To start the trip to the warmer Algarve in Portugal the first stop is London Gatwick Airport, waving goodby to the trusty suitcase and find the rest of the group and models having a coffee (or normally something a little stronger). Once on board the flight it’s a little over two hours later and arrival time in Faro Airport Portugal where you can feel the change in climate at once.

Get the suitcase and climb aboard the mini-bus and we’re off on about 45 minutes drive to the Villas taking in plenty of scenic views along the way. Once everyone is sorted into their respective villas we have a get to know each other meeting in one of the local bars where everyone introduces their self to one and all. Following this some pop along to the close by supermarket to stock up the villa with snacks and drinks, while others get a bit of sun or catch up on some sleep before the first formal gathering for the evening meal in one of the many close by restaurants where everyone gets to know one another and share a few jokes along the way before heading for the local bars for a few drinks into the early hours.

The first morning it’s off to the beach for the first shoot probably four models together with all the photographers climbing aboard the mini-bus and filling the cars and off to one of several local beaches within minute drive of the villas. The beaches generally have coarse sand, the coves have fabulous rock formations which give super back drops and some smaller rock formations into the sea where the models can reach without any trouble. Once the morning session is over and the beach bar is open everyone piles in for a drink, chat and review of photos taken before heading back to the villa’s.

There are a few hours free time before the afternoon shoot when one-to-one sessions can be booked directly with the models, or you can venture off shopping to Albufeira just a few miles away or simply relax and catch some sun around the pool’s at the villa’s.

The afternoon session venue was using three of the villa’s and splitting into small groups, swapping and changing as the afternoon progressed. With plenty of opportunities for back drops some stunning shots can be taken in a very relaxed atmosphere. Again once this session has finished you have enough time for one-to-one’s before the evening meal.

If you are wanting to sample the nightlife there are many clubs and bars in nearby Albufeira where the models love to take part in the karaoke following the evening meal, taxis are reasonable if no one wants to drive.

This is a very quick overall look at the typical Algarve Photographic Trip with Tony’s Tours and the F8 Glamour Club which finishes off at the end of the week with the farewell meal. Although there is much, much, more is fitted into the week in the sun. Book up now for the next trip, you won’t be disappointed.

Who goes
Each trip is different but in broad terms we generally have about 12 photographers including myself, a core of regulars and one or two Tony’s Tours virgins. I take a minimum of 4 models but regularly take more. We sometimes have models from previous trips joining us just on holiday. So a group of about 20 to 25 is quite common.

Weather
Hopefully there will be blue skies, and it will be sunny and warm. More often than not it is. Sometimes however we have been unlucky and have had the odd day that may be a little on the grey side and chilly, and the temperatures can drop a little in the night. You may want to pack a jumper just in case. Sometimes we get a little rain – but not a lot..

Where we stay
We stay in the small village of Vale de Perra, about 5 miles out from the town of Albufeira on the Algarve coast of Portugal. This is about an hour by car, west from the airport at Faro.

There are small shops and supermarkets nearby, and a number of restaurants, but there are only a couple of  bars. To go to major shopping centres in Albufeira or on the outskirts of the town, we have to drive.

Similarly for livelier night life we have to go to Albufeira, which we do on about 2 evenings. A couple of the photographers will drive or sometimes we get taxis.

Accommodation
The villas are of a very high standard and well appointed, each with 4 or 5 rooms, many bedrooms with ensuite. Each villa has its own swimming pool. The villas are about 1½ miles from the beach. Each villa will have a mix of photographers and models – about ½ and ½.. Most of the guys have singles, but models will share 2 to a room. There are generally 6 or 7 people to each villa, but it varies.

















Transport
We generally have 1 or 2 ‘9 seater’ minibuses and several small fiesta/corsa/clio type cars for our transport. We use these for airport transfers and to get to the beaches, the restaurants that are not in walking distance, and up to the shops. Tony and a number of the photographers do the driving. We always need extra drivers however, so please help if you can. Bring your licence.

If any non-driver needs or wants to go to the shops, or into town, or down the beach at anytime, one of the guys who drive would generally be happy to oblige if asked nicely. If anybody wants their own car (at their own expense) for the week or just a few days it can be arranged and may give you a bit more freedom of movement.

Shoots
We generally shoot over 6 days, but not on the days of arrival/departure. We shoot twice a day, for about 2 hours at a time, in the morning and the afternoon. Times and locations vary according to light, weather, tides, hangovers, and how busy the beaches are. We shoot in a number of beach locations ( and the water is not too cold, honest girls ); the occasional country setting; in and around the various villas; and in and out of the pools.

















