whitney retter / photographer + adventurer
Hey! I’m Whitney —
I’m a houseplant lover, a chronic redecorator, and a strong believer that less is always more. I have a cat named Sylvia, a dog named Monday, and a flock of chickens. I spend most of my free time outside—rock climbing, camping, traveling, and exploring new places. I’ve always been drawn to things that feel nostalgic and timeless, which naturally carries into the way I see and document moments.
Joshua Tree, CA
I find the most meaning in the little things—slow mornings, warm air, good food, and the kind of moments that don’t ask for attention. I love traveling to new places and connecting with new people.
I’m drawn to the quieter, in-between moments—the ones that don’t ask for attention but end up meaning the most. Photography has always been a way for me to notice and hold onto those things. Intimate weddings, especially, feel the most natural to me—where nothing is forced, and everything feels intentional.
I’m excited to meet you - Let’s connect
Death Valley, ca
This experience is something we step into together.
Your wedding doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or performative. We’ll move through it in a way that feels natural—focused on what matters most to you, with just enough guidance to keep things feeling easy, grounded, and true to who you are.
My role isn’t to direct every moment, but to create space for you to feel comfortable and confident in it. To notice what’s real, what’s fleeting, and what you’ll want to remember later.
Your experience comes first—and the photos that tell your story will reflect that in a way that feels honest, authentic, and entirely your own, allowing you to experience your story in a way you haven’t seen before.
Are you with me? Learn more
I’m drawn to people who are truly happy. Who are living their dream. Who do their own thing regardless of what everyone else is doing. / I want you to see yourself in a way that is true, but that you haven’t seen before. / The entire experience is truly a collaboration between me and my clients. / There are no rules when it comes to your wedding. / I just want to travel and photograph people. I want to inspire others to travel more. I want to inspire others to do what they love and not to settle. / My focus is to tell your story in a way that is creative and true. / I like to go on bike rides, go hiking, paddle board, do yoga, watch movies or shows, make cocktails, macrame, go thrifting, rearrange the house, read, learn something new. / Your day comes first - the photos will follow. / Coffee is a must-have no matter the day. Time to go outside and get fresh air is also a must. / I want my couples to feel happy, excited and at ease. / My hope is to empower you to realize that you can do what you want. That you are worthy and you can invest in yourself and your wedding day because it only happens once. And it may be the most important day of your life.
“I think photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody's face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people in new ways.” — Duane Michals
the midwest
and beyond
True stories of adventure and love.
Each celebration and session is completely unique.
Check out my most recent adventures for inspiration for your own.
explore my journal