RETREAT
The Wild Ones
A wellness retreat weekend, where I witnessed magic unfolding and subtly captured the feeling of freedom and connection.
Sadie Tonks is magnetic. She draws people in and cocoons them in a warmth I’ve rarely experienced, and it’s that quality that sets the tone for the whole weekend.
But what makes these retreats truly special is the collaboration between Sadie and Suzy, the owner of Seaflowers, the stunning luxury holiday home in Devon where the retreats are hosted. Suzy’s immaculate eye for detail and the beauty of the space itself create the perfect backdrop for everything that unfolds.
The weekend weaves together yoga, good food, rest and the kind of honest conversation that only happens when people feel truly safe. The yoga might find you dancing barefoot in the grass. Meals are eaten outside, overlooking the creek, unhurried and nourishing in every sense.
By the end of the weekend, strangers have become friends, having shared something that's genuinely difficult to put into words. My job was to be there for all of it, without getting in the way of any of it.
Before the retreat Sadie, Suzy and I spent time talking through what they most wanted to capture, from the beautifully curated gift packs each guest received to the flow of the weekend as a whole.
But a retreat like this doesn’t run to a schedule, and the moments that matter most can’t be planned for. That meant staying constantly present, reading the room and knowing instinctively when to step back and when to step in.
For the more emotional moments, like the yoga sessions, I shot from a distance, quiet and unobtrusive, letting people stay fully in the experience. At other times, like sitting around the dinner table sharing food and conversation, I became part of the group, which meant guests relaxed around me and the camera stopped feeling like something to be aware of.
It’s that balance, between observer and participant, that gives the images their honesty.
“Sue captured the essence of all our retreats beautifully.
She’s a joyous, warm presence to have around and captures moments without being at all intrusive.
I cannot wait to work with her again."
SADIE TONKS, OWNER, THE WILD ONES
“Sue was the perfect photographer for our retreats. She was so subtle that our guests felt at ease, barely noticing she was there.
Through a mix of still imagery and video, she perfectly captured the essence of our retreat weekend.
The photos are beautiful, and truly tell the story of a weekend of yoga, nourishing meals and a sense of community. Each photo is flattering, perfectly lit and so in keeping with our retreat's ethos."
SUZY GREENWOOD, OWNER, SEAFLOWERS