We divide the models into 2 or 3 separate groups for photo sessions and with each model generally doing two shoots per day.

Modelling styles
Although a lot of what we do is traditional calendar style photography, we do shoot up to UK magazine in group shoots. The occasional model however may only be happy to go up to figure nude. Over the week however, whether in group shoots or 1 to 1‘s, we take the full range of photos from portrait, fully clothed, lingerie, topless, figure nude, magazine, and fetish (if any model has the gear). If girls are happy to do more explicit photos in group sessions this is not a problem – certainly not a problem in 1 to 1’s. We shoot girls individually, in 2’s, 3’s or sometimes in larger groups.

We generally go for full-on glamour – we are not particularly into the girl next door with no make-up look – although cute and sexy is welcome. We expect hair, make-up and nails to be immaculate for shoots. No bloodshot eyes from late nights.

Clothes for modelling
We like variety, and ask the girls to bring a range of gear, for example:-

    * Bikinis and swimsuits – sexy and glamorous – (several).
    * Dresses long or short but sexy and glamorous
    * Shorts
    * T shirts
    * Lingerie including basques etc
    * PVC, leather, fetish
    * Stockings and suspenders
    * Sexy boots and shoes
    * See through is good
    * Sarongs, wraps, and things
    * Clothes that might look good in the water and when wet
    * Sports gear - we have use of a tennis court – so tennis outfit might be good
    * Any of the usual outfits - maid,  nurse, schoolgirl etc.
    * Generally anything the models look and feel great in

Co-ordinated outfits where girls wear very similar or complimentary outfits, styles and colours can look great. If any of the girls know one another before the trip, and can talk beforehand to discuss wardrobes, we encourage it.


A typical day

    * Up for breakfast and preparation before leaving for set by 9 to 9.30
    * Morning Set  on the beach or by the villa for 2 hrs 10-12.ish
    * Drinks by the beach; light lunch or snacks in a bar; or snacks in the villa or round the pool between 12 and 3 ish.
    * Shopping for the villa or personal.
    * Relaxing at the villa, swimming or sunbathing etc
    * Afternoon session –  3.30 or 4 to 5.30 or 6 ish
    * Relax or whatever before getting ready to go out for evening.
    * Meet at about 7.45 ready to depart for dinner at about 8
    * Dinner followed by drinks until late i.e. restaurant followed by local bar e.g. Cabanitas, or drinks in the villa, or up to Albufeira ( on a couple of evenings ) for a bit
       more nightlife.

Note, during the day, when not working, there is the chance for guys and girls to drink, sunbathe, drink, swim, drink, read, sleep, eat or drink, go shopping, play tennis, or drink. Time between shoots can also of course be used for 1 to 1’s.

Restaurants/Dinners
We generally eat out in local restaurants each evening – occasionally up in Albufeira itself. We go to good quality restaurants with reasonably varied menus. Most do a range of chicken, steak, kebabs, pork, lamb, prawns, and omelettes, with choices of salads, potatoes and chips. Fish of course is the local speciality, including sardines. Regrettably vegetarians do not appear to be that well catered for, but normally there will be some dishes on the menu, and of course we can always ask for something to be prepared individually. The restaurants we go to are quite accommodating.

The restaurants are not horrendously expensive, but are not cheap either. The total bill for the group for the evening will be shared equally. I of course pick up the majority of the girls’ share, but each photographer makes a small donation, and it is a small donation with the bill being averaged out between everyone, normally far less than a tip to the restaurant!

As an indication, the cost per person tends to be in the region of 30 to 35 euros, allowing for 2 courses and drinks are additional (not over the top on the Red wine though as this becomes expensive and unfair to those who don’t drink wine) with dinner.

We have a meal fund set up to save time chasing everyone who goes out empty handed, the weeks meals are averaged out to £150.00 which is payable to the F8 Club before the trip, all meals are then covered by Credit card payment. Should there be any funds left at the end of the week, everyone votes as to the disposal of the excess money during the last evenings meal, ie a charity, a share out or even a round of drinks at a local bar.

Please note, we ask that people refrain from smoking at the dinner table.

One night during the week, we are likely to have a barbecue at one of the villas and by the pool. Everybody helps out with the shopping and preparation for this. It makes a change from going out; is less formal; and makes for a somewhat cheaper evening. Of course everyone is expected to help with clearing up and washing up afterwards – or else.

