Sew Trendy Retreat | The Arrival
When Sew Trendy says, “Retreat,” what they really mean is “Escape to a photographer’s playground.”
That’s what happened when 11 photographers, 1 husband & wife photo team, and 20 Sew Trendy staff flooded into Park City, Utah, for the promise of four fully-styled sessions over three days and classes from the best, all capped off with worry-free lodging, and like-minded company.
The click of shutters, snap of lenses locking into mounts, and laughter were the sounds of the Sew Trendy Retreat. Models twirled in picture-happy gowns, while skilled photographers soaked in the inspiring atmosphere and collective knowledge. As each of these talented adventurers stepped off their flights, excitement buzzed, and a few nervous smiles greeted each other.
They all made the journey for the same goal: opportunity.
Albeit, each one of these pros had a different version of what that consists of; nonetheless, that was the theme, and Sew Trendy provided the muse and the means.
Wednesday night was the icebreaker. The massive Air BnB that was home for the duration of the stay hosted the first dinner and good-natured chats. The travel to the season-heavy state may have been wearing, but when you put 11 ladies, and 2 gentlemen, in a room with similar passions, a bit of fatigue, and food, the conversation becomes delirious and hilariously inevitable.
The next morning started early for the Sew Trendy staff. While the photographers rested their skilled eyes for just a bit longer, models were being prepped in hair and makeup at a second Air BnB. On that note, entrepreneurs don’t stay in bed long, even when they have the hours to snooze. This career-driven crew was ready to test their skills long before the 6 a.m. transportation time. They arrived at the new location, eager to put their practiced artistry into action.
Blue Boar Inn provides a German ambiance with a fairytale aesthetic that sings to a photographer’s imaginative heart. The old fashion turrets and enchanting tower emulate storybook fantasies of European lore, and provide a stage for captured imagery. As the photographers paired up in teams of two for shared 10-minute sets, the chilly air dissipated into sunlit brilliance.
Each setting had a story for clever and focused minds to bring to life. Forest paths with an ivy archway, rock walls, and old lanterns framed the scenery. The golden sunlight poured over the models, who showcased each gown’s dazzling effect, and set the photographers into a frenzy of enthusiasm. There is magic that takes place when unique thinkers become motivated by their settings and subjects, and each carefully planned theme did exactly that.
The steel blue, off-the-shoulder, Paulina gown in the non-maternity/teen option, was hypnotizing during the Rumpelstiltskin set as it was modeled by the lovely Nikayle Henderson. The ruffled skirt cascaded over rock walls and pooled along cobblestone paths with a brilliance that rivaled the arched windows of the Blue Boar castle. Each photographer captured the allure of the Paulina, and captured their own photography style in each movement of the gown before rotating to the next enchanting scene
The angelic models in the Hansel and Gretel set brought the old tale of our youth into reality. Journey Kay twirled in the beautiful Darling gown, while Chloe Steed embodied the playful character created by the miraculous Hansel romper. This was a theme that could be photographed for hours with endless storylines to tell. Alas, the photographers had much more to discover, and had to move on from the playful wardrobe and mini-corsets, to try another stage; though, many longing glances and last-minute clicks of their cameras followed suit.
Briar Rose was awakened by the vintage Bethany gown’s remarkable presence on the Briar Rose set. Model Katie Perez brought sweetness to her breathtaking chiffon look, and embodied a character that enhanced the colorful forestry behind her. The photographers, being astute and talented, caught on quickly, and directed the scene into a dreamlike wonder to take advantage of the draping fabric of the extended-length skirt.
If you said there was a setting the mauve Angie gown wasn’t placed, we would mourn the loss; but, it would be difficult to believe an opportunity was missed as the Rapunzel display relocated with each fantastic idea. The stunning lace and chiffon gown, the Liesel crown, and the striking child who wore it heightened the beauty of each whimsical backdrop. The smile shined from the wonderful model Nelle, as well as the photographers, while the flowing sleeves of the Angie gown grazed the ground with each ethereal motion.
Two glowing maternity models created majesty in the Renaissance sets. One wore the ivory Isolde gown, while the other donned the Angora in a rich burgundy, and created contrast in color as well as fit that exhilarated the creative thoughts at work. These two models differed as much as the gowns themselves, yet portrayed a similar old-English allure. The Isolde provided a soft look to match the peaceful background, while the light and calm presence of the stunning model, Bethany, paralleled the delicacy of the cape that drifted behind her back and around her body. This complemented the partner of this theme, Krystal, whose strong and deep features mirrored the fitted lace gown of the Angora. The off-the-shoulder jewel-toned look brought royalty to the environment, and excitement to the set.
With so many opportunities for the photographers to utilize their skills, more time was allotted in a last chance free-for-all. These last 20 minutes of the Thursday morning session brought impromptu brilliance, and joy of creation. As the time ticked away, and a spike of energy electrified the air, the models danced in the Sew Trendy gowns, and photographers caught the magical moments in each frame.
Now, that a few weeks have passed since the opening day of the Sew Trendy Retreat, hindsight has offered the revelation that this incredible experience was only the first session in this photographer vacation. The retreat had just begun, and many more opportunities awaited…
The Sew Trendy Retreat Photo Contest is has started!
Like your favorite photos to give that photographer a better chance of winning the Overall category prize.
If you see the photo has been nominated for a "Best Of Award" (you will see this in the photo description) - comment NOMINATE to give that photo your vote!
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A special thank you to our amazingly talented hair and makeup team, be sure to take check out their work!
Tierra's Beauty Bar | Lexi Harker Beauty | Elite Makeup & Hair by Crystal | Hair by Jenny | S. Lauren Beauty Co.
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