References for Summers Abroad

Fantasy Dabblers

We spent a week in Portugal with Summers Abroad in a truly splendid modern villa that was extremely comfortable to stay in as well as offering loads of interesting shooting locations, inside and out. Among those we used were a “media room” cinema, two gazebos and a pretty pond with bridge. Splendid locations off property had also been scouted, including dramatic seaside rock formations, urban streetscenes, and a woodland pool and waterfall.

We have previously worked with the two models who were there – Rachelle Summers and Keira Lavelle and know them both to be excellent and dedicated. This was the first time we had worked with them together and discovered how good a team they make.

The trip provided a mix of personal time for photographers to work as they wished with the models and a selection of themed shoots, such as vivid colours and black and white “bunnies”. The on-site media room was the scene for a fun “at the movies” set with popcorn, drinks, pinup glamour and loads of laughs. There was also help and advice on lighting the windowless room.

We especially appreciated the help and consideration given to the one of us with both visual and mobility impairments. Matters were discussed before and during the holiday so there were no surprises for anyone. Although one or two off-property locations were not fully accessible, we understood and accepted this. However, Rachelle did give our disabled person a bonus of an additional private shoot in the villa.

Catering was organised by Rachelle and her husband and we had a very enjoyable time.

We are already booked on Summers Abroad trips next year.

Niall

Last June I joined Rachelle and crew for my first experience of a photo vacation. This was completely different to how I usually work and I was a little apprehensive about how it might work out. I already worked with Rachelle before and knew she was well organised, so my only concern would be shooting with other photographers. With all the sessions organised so well and only having one other photographer to share each shoot location I need not have worried, it actually worked in our favour having the other photographer act as able assistant for each session as we took turns shooting.

From the moment I was collected from the airport in Split everything was taken care of and I really felt I could relax into the vacation. Rachelle and Mark were excellent hosts for the entire stay and provided an amazing villa location with many excursions for wonderful location shoots.

Rachelle and Tillie where superb models (as usual) providing great themed shoots and time for some of our own creativity as well. Working with both of these first rate models is always a joy! We also had the pleasure of a duo shoot with Tillie and partner Leon (my first Male/Female Duo to date!)

My only regret was not spending some more time in Croatia!

Until next time, Thanks Rachelle and Mark!

DaveEdwards

I’ve shot with Rachelle enough times over the past five years to know what a wonderful, reliable, dedicated, professional and well-organised model she is, and a sheer joy to work with into the bargain. So the opportunity to shoot with her, Natalia Forrest and Tillie over a week in Croatia was too good to miss; I was confident that it would be planned to perfection, and it was.

Transport for the week was a massive air-conditioned mini-bus with plenty of room to spare for a couple more photographers and their kit, if needed, driven by the ever willing and hardworking Mark (a.k.a Mr Summers).

The accommodation and hospitality was superb. Not so much a villa, as a pair of luxury haciendas in their own private and secluded grounds, complete with hot tub, pool, gym, and sauna as well as accommodation for about 20 people. Food and beverages were arranged by Mark (this man knows how to put a shift in!) and were superb and seemingly limitless; every need and whim catered for!

This operation was not short on planning. Each day’s timetable had been meticulously planned to take advantage of the morning and evening light, and in consequence there were some early starts and late finishes with a break for lunch / siesta/ processing in the middle of the day. Locations had evidently been scouted on the ground with some care – not just picked out of a guide book – indeed some were not in the guide books!!

This holiday was as good as any I’ve been on and is a textbook example of how a photo holiday should be run.

Thanks, Rachelle and Mark, for your hard work organising and running the event, and to Rachelle, Tillie and Natalia for their modelling prowess!

See you all soon!

I thoroughly recommend Summers Abroad to anyone who wants a fun packed photo-holiday and hope to participate on their events in the future.

Martyn Harvey

Book it, don't think, don't hesitate... just book it :)

I admit I was initially a little hesitant booking on a model photography holiday as it was a first for me. In all honesty I didn't really know what to expect or how it would all pan out - needless to say it was such an amazing experience I can't wait to book on some more!

Rachelle was fantastic, start to finish the communication and organization was superb. Rachelle kept in touch over the weeks/months before the trip to make sure everything was all in hand (any dietry requirements, food preferences, flight times, contact details etc).

Mark and Rachelle were the perfect duo, many thanks again to Mark who throughout the trip was cooking up some amazing food, making sure we were all fed and watered before, during and after shoots and made for an excellent voice activated light stand.

The locations they scouted were incredible, all quite varied to offer a real unique set of images from across the three days. To be honest the villa was so amazing you could have easily spent the time just shooting there alone! It made for a really nice and relaxed stay, enjoying both good food and good wine in the evening after the shoots.

Rachelle and Natalia were fantastic models for the trip, working so well both solo and as a duo for the different setups. With only a small group it made for a much nicer, relaxed and enjoyable time being able to work together to get some really stunning images.

Thanks again to Rachelle, Mark and Natalia for such an awesome trip!

Anthony Wadham

My second excursion with 'Summers Abroad.' And what an unforgettable experience!

Rachelle and her husband Mark create a unique ambiance for an unforgettable photographic extravaganza.

You will not feel more welcome anywhere.

The accommodation exceeds all expectations of a 'group shoot.' All photographers have an en-suite in the selected villa or in this case, Mansion which provided unlimited unique photo opportunities both within the buildings and the extensive grounds.

You will quickly observe that Rachelle and Mark have put a great deal of time and effort into sourcing locations and scheduled them into the best time of day to shoot.

Never any pressure to finish your shoot on time with both Rachelle or the 2nd model, Natalia Forrest on my booking.

