“a woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. she goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.”
what they are saying:
“This was everything I dreamed of and more! If you’ve been thinking about taking the leap and doing something for your creative heart, this is the retreat for you. Never in my life have I felt more at home and safe to open up to a group of women that I didn’t know. We laughed, we cried, we screamed, and we created together. I am forever changed by this experience and can’t wait for the day that I get the chance to reunite with Chandra and Cindy again. Finding Wonder is a gift that will leave an imprint on your heart forever.”
–leanna azzolini, california
“Finding wonder was like a great big hug for my soul. I left feeling connected to so many incredible artists, my creative spark was reignited, and my heart was cracked wide open. Chandra and Cindy created a beautiful space to cultivate and capture wonder. Those 3 days together were such a gift.”
—melissa baerwald, washington state
“From the moment I met Chandra and Cindy in Morocco, I knew it was going to be a life changing experience. They welcomed each attendee with open hearts and fostered such a safe and nurturing space for each attendee to be seen and to belong. Finding Wonder is about so much more than photography. It's about finding the wonder within. It's about noticing the beauty and wonder all around you. It's about filling your inspiration cup to overflowing. It's about connecting, growth, healing and self discovery. All of which will make you a better artist and photographer. Finding Wonder will leave you changed. I made 9 beautiful new friends because nothing bonds you more than adventuring together in unfamiliar places, dancing and singing your hearts out under the stars, and posing for each other in every beautiful pocket of light you stumble across. Sharing laughter while you ride camels through the desert, cuddle the stray kittens or cram way too many bodies in a tuk-tuk . You have each others back as you dodge cars, donkeys and motorcycles or try to barter with local shop owners on the price of spices and rugs. You will receive understanding when you buy way too many pairs of Moroccan shoes and dresses. Hugs and comfort abound when challenges arise, tears and feelings are gently held as you open your heart to reveal the parts that you often keep hidden. This is a special kind of sisterhood and it's one I feel so lucky to have found. I came home with a renewed sense of wonder which opened my eyes to all of the beauty already in my everyday life. Beauty I was overlooking because I forgot how to see it. Thank you Cindy and Chandra for opening my eyes to wonder again. I highly recommend this retreat or any retreat led by Finding Wonder. It was an incredible experience and I can't wait to sign up for another one!”
–dana leigh, oregon
“It sounds cliche but Finding Wonder was life changing for me and I wasn’t even looking to have my life changed. I went into this retreat with very little information and was blown away by what I received. Chandra and Cindy instantly create an accepting, warm and relaxed environment. I was worried about connecting with a group of women who I shared little in common with but I felt instantly at home. The food, scenery and details were organized flawlessly. I am so glad I chose to see Morocco with Finding Wonder.”
–karlee hooper, california
“Finding Wonder helped give me the tools to go back out into my everyday life with a more open heart and try to make myself better. To pause, reflect and appreciate what is surrounding me. To look at the world with more curiosity and admiration. To go after my wildest dreams and manifest what it is that I want out of my life going forward. I hope to cultivate experiences of wonder to renew my energy, and embrace my imperfections. I’ve learned more about resilience, and felt an amazing sense of community. We thrived through collectively sharing our stories, laughing, crying, dancing, photographing and screaming in the desert!”
–jessica miles, florida
“My dear ladies, From the depths of my heart I think you for creating space for such a life moving gathering. I am forever changed because of you both…What is Wonder? Wonder is more than who, what, where, why, and how. It is touch, it is taste, and sight and sound. It is smell. Wonder catches you unexpectedly. It asks you to pause And find stillness. To touch, or taste something. To inhale a deeper, slower breath and sit with that which is giving you a physical response to what you are seeing. Thinking. Dreaming. Wonder says, “look at me and stay a while.” It gives you permission to stop and notice--with all your senses--that which fills your soul. with tingly joy. With much love and gratitude,”
–Robin litrenta, california
“a woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. she goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself.’ -maya angelou…my dear friend, thank you for relentlessly chasing your dreams, inspiring us to be better storytellers through photography and introducing us to the beauty and charm of the italian riviera. wonder found.”
