References for Summers Abroad

Francis J Pullen Photographer

I attended her Piglet Manor Event which had been re-sheduled from earlier in the year due to Covid19, but because of the excellent safety procedures Rachelle had implemented for the day, we were unable to shoot duo models. Nonetheless, she had arranged photographers to shoot in pairs for 30 minutes in each of 4 locations inside the Manor, including the Garden. After each session, the photographers and 4 models rotated, so we were all able to shoot each model in each location, and the rooms and equipment were then sanitised for the next use.

Myself and good friend Mark Peers decided to use the fabulous natural light in each room, which maximised our shoot time, without having to set up the comprehensive lighting that was available to use should we have so wished.

All 4 models, Cariad, Bou, Angel and Rachelle excelled under the circumstances, and I came home with a wonderful set of images.

Highest praise to them all, and especially to Rachelle for her organising and logistics skills!

Cariad Celis

I have had the pleasure of working on a couple of Summers Abroad events in the UK and most recently the event in August at a Manor House in the Cotswolds.

May I just start with WOW! What a team to work with, from previous time spent with Mark and Rachelle I know they work so hard to find epic venues and this one was no different.

This was my second event back to work after Covid 19 lockdown and it honestly couldn't have gone better. Everything was thought out with precision and the wellbeing and safety of all involved was top priority. Everything was in place from signage, hand sanitiser and down to each room being cleaned after every use. The work that goes into running events is so underestimated but during these difficult times it is so much harder but they didn't let it show and everything ran as smoothly as any other.

As always leading up to the event the pre-comms were fantastic with a breakdown of what to expect, the styling and ideas. I was so pleased I got to stay in this beautiful place for a couple of nights. During my stay Mark catered for all the models and some photographers, he kindly catered to my dietary requirements and made an epic nut roast and homemade gravy!! it was sooo freaking tasty! Thank you :)

I honestly feel privileged to have been invited on the Manor event again and I cant wait for next year to come around and head to Spain with this fabulous team :)

Thank you for having me and if you haven't been on one of their events yet, make sure to book your place, you will NOT be disappointed!!

BOou

Rachelle booked me for her Manor event in August and I'm so grateful for that as it was one of the best events I've been so far.

Everything was so well organized from the beginning to the end.

Pre-shoot communication was excellent, everything was very well detailed.

The location Mark and Rachelle selected was absolutely stunning. Mark was cooking some delicious dinner for everyone. The safety procedure was very well respected (hand sanitizer, social distancing, face masks etc). The models and photographers were all very nice and fun, the atmosphere was just great! They just nailed it!

Rachelle is a lovely person to be around, funny, and extremely professional. I highly recommend her and Mark her husband, they are an excellent team so if you too are lucky enough to be part of their events, go for it, you won't regret it!

Thanks for everything you've been great!

Bou x

Pippa.

I loved modelling on Rachelles Manor event in the Cotswolds, it was one of the most organised events I have ever modelled on!

The location was stunning and spacious and the ground lent perfectly for the beautiful dresses as well as creating our own edgy high fashion set

The models and photographers who stayed over were well looked after and fed by Mark's wonderful cooking, and the atmosphere was fun, everyone having a good laugh and joke and all getting on well :)

Thank you so much for having me, I recommend to all!

Kevin R

I attended Summers Abroad's Piglet Manor event in the Cotswolds and was very impressed. The event was run with all the Covid19 safeguards in place nd Rachelle did a fantastic job ensuring that social distancing was maintained. Hand sanitiser was available in all rooms and face masks were supplied for those who needed them. The venue was fantastic, easilyy providing enough room for everyone to shoot and the models - Pip La Vie; Scarlet Fox, Scarlott Rose and Rachelle herself - were all professional, enthusiastic and determined to make the even a success.

Hihly recommended.

Martyn Elliston

I finally got to attend a Summers Abroad event from 16th to 18th June 2023, after the Japan trip I was booked had to be cancelled due to Covid. I had a fantastic time everyone was so helpful and friendly. Rachelle and Mark where great hosts, the models where all fantastic.

Rachelle had everything running smoothly, and Mark is a fantastic cook.

I can throughly recommend there events, and fully intend to do more.

Gantz-pv

Back from another excellent trip with the summers abroad crew this time taking us to Vegas Navada... Epic.

Rachelle and Mark as always professional organised and puts up with us asking questions that had already been answered and printed out a hard copy and sent by email! Patience of Saint's Wink, from Ghost town with snaks in freezers, sand duns, Rachelle and Scarlot posing in very uncomfortable conditions to say the least to get some amazing looking images not easy, but being a trooper would put her fiscal discomforts aside⭐ finished up zip lining fremont Street exhilarating end to an epic trip.

