A Fine Art Photographers’ Luxury Workshop in
Marrakech, Morocco
FEBRUARY 24-28, 2025
Join worldwide Event Planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings, alongside 3 globally-renowned photographers from the US, Africa, & Europe: Amy Mulder, Maria Rao, & Rebecca Carpenter, for a restorative retreat in Morocco between the bustling city of Marrakech and the tranquil desert oasis of Agafay.
This luxury fine-art photographers’ retreat aims to present a select number of attendees with a 5-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 videographers.
An inspiring experience that will allow you to unwind, reconnect to your purpose and revamp your brand
3
luxurious editorial shoots with real model couples, top industry suppliers, high fashion & the breathtaking settings at the most luxurious and iconic venues of Morocco
✔ Curate an inspiring portfolio that elevates your brand & attracts your ideal client
✔ Develop clarity of aesthetic direction & position yourself powerfully within the market
5
days of interactive workshops, classroom time & networking experiences.
✔ Receive invaluable tools & guidance from 3 globally-renowned photographers
✔ 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 / Luxury Weddings in Morocco & Europe
What’s Included
3 high-end, luxury styled editorial shoots with bride & groom models at Amanjena, Palais Namaskar, & Be Agafay Desert Camp
*4 fashion oriented editorial capsule looks with female models
5 days of classroom time, interactive workshops & networking experiences
3 nights accommodation at Atlas Palace Riad & 1 night accommodation at Be Agafay Desert Camp
• All meals and beverages for the duration of your stay (Monday evening - Friday morning)
Camel Ride in the Agafay Desert
Transport from Marrakech to Agafay
*Accommodation at Be Agafay Camp will be Shared Tents, limited Private Upgrades are available upon Request. Rooms at Atlas Palace Riad can be booked on a Shared or Private Basis.
*Assistance coordinating transport to/from airport available upon request (additional cost applies)
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
Palais Namaskar
SHOOT Location #1
Commanding more than 12 acres of pristine seclusion, tranquil lakes and inspiring panoramas, Palais Namaskar explores new dimensions in hospitality – indulging guests with unrivaled spaciousness, personal freedom and majestic grandeur to create an undeniably unique experience.
Palais Namaskar hosts a total of 41 units, comprising of rooms, suites, villas and palaces. The décor is a vibrant combination of Eastern-inspired architecture infusing Feng Shui principles with contemporary interior design. Set against the eternal magnificence of the Atlas Mountains, the mysterious Djebilet Hills and nearly four acres of lakes, Palais Namaskar creates the perfect setting for exclusive celebrations and memorable receptions.
Amanjena
SHOOT Location #2
Inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech palatial Amanjena, a luxury 5 star resort, is close to the fabled Red City, set in its own expanse of gardens and grand open spaces. Shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central basin, bordered by spacious standalone Pavilions & Maisons, many with private pools. Views stretch across the olive groves and palms of the oasis, extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
Situated within an oasis of palm and olive trees, Amanjena (‘peaceful paradise’) lies just minutes from Morocco’s famous Djemaa el-Fna Square and the Unesco-protected medina of Marrakech and a twenty minutes drive from the Marrakech Menara Airport.
Amanjena offers a serene escape amidst the historic medina, with its luxurious setting it's ideal for marking life's milestones. From intimate courtyard dinners to elaborate wedding banquets, every private celebration at Amanjena is instilled with the traditions of North Africa while menus abound with the fragrant spices of this exotic land.
Be Agafay Desert Camp
SHOOT Location #3 + ACCOMMODATION (1 NIGHT)
Agafay Luxury Camp blends into untouched red-rock country, claiming 600 acres of the vast and majestic Agafay Plateau, the original rocky desert. In this desert landscape of canyons, dunes, ridges and gorges, the tented Pavilions of Be Agafay Luxury Desert Camp offer an inspiring welcome to one of the world’s most dramatic secluded settings.
Be Agafay Desert camp, elegant, spacious pavilions bring peerless comfort and privacy to the wilderness experience with modern comforts, such as electricity, telephone, Air conditioner, hot water.
Escape to BE Agafay, the ultimate glamping destination where you can truly disconnect and be in the moment. Our hideaway in the breathtaking landscape offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, while enjoying the calm and luxury of a night under the stars. Unwind by the pool with a view or savor our culinary experiences. Endless activities await you here.
Atlas Palace Riad
MARRAKECH ACCOMMODATION (3 NIGHTS)
Discover the incomparable elegance and luxury of Riad Atlas Palace, a 5-star establishment located in the heart of Marrakech. This charming Riad offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the bustling Medina. Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of our luxury riad in Marrakech, where every detail is carefully thought out to offer their guests an unforgettable experience.
