starts OCTOBER 1st 2026

The Creative Return:

Find joy & freedom in your photography again

Register Now

A year long program for artists longing to return to making work that feels alive

At its core, The Creative Return is a an artist collective, a space where photographers can gather, step out of perfection and performance, and reconnect with the part of themselves that makes.

Hosted by Summer Murdock and Bec Griffiths each month will center around a Guest Artist’s work and members will be asked to respond by creating a work of their own / inspired xxxx

It feels important right now—maybe more than ever—that artists have spaces to gather, to share how they actually work, and to inspire each other from that place.

What to Expect

A gentle and safe space to be inspired by art, discuss art, create art, share art and focus on making.

The Creative Return invites you to rediscover making work that feels messy, imperfect and gutsy. 

❋ Intentional Structure

Each month is divided into 5 parts: INSPIRATION, RESPONSE, CHECK IN, xxxx and SHARE

❋ Collaborative Energy

Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself. The collective will be hosted in the Illuminate Classes platform allowing for interaction with Summer and Bec and each other.
(set expectation of ON HOURS)

❋ Expert Facilitation

Led by experienced artists who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and gently rekindle your creative fire. 

❋ A Supportive Space

The Creative Return is centered in individuality and respect - so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.

The Creative Return is Perfect For

Those who work best when working to a deadline

Photographer’s who’s practice used to be inspired by children that are now grown up

People craving a community outside of social media

Photographers seeking inspiration from compelling and established artists that are creating work that feels fresh and honest

Artist’s still hungry to create but haven’t been able to find a path in

Photographer’s that have focussed so much on creating for others they’ve forgotten how to create for themselves

Those who have become an expert at caring for everyone except their own creative selves

‍ ‍

I"M IN 
YOUR INVITATION TO CREATE WORK THAT FEELS FREE, BOLD & DEEPLY YOUR OWN

Each month follows an intentional structure…

1. INSPIRATION

At the start of every month a video interview that deep dives into a guest artists practice will be released alongside a creative assignment inspired by the artists work. Video interviews will be hosted by Summer and Bec and will xxxxx showing their work, sharing insights into their own creative practice and a behind the scenes look at their process.

Guest Artists are still being finalised but include xxxxx

2. RESPONSE

Collective members spend the first couple of weeks of the month exploring their own creative response to the assignment. While written prompts and guidance will be included in the assignment you are encouraged to work intuitively and xxxx 

3. CHECK IN

Each month a Live Community Meeting will be held with Summer or* Bec. These sessions are a chance to share progress, workshop ideas, release creative blocks and connect with others.

(I*’ve deliberately said OR (not AND) because this frees us up to share the load of these if needed - and to run 2 if we ened up with a large number of students - plus may help manage time zones. I think we should assume we run one together - but leave ‘or’ in to help us in case we need more flexibility later)

4. xxxx

Towards the end of each month the featured Guest Artist will attend a Live Q&A where collective members can ask questions about their work and gain further insight into the artists creative practice. 

5. SHARE

At the end of each month collective members will be invited to share their final creative response.

Investment: $780

This includes:

12 months of access to The Creative Return

12 x In Depth Guest Artist Videos

12 x LIVE Q&A sessions with Guest Artists

A community space to share xxx xxx xx x

12 Community Meetings with Summer / Bec

space is limited to xxxx participants

Guest Artists are still being finalised but will include xxxxxxxx

Learn more

  • Summer doesn't hold back in sharing herself, her knowledge and her experience with students. She has an incredible ability to create a safe space where all questions and comments are welcomed.

    Brooke

  • "Bec is an absolute fountain of knowledge and she delivers it in a way that is specific to the students’ needs, approachable, and never belittling. "

    Elizabeth

  • "Summer gives you permission in response to your own doubt to find beauty in the ways that others are avoiding. "

    Samantha

  • “Bec is a phenomenal instructor. She is so personable and the time and energy she puts into into each student is invaluable. I will forever be grateful for Bec and all I learned from her!”

    Brooke

FAQs.

If your question isn’t answered here - please email us at info@illuminateclasses.com

  • The Creative Return starts 1st October 2026 and will run through until September 30th 2027

  • All live sessions will be recorded so you can watch any that you miss

  • Both artists xxxxx

Book Your Place Now

Register