Take a look at the Japan trip summers abroad have pland for next year amazing stuff to look forward to. As always 100%recommended. X

Scarlot Rose

What can I say?

.... Mark's cooking was superb! :p

haha, all jokes aside, Rachelle really outdid herself with this latest adventure to Las Vegas! It was by far the best event i've ever had the pleasure of being involved with (and also, the best event i've ever even heard of!). As per usual her organisation was absolutely top quality, Visa's were organised almost a year in advance along with all major planning and I had absolutely everything I needed to just turn up, do my job and go home at the end of the week. My life really couldn't have been made any simpler but that doesn't begin to give context to the trip!

Rachelle and Mark had scouted some absolutely breathtaking locations, I was literally speechless on numerous occasions (which doesn't happen often!) and not only had she found stunning backdrops for the photographers to take advantage of but she also put huge amounts of effort into styling options for each location too. I don't think I've ever seen such variety from glamorous street fashion through to cowgirls in a ghost town through to impressively large parachute dresses in death valley to stylised sports sets and even a glistening party room with a (super fun) cash gun and room full of props! (and that just about covers one day!) Rachelle also set it up so that there were never more than two photographers to a model, often including loads of one-to-one time with the option of shooting pre-styled, themed sets or leaving it to the creativity of the photographer and model.

I saw so many back of camera shots and despite it in theory being two group events, there were huge varieties in the images being created and loads of room for each photographer to shoot in their own unique style.

I could rave on about the creativity and the amazing images forever but I also want to highlight just how much behind the scenes effort both Rachelle and Mark put in to making this trip a huge success. Mark was on top form driving us to otherwise unreachable, epic locations and cooking some great meals (so great that I gave up being vegetarian just so I wouldn't miss out - he even made a full Sunday roast whilst away!) Nothing was too much trouble and he put in loads of work to make sure everything ran smoothly and everyone was well taken care of! Rachelle worked her arse off before, during and after the trip and even a last minute nightmare she handled incredibly and made the whole event run without a single glitch! I have so much admiration for the way her trips are run, she really does blow me away with how much work she can put in for months (years) in advance and then can still be so enthusiastic as a model throughout the event and not just keep the photographers happy but have us all rolling about the floor in fits of laughter!

As a second model on one of Rachelle's trips I can't say there's a single thing she hadn't thought of! From ensuring I had enough rest and down time around the crazy shooting schedule to running me bubble baths every night (I swear i'm not that much of a princess all the time!) she really did make my life one long, fun adventure and i'm so proud and honoured to have been a part of it all and create such wonderful art with everyone involved!

I could rant and rave for pages about this trip but just keep an eye out for the images and they will certainly speak for themselves!

If you've been on one of her trips, you'll know how amazing they are and if you haven't? Then join us in Japan next Spring for what I can guarantee will be the trip of a lifetime!! (or any of her other trips for that matter!) Seriously top quality and incredibly good value for money when you realise whats involved!!

Thank you both so so much for having me as part of an adventure that i'll treasure for a lifetime!

Scarlot xxx

Fantasy Dabblers

This summers abroad trip was partially with a group and partially just the two of us with Rachelle and Scarlot. This was a good mix. Andrew was not able to do all of the group sessions but on the second section we could tailor things to suit us. The hospitality from Mark and Clare was superb and the locations amazing. The hard work Summers Abroad put into organising their trips clearly shows.

otteypm

I have just returned from a fantastic few days on the Vegas trip with Rachelle and Scarlot. What an outstanding experience. From the very first offer of the trip the communications was brilliant, updates and advice were consistent right up to my travelling date. The whole setup is very well organised and it is clear how much work goes into creating the best experience, everything from the amazing locations to the excellent food provided by Mark. The variety of opportunities and the ability for each photographer to capture unique images is great. There is also a huge amount of work going into the styling and setup to make the possibilities at the locations stand out even more. This was my first photography trip and I am sure it won't be my last. Thank you all again.

Anthony Wadham

Apologies if my references for Summers Abroad have become repetitive, but the quality and organisational skills of Rachelle and Mark are second to none.

Mark provides an individually requested and varied diet of meals from breakfast to dinner and whilst he is not cooking, carrying your bags to locations, or providing refreshments, he is safely driving you to a previously well re-sourced unique location.

Rachelle, has an ability to select models who work seamlessly with her and are outstanding on their own and she is not rated as one of the U.K's top models without good reason.

