Join Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride on a Photographers Retreat Masterclass and Destination Styled Shoot in Tulum, Mexico!
Southern Bride’s Travel Editor journeyed to Tulum to explore stunning wedding venues and handpick two distinctive locations to serve as the backdrop for this event!
- 2 Luxurious Venues
- 3 Day Masterclass with Michael Allen
- 2 Golden Hour Shoots
- 1 Morning Shoot
- 1 Unforgettable Trip!
- July 27 – August 1, 2025
The 4-day retreat will take place at The Conrad and Hilton in Tulum, Mexico!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN TULUM:
- 3-Day Masterclass with Michael Allen – “Mastering Wedding Photography: Lighting, Posing, and the Magic of AI”
- 2 Distinctive and Stunning Venues – The Conrad and Hilton Tulum
- Stylized SHOOTS at each property
- Professional models and designer fashion
- Smaller groups for shooting sessions
- Networking with industry professionals
- Building a Successful Wedding Photography Business
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID PASSPORT
Want to make it a vacation?? Come in a few days early, or stay a few extra days, all with the same discounted rate. See below for details.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 3 Day Masterclass with Michael Allen
- The entire shoot mentioned above
- Transportation between properties
- “The Wrap Dinner” on Thursday, July 31
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Transportation to and from the airport
- An all-inclusive stay at the Hilton Tulum – Styled SHOOT has a discounted rate, see below for details
- Shopping and personal purchases
MASTERCLASS WITH MICHAEL ALLEN - “Mastering Wedding Photography: Lighting, Posing, and the Magic of AI”
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025 - 8:30 am – 11:30 am:
- Exciting Business strategies
- Cameras & settings
- Lenses & why
- Style – movement – mood – concepts – editorial – epic moments – fun lifestyle
- Find the light
- Style the light – layers – flash – hard light – sun – soft light – shade – off camera flash – magmod – flat light – directional light.
- Breakdown – Michael’s favorite images, mindsets, mood, light
- Working with hair & makeup – team collaboration – models & posing – translating that to brides & grooms
- Shoot Challenge! - Reflections – this week look for mirrors, windows, and water reflections and capture some creative photos.
TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025 - 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm:
- Pose – the basics first – natural
- Pose – beyond the ordinary – relating moments to the viewer
- Flow pose your couple.
- Michael’s top guy pose rules!
- Editorial – luxury vs fun
- Framing – composition
- Double exposures in camera. Michael will share some ideas to get you started.
- Shoot Challenge! - Architectural and landscapes – pose artistically and take some epic photos.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025 - 8:30 am – 11:30 am:
- Post production – ai – presets – art – review in Adobe Lightroom
- Simple edits with ai. Be an artist with your camera.
- Review – debrief the week and review images: Each photographer turn in their favorite, most challenging, most unique 10 images for review and possible photoshop enhancements.
ABOUT MICHAEL ALLEN:
Michael has an amazing career as a commercial photographer spanning the last 20 years. Michael is the staff editorial photographer for Southern Bride Magazine, where he has traveled with their fashion team to locations from Jamaica, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, Key West, New Orleans, and more. He’s celebrating his 15th year with the magazine as the bridal fashion photographer. Today Michael photographs high-end wedding portraits, couples portraits, bridal sessions, and commercial photography, working on dozens of high-end projects. He’s photographed such names as Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, and The Blind Sides, Leigh Anne Touhy. From national branding projects with Fortune 500 companies to movie still photography, architectural photography, and magazine editorial features.
