The way Natalie and I connected with each other felt like perfect synchronicity. I was actually on one of my Milk Project road trips when I received a call from a friend asking if they could pass my number on, as someone had been trying to get in touch with me. When I got home that evening, I checked my messages and saw one sitting in my requested messages folder from Natalie, asking if I could help photograph her very first Rebirthing Radiant Women Breathwork Retreat, which was the culmination of her two years of training. Check out her Instagram and also her Facebook group Rebirthing Breastwork Mastery to find out more about the incredible, life changing and transformative work she's doing with women all over the world.

At that moment in time, I was facing some personal challenges myself, and this just felt like a wonderful project to be a part of. I had never photographed a retreat before, but I loved the idea of it and had been wanting to expand the types of sessions I offer, so it felt perfect on that level too. As we chatted, she shared her journey with me and what had led her to this style of breathwork. I remember feeling so inspired by her story and uplifted by her beautiful energy. There was something about the way she spoke about the retreat, the women who would be attending, and the space she wanted to create that really resonated with me. It was a definite full-body yes.

As part of our agreement, she wanted me to photograph the Saturday and told me that I could experience a breathwork session as part of our exchange. I happily agreed because something deep in my soul told me I needed this. It felt as though the universe had connected us for a reason. The retreat was held at the beautiful Happy River Retreat, nestled amongst nature and surrounded by the kind of peace that immediately invites you to slow down. Arriving on the morning of the retreat, there was a sense of excitement in the air, but also a deep calm.

Before any guests arrived, I spent some time documenting the space and chatting with Natalie & Jess and watching Natalie prepare. Those quieter moments often become some of my favourites to photograph. The careful placement of cushions, the final touches to the room, the moments of pause before everything begins. There was so much intention woven into every detail. It was clear how much thought, care, and heart had gone into creating an environment where women could feel safe, supported, and truly seen.

As guests began arriving, I documented those first moments of connection and excitement. Natalie had thoughtfully prepared a special gift bag for every woman attending. Each one included a journal with a handwritten note inside, along with a collection of carefully chosen gifts. It was such a beautiful touch and another example of the intention she had poured into every aspect of the retreat.

We then gathered together in the yurt and spent some time introducing ourselves. There was something really special about watching a group of women, many of whom had never met before, begin to open up and share pieces of themselves. After introductions, we moved into intention setting before the first 90-minute breathwork session began.

This first session was one I experienced myself. During that breathwork session, I was reminded of a part of myself that I had been neglecting for a long time. A part of me that needed more attention, more compassion, and more space. It felt like coming home to something I had forgotten was there and I will share more about my own journey in a future post because I'm genuinely not being dramatic when I say it became a turning point for me.

When the session came to an end, everyone spent some time journaling and reflecting before we headed to lunch. Having experienced the breathwork myself before stepping back behind the camera gave me a much deeper connection to the day. I wasn't simply documenting what was happening around me anymore; I felt immersed in the experience and more connected to the women, the space, and the purpose behind it all.

Lunch was enjoyed outside in the gorgeous sunshine. It was one of those perfect days where the warmth lingered and everyone naturally wanted to stay outdoors a little longer. We shared fresh salads, sushi, and warming bowls of miso soup while conversations flowed easily around the table.

After lunch, some of the women enjoyed the sauna and cold plunge, while others chose to spend time walking through nature and soaking in the peaceful surroundings of Happy River Retreat.

Before long, we gathered together again for a debrief of the morning's experiences. There were beautiful reflections shared, moments of vulnerability, and plenty of support. We then moved into another round of intention setting before preparing for the second breathwork session of the day.

I ended up participating in both breathwork sessions that day, something I hadn't originally expected, but in hindsight it feels like exactly what I was meant to do.

Something else that really stayed with me throughout the day was knowing that many of the women had their children and partners nearby while they took this time for themselves. There was something incredibly beautiful about that balance. The women were able to step away from their usual responsibilities, slow down, and do the inner work, while still feeling connected to the people they love. As a mother myself, it felt especially meaningful. So often women are the ones holding everything together, making sure everyone else's needs are met before their own. This retreat felt like a gentle reminder that caring for yourself doesn't have to come at the expense of caring for your family. Sometimes the two can exist side by side.

As the retreat came to a close, everyone gathered together for dinner and dessert inside. The atmosphere felt so relaxed and connected after everything that had been shared and experienced throughout the day.

As the sun began to set, some women headed home while others stayed on-site, either camping or settling into their accommodation for the evening. There was music playing, beautifully curated by Natalie's partner, and it was lovely to see everyone simply enjoying themselves. Conversations flowed, children played, people gathered around the fire, and there was a real sense of community that had formed over the course of the day.

Eventually we ended the evening with a cup of cacao, which felt like the perfect closing ritual.

As I sat there reflecting on everything the day had brought, I knew it was time for me to make my way home too. I left feeling deeply grateful — not only for the opportunity to photograph such a special experience, but for everything I had personally received from it as well.