent a bicycle.
WELCOME LETTER, AND WORKBOOK
A couple of weeks prior to the workshop you will receive a welcome letter with more practical information, a list of participants, and a detailed itinerary. I will also upload a little video lecture with inspiration about how to live Danishly + a few simple exercises about how to improve your food styling and photography skills and incorporate “hygge” into your visual storytelling so that you kick off your learning journey already before we meet up in Aarhus. After the workshop, I will follow up with another little video lecture and give you feedback on a couple of your photos from our workshop days together.
SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP
Two weeks before we kick off the workshop, I will also invite you to become a member of a private 'THE ART OF HYGGE' Facebook group. Here I will share some insider tips for Aarhus, and upload links, recommendations, and advice, I share with you during the workshop. You can use this online forum to introduce yourself to the other participants, ask for each other’s advice and/or feedback on your work, or perhaps coordinate to meet already before the workshop begins, if you are lucky enough to have a few more days in Aarhus.
So are you in for a real treat and ready to spoil yourself with the perfect blend of a much-needed getaway, creative development, and personal and professional empowerment, then come alone or bring a friend, and you will return with a new perspective and energy, new friends, and game-changing new food styling knowledge & photography skills? This tailor-made mini-getaway in one of the happiest nations in the world gives you the chance to reflect on what is going on in your life, and to define what future you wish to create for yourself.
BOOKING
Early registration is strongly suggested since there are limited spaces available.
“I am so excited about this workshop and can’t wait to welcome you to my own hometown, Aarhus, to kick off the ‘The Art of Hygge’ workshop.”
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Due to logistics, the people involved, the workshop is a non-refundable. So please register only if you know you can attend. However, we would be very happy to transfer your spot to someone else should you be unable to make it and know someone who will take your spot. In the unlikely case that we have to cancel the workshop, you would receive a complete refund of the workshop fee. We encourage you to have a valid travel insurance before embarking on the trip. More info about our terms and conditions can be found here.
TEACHER
Sif Orellana is a Danish 7-time award-winning cookbook author, photographer, stylist, publisher, educator, and journalist specializing in food, travel, and lifestyle photography. She works with clients locally and internationally on a variety of editorial and commercial assignments. Her work has been featured in numerous Danish and International magazines and blogs. She is currently working on her first International food- and lifestyle book ‘Hygge Life’ in close collaboration with her co-author and dear friend, Vivian Christensen from Jeanne D’Arc Living Magazine. The book will be published in August 2024.
TESTIMONIALS
“I have been full of peace and happiness ever since."
Thank you for an amazing retreat and learning experience.
LOUISE GRANHOF JUHL, DENMARK
“I AM STILL IN SOME KIND OF EUPHORIA AFTER MY RETREAT WITH SIF ORELLANA."
Thank you so much for being the most inspiring, caring and warm person I have met in a long time, Sif. I will always be grateful for this retreat.
NETTAN DAHLQUIST. NORWAY
“I strongly recommend joining Sif Orellana in any upcoming retreat. She shares her talent, but, more importantly, her wisdom! "
You might not know but you cannot really live happily without it!
KAJSA JEPPSON, SWEDEN
“I'm speechless AND so thankful… It was wonderful, eye-opening THREE days for me. You are such a genuine and colorful person, and IT WAS SO generous OF YOU to share your experiences and skill sets with us."
I think that it was really good that I participated in this workshop to open up perspectives and possibilities in this time of transition. Your advice and recommendations are precious to me - they filled me with so much energy. I felt stuck when I came, but now I have found a light that gives me a sense of direction - thanks to your guidance. I know organizing workshops is a really hard thing, but you never looked tired and I respect you a lot. Again, thank you so much. I'm looking forward to our next gatherings. With lots of appreciation.
MINA USUI, JAPAN
“I am so so looking forward to being surrounded by a this creativity and life once more. And have the chance to talk with you. There is something really special about the atmosphere you create during these retreats and they give fire to all ideas.”
ANNA GILCRIST, VENICE
"I
SIGNED UP FOR SIF'S WORKSHOP HOPING TO HONE MY VISUAL STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES...BUT I LEFT WITH SO MUCH MORE."
For me, the main benefits came when Sif shared the inside secrets of her incredible personal success story and from receiving invaluable individual feedback which she happily provided beyond workshop hours and even upon my return home! Importantly, she makes you feel comfortable instantly, no matter your photographic experience. Her down-to-earth approach helped participants to immediately gel well together which made the workshop fun.
Sif's style of communicating her visual storytelling knowledge is unique and made me feel truly connected and inspired. I returned home equipped with more tools and fully motivated to take action on my dreams.
I can’t speak highly enough of Sif's workshops.
IVAN EBEJER, MALTA
“These days have been just magical! Thank you so much."
MARIA HÄRDNER, SWEDEN
"AFTER SPENDING JUST A FEW DAYS TOGETHER AT A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS TALE RETREAT, A VERY SPECIAL BOND WAS CREATED BETWEEN EVERYONE IN OUR LOVELY GROUP."
It was such an honor to be a part of this creative bunch, made extra special by our lovely leader and teacher Sif. Her passion and ability to inspire, her big heart and kind words, her empathy and unlimited generosity are so precious and inspiring that we were all in awe. I came back home with a full heart and lots of new friends. It was unforgettable! Thank you Sif for bringing us all together and sharing your hearts and wisdom!”
KARMEN KODA, PARIS