Utah | The Roam Retreat

In October 2021, we hosted our very first photography retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Utah, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our community of photographers. This retreat took place amidst the stunning red rock formations in Zion National Park, and desert landscapes that make Utah such a sought-after wedding and elopement destination. We stayed in a cozy Airbnb, which became the perfect base for our days of shooting and learning. Over the course of the retreat, we had three casual couple sessions, four elopements, and one surprise bridal session—each one uniquely designed to offer hands-on experience and inspire creativity.

The beauty of our Utah retreat was not just in the landscapes, but also in the way we structured the experience. We made sure each shoot was a complete, real-world representation of what our attendees could expect to capture at their own weddings or elopements. Our casual couple sessions allowed everyone to practice working with real couples in a relaxed, natural setting. The four elopements took place in various desert locations, giving our attendees the chance to capture both intimate moments and grand scenery. The surprise bridal session added an extra layer of excitement, with a stunning model walking the desert trails in a gorgeous wedding gown.

As always, our retreats are designed to be educational and collaborative. Along with the shoots, we dedicated time each day to education, community-building, and discussions around how to run a successful wedding photography business. We provided detailed tips on everything from managing client relationships to technical shooting advice, while encouraging everyone to build connections with one another that would last beyond the retreat.

One of the most special aspects of our Utah retreat was how we embraced the unique landscape. The desert scenery, with its wide-open spaces and colorful rock formations, provided a backdrop like no other, allowing our attendees to experiment with lighting, composition, and location scouting in ways they’d never done before.

For our attendees, it was not just about getting the perfect shot—it was about learning, growing, and being inspired. Whether it was capturing stunning desert elopements or working with a couple during a casual session, every moment was about improving as photographers while building a community of like-minded creatives.

As with all of our retreats, we made sure that every gallery looked like a full, completed wedding experience. Each elopement and casual session had corresponding details—invitation suites, florals, and the perfect getting-ready shots. Our in-house hair and makeup artist made sure everyone looked their best, and we set up dress and shoe details for everyone to photograph, ensuring a full and comprehensive experience for all attendees.

The Utah retreat was just the beginning of what would become an ongoing series of photography retreats, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. From the stunning locations to the incredible community we built, it remains one of our most memorable experiences to date. Stay tuned for more details on our future retreats, and if you’re a photographer looking to grow and learn in a beautiful, collaborative environment, we would love to have you join us at one of our upcoming events.