A Fine Art Photography & Cinematography

Luxury Workshop in France

OCTOBER 28-31, 2024

Join worldwide Event Planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings, alongside 3 globally-renowned photographers: Marlies Hartmann, Niki Marie Taylor & Amy Mulder, for a restorative retreat in the luxurious and iconic region of Paris, France! The retreat will be hosted at the Novotel just outside of Paris with our editorial shoots taking place at Chateau Bouffemont & Chateau Santeny.

This luxury fine-art photographers’ retreat aims to present a select number of attendees with a 3-day-long intensive masterclass on business development, style, photographic technique, visual culture, and purposeful branding. The workshop balances hands-on learning and classroom time in order to help you create an inspiring portfolio, develop clarity of aesthetic direction, book more of your ideal clients, and build a profitable and resilient photography business.

The workshop is open to digital, hybrid, and film photographers as well as cinematographers.

 

An inspiring experience that will allow you to unwind, reconnect to your purpose, and revamp your brand

2

luxurious editorial shoots with real model couples, top industry suppliers,

high fashion & the breathtaking settings of two of the most iconic chateaus in the Paris region

✔ Curate an inspiring portfolio that elevates your brand & attracts your ideal client

✔ Develop clarity of aesthetic direction & position yourself powerfully within the market

3

days of interactive workshops, classroom time & networking experiences.

✔ Receive invaluable tools & guidance from 3 globally-renowned photographers & videographers

✔ Discover confidence in your photographic voice and completely transform your business

✔ Connect with an intimate group of 20 peers (max).


 

Topics Covered

Brand & business coaching / Tapping into the luxury market & reaching your ideal client / Feeling more confident & empowered to bring your business to the next level / Posing & capturing emotion / Fine art film photography & Hybrid photography / Building a successful photography brand / Pricing in a way that serves your clients / Defining your style / Destination weddings / Getting your work featured / Working with wedding planners / Creating your own shoots & building a beautifully curated portfolio with high-end images that attract clients & planners / Weddings in France

What’s Included

  • 2 high-end, luxury styled editorial shoots with bride & groom models at Chateau Santeny & Chateau Bouffemont

  • 4 fashion-oriented editorial capsule shoots with female models (2 looks per day)

  • 3 days of classroom time, interactive workshops & networking experiences

  • 3 nights accommodation at the Novotel Marne La Vallee Collegien (Just outside of Paris)

  • All meals and beverages for the duration of your stay (Monday evening - Thursday morning)

    *We will arrange group transport to/from central Paris for an additional fee

Our previous attendees have been featured in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, WedLuxe, Wedding Chicks, and many more notable publications

The Locations

Chateau Bouffemont

Shooting Location #1

A peaceful haven erected in the nineteenth century, the Château was the setting for prestigious ceremonies organized by former residents, the Marquise of Preignes and Baron Empain.

Following a full renovation in 2012 by the new proprietor, the Château is now reserved for rent for exclusive use and hosts some of the most luxurious weddings in the Paris region.

Designed to ensure first-class comfort, personalized service and refined furnishings, every detail reflects the spirit of the setting.

With 5 grand reception halls, 9 magical suites and a sumptuous garden and grounds, the Château is Just 30 kilometers from the center of Paris and 20 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Château is located in the heart of Montmorency Forest. It offers a panoramic view of the Paris International Golf Club, an 18-hole course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

The Château estate covers 5 hectares of greenery and gardens over three levels, an illustrious heritage of French classicism bordering an enchanting forest.

Images by: Pascal Vo, Catalin Vutcariov, & Daria Lorman

Chateau de Santeny

Shooting Location #2

The Santeny estate was gradually acquired by the De Besse family. Their descendants, the De la Perrière family, built this castle in 1868. The house is typical of the 19th century and has a taste for the eclecticism of styles featuring magnificent bell towers of the neo-middle-age style.

Located just 22 kilometers from Paris in a 4-hectare park, this 19th-century castle century offers a prestigious setting for destination wedding clientele.

The Chateau offers bright and elegant living rooms, decorated with marble fireplaces, parquet flooring, and high molded ceilings with a personalized catering service and first-class support. On sunny days, the terrace and the castle park provide the perfect setting for cocktails and entertainment, making this the perfect location for luxurious affairs.

Images by: Daria Lorman, Elisabeth Van Lent & Aude a Deux Ailes

Host Location

Novotel Marne La Vallee Collegien

(Just outside of Paris)

Our lodging, meals, and classroom time will all be accommodated at the Novotel Marne La Vellee Collegien, a 4-star Hotel located within 30 minutes of central Paris.

Paris Capsule Shoot (optional)

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1ST, 2024

Additional Fee: $950

Thursday Morning after our Farewell breakfast at the Novotel, our participants will have the option to travel to Paris for an additional capsule shoot! Just a 30-minute drive away, we will journey together to one of the most romantic cities in the world for a fashion-oriented capsule shoot with a bride & groom model couple just after sunrise on Friday morning. We will arrange an optional group dinner upon arrival to the city on the 31st and you will be able to book the accommodation of your choice that evening.

*Cost of Transport to a central location in Paris on Thursday is included, as well as the shoot Friday morning. Cost of meals and accommodations are not included.

Meet The Hosts

 

Amanda Virga

Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding Planner

Amanda Virga is a worldwide wedding planner who has 13 years of experience in the event industry, executing over 500 weddings during her career and 13 successful retreats to date from Bali to Portugal. While based in the South of France, she has also worked on weddings across the globe, over 4 continents from Spain and Tuscany to Thailand. Her approach is unique, not only does she have a passion for creating flawless events but she is also committed to creating valuable experiences that bring industry professionals together, collaborating with some of the best in the industry, and designing breathtaking editorial projects. Her weddings and editorial work have been featured on Good Morning America, Vogue, BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, The Knot, Junebug, Wedding Chicks, and more.

