References for Summers Abroad

Sylph Sia

I was lucky enough to model for Summers Abroad during their Bali 2022 event. This was the second time I had worked with them on an international event (first time was France, 2019). I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Always an absolute pleasure and feel so looked after as a model. The atmosphere is always so creative and positive, and the planning and structure of the events is amazing. Attention to detail is second-to-none, and I always recommend their trips as honestly the best planned out photography/modelling events I have ever taken part in. Styling, concepts and locations chosen are always on point and diverse. It's always such an incredibly productive time photographically, but also socially such a lovely experience as well, being around a group of like minded and passionate individuals. Highly recommended!

djbestphotos

When Rachelle first mentioned a photography trip to Bali, I knew I HAD to go.

When I first paid my deposit it was due to take place in 2021 but because of Covid, the trip was postponed to 2022. Rachelle kept us updated in a chat with the other photographers and we all agreed that it would be worth the wait. She helped us out with arranging the times of the flight and transfers from the airport and I arrived jet lagged and hungry and was immediately welcomed by my friends Rachelle and Mark, the photographers and models who I would be spending the next 9 days with. We stayed in a beautiful hill side villa with epic views of the valley below. Each morning the staff cooked delicious breakfasts and every evening whether we were at the villa or eating after shooting at a location, the food and drink was top notch.

Rachelle and Mark had spent ages researching and scouting the locations knowing the best times to shoot to get the best light and to pack as much in as possible without feeling rushed.

We were taken in minibuses or 4 by 4s to each location and the 3 models and Rachelle were amazing. Shooting never feels rushed and we shot in epic locations at black sand beaches, rice paddies, waterfalls, a plane, temples and in the jungle. Each place had been carefully thought out and even though my camera malfunctioned because of the humidity, Mark and Rachelle helped me to get it fixed so that I could carry on shooting and I didn't have to rely on my backup camera body. One thing I will say about Bali the island is: be prepared to be stuck in traffic for a lot longer than you think you will be. Rachelle and Mark had factored all of this in time to journey times and kept us updated of when and where we'd be at different times and when and where we'd be eating and shooting.

Rachelle, ably assisted by Mark, makes the whole experience unforgettable. Her vision of what each location could be turns out even better than I had imagined. One place in particular was the Alas Harum Bali Swing on a REALLY hot and humid day, where our lunch spot was an elevated swimming pool and that feeling of swimming in the cool water relaxing with a beer at lunch was incredible.

An amazing experience, highly highly recommended. Whether Rachelle's events are in the UK or abroad I never have any doubts about how brilliant they will be from the models, to the locations, to the accommodation to the food.

Photonest

Summers Abroad plans and organizes small-group photo-shoots in exotic locations. And they are excellent, providing everything from pick-up and drop-off at the airport to local transport to well-planned shooting locations, securing of models, fine meals and comfortable accommodations. I have attended two Summers Abroad events and look forward to attending my third one in 2023. Anyone who wants a thrilling several days or a week should attend a Summers Abroad event.

MattB

If you like taking photos of top-notch models, impeccably styled and in fantastic locations, then look no further than Summers Abroad (yes, they also do UK-based events). I had a great couple of days working with a number of excellent models (most of whom I'd not worked with before), all fantastically well organised by Rachelle and Mark. You can tell they've put the preparation in when you take part in one of these events, and you also know you'll be working with a nice bunch of photographers and happy models trying to create the best images you can together. Such a good weekend, and so happy with the images!

Mark Abel

I have attended a number of Summers Abroad events both here in the UK and in Europe and the reason I continue to re-book is very simple: Rachelle puts a lot of effort into each event to ensure that they deliver lots of creative opportunities whilst also being very enjoyable.

Rachelle's latest event, Artistic Licence, was in my opinion her best yet and was simply off the scale. A great location with decor to suit all the themes, super styling and make-up and a stellar line up of models who all delivered brilliantly.

Well done to all. It was a triumph.

Ellie Fox

This is the second time I've had the absolute pleasure of working on a summersabroad event.

I've never felt more welcomed and looked after on any event before, the atmosphere is so lovely and genuine. The way they execute their vision when designing their sets is spot on, every location is beyond beautiful as well, the way these events run are just so nice, as a model getting some rest the day before a full day shoot is such a lovely touch. We are so cared for and looked after buy Rachelle and Mark and that's what sets them apart. They go above and beyond for their models and photographers and I cannot recommend more highly.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: you've blown me away with your utter professionalism, integrity, honesty and kind heart.

