Saltwater Retreat 2017: A Week of Light, Learning, and Coastal Inspiration
Pastel sunrise at the Avon Fishing Pier, Outer Banks, NC
The very first Saltwater Retreat in 2017 set the tone for everything this workshop has become — a blend of photography, creativity, and community on the shores of the Outer Banks. Looking back, it’s easy to see how that week sparked the tradition we continue today.
Mornings on the Shoreline
Each day began with the rising sun over the Atlantic. We gathered before dawn, tripods in hand, ready to capture pastel skies and the first waves rolling toward shore. Some mornings brought gentle light and calm seas, while others offered dramatic clouds — a reminder that the coast never looks the same twice.
Afternoons of Exploration
After the morning shoots, we spent our afternoons exploring the Outer Banks. From the quiet marshes to the bustling piers, we sought out new perspectives and practiced techniques in changing light. These moments gave everyone the chance to slow down, notice details, and experiment with creative compositions.
The Last Season of the Old Frisco Pier, Hatteras Island, NC
Manteo Wooden Boat Museum
Evenings of Connection
In the evenings, the retreat house came alive with conversations, laughter, and the glow of laptops as we reviewed the day’s images. This time together was as important as the photography itself — a chance to share ideas, offer feedback, and build friendships that would last well beyond the week.
Lessons from 2017
What stood out most about that first Saltwater Retreat was the balance between structure and freedom. Each participant had the space to follow their own creative path while also learning side-by-side with others. It was the beginning of a community — a supportive group of women photographers brought together by a shared love of light, the coast, and creative growth.
Looking Back
The 2017 Saltwater Retreat was more than just the start of a workshop series. It was the spark that showed how powerful it can be when women come together to create, learn, and inspire each other. The Outer Banks gave us shifting skies, rolling tides, and endless opportunities to see the world differently — and we’ve been chasing that magic ever since.
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 more of a vacation than a workshop. I invite you to join me at the next Saltwater Retreat.
