Dena attended the 2022 Saltwater Retreat for women photographers on Hatteras Island, North Carolina.  Today she is sharing her thoughts and favorite photographs from the experience.

The beach has always been my happy place. Ever since I was a little girl growing up in California, the saltwater and sea breeze have been a source of peace and time for reflection. So the chance to spend some time away in the beautiful setting of the Outer Banks of North Carolina with an amazing group of women who also love photography sounded like a dream come true! I was already drawn to Jennifer Carr’s amazing eye for photography and ability to connect with those around her in a meaningful way. When Jenny is out shooting, she really takes her time, slows down and observes the light and elements in front of her and then finds a creative, peaceful, and amazing way of capturing the scene. I live at the beach and have the chance to shoot there often, but the opportunity to share a few days with a small group of women and explore photography together was really unique. 

We arrived at our beautiful home in Avon, North Carolina just steps from the beach and were welcomed by some yummy home made chocolate chip cookies! Jenny and her assistant Muffin created a welcoming and relaxing space for us. We were treated to home cooked meals and a slower pace to be able to enjoy each moment. From the moment I arrived I felt at relaxed and at home. The gorgeous natural environment provided so many wonderful photographic opportunities. There are expansive beaches (which we had to ourselves), lighthouses, wildlife, piers, small town charm and always a new opportunity to capture something amazing. Each night we focused on exploring our photography journey and learning from each other. We shared our inspiration and our struggles.  No matter how much experience each of us had, Jenny was able to impart her knowledge and insight in way which helped each of us move forward. We made new friends and found a supportive group which continues to support and reach out to each other even after the retreat sadly had to end! 

Here are a few of my favorite images (I still have so many more to edit !) which I hope will give you an idea of the beautiful scenery we encountered during our time with Jenny. I would go back to the Saltwater Retreat again in a heartbeat, it was such a special time of community, reflection, inspiration and learning. What a great opportunity Jenny creates for us! 

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.