Rachelle only books experienced TOP models who she knows can shine on their own and/or can work well with her as a compliment. (My booking with Natalia Forrest) Second week with Tillie.)

Rachelle is the perfect Hostess and an unforgettable model with a unique posing style.

Mark is a great cook who creates dishes to your every requirements and also doubles as a responsible chauffeur collecting and delivering you to and from airports etc.,

and can be guaranteed to deliver you safely to the selected locations on time.

Mark also has an endless supply of snacks and water in the heavy cooler bag which he carries to all locations.

Future events: Not to be missed if you register in time!!!

Fantasy Dabblers

This was our second SummersAbroad holiday and we already have others booked. Rachelle Summers puts together a truly enjoyable package with up to 4 photographers, two models (one, herself) and her husband, Mark, as cook/driver based in a quite magnificent villa.

This holiday was in Croatia where the other model was the amazing Natalia Forrest and the villa was utterly incredible both as a place to stay and a place to shoot. The buildings included two grand pianos, two pool/snooker tables, galleried rooms, gardens, hot tub and pool. Balconies, a barbecue table, staircase and gardens featured as backdrops to pictures as well as the (perhaps inevitable) pool shots.

Rachelle had also found a range of off-site locations, including townscapes and amazing urban spaces, poppy and lavender fields and a water mill situated just a few yards from the villa itself.

Mark was an excellent Chauffer and a good and attentive cook, often offering choices for each meal.

We have found the atmosphere throughout Summersabroad holidays to be fun and relaxed while still ensuring we came away with hundreds of wonderful photographs.

We have already booked two more trips.

Anthony Wadham

SUMMERS ABROAD is exactly what is says in the title. It is unique and unlike most other “arranged” Photo Shoot Holidays

What it does not say however, is that you will experience a superbly organised trip from the moment you are met at the airport and transported to a five star luxury villa with your own room. Mealtimes are a culinary experience and tailored to your requirements and there is always a beer in the fridge or a glass or two of wine in a nearby bottle.

Rachelle and her husband Mark are a friendly, approachable couple who work tirelessly to ensure that your every need is catered for.

Nearly forgot the photography!!! Rachelle is one of the very best and most sought after models in the U.K. with a unique style and she will only invite models of commensurate ability to participate in these events and be assured that they will be able to work together, if required.

Locations will have been well sourced before you arrive and the best time of day to shoot programmed into the flexible schedule.

As there are only four photographers and two models on each location, it should not be impossible for intelligent photographers to co-operate in sharing the time available! These are not ‘group shoots’ and you will be free to direct the models and add any props or additional lighting you may require.

When you have filled all your memory cards with stunning images of Rachelle and the selected 2nd model, you will be transported back to the airport in time to catch your flight home.

Then the post production will keep you engaged for a week or more!

On these extravagances I usually add a few days to shoot the scenery for backgrounds and stock.

The description of Summers Abroad on this site is 100% accurate even if for a Geordie, somewhat understated!

jhphotography

Went on my first ever photography holiday with Rachelle and Tillie and so glad I did. Not only had Rachelle have everything planned out and scouted that the trip felt more like a group of friends enjoying a few days in Cyprus while taking some pictures. It was the first time I'd shot on location and the results I got (that even surprised me) were beyond what I was expecting. Rachelle know where to take the group at just the right times of day and night (Hell, we even accepted a 4.30am start one day as everyone was raving about the location and light. They weren't wrong). Can highly recommend Summers Aboard. Looking forward to going on their September one to Portugal this year.

DeanB

My 2nd time on one of Rachelles trips and I can not recommend them highly enough. Mark is always on hand to drive, chat, feed and serve drinks. Rachelle and Tillie were more than happy to work with every bodies ideas, whether as a groups or individually. The group was great and everybody seemed to get on great resulting in a vey productive, but fun and relaxing shoot.

Thanks everyone.

MattB

I was lucky enough to go on a Summers Abroad holiday to Cyprus, my first such photographic trip, and I had a fantastic time. I knew the models would be top quality, having worked with both Rachelle and Tillie before, but I was really impressed with the level of organisation throughout the holiday.

Mark and Rachelle had scouted locations (including what time of day the sunlight would be best) and planned shooting schedules so that we could fit as many in as possible without overtaxing the models or photographers. The food and drink was all great quality, not only at the villa but also on a meal out on the last night. The villa was a great location to shoot in, but also to chill out in between shoots - and we had our own room with en-suite (no sharing a sofa with 2 other photographers!). Great group of photographers, too.

If Carlsberg made photographic holidays...

Fantasy Dabblers

We have worked with Rachelle before but this trip to Cyprus was our first chance to go on a Summers abroad trip. The models were Rachelle and Tillie so you knew that was going to be something special. The villa was huge and luxurious and had a superb swimming pool which was excellent for those of us who wanted some underwater photography. Locations were many and varied – in just one morning we had about 6 different spots to take photographs, all with different themes. Mark was a good chauffer as well as being a hospitable chef. It was nice to include one meal out as well for variety. There were lots of little touches to make the trip special and we are glad that we are booked on two more this year.

Mr Dave

I have shot with Rachelle a number of times and on a couple of trips abroad...

The latest foreign trip was to Cyprus for a week last Summer, at a superb villa..

The other model on this occasion was Tillie who I have also shot with a number of times, and again a few weeks ago in the UK..

Rachelle puts in a lot of effort into her holidays to ensure every eventuality is covered, which includes scouting the locations in advance and providing suitable props for the themed shoots..

All you need to do is to arrive at the destination airport with your kit and then everything is included...

Highly recommended...

Dave x