The Art of Seeing
A weekend of photography, creativity & fresh perspective
April 9–11, 2027 | Creative Mill France
What happens when we begin to look at the familiar in unfamiliar ways?
A weekend of photography and creative exploration with Krystal Kenney and Kate Kemp-Griffin. No experience necessary, just curiosity and a camera or smartphone.
The Art of Seeing is a weekend for noticing again. Led by photographer Krystal Kenney and Creative Mill founder Kate Kemp-Griffin, it explores how observation, perception and creativity connect.
Most of what surrounds us goes unseen. We walk past the same doorway, the same tree and the same light on the kitchen table, and we stop noticing them. Through photography workshops, creative exercises and quiet moments of attention, we’ll work with light, composition and perspective. Along the way we’ll see how a small change in the way we look can show us what we usually overlook.
The aim is to see more clearly, not to take perfect pictures. A better photograph usually follows from that.
You don’t need any photography experience. Just bring curiosity, a camera or smartphone, and a willingness to see things differently.
Same place. Different light.
There's always more to see than meets the eye.The shape of the weekend.
We begin with light.
We’ll follow the light through the mill and its grounds, from early morning to evening.
The art of leaving out.
Simple exercises in framing, lines and space, so you learn to trust your own eye.
A change of perspective.
Get low, look up, turn around. Playful prompts to help you see familiar places in a new way.
Moments of mindful attention.
Quiet time without a camera, because seeing well starts with being present.
Your Hosts
Kate Kemp-Griffin
Founder, Creative Mill
Kate Kemp-Griffin is an entrepreneur, author and mindfulness facilitator, and founder of Creative Mill, where she creates experiences grounded in curiosity, attention and creative practice.
A Princeton graduate and author of Paris Undressed, Kate has worked across entrepreneurship, writing, advocacy and mindfulness.
At Creative Mill, she explores what we notice when we stop looking immediately for an answer — and the different forms of knowing that can emerge through writing, making, movement, conversation and silence.
Krystal Kenney
Photographer
Krystal is an award-winning American photographer who has lived and worked in Paris for more than a decade. She photographs portraits, weddings and events around the city, writes books, and hosts La Vie Creative, a podcast about creative life in Paris and beyond. She loves natural light, early mornings and helping people feel at ease behind and in front of the camera.
Through Krystal’s lens.
Pricing
All-inclusive rate. All rooms are single-occupancy.
Twin Room
Shared bathroom
595€
Queen Bedroom
Shared bathroom
645€
Ensuite
Queen Bedroom
695€
““I’m a total phone addict, so watching our mobiles go into a champagne bucket made me laugh — and panic a little. But very quickly, I felt lighter and more present.””
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
COME FRIDAY.
LEAVE SUNDAY.
Arrive from 4 pm on Friday. Leave leisurely after lunch on Sunday.
FROM THE AIRPORT
From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY): approximately 1–2 hours by train and car. Easily accessible by metro and regional rail.
WE’LL MEET YOU AT THE STATION.
Take the RER C to Saint-Martin-d’Étampes. Pick-up and drop-off at the station are included.
LEAVE YOUR PHONE WITH US.
Phones are set aside on arrival, with time each day to check messages. An emergency contact number is available for family and friends.
