Janet attended the 2019 Saltwater Retreat for women photographers on Nags Head, North Carolina.  Today she is sharing her thoughts and favorite photographs from the experience.

A photography retreat at the beach? Yes, please! Even though I’m generally a “people” photographer, I was thrilled when a last minute spot opened up at the Saltwater Retreat on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. I already knew that Jennifer Carr is an amazing landscape photographer and I would learn a ton from her. Her approach of slowing down, observing with all five senses, and being present in the moment while photographing the world around her has always spoken to me. The intimate retreat came at a time when I was feeling stressed about life in general, uninspired, and in a creative rut. Spending a few days focusing on photography in one of my very favorite places sounded like just what I needed. 

From the minute I arrived at the beautiful beach house we stayed at, I started to feel the stress melt away. Jenny and Muffin, who helped run the retreat and prepared the incredible meals we ate every day, were so welcoming. Throughout our four days together, we saw all of the beauty the Outer Banks has to offer. We spent time on the beach capturing sunrises (always worth the early wake up!), visited lighthouses, piers, and giant sand dunes, and explored nearby towns. Jenny shared her knowledge and expertise, helping us see things in new ways and think outside the box as we photographed the things that spoke to us. We practiced slowing down. We tapped into our creativity, which in my case needed this jump start. In between our excursions, we dined on delicious homemade meals, discussed all things photography, and spent hours laughing together. 

I’ve been fortunate to take couple of Jenny’s workshops over the last few years, and always come out of them both a better photographer and a better human. This experience was no different. Jenny instantly created a sense of support and community, allowing each of us to be ourselves and learn not only from her, but from each other. With such a small, intimate group, we got to know everyone - it was hard to say goodbye to these six incredible women when it was time for our parting hugs. We bonded over our love of photography and have continued to stay in touch, supporting each other and cheering each other on. I not only left the Saltwater Retreat with new friends, but I also came home feeling recharged and reinvigorated in photography and in life in general. I can’t think of a better way to end an amazing week filled with light, learning, and friendship.

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.