She’s back... but perhaps not quite as well behaved this time.
A little over a year ago, we photographed at the incredible Mont Du Soleil in the Dandenong Ranges, and I’ve been itching to return ever since. It’s one of those locations where everywhere you turn there seems to be another beautiful corner, with European-inspired architecture, stonework, arches, gardens and wonderfully atmospheric interiors.
For MARIE II: Beauty & Rebellion, we’re taking over this extraordinary location for an afternoon of elaborate styling, beautiful portraits and just a little bit of chaos.
Joining me will be two fabulous models, Holly Mackenna and Nicola Paige, with hair by Rose Thorogood and makeup by Jolie Nguyen.
Concept & Creative Direction by Julie Powell.
BEAUTY
We’ll begin with Marie in all her decadent glory.
Think sumptuous Rococo-inspired gowns, elaborate hair and makeup, beautiful details and elegant, painterly portraits created throughout this extraordinary location.
We’ll work with the architecture, interiors, gardens, natural light and additional lighting to create images that feel romantic, luxurious and almost cinematic.
REBELLION
Then things start to unravel...
Perfect hair becomes a little less perfect. Elegance gets an attitude. The beautiful Marie Antoinette aesthetic becomes darker, moodier and decidedly more rebellious.
Inspired by my original Grunged Marie concept, we’ll take those extravagant period elements and mix them with something much more contemporary and unconventional.
Because sometimes it's much more fun when the princess stops behaving herself.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a small-group creative portrait photography workshop, designed to give you plenty of shooting time with both Holly and Nicola.
I'll be there throughout the session helping with lighting, posing, composition, camera settings and creative ideas, but I also want you to experiment. Rather than everyone walking away with exactly the same photographs, I'll encourage you to explore the location and put some of your own personality into what you create.
You don't need to be an advanced photographer to join us. You simply need to know the basics of your camera and be ready to play.
THE DETAILS
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Mont Du Soleil, Silvan, Dandenong Ranges
Approximately 2.5–3 hours, finishing around 7:30pm.
Models: Holly Mackenna & Nicola Paige
Hair: Rose Thorogood
Makeup: Jolie Nguyen
Concept & Creative Direction: Julie Powell
Places will be strictly limited to keep this an intimate, hands-on experience with plenty of opportunities to photograph both models.
We’ve been to Mont Du Soleil before.
This time, we’re going back with bigger dresses, darker ideas and a Marie who isn't quite so interested in following the rules.
Welcome to MARIE II: Beauty & Rebellion. Below is Grunged Marie from the Ballan Retreat 2026
