Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful spring break! Whether that was staying home and relaxing or traveling to the mountains or the beach. Spring break is always at the perfect time to help with the final push of the school year.

Let me tell you all about my spring break. I experienced a whirlwind of inspiration and camaraderie at the recent photography retreat I attended in Asheville, North Carolina. Picture this: a picturesque lakeside cabin nestled among budding trees and spring blooms, surrounded by a group of like-minded women ready to collaborate and talk business ideas. Yes, it was every photographer’s dream come true!

We were all brought together because we all share the same business coach. If you are a photographer needing a push I can not recommend Christa Rene enough! She is kind and encouraging and will not hesitate to give you a little tough love if you need a little motivation.

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz of excitement in the air. There’s something magical about being in the company of fellow business owners who share your passion for capturing moments for their clients and serving them well. We came from all walks of life, brought together by our love for photography and growing our businesses, and boy, did we click—pun intended!

The retreat wasn’t just about snapping stunning shots (as we didn’t even bring our cameras). It was about fostering a sense of community, supporting one another, and learning from each other’s unique perspectives. Whether we were discussing new products over breakfast, sharing our favorite podcasts by the campfire, or playing a friendly game of nertz at the end of the day, there was an undeniable bond that formed among us.

One of the highlights of the retreat was the Biltmore House tour. That place was absolutely magical! The tour of the house was very interesting, but the gardens were spectacular! Gave me a little bit of envy that I don’t get to photograph my seniors there. We could make tons of memories and gorgeous images there!

But it wasn’t all about the photography itself. We also took time to recharge our creative batteries and nourish our souls. Whether it was indulging in delicious meals (I definitely ate way too much food!) or simply taking a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air during our daily walks around the lake, the retreat provided the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with our artistic selves.

And let’s not forget about the daily talks about our goals for not only our businesses, but for our personal lives as well. There is something incredibly inspiring about seeing how each photographer runs their business in their own unique way. It was so fun to hear their ways and inspired me to make some changes in my own business as it grows.

As the retreat drew to a close, I found myself feeling simultaneously exhilarated and rejuvenated. I had not only made goals and worked on some mindset issues, but also forged friendships that I know will last a lifetime. And perhaps most importantly, I left feeling more inspired than ever to continue pursuing my passion for photography, armed with new techniques, fresh perspectives, and a community of fellow shutterbugs cheering me on every step of the way.

As I packed up my suitcase and bid farewell to the lakeside retreat, I could not shake the excitement bubbling within me. Not only had I expanded my photography skills and formed lasting connections with fellow photographers, but I was also brimming with ideas for how to serve my clients even better. From incorporating new editing techniques to offering unique photo session experiences inspired by our adventures at the retreat, I was eager to infuse my work with fresh creativity and innovation. After all, photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about telling stories, and creating cherished memories for my clients to treasure for years to come. Armed with newfound inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose, I could not wait to dive back into my business with a newfound excitement and passion.

So here’s to the power of creativity, community, and capturing moments that matter.

Here is a list of the sweet photographer’s I met and now consider friends. If you need photos taken and are in their area, I can not recommend each of them enough.

Michelle with The Cotton Collective. If you need family photos in the Houston area, I highly recommend checking her out. Her work is absolutely stunning and the connection she captures is truly amazing!

If you are looking for senior pictures in the Nebraska area, check out Kelsey Homolka with Red Dirt Photography. You are sure to have a good time with her big, bubbly personality!

Need pictures of your horse in the Colombia area? Britt Croft is definitely your girl! Her equine photography is out of this world!

Need family or senior photos around Columbus, Ohio? Emily Sommer is one of the absolute sweetest humans ever!

Need newborn photos in Louisiana? Abigail with Abigail Kathleen Photography will work her magic with your newborn.

Getting married in South Carolina? Jessie Modlin Photography takes the dreamiest wedding photos!

Now it’s time to jump full swing into spring sessions! This retreat was exactly what I needed to get my creative juices flowing and get prepared for my awesome clients.