Conceptual Photography Workshop in Provence, France
August 30th to September 6th, 2025
Join international award-winning photographic artist, Raina Stinson and guest artist Zelia Van Den Bulke, couture gown designer from Paris, for an intimate and transformative week-long art retreat that will be memorable.
Over 7 days, you’ll learn to create stunning conceptual photographs in majestic locations in the south of France; you will also have the opportunity to visit the best antique markets for photographic inspiration; explore the famous local farmer’s markets; taste local Provençal cuisine; have private access to photograph in some of the region’s hidden treasures; create images with models in the most beautiful couture gowns by Zeila; and learn mindfulness/meditation techniques that will elevate your creativity and leave you refreshed and inspired for your next great artistic photographs. All this, while living in the French countryside next to the village of Velleron, surrounded by a small group of like-minded artists.
Having experienced and led various types of photography workshops Raina wanted something more in-depth, hence it will be limited to 4 participants to ensure each participant has the maximum attention, guidance, and plenty of time to create their images.
The focus of this photography workshop is conceptual photography, which is a type of photography that illustrates an idea. As a methodology conceptual photography is a type of photography that is staged to represent an idea. The 'concept' is both preconceived and, if successful, understandable in the completed image. Using local models, couture vintage-inspired handmade gowns by our guest artist Zelia, vintage clothing, local antiques, hilltop villages, chateaus, ancient ruins, and the pristine countryside of Provence, you will learn to create deep and meaningful imagery.
Raina will share with you her 30-year experience as a photographer. She will be helping you to open up your creativity to create powerful and unique images. She will be teaching you how to develop a concept and then how to let go and allow the concept to unfold. You will learn how to storyboard your photo session and how to use inspiring locations to create your images. Through in-class discussions, and on-location demonstrations you’ll learn how to open yourself up to the creative process to tell your stories and ideas. You will learn how to work with models, select wardrobe, styling, use of props, choose your setting, how to see and manipulate light and how to use post-processing to create indelible imagery.
Zelia is a French couture gown designer from Paris. She will bring a selection of her exquisite creations for us to use in our shoots, which will be inspirational for your concepts and go well with our stunning locations. She will be helping with styling and even stepping in as a model. Her vibrant energy and boundless creativity will make this an unforgettable experience.
In this workshop, you’ll also learn to transcend fears and limitations that keep you from your best work as an artist. Through mindfulness, meditation and other exercises, Raina will help you to see what hinders you from your best work and how to move past these barriers with freedom and confidence.
All of this will take place in the private residence of Raina and her husband, Denis, in Velleron, France, surrounded by acres of gardens, groves and a swimming pool, and within walking distance of the village and its famous farmer’s market. Regular outings will take you to chateaus, villages, photography exhibitions and secret locations throughout the region where you can photograph, shop, eat, and explore.
Our goal for you is to create beautiful and meaningful photographs in Provence and come away refreshed and invigorated as an artist. You’ll learn to fine-tune both your vision and your technique. You’ll return home with a beautiful portfolio and a full heart.
7 Nights 7 Days
When:
August 30th to September 6th, 2025
Where:
Velleron, France, La Fontaine B&B
The closest airport is Marseilles (MRS) or you can take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to the Avignon TGV station. (3 hours train ride)
Who is this for:
This workshop is geared toward photographers with at least basic knowledge of your camera. Wherever you are in photography, from amateur to professional, I will teach to your level, and help you acquire new skills and confidence.
Price:
Private room with private bathroom 3950€ per person
Private room with shared bathroom, in a private cottage at the villa 3950€ per person
*Please note our retreat is limited to a max of 4 guests to ensure you have a personalized boutique experience
Lodging
You will be staying at La Fontaine, the private countryside villa of your hosts, Raina and Denis.
CONCEPTUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ART BY RAINA STINSON CREATED IN PROVENCE
Your local host and photographic artist
ABout Raina
Raina Stinson is an internationally award-winning photographic artist known for her evocative storytelling through imagery. Originally from the United States, she has spent the past seven years living in Provence, France, and is a full-time resident.
With a deep passion for visual narratives, Raina’s work often explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. In addition to her photographic art, she teaches week-long photography workshops and day photography tours in Provence, sharing her extensive knowledge of the region and photographic skills. She incorporates her many years as a meditation and mindfulness teacher into her courses. She loves uncovering Provence's unique and hidden treasures, sharing an intimate and authentic experience of its beauty, culture, and history with her clients.
