EmpowHer Pickleball
Founded by pro Pickleball player KaSandra Gehrke, EmpowHer Pickleball is a women's only athletics organization designed to develop skills and grow confidence through workshops and community.
7 days in paradise.
Their week-long retreats go beyond the game, offering a transformative journey of skill enhancement, community building, and self-discovery.
Honestly, I didn't know what to expect -
when I was asked to photograph their retreat in Turks and Caicos. It sounded like an absolute dream job, but I'm very aware of the space I occupy as a male-bodied and relatively masculine presenting (when I want to be) person. I knew I needed to be mindful and intentional in my work.
Community building happened quickly. Their welcoming spirit and vulnerability invited me to share their experience, not just document it. I was reminded to drink enough water and reapply sunscreen. Someone asked my opinion of their new visor, and another of their skirt. They asked me to join open play and then promptly kicked my ass. No one sat alone for meals (unless by choice).
Over the course of the week, I captured emotional, spiritual, and communal growth in real time.
It was beautiful, and I'm incredibly privileged to tell their stories.
