Foster Snell

We crave connection, and I care deeply about documenting it in its raw form. So, I’m creating a photography business that revolves around human connection! Retreats, breathwork, birthdays, weddings, shibari workshops, and even corporate events. Anywhere that places connection as a priority, and has a desire for it to be documented with care and presence. I’ll be launching a section of my website dedicated to this new path, but, for now, if this resonates with you, DM me or email me ([email protected]) and we’ll connect. I’m now booking events and gatherings for 2026! Thank you for following my journey as I finally step into this new direction! ❤️ #humanconnection #photography #photojournalism

In front of me I saw a pool full of beautiful naked humans, but before made any pictures I had to make sure I had full consent from everyone. Thankfully, SoulPlay Festival has very well-thought-out consent policies when it comes to everything from hugging to photography to more intimate connection. As everyone got settled in the pool prior to the Underwater Contact Dance workshop I spoke to them about my intentions. I wasn’t there to take pictures of their naked bodies, but rather to show the unique connection and movement when dancing with others in water. The workshop leaders also asked everyone to close their eyes and raise their hand if they didn’t want to be photographed (a wonderful way of relieving pressure). And only three people raised their hands! It was a special moment for me as I realized I had allowed people to feel comfortable being photographed even in such vulnerable, naked states. As a photojournalist this is what I strive for. And, for the record, I was naked too ;) The workshop was beautiful to witness; a continuous flow of bodies. In fact, it was held again the next day so that’s when I decided to participate without my camera. It was easily the most profound water experience I’ve ever had. To take a deep breathe, close my eyes, and surrender to the flow was life-changing. I could use my arms and legs to “hook” people underwater and propel myself in any direction. There were also moments where another body would provide support and allow me to relax and drift wherever the water took me. The freedom to connect with any body in a heart-centered way was unparalleled. Photos from @soulplayfestivals June 2023 held at Mandala Springs Retreat Center in Cobb, California. . . . #contactdance #underwaterdance #soulplay #soulplayfestival #underwatercontactdance #vulnerability #dance #humanconnection #connection #love #water #healingwaters

I believe people can feel the embodied presence of a photographer. The safety and trust they bring into a space - especially in more intimate or vulnerable settings. My work documenting human connection starts with curiosity, warmth, and a genuine love for the moment unfolding in front of me. If you’re creating something rooted in connection and want it documented, feel free to reach out :) Video thanks to @rubarb_pie after I climbed a tree for a higher vantage point during Lucidity Festival in 2023 🙌 . . . #humanconnection #photographer #behindthescenes #festivalphotographer #thisiswho

Last month, as a birthday gift to myself, I started taking @the.embodied.man ’s Contact Improv Dance classes and I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and the ways I can use dance to connect with others. It’s been a joy to learn from Michael in a space that teaches deep listening, trust, and a willingness to lean into playful - sometimes awkward - connection. I love seeing this progress in myself! Thank you Michael! Photos from The Art of Living Contact Improv workshop by @the.embodied.man in Durango, Colorado on April 19, 2026.

Slowing down, listening, and caring for each other are such important aspects of the dance experience. I love that @the.embodied.man includes moments of nourishing touch during his workshops and concludes each session with body work/massage leaving everyone in a state of bliss 🙌 #aftercare Michael has one more workshop series later in May before he leaves the state for a few months. If you’re interested in learning this dance I highly recommend his classes! Photos from The Art of Living Contact Improv workshop by @the.embodied.man in Durango, Colorado on April 19, 2026.

Gentle subtleties and vibrant playfulness. Contact Improv is such a beautiful way to dance and connect with people. The practice teaches deep listening, weight sharing, trust, somatic awareness/attunement, and the importance of leaning into playful - sometimes awkward - moments. A couple weeks ago I photographed @the.embodied.man ’s Contact Improvisation Dance workshop and it was a perfect space for me to move with my cameras! Michael has one more workshop series later in May before he leaves Colorado for a few months. If you’re interested in learning this dance I highly recommend his classes!

I love the subtlety and softness of this photograph. Our humanness includes a lot more than monumental moments of celebration, but also the slight gestures of love and care that can be easily overlooked. When someone connects with me and doesn’t feel the need to pose or perform, but to simply continue in the moment and let me feel it with them that’s when real images are made. Photo from SPACE: Zion on October 31, 2021 at OYM Warehouse in Los Angeles, California. #humanconnection #vulnerability #losangeles #community #connection

“I brought my camera if you want photos…” It was an immediate and enthusiastic YES from Anaia to document the juiciness of her intimate birthday party. The evening started with a cacao ceremony followed by Somatic Hour - rolling around, being in our animal bodies, and connecting playfully and sensually without conversation. It was beautiful. “And then...a SENSORIUM. An offering of love and appreciation that enlivens the senses. The focus during this time is on the person receiving, with everyone else flowing in and out of giving as it feels true to them. It’s unbelievably delicious and yummy for everyone involved. It’s mostly a sensual experience, but can teeter on the edge depending on what the person receiving desires (and when whipped cream is involved)” - @somatic.muse I love this reflection from Anaia: “I am so in awe by my friends and this community...the presence, the depth, the love, the joy, the play, the embodiment, the maturity, and the freedom and aliveness that each person embodies is what allowed this experience to be what it was.” - @somatic.muse 

It’s these types of intimate, sensual spaces that make me feel especially connected and alive. I love to be both a participant and documentarian simultaneously. Allowing people the safety for me to flow with my camera brings me such joy and love for what I do. Thank you Anaia ❤️

At 2am during Beloved Festival in 2019 I found myself sitting on a tapestry watching @meeshroom_ work on a beautiful painting. There were people scattered around all connecting in their own unique way. I turned and directly in front of me I saw @thecaptainpat in an emotional conversation. When he leaned in to initiate a hug I softly got to my feet and lifted my camera to photograph the slow, intimate embrace. He pulled on his cigarette giving just enough light for my camera to grab focus, and that’s when I made this photo. Soft, intimate embrace is one of my favorite moments to witness and photograph. It’s so real and vulnerable. Human.

Dance is such a beautiful way of connecting with others, and I love being part of the dance with my camera. Flowing with the moment. Feeling and reacting to the music along with everyone else. It’s magical. Photos from Beloved Festival 2019 in Tidewater, Oregon. Sadly, Beloved doesn’t exist anymore and I really miss it.

I really enjoy when I’m in the middle of a conversation and I can see someone’s light shining through their eyes and smile. That’s when I raise my camera to photograph them 🤗 This was a beautiful candid moment caught amongst the craziness of Lucidity Festival back in 2018. If you want your event, gathering, wedding, etc photographed with presence and care, message me and we’ll connect.

Festivals like SoulPlay offer exquisite playgrounds for human connection to flourish. This moment unraveled on Sunday as a celebration after everyone had moved through a full range of emotions together as a collective. I document real human connection and am currently booking events for 2026. Retreats, workshops, intimate gatherings, weddings, and beyond. Photo from @soulplayfestivals June 2023 held at Mandala Springs Retreat Center in Cobb, California.