Identity in Nature: Exploring Environmental Self-Portraiture
with Nicole Cudzilo
September 25 – 28, 2025
Course Description
Picture yourself draped in the waning light of a desert evening, the soles of your feet warmed by the sand below. You inhale deeply, enveloped by the mixing scents of your environment – pinon, juniper, salt, rain. The setting sun paints you in shades of honeyed gold, and in this moment, you feel powerful and vulnerable, and whole. Supported by the beauty of your environment, you are called to understand and witness yourself in relationship to the earth.
Welcome to Identity in Nature, a transformative self-portraiture workshop designed for those ready to explore their inner selves through intentional image-making. Led by photographer Nicole Cudzilo, this immersive experience transcends traditional photographic instruction and inspires students to move beyond conventional portraiture to embrace nature as a collaborator in their creative process.
Through guided self-portraiture exercises, you deepen your connection to both the physical environment and your own inner landscape. Together, we explore the interplay of light, composition, pose, and place to create images that convey personal narrative and emotion. We harness the visual power of the human form, and you are called to deepen your relationship to yourself in the process. Nicole also covers self-portrait best practices and techniques for both film and digital artists to refine your workflow and actualize the images in your head.
Beyond fieldwork, this workshop cultivates a supportive space for creative exploration and self-expression. Group discussions and image reviews provide personalized feedback, helping refine your artistic vision and develop meaningful, authentic work.
This workshop is open to photographers at all levels who are eager to explore the intersection of identity and environment through the art of self-portraiture. By the end of the workshop, you leave with more than just beautiful images; you have a renewed sense of self, a deeper connection and understanding of your artistic identity, and a toolkit of practices to continue your creative and personal growth.
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
What You Should Know:
This workshop is open to both digital and film photographers. For participants working with film, please note the Workshops’ campus does not currently provide darkroom facilities; it is therefore recommended that participants also bring a phone or digital camera to share “reference images” that can be discussed during daily image reviews.
For digital users, please come with working knowledge of digital workflow and manual mode on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Participants must be able to download and select images using image editing software for class sessions.
Computer workstations equipped with M-series Mac minis are provided in the Digital Lab. Please ensure any external hard drives are formatted to be read by Mac systems. See "Santa Fe Campus" for more details.
Special Notes:
While nudity is depicted in much of Nicole’s work, it is not required or expected of you in this workshop. Come with plenty of wardrobe options; if you end up deciding to do nude work, you will be supported with a safe and respectful environment at all times.
Activity Level:
Policies:
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for domestic workshops.
Accommodations:
Participants are responsible for making their own housing arrangements in Santa Fe. On-campus accommodations are not currently available.
Package Price INFO:
$1,095 includes instruction, location fees, daily beverage service, and one group dinner. Travel, accommodations, and all other meals are the responsibility of the participant.
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about
Nicole Cudzilo is a New Mexico-based artist and educator whose work explores the intimate connection between nature and the human experience. Known for her evocative environmental self-portraits, she uses her own form as a subject and symbol, becoming both part of the natural world, and a contrast to its grandeur.
By embracing the moments in between movement and stillness, action and reflection, each photograph becomes a visual meditation, accenting the delicate tension of what it means to be human—both fragile and powerful, deeply connected to the natural world, yet inherently individual.
Also a commercial beauty photographer, Nicole has had work featured in Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and more. Specializing in dreamy outdoor campaigns, she works with models within the landscape to highlight emotion and mood. In-studio, her beauty photography is defined by skin-centric lighting, timeless compositions, and a focus on expression and texture.
Nicole has exhibited internationally, winning numerous awards with pieces held in private collections worldwide.
Website: nicolecudzilophotography.com
Instagram: @nicole.cudzilo and @nicolecudzilo