The chosen location and accommodation was as always superb. Clean, tidy and offering endless opportunities for in house shoots. Las Vegas was no exception!

StormBringer

After being ‘encouraged’ to attend a Summers Abroad event for the best part of two years I finally found myself in attending the trip to Vegas.

From initial communications through to event attendance everything was well communicated (both written and verbal), well organised, well planned and well executed (that’s a lot of wells!!!). No question went unanswered, not detail glossed over.

I had made some bespoke plans both before and after the event and the ‘Summers’ team accommodated my ad hoc arrival and departure, as well as the travel requirements of the other photographers. Even to the point of trips to the local camera store! Nothing was too much trouble for either member of the team. We were all very looked after – starting with a welcome basket of essentials – including a UV blocking umbrella (should you have needed it), great catering and hospitality throughout the trip.

Plenty of different shoot opportunities were presented at the pre-scouted locations through to a couple of themed sets in the villa.

Would highly recommend a Summers Abroad trip for any photographer that is looking to shoot overseas.

Mark Goddard

When I worked with Rachelle at the end of last year she mentioned to me that she was thinking of a trip to Las Vegas,I immediately said I was interested and to book me in.From that point she was in constant communication with me keeping me updated with the shoot plans and accommodation details.Also happy to sort out a payment plan to spread the cost.

On arrival at Las Vegas airport I was picked up by Mr Summers and driven to the villa Via the local camera store where one of the photographers was having his sensor cleaned.Once at the villa and after a quick guided tour I met the other model Scarlot Rose, who was a great choice as she and Rachelle worked so well together.

Excellent choice of well scouted locations made the next three days totally enjoyable and we all got some truly awesome images.

Next we come to Mr Summers nothing too much trouble, always offering drinks and snacks during the downtime and cooking outstanding meals in the evening.He was also our driver getting us safely to each location, some almost four hours away.

I would highly recommend a Summers Abroad trip to any photographers looking at shooting abroad and don't want the hassle of organising it,simply book it turn up and have a great shoot.

Thank you once again Mark and Rachelle.

AndyH1

Recently returned from my second Summers Abroad trip, this time to Las Vegas and the surrounding deserts and ghost towns!

I can't even begin to imagine the hard work and effort Rachelle must put into planning these trips, but it certainly results in a spectacular trip and makes life super easy for us togs! The hardest work is the trip to the fridge for another beer :)

The locations were amazing, and the pre-scouting ensured we arrived at each at the optimum time, as well as providing so much scope and variety that everyone came away with something unique! She had clearly also spent considerable time planning the styling for each location, from parachute dresses to ghost town cowgirls, and created a Vegas themed party set back at the Villa, again ensuring plenty of variety.

As a model her references speak for themselves, but she also makes sure she is accompanied by equally amazing and complimentary models, in the case the wonderful Nicole Rayner and Scarlot Rose! All three of them spared no effort, in often unforgiving terrain and conditions, and without complaint (much anyway :) ) to ensure we all got some amazing images.

In short a fantastic trip, which I would thoroughly recommend to any photographer! And finally, I need to mention Mr Summers cooking, which is to die for!! :)

Paul Underwood

My first Summers Abroard trip... The first time I picked up my camera to shoot properly in 2 years. I’d burnt out and decided I was done with model photography, and then Rachelle dropped this trip in front of me, it was a no-brainer.

I had to book and I’m so happy I did!!

Everything was spot on, locations had been pre-scouted, and they were epic!

It was clear how much work and planning had gone on before the photographers even arrived. Little details like the welcome basket were nice touches.

I was somewhat nervous in the lead up, but I needn’t have been - Rachelle, Mark and Nicole and the other photographers were all great. There were times when I felt somewhat out of my league, but the group was full of constructive comments, that helped me regain a degree of confidence!

The models, as expected, were excellent and there was no end of great photos all round. Mark was a legend, always making sure we were fed and had drinks, lugging around outfits and lunches and driving for endless hours at all hours of the day!

Thanks all round, and hope to shoot again soon!!

James Box

When I found out right at the beginning of the year, that Rachelle was organising a photographic holiday to Las Vegas, it ticked all the boxes (no pun intended) for me.

1. Location (On my bucket list of places to see)

2. A photographic holiday, with like minded people.

3. With Rachelle Summers.

4. The second model was not bad either :-) Nicole Rayner :-)

Rachelle puts so much organisation into her trips abroad. From scouting locations, accommodation, food for everyone, wardrobe, the list goes on...

Sometimes it was physical, getting to stunning locations like Death Valley, and getting up in the ealy hours of the morning, to catch the light.

