The Maternity Academy is for photographers who already have a foundation
The Maternity Academy is a five day, in person education experience held in Spain, created exclusively for maternity photographers.
It combines business strategy, creative maternity photography, expert led workshops, and hands on styled shoots, all within a small, supportive group environment.
This is not just any retreat or conference but a structured academy designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and momentum to move your business forward.
What sets The Maternity Academy apart is its balance of clarity and creativity.
Between the 10th and 14th May 2026 you’ll work through the foundations of your business, refine your brand and client experience, and build confidence behind the camera, all while implementing what you learn in real time.
With a limited number of attendees, industry leading educators and a focus on maternity photography, The Maternity Academy offers depth, intention and transformation, not overwhelm.
but feel stuck, uninspired or unsure how to move forward.
If you’re honest with yourself, you probably didn’t start your photography business to feel overwhelmed, second guessing every decision, or wondering if you’re doing things “right” and yet, so many photographers reach a point where the passion is still there, but the clarity isn’t. You might feel stuck in a cycle of working hard without seeing the growth you hoped for. You might feel creatively uninspired, unsure how to attract the right clients or exhausted by trying to figure everything out on your own. You might even be questioning whether your business can really support the life you want in the long term.
The Maternity Academy exists for that exact moment.
This is your opportunity to step away from the noise, the comparison, and the constant “shoulds” and spend five intentional days focusing on your business, your creativity and your future. We’ve designed this academy to give you clarity, confidence, and momentum, not just inspiration.
You’ll work through the foundations of your business, refine your brand and client experience and reconnect with your creativity in a way that feels aligned and achievable, but just as importantly, you’ll be surrounded by photographers who get it. People who understand the challenges, the doubts and the ambitions that come with building a photography business, especially in a season of life that often pulls us in so many directions. We’re not here to overwhelm you or tell you to do things our way. We’re here to walk alongside you, share what we’ve learned and help you build a business that feels sustainable, profitable and genuinely fulfilling. By the time you leave Spain, you won’t just feel inspired, you’ll feel capable, supported and excited about what’s ahead. 2026 is the year you want to thrive creatively, grow your business with intention and actually enjoy the process again.
This is your sign.
What You’ll Walk Away With
After five days in Spain, you won’t just feel inspired. You will leave with:
- A refined maternity brand position and messaging
- A clear, mapped out offer and pricing structure
- A 6–12 month business growth plan
- Portfolio ready maternity imagery from styled and location shoots
- Implemented changes already underway in your business
- Direct feedback on your website, portfolio and client journey
A Note on Experience
This academy isn’t about being the most experienced person in the room. It’s about being ready to grow. Some attendees will be refining an already established maternity brand, others will be stepping into the niche more intentionally. What matters isn’t where you’re starting, it’s that you’re willing to do the work while you’re here. The group is intentionally small so we can meet you at your level, not expect you to perform at someone else’s.
Pricing
This is for photographers who:
Are serious about building a sustainable maternity brand
Are ready to invest time and money into long term growth
Want structure, accountability and depth, not just motivation
Secure your place at The Maternity Academy — limited to 20 photographers.
10th - 14th May 2026
Tickets: £1495
Includes:
• 5 days of expert led business and creative education
• Multiple styled maternity photoshoots
• Workshops with industry professionals
• Working together implementation sessions with hands on guidance from educators
Payment Plans Available: Spread the cost with instalments at checkout via Klarna or PayPal Pay Later
Please note: accommodation, travel and meals are not included.
Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
All tickets include payment plan options via Klarna or PayPal Pay Later at checkout. Refunds are subject to our policy, see FAQs for details.
Schedule
This isn’t a retreat where you listen and go home inspired. We’ve intentionally structured the week so that by the time you leave, the hard part, starting, is already done.
The schedule may be subject to change as we finalise details and ensure the highest quality experience.
