Lauren Wright 3/30/25 Lauren Wright 3/30/25

In-Person Matters: Why Creative Community is Everything

In-Person Matters: Why Creative Community is Everything

There’s something special—almost sacred—about having people in your corner. The kind of people who cheer loudly when you win, who gently hold space when you’re struggling, and who remind you why you started when the road gets rocky.

In the creative world, and especially in photography, it can sometimes feel like we’re all running solo races. Behind our screens. Editing into the night. Hustling to grow our businesses. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do it all alone. That no one else truly understands.

But the truth is—connection is the lifeline.

We don’t need to all shoot the same niche or approach the art the same way. Some of us are in the birth space, quietly holding sacred moments as new life enters the world. Some are capturing the tender glow of maternity or the bold, transitional energy of high school seniors. Others thrive in the chaos of weddings or find peace in fine art portraiture. The diversity of our passions is a gift, not a barrier.

What matters most is having people. Creative, like-minded souls who get it.

People who won’t flinch when you talk about pricing struggles or imposter syndrome. People who will celebrate the little wins, like finally finishing that gallery or having a client cry (in a good way) over their images. People who will push you forward when you feel stuck.

And while online connection is beautiful and meaningful—it’s not the same.

We weren’t made to live in boxes and scroll through each other’s lives. We were meant to sit beside one another. Share coffee. Hug hello. Talk through ideas face-to-face. Create side-by-side. Laugh until it hurts.

That’s why I believe so deeply in gathering in person. That’s why we are opening the door for our next free Networking + Headshot Swap this April.

This isn’t just about updating your profile photo. It’s about rooting into community. About finding that circle who gets it. The ones who will remember your name, ask about your latest project, and maybe even become your lifelong creative sounding board.

You don’t have to do this alone.

Come meet your people. Come fill your cup. Come be reminded of what’s possible—when we gather.

👉 RSVP Here to save your spot for the free April Networking + Headshot Swap. We can’t wait to welcome you in.

Lauren Wright 2/19/25 Lauren Wright 2/19/25

5 Transformational Moments from Our Savannah Retreat

Last week, we returned from Savannah, GA, where we hosted our latest Refresh Retreat—a weekend designed for photographers to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and nurture their creative spirit.

Each retreat takes on a life of its own, shaped by the people who gather, the stories they bring, and the space we hold together. Savannah was no different—it was deeply restorative, creatively inspiring, and filled with moments that reminded us why we do what we do.

1. The Power of Shared Stillness

Each morning, we gathered in the warmth of our retreat space, breathing in the quiet before the day began. During our meditation, there was something sacred about starting with stillness—allowing space for thoughts to settle and creativity to rise.

For so many photographers, life moves fast. To press pause, even for a weekend, felt like an act of self-care we didn’t know we needed.

2. Conversations That Opened Creative Doors

Over brunch and coffee chats, we dove into conversations that stretched far beyond business strategies. We talked about artistic ruts, imposter syndrome, and what it means to create work that feels like home.

One conversation in particular stood out—a discussion about the seasons of creativity. Sometimes, inspiration flows effortlessly. Other times, we feel stuck. But in both seasons, we are still artists. We are still creating, even if it’s just in the way we observe the world.

3. Seeing Ourselves Through a New Lens

One of our favorite parts of the retreat is offering fine art portraits to each attendee.

As photographers, we are often behind the camera, rarely in front of it. But something powerful happens when we allow ourselves to be seen. Watching each attendee step into their own presence—whether bold, soft, or vulnerable—was a reminder that we, too, are worthy of the beauty we capture for others.

4. The Magic of Hands-on Creativity

Amidst the deep conversations and creative breakthroughs, we made space for something tactile—something grounding. This time, it was body scrub workshop with Salacia Salts, a practice that reminded us of the ritual of creation.

Just as we mix colors in an edit or compose light in a frame, we blended scents and textures, allowing the process—not just the outcome—to be the reward.

5. Letting Go & Leaning Into Play

Our styled shoot was one of the most anticipated moments of the retreat, and it did not disappoint.

Each photographer stepped into the experience with fresh eyes—some pushing past creative blocks, others rediscovering their love for movement, light, and raw connection. No expectations. Just play.

And now, we carry that energy forward.

Next Up: New Orleans, LA – January 2026

2026 January, we are bringing Refresh Retreat to the vibrant heart of New Orleans, LA. Picture mornings of stillness, afternoons exploring new creative & colorful depths, and evenings wrapped in warm conversation, all within a carefully curated space designed for you to exhale.

This retreat is intimate—only 10 spots total—and it will be another unforgettable weekend of community, self-care, and artistic renewal.

Spots are already filling—will you join us?

New Orleans Retreat