Behind the Scenes at The Challenge Retreat with MTV’s Emily Schromm

As a photographer, I’ve had the honor of documenting countless stories through my lens, but nothing quite like The Challenge Retreat, hosted by Emily Schromm. Held at Terravana Ranch in California, this first-ever retreat blended physical intensity with soul-nourishing practices like breathwork, meditation, and journaling. I joined the weekend not just as the retreat photographer, but as a quiet witness to the transformation, connection, and power that unfolded.

So, how did I end up here?

My sister-in-law, Angie, and I were big fans of the show and Emily. When Angie learned that Emily was hosting The Challenge Retreat, she immediately signed up. After I learned all about this, I just knew I had to be there with my camera. 

I sent Emily a cold email to introduce myself and offer to be her retreat photographer. 

When she said yes, I was over the moon. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I, too, would be changed by the experience. Emily is literally the sweetest, coolest person. I asked if she’d be open to sitting down for an “interview” to talk more about her experience hosting the retreat and working with me. Hey, it’s super fun asking questions about myself and my work *insert sarcasm* but with Emily, this was a great conversation that flowed really well. 

Emily, thank you for trusting me to capture your first Challenge Retreat and for taking the time to chat with me about it afterward. 

What Inspired Emily to Create the Challenge Retreat

Emily is no stranger to challenge…literally. Her time competing on MTV’s The Challenge pushed her limits and revealed a strength she hadn’t fully tapped into yet. The retreat was born from her desire to offer that kind of awakening to others, but in a more holistic, and, let’s be honest, a positive way with none of the toxic TV drama. 

“I wanted to give people a way to experience physical challenges while also grounding into their spirit,” she told me. “A space where adults could gather, calm their nervous systems, and refill themselves with love and coherence.”

Terravana, the venue nestled in the Cazadero Hills in Northern California's Redwoods, offered the perfect setting. With space to move, gather, and breathe, it held the duality of grit and softness that Emily envisioned.

Connection, Growth, and Celebration

Each day of the retreat was built around the unknown. Much like The Challenge, participants never knew what was coming next. That tension, of excitement, fear, and anticipation, opened the door for true growth. Whether it was navigating obstacle courses, participating in guided breathwork, or sharing vulnerable journal entries, everyone showed up for themselves and each other.

One of Emily’s goals was to cultivate a sense of inner trust among attendees. “The greatest gift is knowing myself well enough to trust myself,” she shared. “That’s what I wanted everyone to walk away with—a deep sense of self-knowing and confidence.”

And they did. Watching participants move from hesitation to full-hearted action was something I’ll never forget. Even behind the camera, I could feel it: walls were coming down. People were cheering for strangers as if they were lifelong friends. During a challenge, I was stationed at the finish line with my camera in hand. As everyone crossed the finish line, the energy was so electric, I felt I couldn’t take enough images to capture the moment. I honestly was so worried that I’d run out of memory cards.

Transformation in Real Time: Janice’s Story

Of all the powerful moments I captured, one of the most moving was witnessing Janice’s transformation. When she arrived, Janice was unsure if she was physically prepared. But with every challenge, she rose to meet it, pushed by her teammates and her own inner fire.

Emily pulled animal spirit cards for each participant before the retreat. Janice’s was the Phoenix. By the end of the weekend, she was fully living into that rebirth. After climbing, falling, rising again, and finishing the final challenge, she beamed with a kind of joy that only comes from breaking through your own self-doubt.

We cried together. There was rain. There were rainbows. And somehow, my lens managed to catch that moment. It was pure magic.

More Than Just a Retreat Photographer

From the very beginning, Emily welcomed me not just as a “vendor” but as a part of her community. That spirit of inclusion made all the difference, not just for me, but for every participant as well.

Emily later told me, “You weren’t just taking photos. You were anchoring the room. You saw what needed to be captured before I even had to ask. You held space, not just with your camera, but with your presence.”

That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received.

As a retreat photographer, my goal is to do more than show up and shoot. I want to create ease. To anticipate transitions, suggest structure when needed, and capture people in ways that feel natural, not staged. We had prep calls beforehand to map out flow, lighting, and timing, but we also stayed flexible and grounded in the moment. 

Whether I was photographing participants in the art studio, documenting the lovingly ranch-grown food, or watching a facilitator help someone through a challenging moment, my job was to reflect the heart of the experience.

Beyond the Retreat 

One of the most unique parts of The Challenge Retreat was the way it continued after the weekend ended. Emily hosts a group call a month before the retreat and again a month after. Many participants stay connected through her monthly membership community, The Study, which offers continued support, online resources, and live group calls.

This isn’t a one-time high. It’s a beginning. A reminder. A recalibration.

For moms who said yes to time away from their kids, the retreat became a turning point. For those who feared they wouldn’t “measure up,” it revealed strength they didn’t know they had. And for all of us, including me, it was a reminder that we’re allowed to take up space, try hard things, and be fully ourselves.

Emily’s Reaction to the Gallery

Delivering the final gallery was emotional. “It was like—we did it,” Emily said. “I had the vision, but your photos made it real. Everyone could finally see the vision that we can make this a transformational experience for everyone who says YES for many retreats to come.”

She told me the photos felt like the final missing puzzle piece. And for me, seeing those images through her eyes was the ultimate affirmation.

Looking Ahead

The next Challenge Retreat will be co-ed and slightly more physically demanding, while future all-women retreats will focus on creating safety and softer entry points. But the heart of it, which is the transformation, the community, the celebration, will remain the same.

If any part of you is whispering “maybe,” listen. As Emily says, the magic happens when you push through the resistance.

Want to Experience The Challenge Retreat for Yourself?

Learn more and sign up at emilyschromm.com/retreat.

Looking for a Photographer Who Can Hold Space & Tell Your Story?

If you’re planning a retreat or transformational event, I’d love to be there. As a photographer, I help document not just what happened, but what it felt like. See more of my work or get in touch to connect.