A Fine Art Photographers’ Luxury Workshop in
Oahu, Hawaii
january 13-16, 2025
Join worldwide Event Planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings for a restorative Winter Retreat Getaway in Oahu, Hawaii - one of the most breathtaking wedding destinations in the world!
This luxury fine-art photographers’ retreat aims to present a select number of attendees with a 4-day off season escape infused with local activities, networking experiences, and jaw dropping content. This retreat has been planned as the perfect fusion of an editorial workshop and luxury travel getaway, in order to help you create an inspiring portfolio, develop clarity of aesthetic direction, and book more of your ideal clients, all while connecting with fellow creatives in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet!
Plus ones are very much welcome on this event, as we expect many attendees to be traveling with friends and family!
For solo travelers, we will gladly assist in pairing you with a roommate or travel buddy if needed!
The workshop is open to digital, hybrid, and film photographers as well as videographers.
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 at the most luxurious and iconic venues of Oahu
✔ Curate an inspiring portfolio that elevates your brand and attracts your ideal client
✔ Develop clarity of aesthetic direction & position yourself powerfully within the market
4
days of interactive editorials, local activities & networking experiences.
✔ Receive first hand insight to the Hawaiian wedding market from esteemed local photographer, Emily Choy. Emily has been named one of the top 10 photographers in Hawaii and has been featured in some of the most notable publications including Vanity Fair, Vogue, Tatler, and the Lane
✔ Discover confidence in your photographic voice and completely transform your business
✔ Connect with an intimate group of 20 peers (max).
What’s Included
2 high-end, luxury styled editorial shoots with bride & groom models at the Four Seasons Oahu & Loulu Palm Farm Estate
*4 fashion oriented editorial capsule shoots with female models
4 days of interactive editorials, local activities & networking experiences
• Group Dinners every evening Monday-Thursday
Group Activity Day & Lunch
Transport to/from the Loulu Palm Shoot and the Activity Location
*Accommodation and Other Meals/Transport are Not Included, However we do have room blocks with discounted rates at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, a Westin Resort and Spa as well as the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
*We will assist in pairing solo travelers to share accommodation if preferred!
Our previous attendees have been featured in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, WedLuxe, Wedding Chicks, Wedding Sparrow and many more notable publications
The Locations
The Four Seasons Oahu
SHOOT Location #1This beachfront island Resort sits on Oahu’s wild and rugged western coast, where vast ocean views and lively pools and lagoons provide the setting for an unforgettable adventure. Take the family for a ride on an outrigger canoe, splash around in the turquoise waters of our white-sand beach, play a round of golf as you weave through waterfalls at Ko Olina Golf Club, or spend the day reconnecting with your inner self at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre.
Set beside a serene lagoon this location offers one of the most luxurious and romantic settings in Oahu for a destination wedding.
Loulu Palm Farm Estate
SHOOT Location #2As an agribusiness, this estate is dedicated to the propagation of the endangered Loulu Palm. They cultivate species endemic to the islands, and nurture many varieties of fruits and vegetables. Plants grown on this beachside farm end up in the yards (and bellies) of their neighbors. Visitors will experience Hawaii as it should be — exquisite, verdant, and a little wild. The Loulu Palm experience will not only captive you with the most scenic setting for a fairytale event, but it will also enhance your appreciation for Hawaii’s rare environment.
These georgeous loulu palms now welcome guests to the Loulu Palm Hawaii Island Retreat property: vintage old Hawaii home, expansive lush lawn, and long stretch of secluded beachfront – all tucked between turquoise blue water and lush tropical mountains. The stars burn bright, far from the city lights and skyscrapers. The overall effect is ethereal and soul-stirring. It’s everything you yearn for in a location: a majestic setting for your special gathering, a fantasy backdrop for your photographs, and magical memories to last you and your loved ones a lifetime.
Meet The Host
Amanda Virga
Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding PlannerAmanda Virga is a worldwide wedding planner who has over a decade of experience in the event industry, executing nearly 500 weddings during her career and 14 successful retreats to date. While based between NYC and London, she has also worked on weddings across the globe, over 4 continents from Spain and Tuscany to Thailand and Bali. 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.
Retreat Schedule
*Subject to change
MONDAY JANUARY 13thWelcome Dinner (from 6:30pm)
TUESDAY January 14tHMorning Leisure Time
12:30pm Depart to Loulu Palm Estate
2pm-6pm Editorial Shoot at Loulu Palm Estate
from 7pm Dinner/Evening Networking
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15th11am-4pm: Kualoa Ranch Visit & Hike
from 6:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking
THURSDAY JANUARY 16thOptional Morning Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach
2-6pm Editorial Shoot at the Four Seasons Oahu
from 6:30pm Farewell Dinner at the Four Seasons Oahu
Friday JANUARY 17thOptional Catamaran / Snorkeling Day at Turtle Bay
Optional Group Luau Dinner
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.
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, and Wedding Chicks.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS I NEED TO CONSIDER?For this specific retreat, only specific meals and transport are included (please refer to the “What’s Included” section above). Accommodation is not included, however we do have room blocks with discounted rates at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, a Westin Resort and Spa as well as the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection. We will assist in pairing solo travelers to share accommodation if preferred!
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 guest to join us for just the activity and meal portion of the retreat. Please inquire directly for more information.
WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?Our Kualoa Ranch Visit / Hike Activity day is included in the Price. However the optional Snorkeling Day and Surf Lessons are not included in the price but can be added for additional fee
Investment
$4,950
* Split into 2 payments (Payment plans available upon request)
• Dinners each evening Monday-Thursday as well as Transport to/from the Loulu Palm Shoot and the Activity Location are included in the above cost. Lunch is Included for the Activity Day.
*Accommodation and Other Meals/Transport/Activities are Not Included, However we do have room blocks with discounted rates the Moana Surfrider Hotel, a Westin Resort and Spa as well as the Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
* All payments are non-refundable.
Photography by: Emily Choy, Konstantyn Zakhariy, Kir Tuben