ITINERARY:
A detailed itinerary will be sent prior to travel
**Subject to minor changes**
Day 1 – Sunday, July 27, 2025 – Check-in at The Hilton, Tulum
- Check-in The Hilton, Tulum
- Meet-n-Greet Happy Hour
Day 2 – Monday, July 28, 2025
- Masterclass Workshop
- Free Time
- Gold Hour Photo Shoot at The Conrad, Tulum
- Free Time
Day 3 – Tuesday, July 29, 2025
- Morning Photo Shoot at The Hilton, Tulum
- Free Time
- Masterclass Workshop
- Free Time
Day 4 – Wednesday, July 30, 2025
- Masterclass Workshop
- Free Time
- Gold Hour Photo Shoot at The Hilton, Tulum
- Free Time
Day 5 – Thursday, July 31, 2025
- 1-on-1 Photo Walk with Model
- Free Time
- “The Wrap Dinner”
- Event Concludes
EXCITING ADD-ONS FOR THIS EVENT:
Best Photographer Competition
- Add-On: $95
- Compete to win a feature on SouthernBride.com, and our Southern Bride social media properties including Instagram.
- A Value of: $1,200.00.
- There will be one winner per design space. Each will be awarded an official Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride BEST Photographer Badge as an accolade.
- There will be THREE winners announced, one from each venue.
- The BEST PHOTOGRAPHER awards will be announced 4-6 weeks after the event. We will choose winning photographers and announce it over social media.
1-on-1 Photo Walk with a Professional Model in Wedding Fashion
- Add-On: $95
- Capture epic shots at the Hilton Tulum Resort with 1-on-1 time with a professional model.
- 30 minutes of shoot time
- Model in Wedding Fashion
- Must stay on Hilton Tulum property
- These spots are VERY limited
- Sign up for your timeslot, first come, first serve
THE CONRAD – TULUM:
- Weddings at Conrad Tulum in Mexico offer a luxurious beachfront experience, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes. With elegant venues and world-class service, couples can celebrate their special day in a serene paradise, blending modern sophistication with natural beauty.
THE HILTON - TULUM:
- Hilton Tulum Mexico offers a breathtaking coastal setting, where pristine beaches and shimmering waters create the ideal backdrop for a memorable wedding celebration. With its flexible venues and tailored services, the resort ensures couples can craft a romantic and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKING ESSENTIALS:
- Cameras and lenses
- LOTS of extra memory cards – there will be a lot to take in, not just at our shoot locations
- Extra battery packs
- Photo accessories
- Comfortable clothing for shoot days
- Comfortable Shoes
- Bathing suit and sunglasses
- Sun Hats, sun screen, and bug spray
- Business casual for networking cocktail parties
- Let’s get swanky! Last night for “The Wrap Dinner” – Cocktail Attire
PRICING:
- Event purchase is non-refundable, except for event cancellation (does not include flights or rooms). Event purchase is transferable to another photographer with notification to and approval by the organizer.
- Multipule payment plan options are available at checkout through Affirm and afterpay
Early Bird Price: $3,025 USD
- Available till March 31, 2025
Regular Price: $3,975 USD
- Starting April 1, 2025
INCLUDES:
- 3 Day Master Class with Michael Allen – “Mastering Wedding Photography: Lighting, Posing, and the Magic of AI”
- The entire shoot mentioned above
- Transportation between properties
- “The Wrap Dinner” on Thursday, July 31
**A Discounted Room Rate will be offered at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive**
All-Inclusive of:
- Personalized Welcome Amenity
- Personal Concierge
- 13 Food and Beverage outlets including flavors from Mexico, Asia, Italy, and beyond!
- Unlimited drinks and cocktails
- Minibar stocked daily with premium drinks and snacks
- 8 Resort Pools
- Pool and beach service
- Music and Entertainment
- Group yoga, fitness, and wellness
- Daily cultural activities
- An Exclusive Family Zone
- Nature View Room Single: $312 per room per night, taxes included
- Nature view room Double: $360 per room per night, taxes included
- The link will be sent after you register.
- Attendees will have the option to come early or stay late (or both!) and receive the same rate
**Hilton Honors Points can be used at this location**
Also check out other Photography events in Tulum, Workshops in Tulum, Arts events in Tulum.