P.s. Mark makes a mean spaghetti bolognese so that alone is getting 5 stars.

otteypm

I haven't shot properly for ages and I thought I would get back into the swing of things with an organised shoot. I have been on one of Rachelle and Mark's photography trips so I already knew they were amazing at putting on great photography events. I attended the recent Artistic Licence event and the scale of organisation, communications, styling, kit, models and location were epic. It gave me a great chance to shoot with lots of people I have never worked with before. All pre shoot comms were great with clear details and updates. The shoot days themselves ran smoothly and the range of opportunity was great, one minute down by the lake with Lady Godiva and her steed, the next up in the greenhouse shooting the Roman goddess Venus! All this in a friendly atmosphere with exactly the right balance of shooting time. Rachelle and Mark put on a great event, very, very, very highly recommended.

Supplesuki

I was a part of the 'Face your fears' event and it was a joy. Rachelle and Mark ensure you are well looked after and comfortable with the whole day organised to ensure a relaxed pace.

I was keen on dinner the night before with everyone to get a bit of a mingle in and meet all involved. The thought, time and effort that goes into each set to ensure quality is impressive. Any minute detail will cross Rachelle's mind!

Thank you again for inviting me to be part of an event, I had so much fun bending in a box and swinging upside down:)

Angel Black UK

Summers Abroad contacted me to attend their Manor Event, which I was only too excited to accept.. Their communication throughout, leading up to and during, the event was amazing, coordinating everyone coming from all over the country! The venue itself was spectacular, clearly an amazing property with so many rooms to shoot in - everything about the property, down to the walls were ornately decorated with just enough props in each room to pose with but not too many that it was cluttered.

Rachelle's organisation is unparalleled, the evening before we all gathered at the venue, to give ourselves time to have a little pre scout of where we'd be shooting, which was really helpful in meaning I could plan which outfits I thought could work well around the venue, and I also got to meet the other models on the event in a non work atmosphere, which I've got to say was one of my favourite parts because I was able to talk to them and built some friendships! A few photographers were also in attendance the evening before so I was again able to talk to them and introduce myself (well Rachelle did!) before shooting commenced the next day!

The shoot day itself ran smoothly and you could once again tell it was down to Rachelle's impeccable timing and Mark working behind the scenes to feed and water everyone throughout the event, I truly appreciated this! Mark's food is definitely to be tasted :D They work incredibly well together and its clear to see the love and devotion they have for their art - I would 1000% recommend Summers Abroad and hope to see them both again soon.

Thankyou for an amazing shoot!

Angel x

Rebecca Perry

I've recently come back from my first shoot in Spain organised by Summers Abroad and I couldn't recommend this event highly enough! I have modelled internationally for nine year and cant express how utterly impressed I am with the organisation of this trip!

Everything is a 5 star from me!

The villa we stayed at is beautiful as ever with a great deal of different areas to be used without even setting foot outside the front gate.

Rachelle and Mark scouted a fantastic range of places to shoot and is brilliant at making suggestions for the highest quality results!

They also knows all the best restaurants for evening meals and cocktails :-)

I've found the Summers Abroad events consistently excellent value for money and hope to attend more. If you haven't been to one before, I strongly recommend checking them out!

Very Highly recommended!

Thank you so much Rachelle for an incredible experience that I will truly never forget! :-)

Rebecca Perry

www.rebeccaperry.net

StevieB_Photography

This was my 1st photography holiday and The Summers Abroad team (Rachelle and Mark) set the bar very high indeed.

Accommodation was excellent, location scouting was superb providing great variety for each day's photography. Naturally they had made sure there were 1st class models for the week of shooting, but also planned out a realistic timeframe for each location making sure everyone had a relaxing time getting maximum opportunity to capture the images they wanted.

Mark ensured everyone was treated like a VIP with attention to detail on every aspect of the trip being perfect.

I have such fabulous time I have already booked up for another trip next year with the Summers Abroad dynamic duo, they deliver the kind of photography holiday you always hope it will be, but always worry it might not live up to your expectations.

For me they over delivered in every single aspect of a trip away, I had the best experience, met great new people, got to take photos in stunning locations and cannot wait for my next trip away.

100% recommended and bravo to you both for all the hard work you do on these trips.

Mark Abel

I recently returned from my latest Summers Abroad photographic holiday to Spain. As usual everything was well planned with some amazing pre-scouted locations that offered a variety of shooting opportunities. Huge thanks to Rachelle, Mr S and Rebecca Perry for an excellent few days of photography in wonderful autumnal sunshine.

Photonest

Summers Abroad events are absolutely first class. From the moment the other photographers and I were picked up and brought to the exquisite villa, everything was exactly as one could hope for. Our shooting sessions were perfectly planned and the models were absolutely top notch. All meals were delicious amid excellent camaraderie and we had time for swimming, sunbathing and getting better acquainted. The experience was everything I could have hoped for, and more. The rooms were very nice and the variety of the photo opportunities was abundant since Rachelle had done great planning for our locations and themes. I look forward to my next SUmmers Abroad experience in Santorini.