Raina and her husband, Denis, also run an artist-in-residence program from their villa, providing a peaceful and inspiring retreat for creatives to immerse themselves in their work. Through her photography, teaching, and residency program, Raina fosters a space where artistry and inspiration can thrive.
Over the years she has received numerous awards in recognition of her work and has exhibited around the world. For a full list of awards and exhibitions click here
Guest artist, Zelia
Zelia is a couture designer for wedding dresses and elegant unique gowns and dresses. She is located in Paris in the artistic district of Montmartre and has been making her stunning one-of-a-kind gowns for 40 years.
She will bring a selection of her gowns for us to use for our concepts. She will help with styling and will also be stepping in as a model. Her energy is boundless and she brings wonderful positive energy and creativity.
What is included:
Photography Workshop
Raina teaches you how to storyboard a concept from planning and styling to selecting your model, clothing, props, and locations.
She will teach you how to develop rapport with your subjects and give them clear directions to create the mood and story you want to tell.
You will receive 1-1 instruction with Raina as you create concepts and photograph with models throughout the workshop.
Daily Excursions
With Raina’s vast knowledge of the area, she has curated daily outings to photograph with models and to experience the real provencal lifestyle through the amazing cuisine, markets, historic villages, pristine landscapes, and ruins.
Attend the Les Rencontres de la Photography exhibition in Arles
We will spend a full day in Arles during the famous photography exhibition Les Rencontres de la Photographie, explore the photographic exhibitions, Roman amphitheater, and ruins.
Accommodations
At La Fontaine your choice of private rooms with private bathrooms, and shared bathrooms. Wi-Fi, pool, pool house, and beautiful peaceful secluded gardens.
Meals
Scheduled meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Extra wine and cocktails are not included. Honesty bar on site
WHAT GEAR DO I NEED?
All cameras are welcome, including mobile phones, DSLRs, and film cameras. Your lighting gear (reflectors, flashes, etc) is also welcome. You'll also want to bring a photo processing program (Raina will be teaching using Lightroom and Photoshop and Snapseed) on your mobile phone or computer.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
In this workshop, you will:
Learn how to storyboard a concept from planning, styling, selecting your model, props and locations.
Learn how to develop rapport with your subjects and how to give them clear directions to create the mood and story you want to tell.
Learn how to see and use natural light, how to use reflectors to shape your light and simple artificial lighting.
Learn how to photograph using only candle light.
Learn by looking at other master photographers works and have discussions that will inspire each other’s work.
You will have a lot of time to photograph with models in beautiful locations, with Raina’s oversight and input.
Learn how to edit your images using lightroom, and photoshop on your computers and snapseed on your mobile phones.
Identify and overcome fears or limitations that you would like to transcend in your photography.
You’ll come away from the workshop with new insight, confidence, and images you can be proud of.
Enjoy some photographs that were created by my clients during past photography workshops here in Provence.
Testimonials:
I had a truly fabulous experience with Raina!! She is a very gifted photographer and instructor. Raina is very skilled at teaching the nuances that make a great photograph and has a calm, beautiful way of empowering her students.
There were many things that stood out about Raina's photography sessions. I loved the fact that Raina uses mindfulness at the root of how she teaches. By being mindful and noticing how you are seeing things creates an entirely new way to photograph. Raina is an absolute pleasure to be with! She is fun, warm, caring, and instructs in the most helpful of ways. Raina knows which environments create the best photos. To learn by walking in her footsteps was priceless. I would never have learned as much as I did or enjoyed myself as much as I did if it weren't for Raina.
My time with Raina was so inspiring and rewarding. I left transformed and uplifted and now have fabulous photos from our experience together. I can't wait for my next workshop with Raina!
Phyllis Brock
California, USA
CANCELLATION POLICY
A 50% retainer of the total cost is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. The balance is due by July 1st, 2025. Due to the logistics & upfront costs of creating an exceptional workshop experience like this, we are unable to offer refunds on payments made. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance in the event of strikes, natural disasters, health problems, and other unforeseen events in your life or the world.
**Please know due to weather or other reasons activities and locations may change. If this is the case an equally enjoyable activity and location will be arranged.
