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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

HASSLE-FREE, PERSONALISED RETREATS WITH

EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT, AND MORE.

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

THE VENUE

Chateau de la Motte Henry is a beautiful, 19th Century Chateau set in over 9 hectares of glorious parkland in the Pays de la Loire. Easy to get to from the UK and mainland Europe, the Chateau is equipped with first class health, fitness and leisure facilities to allow guests to relax and reenergise. The spacious accommodation remains true to the Chateau’s heritage, updated for modern convenience.

See the Venue

HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD

LOVINGLY PREPARED

Our nutritionist and chef have designed an eye-catching, delicious menu, founded in local, organic produce. We serve the highest quality, locally sourced organic food to produce an energising and detoxifying menu throughout your stay. Vegetarians and vegans catered for.

SAMPLE MENU

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.

BREAKFAST

Signature home-made Granola

Fresh fruit platter

Scrambled eggs with smoked trout & dill

Oat & Chia seed bircher pots with mixed berries

Wake up energising smoothies

Fresh orange and pink grapefruit juice

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.

LUNCH

Moroccan Spiced Turkey Breast

Guacamole

Puy lentil, sun-dried tomato and feta salad

Minted cucumber & tomato salad

Chick pea & pomegranate cous-cous

Green Salad

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.

DINNER

Roasted tomato & basil soup

South American sweet potato & haddock fishcakes, with a lemon & thyme sauce

Wilted Spinach

French Beans

Glazed Carrots

Raspberry & Chia Pot

UPCOMING RETREATS

Capture your Imagination

24th - 28th April 2026 | 5 days

From £1,500
Single room supplement £300. Accompanying partners £1,000

Make An Enquiry >>

Book Now Find Out More

Play your Cards Right

6th - 9th November 2026 | 4 days

From £875
Full Board, Shared Occupancy

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Capture your Imagination

12th - 16th November 2026 | 5 days

From £1,500
Single room supplement £300. Accompanying partners £1,000

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Write, write more

2026 dates to be announced | Creative Writing Retreat

From £1,500
Single room supplement £300.

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The Art of the Matter

2026 dates to be confirmed | Creative artists' retreat

From £1,250
Assumes 2 people sharing twin, en-suite double room. Single person supplement £250.

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Book Now

Make Music Together

2026 dates to be confirmed | Creative Music Retreat

From £1,350
Single room supplement £300.

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Book Now

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