Finding Inspiration in the Salt Flats: My Trip to Utah

Earlier this spring, I packed up my gear, boarded a plane, and headed west to one of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever photographed: the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. I was attending Fusion the Workshop, a hands-on experience for photographers craving creativity, growth, and a good dose of adventure. Spoiler alert: it delivered on all fronts.

Why Fusion?

As a photographer with 15 years of experience and a Master of Photography degree, I still believe there's always something new to learn. Fusion drew me in with its promise of bold styling, epic backdrops, and a community of like-minded creatives. It was the perfect opportunity to step outside the walls of my Sherman, Texas portait studio and shake things up a bit, both artistically and professionally.

Day One: Cherry Blossoms in the City

Before heading out to the Salt Flats, we spent a day exploring Salt Lake City, and I’m so glad we did. We wandered up to the Capitol building, where the cherry trees were in full bloom. It felt like stepping into a painting. It was peaceful, elegant, and offered a softer contrast to the stark drama of the Salt Flats we’d photograph the next day.

These quiet moments gave me time to slow down and enjoy the trip as an artist and a traveler. It reminded me that inspiration often comes in the in-between moments.

The Main Event: Fusion on the Salt Flats

Of course, the heart of the workshop was our time at the Bonneville Salt Flats. There’s truly no place like it. Bright white ground stretches endlessly beneath your feet, reflecting the sky in a way that makes the horizon feel like a dream.

We photographed everything from high-fashion editorial looks to bold, movement-driven portraits. Every moment was intentional, dramatic, and creatively freeing. I experimented with lighting, angles, and minimalism in ways I don't often get to do in everyday sessions, and I loved it.

The Salt Flats are like nowhere else on Earth and they are humbling in the best way. They force you to slow down, observe, and create with purpose. Pure white ground stretching as far as the eye can see, a horizon that plays tricks on your mind, and sunlight that bounces in every direction.

It was a great time to slow down and explore a different side of my creative vision. The lighting, the minimalism, the textures, it was all about seeing differently and shooting intentionally.

Last Day: Bison, Dust, and Golden Light at Antelope Island

We closed out the workshop with an unforgettable day at Antelope Island State Park. If the Salt Flats were ethereal and minimal, Antelope Island was wild and alive. Picture rolling hills, golden grasslands, and actual bison roaming just yards away from us. Yes, real wild bison!

We photographed from just before noon until the light dipped below the horizon. Every direction had a different look, from lake views to desert-like textures to that glowing western sun. It was the perfect finale to a week full of artistic challenges and personal growth.

Behind the Scenes: Connection & Creativity

Between the wind, the dust, the gear juggling, and the shared snacks, some of the best memories came from the in-between moments. I laughed harder than I have in a long time and left with a handful of new creative friendships. Everyone there, from photographers to models to stylists, were all in. We traded tips, shared gear, encouraged each other, and maybe even shed a few happy tears when the light hit just right.

What I Brought Back to Sherman

Utah gave me more than just great photos, it gave me clarity, confidence, and a deep reminder of why I do what I do. Whether I’m photographing a high school senior at Lake Texoma or a family in my downtown Sherman studio, workshops like this make me a better artist and storyteller. They remind me that every session, no matter where it's held, is a chance to make something unforgettable. It is a chance to create something timeless. This trip reminded me to keep pushing creatively, to keep learning, and to surround myself with people who inspire me.