Portfolio Builder

Details

Medieval and Fantasy Portfolio Builder 

Location: Guys Cliffe Centre, Coventry Rd, Warwick CV34 5YD

An Intimate Day of Medieval Storytelling with Salli Gainsford

Step into a world of knights, thieves, corrupt clergy, and warrior women. Tales of Valour Sunday Intensive is an exclusive portfolio building day where you'll work with nine professional models, each embodying a character within an interconnected medieval narrative. From the honourable Sir Aldric to the sinister Bishop Draven, from the warrior Devon to the neutral free spirit Lady Constance, every character tells a story. Every shot you create becomes part of an epic tale.

This is not a standard workshop. This is a masterclass in character photography, lighting for period costume, and capturing authentic medieval storytelling within a stunning historic location. Work directly with Salli Gainsford as she guides you through the day with professional location lighting techniques.

Sunday: Intimate Sessions with Salli Gainsford

Arrival: 10:30am
Workshop Start: 11:00am
Lunch Break: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Afternoon Session: 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Finish: 4:30pm

Price: £125 per person (standard spots) / £150 per person (premium Salli Gainsford masterclass spots)
Maximum: 21 attendees (19 standard spots plus 2 premium spots with Salli)

How the Day Works

Arrival and Settlement (10:30am to 10:45am)

Arrive and park on the grass area to your right as you enter. We keep the courtyard and car park completely empty for photography. Walk down to the kitchen area where you can settle in with tea, coffee, and meet fellow photographers.

Welcome Talk (10:45am)

Gather in the courtyard for a brief talk about the animals on site, the day's structure, and what to expect. This is where you'll meet the team and get oriented to the venue.

Rotating Groups (11:00am to 1:00pm)

You'll be placed into groups of three photographers, or if you've booked the premium masterclass spots, you'll be in Salli's exclusive group of two. Each group rotates anti-clockwise around the venue, spending dedicated time with each model before moving to the next. This ensures every photographer gets quality time with every character.

The day runs with military precision. Our team communicates via radios, so if you want a specific dog or bird of prey for your shots, we can arrange that quickly. Everything is coordinated to keep the day flowing seamlessly.

Premium Masterclass Experience

If you've booked one of the two premium spots at £150, you'll spend the entire day with Salli Gainsford in an intimate group of two. Learn her approach to location lighting, character direction, and medieval storytelling whilst shooting with all nine models. This is hands-on fun guidance throughout the day.

Professional Hair and Makeup

All models arrive with professionally done hair and makeup, ensuring authentic period styling. Models will collect their assigned groups ten minutes before the session starts, giving everyone time to get into position and begin shooting at 11:00am sharp.

Lunch Break (1:00pm to 2:00pm)

Bring your own lunch and soft drinks. The kitchen area remains open with complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks. Use this time to review your shots, chat with other photographers, and recharge.

Afternoon Session (2:00pm to 4:30pm)

Return to your rotations and continue working with the models. The afternoon follows the same anti-clockwise rotation, giving you fresh opportunities and different lighting as the day progresses.

Grand Finale (4:30pm)

If the weekend sells out (41 places across Saturday and Sunday): All photographers gather in the courtyard for an exclusive finale. Lady Constance arrives on horseback with her bird of prey, accompanied by select models. This is your chance to capture a truly cinematic closing shot, the culmination of the day's storytelling.

If spaces remain: All photographers and models gather for a group shot in the courtyard, celebrating the day together.

Your Nine Characters

Sir Aldric of Thornhaven. Played by John King. A seasoned knight in silver armour, battle scarred and driven by honour. The moral centre of the realm.

Bishop Draven. Played by Craig Lightholler. Corrupt, sinister, and ruthless. A former mercenary turned criminal mastermind in crimson and gold regalia. The antagonist.

Devon of the Silver Guard. Played by Devon Allen. A warrior woman in red and navy velvet with silver armour. Strong, capable, and central to the unfolding conflict.

Sir Vex. Played by Jay McCabe. The corrupted dark knight in black and gold armour. Draven's ruthless enforcer, bald with a commanding presence.

Thomas, Squire of Thornhaven. Played by James King. Young, eager, and loyal. The heart of innocence in a complex world.

Kael the Shadow. Played by James Parrish. A medieval thief, intense and bearded with braided hair. Draven's enforcer and partner in crime.

Princess Celestine. Played by Katelyn Eames. A sheltered princess in a dusky pink medieval gown with delicate flower crown. She represents innocence and privilege, unaware of the darker events unfolding in the realm.

Alice. Played by Zeva King. A thirteen year old maid in simple brown servant dress with white apron and head covering. Loyal and steadfast, she serves as Princess Celestine's constant companion and protector.

Lady Constance. Played by Tegan Elizabeth. A neutral free spirit and master falconer in cream and beige medieval gowns. She moves through the realm untethered, answering only to herself and the natural world. All confide in her, yet she takes no sides.

Supporting Elements

Animals

Work with Northern Inuit dogs from Honiahaka, majestic, photogenic, and perfectly suited to medieval fantasy storytelling.

Bird of Prey

Shropshire Falconry brings a selection of birds of prey to add drama and authenticity to your shots.

The Horse (Exclusive Finale Addition)

If the weekend sells out, Pops arrives for the grand finale. Lady Constance on horseback with her bird of prey creates a truly cinematic moment you won't forget. This exclusive addition is only available if we reach full capacity across both days.

Location: Guys Cliffe Centre

A stunning historic venue with authentic period architecture, dramatic courtyards, and natural lighting that transforms throughout the day. Every corner tells a story.

Please note that the venue involves quite a hilly walk with uneven ground. You will walk up a steep hill and down around the back of the venue. Whilst there are hand rails in place, the terrain is a little challenging in places. We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable walking boots with good grip. You'll be carrying camera equipment throughout the day, so this is very much a team effort. We encourage all photographers to support each other, help carry equipment when needed, and work together to navigate the grounds. It's part of the experience and the camaraderie of the day.

Please be aware that the venue is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the steep, uneven terrain.

What's Included

• Nine professional models in full medieval costume and professional hair and makeup
• Access to Northern Inuit dogs, wolf a-likes.
• Bird of prey from Shropshire Falconry
• Professional coordination via radio communication
• Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day
• Exclusive grand finale (if sold out) or group finale shot
• A full day of immersive medieval storytelling and portfolio building photography
• (Premium spots only) Personal guidance from Salli Gainsford with location lighting techniques throughout the entire day

What to Bring

• Your camera and lenses
• Memory cards and batteries
• Your own lunch and soft drinks
• Sturdy, comfortable walking boots with good grip
• Weather appropriate clothing

Pricing

Sunday Standard: £125 per person (19 places available)
Sunday Premium (Salli Gainsford Masterclass): £150 per person (2 places available)

The Tale Awaits

Tales of Valour is more than a workshop. It's an invitation into a world of honour, corruption, loyalty, and freedom. Every photograph you create becomes part of an epic narrative. Every character you shoot carries a story that extends beyond the frame.

This is immersive portfolio building at its finest. This is Tales of Valour.

Ready to create extraordinary images? Ready to tell an epic story?

Book your place now 

Please reach out via emial for deposits - [email protected]