You Don’t Have to Leave the U.S. to Create Incredible Photography

I’ll be the first to admit: Scotland and New Zealand are my absolute favorite international destinations: the wild highlands, the misty lochs, the raw dramatic coastlines…they’ve captured my heart and lens like nowhere else.

But here’s what I’ve come to cherish just as much: you don’t need to cross oceans to create truly stunning, portfolio-elevating work. I host retreats both abroad and right here in the States, and some of the most cinematic, diverse landscapes that inspire me are in my own backyard – especially Oregon (my birthplace, where my love for moody, textured scenes was born) and Colorado (the place I transplanted to at age 8 and still call home).

If international travel feels like too much right now with the long flights, big costs, or just not the right timing then you’re in great company. The U.S. has everything you need for intentional, elevated photography, and that’s exactly what my stateside retreats are built around.

Why the “International Only” Myth Misses So Much

We often get caught up in the excitement and novelty of international travel. Don’t get me wrong I will one thousand percent continue hosting retreats internationally but that’s not what this blog is about today! Some say the best light and most unique compositions are overseas, but the variety here at home rivals anywhere. From bold Rocky Mountain peaks to enchanted Pacific Northwest forests and dramatic coasts, these spots deliver that same wow factor and often with easier access and less stress.

My Favorite U.S. Landscapes (The Ones That Feel Like Home)

Colorado — Expansive, Bold, and Full of Golden Magic Since moving here as a kid, Colorado has become my creative playground: towering peaks catching fire at sunrise, wide valleys glowing in alpenglow, rugged formations that feel timeless.

Places like the iconic Maroon Bells or Garden of the Gods turn every session into something powerful and fresh.

Pacific Northwest (Especially Oregon/ Washington) — Moody, Atmospheric, Deeply Personal Oregon holds a special place for me, it’s where I was born, and its wild coastlines, misty forests, and waterfalls still pull me back with that emotional, cinematic pull.

Think crashing waves on rugged beaches like Ruby Beach, or lush gorges with waterfalls that feel straight out of a dream. It’s textured, introspective, and full of feeling.

The Real Hurdles Photographers Face Beauty is everywhere, but creating meaningful work is the challenge: scouting hidden gems, timing perfect light, coordinating models or couples, handling logistics alone can leave you more stressed than inspired.

You want portfolio pieces that show your voice. Styled shoots help push boundaries, give time to create freely, and can give you the spark of shooting alongside others who get it.

Why I Host These Retreats (Here and Abroad) The heart of what we do—whether international adventures in Scotland or New Zealand, or U.S.-based experiences in places like Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. These aren’t sit-and-learn workshops; they’re all about creating. Everything’s scouted, styled, and coordinated so you show up ready to shoot.

Small groups, epic locations, multiple styled sessions with no solo planning, just pure creative flow.

My 2026 U.S. Retreats

• Colorado (June) — Mountains, golden light, that expansive energy I’ve loved since I was a kid here
• Pacific Northwest (August) — Moody coastlines and forests (with a big nod to Oregon’s magic), full of atmosphere and emotion

Each offers a distinct vibe for your portfolio: one majestic and bright, the other textured and soulful.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Strong, shareable portfolio images
• Several styled shoots that highlight your style
• Hands-on experience in dream spots
• Real connections with inspiring photographers

Final Thoughts Whether you’re craving the adventure of Scotland or New Zealand, or prefer staying stateside in places that feel like home, the goal is the same: creating work you’re genuinely proud of. You don’t have to go far, or at all to make that happen.

If this lights you up, reach out as spots are limited, and I’d love to help bring your vision to life in 2026, wherever feels right for you.