HKG Photography

I had another great Summers Abroad shoot on the Casino Royale event in Nottingham. It was well organized, super venue, great models, outfits and props. Lighting was provided. Lunch, nibbles and drinks were also provided.

I captured a lot of fabulous and diverse images. It would cost a fortune to get images like this if I did it on my own, so it was also good value for money. I have just started editing the images and am really pleased.

Highly recommended and look forward to my next Summers Abroad event.

Thanks Rachelle and mark for a super day.

MattB

I have now forgotten how many of Summers Abroad's events I have taken part in. That I keep coming back is a testament to the quality of the events themselves, in every detail. In the last year I was lucky enough to spend 5 days in Spain and 1 day in the UK on their events, and I look back on them fondly.

Rachelle and Mark always find fabulous locations (sometimes including private access to hidden gems), work out the best times to be there, and schedule the logistics accordingly. They hire top-notch models, who are not only great to work with on the shoots but also gel with the rest of the team and the photographers as well - so downtime is comfortable and relaxed. Finally, the styling and designer collaborations are absolutely on point - so all photographers come away with great, unique images.

I *would* recommend Summers Abroad to other photographers but I want there to still be some slots available for me.

Gray2

I had the pleasure of attending my first Summers Abroard event to Denia, Spain recently run by Rachelle and Mr Summers. There were three models on this trip, four photographers (plus one wife) and Caesar the dog. So a nice friendly group that bonded well.

I found it to be well run with a fabulous selection of sites well found to give a variety of shooting opportunities. The range of clothing selected was well chosen meaning a great selection of images were taken by us all.

Rachelle together with Cariad Celis and Scarlett Fox worked tirelessly with their frequent clothing changes, posing and coming up with suggestions when the need arose. And braved some very cold water!

The villa was big and comfortable giving many shooting oportunities and had a lovely view across the town and port.

A special thanks goes to Mr Summers who drove us to and from the various sites and was there to do the cooking keeping us all well fed and watered.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this event and would recommend these events to others.

Thanks Rachelle

Richard Winn

Last week was my third holiday with Summers Abroad. Organisation as usual was second to none and Mr and Mrs Summers, scouted out the locations with just as much care as always, finding some amazing spots to shoot in. One of my favourites was a pine forest, which allowed me to follow my penchant for shooting through foliage in amazing light. ALso important was the choice of models and I had some lovely shoots with Cariad Celis and Scarlett Fox.

As usual, Rachelle had set up some shoots that were outside my comfort zone, using bright colours (I tend to be more pastel :P) and flowing fabrics and parachute-type dresses. I was able to think outside of the box to create some unusual images, very different to what I normally shoot.

Another aspect of the Summers Abroad trips is the social side and we had some wonderful evenings, with lovely chats and at least one too many late nights. If you are looking for a photogarphic holiday, then I can recommend Rachelle and Mr Summers on their Summers Abroad holidays.

riks_pixels

11 months & I have just realised that I hadn't yet left a reference after attending a Summers Abroad holiday to Denia Spain.

As a disabled photographer (wheelchair user) I must confess to have been a tad concerned when I saw that there were lots of steps between levels not only in the house but also in the garden and down to the pool. However, I my worries were unfounded as, with the help of Rachelle and Mr Summers, as well as the other two models, Cariad Celis and Scarlett Fox, nothing was a problem and there was always someone on hand to help.

The locations that Rachelle and Mark had scouted were varied and superb, from a pine beach at sunrise to a pine forest later in the day. In the main they were all largely accessible and, as before there was always someone on had to help if/when I was struggling.

The three models (Rachelle, Cariad and Scarlett) were fabulous, being great models and great fun and all ensured that I came away from every shoot incredibly happy with all the great images.

The social side was also good with great company, delicious food and plenty to drink and I definitely had too many late nights.

I must give a special shout out to Mr Summers, driver, cook, general dogsbody and all round top man, who took great care of me and pushed me everywhere.

All in all I had a fabulous time so thank you Rachelle & Mark. 😊

Merlin LRPS

Had a great time at the Film Noir event organised by Summers Abroad in deepest darkest Gloucestershire. The venue was fantastic and the models were very accommodating.

Rachelle was the perfect host and I enjoyed working with her and her team.

HKG Photography

I have just had the pleasure of doing my first Summers Abroad shoot. I did the Shadow of a Doubt, murder mystery day near Chepstow. It was a superbly run day. Great organisation, good support team and a fabulously creative day. The models, Rachelle, Just Joe, Cariad, Valis, Evie and Scarlett were all excellent and played their parts. The period outfits supplied by Goddivafashion were super. The location was equally good, with fab antique furniture, period decor and set in lovely countryside.

Highly recommended and look forward to my next one.