June 17, 2022
Last month I had the privilege of being asked to take international brand photos for a woman’s wellness and business retreat in Tulum, Mexico hosted by Kat Cynewski. Traveling and learning about other cultures is one of my favorite things to do, so combining it with photography was a dream. For five days we had an amazing time soaking up the sun on the beach, practicing yoga, participating in business workshops, and exploring Tulum.
International Brand Photography in Tulum, Mexico
I arrived one day before the official start of the retreat to get settled and get to know Tulum. We stayed at the beautiful Tulum Hotel by Selina for a night, which is right on the ocean and had incredible architecture. We explored all of the natural and warm elements the hotel had to offer and took some incredible editorial-type photos. The private pool was perfect and I even hopped in front of the camera.
We were close to some incredible shops and one of my absolute favorites was Terro Decor. All of their handcrafted furniture and decor have warm tones, light colors, and natural materials, which is exactly my style. They also have a gorgeous studio to rent right in Tulum.
Women’s Business Retreat Photography
Taking time away from the typical day-to-day is so inspiring and motivating. The retreat was filled with inspirational women and so many laughs. The retreat was hosted at a beautiful private residence complete with a private chef and two pools. Our days were filled with daily yoga and delicious food from our own personal chef.
A part of the trip was for the ladies to get an individual brand photography session, as well as group photos. All of the beautiful textures and agriculture everywhere made it easy to find many places to pose. The trip was a perfect blend of relaxing and learning.
Looking for a brand or destination wedding photographer? Inquire with me here. There is almost nowhere I won’t go.
June 8, 2022
This floral-inspired editorial shoot inspired me to get creative and bring out a different side of myself. While I absolutely adore shooting weddings and engagement sessions, it is always an incredible feeling to get into a studio and play with outfits and props.
High-End Newburyport Editorial Session
While planning this shoot I knew I wanted to use The Newburyport Studio. This gorgeous space in the heart of downtown Newburyport is full of character and bathed in sunlight. Everything was thoughtfully planned and designed to highlight the local Maine fresh florals from Fresh Pickins.
Floral-Inspired Editorial Shoot
This shoot was created to make you feel luxurious and sophisticated when viewing the images. Our three beautiful models wore modern, fashion-forward outfits including a white flowy dress with a 50s flair, high-waisted shorts with a cap sleeve crop top, and lots of 90s styles jeans. I especially loved playing around with the lofty floppy hat.
The outfits were designed to blend into the background while highlighting the flowers and subtle gorgeous details of their outfits. Getting all three women together in similar white crop tops and jeans created a feeling of women’s empowerment and beauty. This floral-inspired editorial shoot was the perfect mix of high-end fashion and playfulness.
Looking for more of my work? Check out the Natalya DeSena Print Shop and some of my recent weddings.
Photographer: Natalya DeSena
Florist: Fresh Pickins
Studio: The Newburyport Studio
Makeup: Makeup By Sarah Lord
Hair: Styles By Chelsea
Modeling Agency: Maggie Inc.
Model: Mel De Los Santos
Model: Arlyss Gabriel
Model: Emma Sullivan
April 13, 2022
I have forever loved traveling, getting on planes, and going to new places. It’s that initial feeling of the unknown that makes me feel at home. Daily life was rarely the same growing up in a place like New York City, which is why I love the idea of living minimally, but living globally. I will forever be in love with finding the beauty in new places and creating fine art landscape prints along the way.
I recently traveled back to Maui, Hawaii and fell in love with it all over again; from the bright floral smells, sea salt air, and the pastel colors that hug the shoreline at sunrise and sunset. I’m in a constant pursuit of Nature’s sensory experiences, which is the reason I started my fine art print shop. Shop the new Hawaii prints in the link below.
March 6, 2022
Last October I took a trip to Nosara, Costa Rica to photograph an all women’s yoga and wellness retreat. Kat Cynewski and Stefanie Adler held the retreat at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, which I highly recommend if anyone is interested in a beautiful retreat/spa experience in the jungle of Nosara. Stefanie is a fertility and hormone coach and Kat is a business and wellness coach, yoga instructor, and podcaster. This retreat was one of the best retreats I’ve ever been on and I left feeling honored to document such an amazing experience.
Bodhi Tree is the ideal escape for every yogi, surfer and wellness enthusiast. It’s a short 10 minute walk to Baker’s Beach and a 15 minute walk to the center of town. They offer world-class facilities, which are immersed in a lush jungle setting. Take advantage of all Bodhi Tree has to offer including: two beautiful salt-water pools, modern Balinese rooms, spa, a variety of eateries, daily yoga and fitness classes. We enjoyed seeing howler monkeys and iguanas, listening to the gentle trickle of the streams, and being serenaded by the symphony of the surrounding jungle.
Kat and Stefanie held this retreat to empower women on multiple levels and to provide tools to live an authentic and purpose driven life. I love going on all women retreats because they crack me wide open. Day to day life can get busy and sometimes we fill our days with things to do in order to avoid our own feelings. Retreats allow me to get reacquainted with my inner child, take a look at the busyness of my own life, and connect with other powerful and vulnerable women. In Kat’s words, “Often we have layers of clay in the form of emotional responses, fear, guilt, shame, hurt and heartbreak built up like walls to protect us. These walls we think are keeping us safe but they are really covering our vibrancy and gold.” I highly recommend connecting with both Kat and Stefanie whether through one of their retreats, through their coaching programs, or simply signing up for their newsletters, you won’t regret it. Take a look at this amazing experience below.
P.S. I’m excited to join Kat and her mastermind group for another retreat in Tulum Mexico this June.
If you’re looking for a retreat photographer, please reach out! I would love to work together. Email: NatalyaDeSenaPhoto@gmail.com
January 14, 2021
My friends over at Fresh Pickins make organic whole-body products, which are hand made, cultivated and foraged in Maine. The ocean, forest, mountains, and farming have shaped their lifestyle and inspired everything they do. The sweet basil salve is the BEST hand moisturizer I’ve ever used and their honey is to die for! They also offer a subscription to floral arrangements throughout the summer months. Check out more images from our fun product photography shoot below!
