THROUGH A LOCAL’S EYE: FAITH TEASLEY

As a natural born storyteller and artist, fine art photographer Faith Teasley has always loved documenting the beauty of the world around her. Her extensive background in both portrait and commercial photography has landed her in numerous publications, including the Huffington Post and Our State Magazine. She founded the coastal lifestyle brand Saltwater Collection in 2019 to merge two of her biggest passions: film photography and the North Carolina coast. Saltwater Collection is a community built upon intentional slow living and life by the sea, where salt air fuels our soul and summer is a state of mind. Our exclusive line of curated photographs and coastal goods will transport you to the shores of North Carolina and bring a sense of peace to your home.

Over the past several years, Faith has been photographing the entire North Carolina coast on medium format film. The fine grain and natural nostalgia of film photography is the perfect medium for capturing the beauty of our incredible beaches. Faith has photographed the coast from all perspectives: land, sea and air. She even chartered a doorless helicopter with High Tide Helicopters to take aerial photos, which she describes as a “both exhilarating and wildly beautiful experience”.

Introducing, Saltwater: Coastal Carolina - the debut coastal coffee table book by Saltwater Collection that is set to release later this year! Featuring nearly 200 curated film photographs and hundreds of miles of coastline, this book is a must have for coastal lovers everywhere. Inspiring travel guides, fun facts and watercolor maps by Laura Lobdell of Printed Hues are woven throughout the book, making it a truly immersive experience. Faith shares musings of her childhood summers on the Pamlico Sound, and how her Grandma Betty has influenced her journey. Saltwater captures magic of North Carolina’s shoreline, from the renowned Outer Banks, tranquil waters off the Crystal Coast, serenity of the Brunswick Islands and sun-drenched surf towns of the Cape Fear. Dive into the pages of Saltwater and you will feel the ocean breeze, taste the salty air and hear the sound of waves crashing over and over again.

The coast is calling. Can you hear it?

For book updates and more, join the community at Saltwater Collection and on Instagram @saltwatercollection.

THE SUNSETTER BY MIRA-MAR

One of my favorite places for a “staycation” vibe is the Sunsetter - located in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. I filmed my book trailer here with the incredibly talented Joyful State Creative. It’s the perfect place to relax and stay awhile. Grab some tacos to go from Tower 7 and enjoy watching the sunset over Banks Channel! You'll find that this light-filled abode embraces the beach life beautifully.

Watch our book trailer here.

CRYSTAL PIER/OCEANIC

I love the iconic views of Wrightsville Beach by the Crystal Pier! Dining al fresco at the Oceanic never gets old. The views alone are worth it, but the food is delicious, too! I recommend the Crystal Pier salad (add blackened shrimp w/ ranch), fish tacos and Old Bay French fries. Best enjoyed with a seasonal cocktail, of course. Walk to the end of the pier to take in all the beauty of Wrightsville Beach.

BANKS CHANNEL

Crossing the bridge over Banks Channel into Wrightsville Beach is the best! I photographed these sailboat photographs while riding shotgun in my mom’s car - and fortunately managed to get them all in focus. I just love the blue hues of these photographs and how they remind me of one of my favorite places. Of course, Banks Channel is best enjoyed when you're ON the water - whether you're on a boat or paddle board.

HELICOPTER TOUR

If you think the Carolina coast is beautiful, just wait until you see it from above! In 2021, I booked my first helicopter tour with High Tide Helicopters. They flew me all across the Cape Fear - including Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach, Oak Island, Carolina Beach and more. The doorless helicopter offered unparalleled views of my beloved coastline. It’s safe to say I am now hooked on aerial photography!

SUNRISE AT CRYSTAL PIER

Wrightsville Beach has some of the best sunrises. I’m not typically an early bird, but I’ve never once regretted waking up early to see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. I love to grab my favorite beach towel, along with my camera bag, and head to the Crystal Pier to take in the simple beauty of the morning sun glistening over the waves. It is fascinating to watch the sky change as it is painted shades of orange, pink and yellow. The local surfers know what’s up - and I love seeing them catch some early morning waves.