But all was soo well worth it.

Not only was this an amazing opportunity to photograph 2 stunning models, in fantastic locations, but I learnt along the way, and we had fun doing it.

I met some other great photographers as well, and to observe how someone else approaches their hobby, or work, is always interesting.

Have I mentioned the words, fantastic, amazing, stunning or great too many times?

Well I tell it like it is.

No bs.

Remembered for life...

Thank you Rachelle :-) :-) :-)

Darryll R James

The pocket rocket that is Rachelle Summers is frigging awesome in every way.

I've snapped Rachelle a few times now so I knew what I was in for when booking the summers abroad trip to Vegas. The locations that were scouted before our arrival were perfect and guaranteed everybody came away with amazing images.

The planning that goes into one of trips is phenomenal and so well executed. I can't thank you enough for letting me be apart of this awesomeness. Thankyou also to Mr Summers for working tirelessly around the clock from cooking meals morning noon and night and doing all the driving to all the amazing locations.

I only booked 4 days but i've learned my lesson and it shall be a week next time. 4 days is great but I didn't want it to end. Totally epic on all proportions.

Thanks again.....Dx

jhphotography

Having been on several of the Summers Abroad trips, I was expecting a high standard as always... and did they deliver!

When Rachelle mentioned several months back she was thinking of doing a trip to Vegas, I was sold as soon as she mentioned Nelson Ghost Town! (Take my money lol). I'd booked on to do a week as travelling out for just three days shooting on a long flight and fighting jet lag wouldn't make it worth while. Rachelle and Mr Summers (who's cooking is always one of the highlights of the trips) delivered on the promise of epic locations, themed shoots and more. Epic vistas of sand dunes (well worth the early mornings and treak out to get clear sand and views), epic rock formations and epic Vegas locations. You see a theme there, right? Varying the locations so that those who did a week weren't shooting lots of the same locations again, there was never a dull moment while on the trip. Once again there was a great selection of photographers (some I'd met before and new ones that soon became friends) so it never felt it was a competition. We were all there to get epic images.

I was on the week with Nicole Rayner and once again Rachelle teaming up with Nicole provided great images and laughs.

As mentioned earlier, Mr Summers cooking was on point. Want a full english breakfast? Done. Want a beer? Done. Want a sandwich? Done. Want ice cream with your cake? Done.

Sadly, I'd gotten ill a few weeks before going out and wasn't at 100% so having to step away from some of the locations on the second group was disappointing for me (but it was my choice), but I was extremely happy with the images and video I had captured during the first group so anything after was a bonus.

Again, highly recommended trip hosts. It always feels like it's more friends out on a photographic trip rather than throw a group of photographers together and hoping for the best.

Looking forward to going to another bucket list location with Summers Abroad in April 2020 to Japan. If you ever get the chance to book onto one of their events (and they usually sell out straight away) do it. There are no hidden extras you have to pay for as they mention.

JPea

Having been on a Summers Abroad trip to Portugal I booked for the South of France for three days.

As expected the villa was superb in every detail. Wonderful gardens and rooms and the organisation meticulous.

Everything included.

Mark runs everything "back stage " with a relaxed efficiency and the food and drink are excellent in quality and quantity.

The locations were great and there were several meticulous setups that were not at all the sort of thing I would normally do but I gave them a try and found my self really enjoying that sort of shoot.

I don't think I came out top though!!!

The other model, Sylph Sia was lovely and contributed greatly to the total success of the shoot.

Rachelle has more trips planned and I can guarantee that they will be excellent also.

The only snag with going on these kind of shoots is that it spoils you for ordinary every day shoots.

I can live with that though.

Summers Abroad is highly recommended.

Give it a go. You won't regret it.

Sylph Sia

I had an incredible time modelling for Summers Abroad event in Southern France this year. Rachelle asked me over a year in advance if I would like to commit to the trip and I could see from the first contact how organised and professional her events are.

The planning process could not have been better, pre-communication was outstanding, ensuring that I was kept in the loop with how the event would be structured and scheduled.

The event itself could not have gone better, I have been to many workshops and events in almost 9 years of modelling, and have never seen better planning and preparation than this! I also can honestly say I have not seen so many consistently happy attendees and such a fantastic atmosphere at all times. Everything was amazing: the villa, the themes of the shoots, the pre-scouted shoot locations, the food prepared by Mr Summers. Everything was conducive to creating so much high quality photographic work that was produced in such a great atmosphere!

I can’t wait to be apart of another Summers Abroad event next year and couldn’t recommend it highly enough to both models and photographers!