capture your Essence

portrait photography with Gill Heppell

Discover the art of photographing people with confidence, style, and purpose at our immersive portrait photography retreat. Designed to unlock your creative potential, this hands-on workshop guides you through every aspect of the craft—from lighting and composition to direction and storytelling—so you can create portraits that feel natural, polished, and full of impact. Under the expert guidance of renowned photographer Gill Heppell, you’ll learn the techniques and approaches she has developed over years of capturing headshots, personal branding portraits, actors, celebrities, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II for her published book The Queen and Windsor.

Set within the inspiring surroundings of Château de la Motte Henry in the Pays de la Loire, you’ll be free to learn and create in a place where elegance and creativity meet. This beautifully restored 19th-century château—complete with a 25m pool, performance gym, yoga studio, and serene lakeside deck—offers the ideal environment to grow your skills while enjoying modern comfort and historic charm. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with a sharper eye, stronger technical skills, and a collection of portraits you’ll be truly proud of.

LO QUE ESTÁ INCLUIDO

RETIROS PERSONALIZADOS SIN PROBLEMAS CON

TODO LO QUE PUEDAS QUERER, Y MÁS.

Exclusive use of the entire 27 acre parkland Chateau Estate for retreat attendees

En-suite accommodation in the 'fairytale' Chateau de la Motte Henry

Nutritious, tailored menu, accommodating all dietary requirements, including 3 meals per day, readily available snacks and all drinks (incl. beers and wine)

Wonderful health and wellness facilities - gym, 25m heated pool, massage room, yoga studio

Great social and relaxation areas - lakeside decking, walled garden, opulent lounges and dining areas

Daily photographic shoots at varied locations around the Chateau, guided by Gill and building your knowledge

Editing sessions and informative seminars led by Gill

Excursion to a local French market and chocolate shop

Complementary transfers from airports and train stations on nominated flights

 

SESSION 1
HEADSHOTS THAT STAND OUT

CORPORATE, CREATIVE AND
CINEMATIC HEADSHOT STYLES
SIMPLE LIGHTING SETUPS FOR
FLAWLESS RESULTS
TECHNIQUES FOR NATURAL
EXPRESSIONS AND CONFIDENT
EYE CONTACT

SESSION 2
POSING AND DIRECTING

POSING INDIVIDUALS FOR
FLATTERING, NATURAL-LOOKING
IMAGES
MICRO POSING TIPS FOR HANDS,
POSTURE AND ANGLES
BUILDING RAPPORT TO HELP
CLIENTS RELAX IN FRONT OF THE
CAMERA

SESSION 3
LIFESTYLE AND CREATIVE

INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES AND
FAMILIES
WORKING WITH PROPS AND
BACKGROUNDS
UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE
BEHIND THE SHOOT
CAPTURING AUTHENTIC,
EXPRESSIVE PORTRAITS

SESSION 4
PERSONAL BRANDING

THE BRIEF
CREATING VISUAL IDENTITY
THROUGH PORTAITS
PLANNING, MOOD BOARDS AND
STYLING
BALANCING PROFESSIONALISM
WITH PERSONALITY

EL LUGAR

Chateau de la Motte Henry es un hermoso, 19th Century Chateau situado en más de 9 hectáreas de glorioso parque en el Pays de la Loire. De fácil acceso desde el Reino Unido y Europa continental, el castillo está equipado con instalaciones de salud, fitness y ocio de primera clase para permitir a los huéspedes relajarse y reenergizarse. El espacioso alojamiento sigue siendo fiel al patrimonio del castillo, actualizado para una mayor comodidad.

Vea el lugar

ALIMENTOS SANOS Y NUTRITIVOS

AMOROSAMENTE PREPARADO

Nuestro nutricionista y chef han diseñado un llamativo y delicioso menú, basado en productos orgánicos locales. Servimos la más alta calidad de alimentos orgánicos de origen local para producir un menú energizante y desintoxicante durante toda su estancia. Se atiende a vegetarianos y veganos.

MENÚ DE MUESTRA

Two glasses of yogurt parfaits topped with granola are centered, with a spoon and fork on a napkin between them. A pink smoothie with a strawberry and a green smoothie with an orange slice are on opposite sides, set on a white tablecloth.

DESAYUNO

Granola de fabricación casera

Plato de fruta fresca

Huevos revueltos con trucha ahumada y eneldo

Macetas de abedul de semillas de avena y chía con bayas mixtas

Despertar batidos energizantes

Zumo de naranja fresca y pomelo rosa

A white plate with grilled chicken topped with melted cheese and spinach, accompanied by a tomato and avocado salad, and a lentil salad with feta cheese.

ALMUERZO

Pechuga de pavo con especias de Marruecos

Guacamole

Lentejas del Puy, tomates secos y ensalada de queso feta.

Ensalada de pepino y tomate a la menta

Cacahuetes y cous-cous de granada

Ensalada verde

A white bowl filled with vibrant orange tomato soup sits on a cream-colored tablecloth. The soup is garnished with fresh basil leaves. A spoon is placed on a folded napkin next to the bowl.

CENA

Sopa de tomate asado y albahaca

Pasteles de pescado de batata y abadejo sudamericanos, con una salsa de limón y tomillo.

Espinaca marchita

Frijoles franceses

Zanahorias glaseadas

Frambuesa y Chia Pot

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CONSULTE AHORA