Medina Capsule Shoot (optional)
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28TH
Additional Fee: €500
Friday Morning after our Farewell breakfast at Be Agafay, our participants will have the option to travel back to Marrakech for a capsule shoot in the bustling Medina of the city! We will arrange an optional group souk tour and dinner following the shoot, and you will be able to book the accommodation of your choice that evening.
*Cost of Transport to the Medina from the camp is included.
The cost of meals and accommodations are not included.
Meet The Host
Amanda Virga
Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding Planner
Amanda 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.
Maria Rão
Marrakech Based Destination Wedding Photographer
My name is Maria and I am a Portuguese fine art photographer available to work across the world. I am spontaneous, naturally kind, joyful and always on the go in between Lisbon and Marrakesh or travelling all around the world to photograph. I have been a freelance photographer for six years, and I have been dedicated mostly to fine art wedding photography, and in large part to destination weddings.
Nonetheless, in the last couple of years, I have developed a sudden interest in Travel photography especially since I have been exploring numerous destinations with my husband for his Travel Company. Through social media, I have been sharing some of those images, which has grown attention from private to corporate clients, and nowadays Travel Photography has become another branch of my photographic services.
Through photography, I can express myself and have a profession where I can put my heart and soul at work. My inspiration comes from the love I feel for life and everything beautiful and genuine. My photographic style is a balance between fine-art and documentary photography. My unique way of capturing light and scene aims to highlight the simplicity and beauty of the subject.
Amy Mulder
Charleston Based Destination Wedding 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.
Rebecca Carpenter
UK-Based Destination Wedding Photographer
Rebecca Carpenter is a destination wedding photographer and educator with seven years of experience in the wedding industry. Specializing in destination weddings, she has captured beautiful moments around the globe.
Rebecca's style is editorial, modern, and joyful. Her unique approach to behind-the-scenes content creation at weddings has set her apart in the industry and inspired many through her educational platform. She also runs a successful YouTube channel where she shares her expertise and insights with a wider audience.
Her work has been featured in major publications such as Brides, USA Today, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, and The Knot.
Known for her outgoing, fun-loving, and positive personality, Rebecca is an adventurer at heart and has been recognized as one of the top 50 wedding photographers in the UK for four consecutive years.
When she's not working or traveling, Rebecca loves to embark on adventures with her husband Jon and their daughter Winnie.
Retreat Schedule
*Subject to change
MONDAY FEBRUARY 24th
Arrival/Check-in (from 3pm)
Welcome Dinner (from 6pm)
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25th
8-9am Breakfast
9-10am Morning Classroom Session
11-4pm Styled Shoot at Palais Namaskar
(Break for Lunch 1-2pm)
4:30-6:30pm Break/Leisure Time at Atlas Palace Riad
from 6:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking
WEDNESDAY FEbRUARY 26th
8-9am Breakfast
9-10am Morning Classroom Session
11-4pm Styled Shoot at Amanjena
(Break for Lunch 1-2pm)
4:30-6:30pm Break/Leisure Time at Atlas Palace Riad
from 7pm Dinner/Evening Networking
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27th
8-9:30am Breakfast
9:30am-10:30am Morning Classroom Session
11am: Depart to Agafay
12-2:30pm: Lunch & Camel Rides
2:30-7:30pm Agafay Sunset Shoot
from 7:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28th
8-10am: Farewell Breakfast
10-11am: Departures
12pm-3pm: Optional Medina Capsule Shoot and Souk Tour
6:30pm: Optional Finale 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. The host photographers will be available during the shoots to guide you and assist with techniques/ hands on learning.
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?
The only costs not included are your flight and airport transport, however Atlas Palace Riad is located less than 20 minutes from the Marrakech airport and Agafay is less than an hour away. 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 Friday morning!
ARE PLUS ONES ALLOWED?
We always welcome plus ones on our retreat so you can experience this beautiful country 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 accommodation and meal portion of the retreat. Please inquire directly for more information.
IS THERE A REDUCED COST FOR A ROOM SHARE?
Accommodation is offered on a Shared or Private Basis (Price differences apply as notated in the Investment section below). Room types are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis upon booking. Please inquire directly for more information.
Investment
PRIVATE ROOM AT ATLAS PALACE & Private Tent at BE AGAFAY: €4,500
PRIVATE Room at ATLAS PALACE & Shared Tent at Agafay: €4,000
Shared Room at ATLAS PALACE & Shared Tent at Agafay: €3,800
* Split into 3 payments (Payment plans available upon request)
* 3 nights accommodation at Atlas Palace Riad, 1 nights accommodation at Be Agafay Desert Camp, and All meals and beverages for the duration of your stay are included in the investment cost
* All payments are non-refundable. Pricing is subject to VAT
Photography by: Sophie Kaye, Sara Cooper, Jenna Therese, Donia Wedding Arts, & Kristelle Boulous