The Saltwater Retreat by Jennifer Carr Photography

06/16/2026

The Saltwater Retreat is a week of photography immersion filled with nothing but the promise of time to practice.

It is a rare chance to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life, trading a hectic schedule for the slow, intentional rhythm of the coast. Out here, there are no deadlines, no rushing to the next location, and no pressure to perform. It is just the space to slow down, look closer, and remember why you fell in love with making photographs in the first place.

I shared some of my favorite images from our time on Hatteras Island over on the blog, including sunrises, sunsets, our creative practice, and a look at the incredible women who made the week what it was.

Come wander through the coast with us...

See the image shares, behind-the-scenes stories, and creative perspective shifts from our photography immersion at The Saltwater Retreat on Hatteras Island.

09/24/2025

Capturing drama at The Saltwater Retreat ☁🌊 While we always hope for beautiful skies with the perfect balance of sunshine and clouds, we're at the mercy of Mother Nature. Sometimes the retreat offers us a lesson in making the most of a situation and finding inspiration in the powerful, moody landscape of the Outer Banks.

See more from how made the most of retreat filled with hurricane swell, wild wind, and moody skies →
https://www.jennifercarrphotography.com/blog/saltwater-retreat-hurricane-ian-swell-outer-banks-photography

09/22/2025

The Orange Blossom Bakery is a favorite stop during The Saltwater Retreat. Looking back on the photos taken during a rainy day during the 2017 retreat, it's amazing to see how much this charming little bakery has changed over the years. View the story of how we told "the story of a place" on the blog.

09/17/2025

I'm in full retreat prep mode, and it's got me feeling all the feels! Re-reading these old blog posts about the Saltwater Retreat reminds me of the power of stepping away and recharging. I can't wait to share that experience with a new group of attendees in just a few weeks.

“The 2017 Saltwater Retreat brought women photographers together on the Outer Banks for a week of light, learning, and connection — see highlights from the inaugural workshop.

07/25/2025

There is so much to explore in this beautiful black and white image captured by at The Saltwater Retreat 🖤🤍

There’s still time to secure your spot and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Outer Banks this fall. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable escape!

04/11/2025

An absolutely stunning capture of the Bodie Island Lighthouse taken by at The Saltwater Retreat 💙

02/28/2025

If I there were a trophy for best seat in the house, I'd give it to him. Hopefully a fish was his reward instead.

Captured during the October 2024 Saltwater Retreat. Follow the link in bio for info on this year's retreats.

02/27/2025

Wings of dawn, the shorebirds rise,
A fleeting dance in golden skies.
From slumbering sands, they take to air,
A symphony of wings, a whispered prayer.
A wild ballet, fast and free,
Shorebirds soaring, to the boundless sea.

We spend much of the Saltwater Retreat finding ways to express ourselves creatively - and not only through photographs. Some attendees use their downtime to paint, sketch, or journal. Some take walks or exercise. Others take naps. I like to pair my images with words, inspired by the scenes we've just witnessed.

02/26/2025

Looking south from the Rodanthe Pier, we are reminded that our experiences on these shores are at the mercy of forces much greater than us. This area of the Outer Banks has been hit particularly hard the last few years which makes me treasure the photographs we've captured there during the Saltwater Retreat even more. Photography is about so much more than capturing pretty scenes, it's a record of what once was that might not always be.

02/25/2025

We are thrilled and so proud to share that received an honorable mention in the Light Study category of .magazine VOICE competition for this image taken at the Saltwater Retreat last fall. Congrats Kerri! 💛