–denise knabjian, illinois
“Chandra Sandoval, in her inaugural Finding Wonder Retreat, guided seven women photographers into a shallow river in the hills above the Cinque Terre, Italy to
learn about light, to reflect on the beauty of nature, and to slow down time...I’m proud to have been a part of this experience, and to call you friend...”
–kelly harvill, washington
“when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.’ -the alchemist, paulo coelho…visiting the mystical land of morocco seemed like an impossible dream for me as i had never traveled outside the US. just a year ago, i placed morocco on a newly drafted vision board + applied for my passport. i anticipated that i’d travel somewhere outside the US, maybe mexico, but certainly not morocco. however, the universe saw my dream + thought differently, presenting me with an unexpected opportunity to travel there. from the moment i receive a reply from chandra + cindy, i knew this was not accidental, as they both exuded warmth and a welcoming spirit. i felt an immediate connection. as a first-time international traveler, i had a few worries and they put my mind at ease. it was evident that they thoughtfully planned every detail of the trip, that it was important to them that we, the guests, experience something special. when my morocco journey ended, i returned home with a new sense of wonder + an appreciation for the things around me whether that is half-way around the world or in my own backyard.”
–kate peterson, iowa
“I am so glad to have met both you wonderful ladies, Chandra + Cindy, you guys work well together, you've got your groove on with these retreats. I was very impressed, you ladies have such a calming presence and that helps when you are treading on new territories and seek comfort and safety. You know when you venture out to these retreats you never know what you are going to get, I have only attended maybe 4 retreats and this one was hands down the best ever!!!!”
–leasa jones, illinois
“I applied to participate in Finding Wonder, Tucson hoping to narrow my chaotic approach to photography and to grow my technical aptitude. I left Tucson with new genuine friends and a feeling of that I connected - even though I arrived intimidated by the vast talent of the leaders and guests. Not only was the retreat both engaging, challenging and fun; it was the heartfelt nurturing and soul work that really transformed me. Chandra and Cindy have a synergistic team approach where they perfectly compliment one another. Together they are a magnetic force. I attended a conference a couple years ago in Aspen, CO called "Lead with Love," - Chandra and Cindy are the embodiment of what I "heard" about in 2018 and have been trying to apply in my day job. Perhaps the key gift is their genuine kindness and approach of lifting everyone through a deeper level of connection and seeing that translates into our shared love language of photography. LeAnna was such an extra fantastic layer of light, knowledge and joy. What a gift to meet you all. There are countless outcomes and benefits inside this retreat and it would require a book to list all of the gifts but here are a few: being welcomed with open arms in a way I have never experienced, time to dream, wish and reflect, practicing showing up and revealing oneself in the gentlest & safest circle, endless conversations about photography and life with the attendees, time to create dream photos with guidance or on our own. I feel and see a shift in my photography voice that is invaluable. The retreat was so intimately curated and monitored - at times it actually felt as though we were a circle of lifelong friends. I can’t speak highly enough of this profoundly impactful retreat. It likely sounds too dramatic but the reality is Finding Wonder is life changing. It is a symphony where any aspiring photographer can grow and gain clarity in a soulful, heart-centered way.”
–debbie schaefer, wisconsin
“Finding Wonder was entirely enriching on every level. Far more than just a retreat, it was a warm invitation to be mindful and wholly present, in exploring the world around you, connecting with it and with other inspiring creatives, and accepting yourself as you truly are. Chandra and Cindy were so welcoming and generous with their time, talent, and hearts and though we were over 5000 miles from where I live, these ladies gave me the comforting feeling of coming home. It was an overwhelming experience in all the best ways, and I wish I could attend every one!”
—marissa jillian, washington state
“Finding wonder was life altering, the experience went beyond any exceptions I arrived with. Chandra and Cindy are amazing individuals that bring so much love and wonder to the retreat. I am forever grateful for the amazing experience!”
—diane knothe, wisconsin