The Saltwater Retreat Experience - What to Expect
What to expect on the first day of The Saltwater Retreat
Many Saltwater Retreat attendees arrive and tell us during introductions that they “aren’t a morning person.” I smile softly and think "You will be soon.” The first morning of The Saltwater Retreat is a flurry of activity: the pre-dawn alarm, the sleepy shuffle to the kitchen, the steaming coffee poured into thermoses, the hurried grab of camera bags.
It's a challenge to resist the urge to immediately capture the scene, but I encourage a pause. A deep breath. A moment to truly see before shooting. To connect with the location, to feel its essence, to allow the memory to imprint itself deeply. This is the beginning of an extraordinary week, and I want it to be savored.
Sunrise during the Saltwater Retreat | Sony a7rv + 70-200 GMII
After sunrise, we head inside for breakfast and more coffee. We take our time, lingering over the emotions of the morning. People slowly slip away to their private rooms, sometimes to shower, often to nap. They take some time for personal reflection, a moment to recharge before we delve into the heart of the retreat.
We gather around lunch time for a photo share, a chance to delve into personal narratives. Attendees show their favorite images, discuss creative challenges, and reveal their photographic inspirations. Gently guided by the group, they explore the emotions and intentions behind their work, forging deeper connections and mutual support. Laughter and tears mingle over freshly baked cookies, leaving everyone feeling enriched.
Reflecting Sun and Clouds, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, The Saltwater Retreat | Sony a7rv + 24-40 GMII
After a long afternoon of chatting, we’re anxious to get back outside. We load up our gear bags, heading off to the designated spot for a photo walk before sunset. The initial nerves have dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm exploration. Participants move with intention, sharing discoveries and offering feedback, they call to each other when they see something interesting then move apart as they each interpret the scene, coming back together to look at their LCD screens.
Towards the end of the first day, more experimentation happens. Copper pipes are held to the lens, lenses are switched out, cameras are moved back and forth and up and down. The attendees are starting to ask themselves “what if?” as they observe a scene rather than rushing through, overshooting and hoping for the best.
A collective sigh of contentment fills the air as the sun dips below the horizon. Smiles are exchanged, a silent acknowledgment of the day's beauty. "We get to do this for three more days," I say with my own smile.
Sunset over Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge | Sony a7rv + 70-200 GMII
Dinner, lovingly prepared, awaits us back at the house. Conversation flows freely, a struggle to release the magic of the day. We discuss tomorrow's adventures, the locations we'll explore, the gear we'll need. Even the self-proclaimed "non-morning people" are eager for the sunrise. Eventually, sleep calls and we drift off to our rooms. Unless, there happens to be a full moon….
Full moonrise during the Saltwater Retreat | Sony a7rv + 200-600 mm
The Saltwater Retreat is a women’s photography retreat and creativity workshop designed to educate, inspire and help you become the photographer you long to be. Held on the shores of Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this is chance for women photographers to spend a week immersing themselves in the craft of creating photographs without the distractions of home, this photography trip is a true photography vacation. I invite you to join me at the next Saltwater Retreat.
