Dawn at the Avon Fishing Pier during the Saltwater Retreat on Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. — The Saltwater Retreat Attendee Guide

Welcome! Preparing for a photography retreat is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming when it comes to packing. Please know that you do not need a brand new kit or a massive budget to have an incredible experience.

Use this guide as your go to reference for everything you need to complete, pack, and prepare before we meet on Hatteras Island.

Step 1: Complete Your Questionnaires

Before diving into your packing list, please take a few moments to fill out these quick forms so we can prepare for your arrival:

Menu Preferences

Travel Info

View and submit your pre assignment

[Menu Preferences Form] Very important! Please share any dietary restrictions and meal preferences so our kitchen manager can prepare delicious meals for you.
[Travel Info Form] Share your arrival and departure schedule so we can coordinate house entry and greet you when you arrive.
[Pre-Assignment] Complete the pre-assignment exercise to start warming up your creative eye.

Step 2: Camera Gear Guide

The Absolute Essentials

These are the non-negotiable items you will need in the field every day:

Camera Body: Preferably one that allows you to shoot in manual mode so you have full creative control.
At Least One Lens: Bring your favorite lens.
Extra Memory Cards: Bring more storage than you think you need so you never have to stop shooting.
Batteries & Charger: Freshly charged batteries plus your wall charger.

Highly Recommended Additions

These tools will allow you to explore new creative techniques like long exposure and coastal details:

Tripod: Essential for low light sunrise sessions and long exposure shots of water and skies. Check that your tripod's weight capacity can safely support your heaviest camera and lens combination. Lightweight travel options include the Peak Design Travel Tripod, Manfrotto Befree Advanced, or Sirui Carbon Fiber.
Filters (ND and CPL): Beach shooting involves bright light and harsh reflections. A Neutral Density (ND) filter acts like sunglasses for your lens to smooth out water, while a Circular Polarizer (CPL) cuts glare on wet sand and deepens sky blue tones. A combo ND/CPL filter is a great two in one solution.
- Pro Tip: Buy a filter size that fits your largest lens thread, then use inexpensive step-up rings to adapt that same filter to your smaller lenses!
Lens Options: * Wide-Angle: Perfect for expansive seascapes and big skies.
- Telephoto: Great for isolating details, compressing coastal layers, and capturing sunrises or sunsets.
- Standard Zoom (like a 24-70mm): The ultimate versatile workhorse lens for everyday shooting.
Laptop or Tablet with Adobe Lightroom: Bring your device with Lightroom updated, and make sure to download the Lightroom mobile app on your phone so we can practice editing and syncing photos on the go.

Fun Extras & Protection

Remote Shutter Release or Camera App: Helps prevent camera shake during long exposures. Download your camera manufacturer's official app to your phone before arriving.
Camera Bag: A padded, water resistant backpack style bag keeps your hands free while walking on the sand and protects your gear.
Rain/Dust Cover: Protects your camera setup against sudden coastal rain, windblown sand, and ocean salt spray.
Creative Tools: Lensbaby lenses, film cameras, or instant cameras (like an Instax) are always fun for painterly, nostalgic experiments. Note: Bring all film rolls with you, as film is not sold on the island.
Accessories: A small headlamp for early morning setups, extra camera batteries, and several microfiber cloths for wiping away salt mist.

Step 3: What to Wear & Pack

Coastal autumn weather on Hatteras Island changes quickly. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to 80s Fahrenheit, but mornings, evenings, and ocean breezes can feel chilly. Dressing in layers is key!

Clothing & Outerwear

Base & Middle Layers: A mix of comfortable tops, sweaters, and a cozy sweatshirt.
Outerwear: A windbreaker or waterproof rain jacket. Even without heavy rain, coastal salt mist can feel like a light drizzle.
Swimwear: For the hot tub or a quick ocean or pool dip during downtime.
Accessories: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Footwear

Main Outing Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for exploring and standing on your feet.
Beach Footwear: Flip-flops, sandals, or old shoes you do not mind getting sandy. Barefoot is always great too!
Rain Boots: If you have sensitive feet, waterproof boots are invaluable for cold morning beach walks and keeping your feet dry in damp sand or tide lines.

What We Provide at the House

To help you travel light and stress free, here is a quick list of amenities and supplies we will have ready for you at the retreat house:

Bed, Bath & Personal Care

Linens & Towels: Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and fresh bed linens are all provided.
Laundry Detergent: Available at the house if you need to wash a load during the week.

Food & Kitchen

Chef Prepared Meals & Snacks: Delicious full meals, daily snacks, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages are all covered!
Alcohol: Beverages requested on your Menu Preferences Form will be stocked and ready for you.
Kitchen Access: Refrigerators and counter space if you want to store any personal favorites or specialty snacks.

Creative & Outdoor Gear

Lounge Space: Plentiful cozy indoor and outdoor seating for editing, relaxing, and group chats.
Hot Tub & Pool Access: Pool and hot tub towels are available on site.
Basic First Aid & Sun Care: Extra sunscreen, bug spray, and basic first aid items for outdoor shoots.

Important Health & Gear Reminders

A Special Note Regarding Scents

I have an allergy to perfumes and artificial fragrances. To keep our shared house safe and comfortable, please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented lotions during the retreat. Essential oils are totally fine!

Gear Check & Insurance

Take time before your trip to clean your equipment and verify your gear insurance. Hobbyists can often add a photography rider to a homeowner or renter policy, while working photographers will need a commercial policy. Having proper coverage lets you shoot with confidence near salt mist and sand!