Grounding Down in Colombia

Travel, Yoga, and Photography: Creativity and Connection

This past November, I had the honor of being the resident photographer on a Grounding Down Retreat led by my dear friend and teacher, Morgan Rodriguez. It was my first intentional retreat since 2019 that I attended rather than led, and it turned out to be the most transformational week of 2024. An entire week of self-care, creativity, and connection left me feeling deeply renewed.

The retreat was a beautiful intersection of my greatest passions: photography, wellness, yoga, creativity, and travel. Capturing the magic of the retreat—the serene landscapes, the soulful practices, and the vibrant energy of the participants—reminded me how much I love using my camera to tell stories and preserve meaningful moments.

I had no idea what to expect, but it was immediately clear that it was going to be an unforgettable week; the crew was synergized from the get-go, the Ayurvedic massages were top notch, the food was absolutely divine, and the nature and hospitality of Colombia is unmatched.

It felt like a giant exhale to immerse myself in so many practices I love—community, yoga, massage, hiking, waterfalls, boat rides, plant medicine, nature, deep conversations, fresh fruit off the trees, hot tubs, robes, acu-detox…the list went on and on. Morgan themed each day around a different element. Together we explored the qualities and essences of earth, water, fire, air, and steam. Anahata Retreat Center provided the most magical backdrop. We woke up every day surrounded by clouds and fell asleep each night to the sounds of cicadas and rain.

After the retreat, I met up with my fiancé for a week of exploring Colombia’s breathtaking Caribbean coast. We basked in the colors of Cartagena, strolled along the beaches of Santa Marta, and immersed ourselves in the lush jungles and waterfalls of Minca.

This trip was a profound reminder of the power of balancing work, passion, and rest. If you’re hosting a retreat or event and need a photographer, I’d love to collaborate—especially in the form of a work trade. Combining creativity and wellness is where I thrive, and there’s nothing I love more than capturing people doing my favorite activities. Let’s create something beautiful together!