Day 1
Foundations & Visions: Building Your Business from the Ground Up
Business Foundations Workshop
Scaling and planning for the next 12 months
Welcome Sunset Mixer
Day 2
Creative Confidence & Portfolio Building
Lighting Workshop with Simon Burfoot
Styled Maternity Photoshoot 1
Group Reflection and Image Review
Day 3
Client Experience & Sales Mastery
Mapping Out Your Client Journey Workshop
In Person Sales & The Power of Samples Workshop
Working Together Session - Implementing Your Client Journey
Styled Maternity Photoshoot 2
Day 4
Brand Identity & Visibility
Branding Workshop with Gillian Devine
Buddy Branding Sessions
Day 5
Marketing, Content & Integration
Marketing & Visibility for Maternity Photographers Workshop
Working Together Session - Implementing your plan
Styled Maternity Photoshoot 3
Farewell Cocktails
Your Educators
Abigail & Kristie
Abigail Lewis Photography & ALP Education
Guest Speaker - Gillian Devine
Brand Photography Expert & Creator of 'Rich Tog'
Gillian’s a professional photographer of 20 years, a brand, marketing and business expert, she helps other photographers to gain profit, success and confidence in their business. Voted photographers business mentor of the year and best selling author of two books in over 12 business categories.
Guest Speaker - Simon Burfoot
The Light Doctor & Technical Director at Elinchrom UK
Simon is the Technical Director of Elinchrom UK and also runs his training company, The Light Doctor. With over 35 years of experience in using and teaching lighting techniques.
Ready To Reserve Your Space? Tickets are limited to just 20 photographers.
The Venue
The Maternity Academy will take place at the Gran Hotel Sol y Mar in Calpe, a stunning coastal hotel with light filled teaching spaces overlooking the ocean. Its central location offers easy access to the beach and nearby locations we’ll use for maternity photography, making it an inspiring and practical base for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Maternity Academy for?
The Maternity Academy is designed for photographers who already have a photography business and want to specialise in, or further develop, maternity photography. You don’t need to be an expert, but a basic understanding of photography and working with clients is recommended.
Do I need to be a maternity photographer already?
No but some experience is helpful. This academy is ideal for photographers who want to grow or refine their maternity work alongside building a sustainable business model around it.
How many people will attend?
Places are strictly limited to 20 photographers. We’ve intentionally kept the group small to allow for hands on teaching, personalised support and meaningful connection throughout the week.
What will a typical day look like?
Each day will include a mix of structured teaching, practical sessions, styled maternity shoots and working together/implementation time. There will also be space for breaks, reflection and connection. A detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event.
What should I bring with me?
You’ll need to bring:
- Your camera and lenses
- A laptop for implementation sessions
- Comfortable footwear for styled shoots
- Weather appropriate clothing for Spain in May
A full packing list will be provided ahead of the academy.
Are styled shoots included?
Yes. Styled maternity shoots are included and take place throughout the week. These sessions will focus on posing, styling, direction, lighting and working confidently with maternity clients.
Will I be able to use the images in my portfolio?
Yes. Attendees will be able to use images from the styled shoots in their portfolios and marketing, in line with the usage guidelines and model release terms provided during the academy.
Is accommodation included?
No. Accommodation is not included in the ticket price. This allows attendees to choose a hotel or apartment that best suits their budget and preferences. However we have secured a preferential rate at the hotel the event is being hosted in and a link will be provided after booking.
Which airport should I fly into?
The nearest airport is Alicante Airport (ALC), approximately one hour from Calpe. Travel guidance and transfer options will be shared closer to the event.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is required for all attendees and should cover international travel, photography equipment and personal liability.
What about accessibility or fitness levels?
Some styled shoots may involve light walking or standing. If you have specific accessibility needs, please get in touch with us in advance so we can discuss how best to support you.
Is there any downtime?
Yes. While the academy is immersive, we’ve intentionally built in time to rest, explore and recharge. We want the week to feel focused but enjoyable, not overwhelming.
What is the cancellation policy?
Tickets are non refundable. If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your place to another photographer with prior approval. Full terms and conditions are available at the time of booking.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Payment plans are available at checkout via Klarna and Paypal Pay Later, to make attending more accessible.
How do I know if this is the right investment for me?
If you’re feeling ready to commit to your maternity photography business, want clarity on your direction, and value in person education and community, The Maternity Academy is designed for you. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to answer questions before you book.
When is The Maternity Academy?
There will be 5 days of training between 10th - 14th May 2026
We can't wait to see you in Spain
