Inspired by the Coast: The Virginia Beach Saltwater Photography Retreat
There's something truly special about sharing the magic of photography in a place you know and love, and hosting the Saltwater Retreat in my hometown of Virginia Beach was such a fun experience. Our group of passionate photographers immersed ourselves in the coastal charm and diverse landscapes this incredible area offers. From the historic presence of the Cape Henry Lighthouse at Fort Story standing sentinel over the Chesapeake Bay, to the dramatic Atlantic sunrises, our home base in Sandbridge provided the perfect tranquil sanctuary, allowing everyone to fully disconnect and focus on the art of capturing the beautiful mid-Atlantic coast. From dramatic sunrises to peaceful sunsets and everything in between, Virginia Beach truly delivered an inspiring backdrop for our lenses. I'm thrilled to share some of the highlights from our unforgettable photographic journey.
Cape Henry Lighthouse, Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA
Embracing the Dawn at Little Island Pier
Our mornings began before the sun even thought about rising, a ritual that quickly became a cherished part of our retreat. Just down from our Sandbridge oceanfront home, the Little Island Pier served as our magnificent foreground for sunrise. There's something truly magical about standing on the shoreline as the pre-dawn glow softens the sky, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves. As the first pastel hues kissed the horizon, painting the Atlantic in a spectrum of soft pinks and oranges, it was a collective moment of awe for the participants. We focused on capturing the sun's dramatic emergence, the play of light and shadow on the pier's pilings, and the subtle textures of the awakening ocean. It was a breathtaking start to our days and set a high bar for the visual wonders to come.
Pastel Sunrise at the Little Island Fishing Pier, Sandbridge, Virginia Beach, VA
Sunset Serenity at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
In the evenings, we swapped the open ocean for the wild, untamed beauty of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This sprawling expanse of dunes, marshes, and maritime forests is a true gem, offering a stark contrast to the beachfront. As the afternoon light began to mellow, we positioned ourselves to capture the magic of a sunset painting this pristine landscape. The sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of warm golds, fiery reds, and deep blues, reflecting with stunning clarity on the tranquil waters of the bay. We worked on composing shots that emphasized the raw, untouched beauty of this critical sanctuary. It was a deeply peaceful experience, reminding us all of nature's profound artistry.
Sunset at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach, VA
A Floral Interlude: Norfolk Botanical Garden
While our retreat was rooted in saltwater adventures, I believe in diversifying our photographic opportunities! So, for a change of pace, we took a day trip to the magnificent Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Just a short drive from Sandbridge, this horticultural wonderland offered a vibrant burst of color and intricate details. From wide-angle compositions of its sprawling, rose gardens to intimate macro shots of delicate blooms, the opportunities were endless. It was a wonderful chance for the group to hone their close-up photography skills and appreciate the incredible diversity of plant life, proving that inspiration can be found in every corner, even beyond the beach.
Norfolk Botanical Gardens Rose Garden
A Golden Farewell: North Landing River Sunset Cruise
As the Saltwater Retreat drew to a close, we embarked on a truly special farewell experience: a sunset boat tour of the North Landing River with Moore to See Expeditions. This unique perspective offered an entirely different side of coastal Virginia. Gliding along the calm, winding river, we were immediately transported into a serene, almost ancient landscape. Bald cypress trees, their gnarled knees rising from the water, lined the banks. Beyond them, vast pocosin marshes stretched out, a vital habitat teeming with life. Our fantastic guides from Moore to See shared fascinating insights into this unique ecosystem, pointing out majestic osprey soaring overhead and even spotting eagles perched high in the branches, enriching our understanding of the scenes we were capturing. The peaceful boat ride under deep blue hour skies, with stunning reflections on the calm water, was an absolutely unforgettable way to cap off our week of chasing light.
Osprey Nest in Cyprus Tree, North Landing River, Virginia Beach
Reflecting on a Week of Light and Learning
Hosting this Saltwater Retreat from our cozy Sandbridge base was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was inspiring to witness everyone's growth, their unique perspectives, and the sheer joy they found in capturing the beauty around us. From the dramatic sunrises at Little Island Pier to the serene sunsets over Back Bay, the vibrant Norfolk Botanical Garden, colorful sights at the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk, and the tranquil North Landing River, every moment offered a new opportunity to learn and create. I truly believe that by focusing on immersing ourselves in these diverse environments, we not only captured stunning images but also created lasting memories and friendships.
Blue sky and clouds reflected over the marshes of the North Landing River, Virginia Beach, VA
What's Next: The Saltwater Retreat Heads to the Outer Banks!
I invite you to join me at the Saltwater Retreat, Outer Banks, North Carolina. This women's photography retreat in Avon, on Cape Hatteras National Seashore is designed to further educate, inspire, and awaken your creativity. We'll be diving deep into the craft with dedicated shooting sessions, individualized instruction, and engaging discussions. Expect to explore iconic coastal landmarks, seek out overlooked details, and even enjoy a day trip to Manteo. Our focus will span seascapes, nature, macro, wildlife, and cultural and travel photography, with daily conversations covering everything from post-processing to artistic vision. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow photographers and foster a deeper connection with your art and yourself.
Ready to chase the golden light with us on the next adventure? Don't miss out on the opportunity to join our next Saltwater Retreat! You can find more details and sign up here: The Saltwater Retreat Outer Banks
