I was immediately inspired by the Gulf Sands Beach Resort when I first shot there with Vin in January. We were warmly welcomed and given the opportunity to let our visions run wild. It was only natural that we’d dream up a retreat.
While Vin has a number of natural light workshops under his belt, I had none. However, with my background in television and event production the challenge thrilled me. We conceptualized an event where photographers could decompress, letting their creativity blossom under the sun and along the waves. We picked a weekend that fell along a full moon. The name Sun + Moon was born.
Four photographers, each from different states, drove down to join us for a weekend at the beach. We shot both day and night with five models. Even Vin and I made casual appearances in front of the camera.
We ventured to the moonlit water. We played and posed in red turtle-friendly lights. We captured models all over the property, toying with natural textures, shadows, and botanicals, and enjoyed our uniquely old Florida rooms.
We danced in the sand with the locals at Nokomis Beach’s famous sunset drum circle. We experimented with delayed shutter and poi dancing, then rolled out of bed for yoga with Mya Cato. What I loved most about our retreat was seeing the collective energy drive our guests and where it took them.
The Gulf Sands is a safe, enchanting space for people to be themselves. I never imagined that day in January would alter the course of my life. The name Sun + Moon stemmed from the retreat, but since then it’s been the essence of who Vin and I are as artists and people. I opened my eyes to the necessary duality of darkness and light, literally and mentally. I allowed myself to fall back in love with portraiture and crave human experiences.
Our first retreat was a reward and I’m already longing for the next one. Since May we’ve hosted two workshops and have another in August. If you’d like to join us on our retreats and collectives and see where we’re going, head HERE. If you want us in your city, we are all ears!
I also encourage you to check out our Gulf Sands friends’ pages. All of the photographers absolutely crushed it:
If you want to book your own weekend getaway at this magical spot, head HERE and let Amy know we sent ya!
Special thanks to Jenna, Natasha, Maiaya, Richie, Chris, Mya, and Marco for your trust.
-JT