Amanda is an avid traveler having visited 62 countries, she also spent an entire year traveling the world in 2018 while immersing herself into the wedding industry in each of her destinations. Her adventurous and worldly spirit is what inspired the creation of AMV retreats, a one of a kind experience connecting wedding creatives across the globe. When not traveling or planning events, she is usually found snuggling up with her chihuahua, enjoying a glass of prosecco or practicing yoga. She is a firm believer that achieving a good life balance is the ultimate key to success.

Marlies Hartmann

Los Angeles Based Luxury Wedding Photographer

As an NYU TISCH School of the Arts graduate and former New Yorker, I have been perfecting my craft for the past decade in Santa Monica, California, where the sun-kissed beaches of the Pacific Ocean meet the charm of old Hollywood. Having studied abroad in Florence Italy, I am deeply rooted in my love of art history, specifically Renaissance art, and the Dutch masters. Listed as one of the top 100 photographers in the world, I am known for artfully intertwining my love of photojournalism with an editorial flair and insatiable obsession with beautiful light. As a former speaker for Canon USA, I currently mentor a select few photographers each year and am a proud ambassador for many industry partners and leaders.

Amy Mulder

US & Europe Based Editorial Photographer

Amy puts her heart and soul into everything she does. For the last 13 years she has traveled the world, experience new cultures, met new people, and create art through her photographs. She is an adventurer and lover of the authentic & meaningful who cares deeply about the people she serves and the art she creates. Both intentional and creative, Amy passionately infuses her photographs and designs with meaning and a story, creating photographs that evoke emotion.

Amy photographs to capture the feeling of the moment. The emotions of people, and the connection of relationships in a way that it makes the onlooker of the photo feel deeply.

Niki Marie Taylor

US Based Luxury Destination Wedding Photographer


With over a decade of experience photographing weddings and events, Niki has mastered the delicate balance of anticipating and capturing the beauty of emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments while also authentically guiding couples to achieve classic, romantic images that they will cherish.

Niki provides wedding photography for chic, fashion-forward clients looking to capture their love story in an authentic way.

Photographing all over the globe, she has developed a classic style that has brought her a loyal base of clients and followers. Over the years she has grown the NMP brand to include not only incredible weddings but also highly-curated educational workshops for photographers seeking to further their craft.

Niki’s work has been featured in top publications such as Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, Over the Moon, Carats & Cake, The New York Times, and more.

 

Retreat Schedule

*Subject to change

MONDAY OCTOBER 28th

Arrival/Check-in’s (from 3pm)

Welcome Dinner at Novotel (from 6pm)

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29th

8-9am Breakfast at Novotel

9-10am Morning Classroom Session

11-4pm Editorial at Chateau Santeny

 (Break for Lunch 1-2pm)

4:30-6:30pm Break/Leisure Time at Novotel

from 6:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 30th

7:30-8:30am Breakfast at Novotel

8:30-10:30am Morning Classroom Sessions

11:30-4:30pm Editorial at Chateau Bouffemont

 (Break for Lunch 1:30-2:30pm)

5:30-7pm Break/Leisure Time at Novotel

from 7pm Farewell Dinner + Closing Party

THURSDAY OCTOBER 31st

Breakfast & Departures by 12pm

Optional Dinner Thursday Night & Capsule Shoot Friday Morning in Paris to Follow

Frequently Asked Questions

 

DO I NEED TO BE A FILM OR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO ATTEND?

Both digital and film photographers as well as videographers are welcome at this workshop! Our host photographers specialize in multiple mediums! Techniques & topics on both digital and film will be covered.

HOW WILL THE STYLED SHOOTS WORK?

The styled shoots will be designed with over-the-top floral installations, featuring luxury brands and professional bride & groom models. The shoots will be split into 3 groups that will work in shifts with the models, and each set-up to ensure a small group atmosphere with one-on-one attention and a very smooth shooting process. The host photographers will be available during the shoots to guide you and assist with techniques/hands-on learning, but you will also have the freedom to pose the models yourself.

WILL I BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THE SHOOTS TO BLOGS?

Absolutely. We will provide you with tips and best practice guidelines to help you get published. As is standard practice to respect the editing process and those shooting on film, we ask you to wait 4 weeks to submit to any blogs. After that, you are free to submit wherever you’d like! Our attendees have been featured in endless publications including Vogue, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, Wedding Chicks, and many more.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS I NEED TO CONSIDER?

The only costs not included are your flight and airport transport, however, our host location is within 30 minutes of Paris by car, 20 minutes to both major airports, and 15 minutes to Disneyland Paris! We will assist in coordinating group transport to/from the airport (additional fees apply). Everything else is all-inclusive from the time you arrive Monday evening to the time you depart Thursday morning!

ARE PLUS ONES ALLOWED?

We always welcome plus ones on our retreat so you can experience this beautiful destination with your loved ones and possibly extend your trip to include further travel in the region! There are reduced rates available for your guests to join us for just the accommodation and meal portion of the retreat. Please inquire directly for more information.

 
 

INVESTMENT

Private Room: $5,950 | Shared Room: $5,650

*Split into 4 payments (Payment plans available upon request)

*Accommodation for 3 nights at Novotel Marne La Vallee Collegien & all meals included.

 

 Photography by: Marlies Hartmann, Niki Marie Taylor, Sophie Kaye, Konstantyn Zakhariy, & Amy Mulder