Villa Food
There is a very simple welcome pack when we arrive but it isn’t great and wont last long. Each villa is responsible for its own provisions. The guys and girls have joint responsibility for ensuring that their villa has enough food and drink and other essentials. Shops aren’t far away - come to agreement on what you need; do your own villa lists; and both the photographers and models are expected to do their share of the shopping during the week. Don’t overdo the shopping, but don’t starve – always make sure you have the core things in.

The core things will vary villa to villa – but beer, fags and vodka is probably not likely to satisfy everybody. Each villa is likely to have a variety of cereals, breads, butters, jams, hams and cheeses, salads, and fruit, bacon and eggs, biscuits, crisps, fruit juices, milk, coffee, tea, still and sparkling water, a bottle of wine or two and beer, beer, beer, and beer. Spirits, chocolate and ice cream tend to be a personal purchase, but can be a core purchase if everybody likes the same thing. Did I mention beer. Also you will need to get salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar, etc., and don’t forget the loo rolls – they seem to disappear quickly. You may perhaps need washing-up liquid and washing powder.

Some villa rules for all
Please read the individual villa brochure for the owners own rules, but generally:-

    * Safety, Security, and Keys – look after keys – don’t lose them, and ensure villa doors and windows are closed and locked if no one is left in the villa, and at night.
    * Show due respect to the maids.
    * Keep the common rooms tidy.
    * Regularly clean up cups, glasses, etc, and wash up.
    * Don’t spill drinks or leave marks on the furniture.
    * Breakages – don’t break anything, but if you do, e.g. drop a glass, let Tony know.
    * Take your turn at the washing up, making the tea/coffee, shopping etc.
    * Don’t expect others to clean up after you. We are all in this together.
    * Shake off sand from your clothes shoes and towels before coming back into the villas.
    * Respect one another’s privacy.
    * No smoking in the villas – at all. Smoking outside is OK but if you take ashtrays out by the pool please take them back inside afterwards. Please empty ashtrays
       regularly. Don’t leave fag ends lying around – it looks untidy, and can get into photos when we are shooting by the pool.
    * If you take glasses out of the villa to the poolside etc, keep them safe – we don’t want breakages where people are walking around in bare feet. Take them back
       inside when finished with.
    * Don’t take villa towels down to the beach, or get them covered in suntan oil.
    * Please don’t take stuff from any villa to another i.e. towels, glasses, cutlery etc. If for any reason you do, take it back. We will get charged if things are missing from
       any villa – they are owned by different people.
    * Noise, don’t make too much noise too late at night – most nights a number of people in each villa are likely to be up very late – just think of those trying to sleep.
    * Similarly in the morning – not everybody has to get up to work – just think of those who may only just have gone to sleep or want a lie in.

Private shoots/ 1 to 1s
There are plenty of opportunities for 1 to 1 shoots during the week, although not everybody will do one as most people like to spend at least a little time chilling out between the group shoots. Of course photographers don’t have to do 1 to 1’s, but nor do the models if they don’t want to. Private shoots can be 1 to 1, or 1 photographer to 2 models, or 2 photographers to 1 model, or any conceivable combination that people are happy to try.

The photographers and models are welcome to negotiate their rates between themselves, but I would not expect models to charge the full rate that they would charge in the UK. Of course, if models seek to charge too high a rate or if photographers offer too little, they might just price themselves out of a shoot. If you can’t sort it out between you I am happy to arbitrate.

There is no minimum duration - if model and photographer are both happy to do even only half an hour that is fine, and rates would be pro rata.  If anyone wants to do video, and the model is willing, I would expect this to be at a higher cost than stills, but again common sense should prevail as to price.























Model Releases
The photographers may wish to publish their photos or to use them on their own websites. Generally if the photos are to be sold for publishing in print or on the web I would expect the photographers to pay for the model release, either separately or as part of the hourly rate. This again is negotiable between model and photographer. If images are to be used on the photographers own website, and it is not a pay site/commercial site I would not expect any charge to be made for a release nor would I expect any model to withhold permission. If any models would like copies of images from any photographer from either a group or private shoot, please discuss with the guys.

Health Safety and Security
Your health, safety, & security is your own responsibility, but it is also important to me. When you arrive the villa brochures will cover many relevant issues and should be read by all, but in addition:-

    * I would like to know, before booking, of any serious potential health/medical issue.
    * Please note - you do need to be fairly fit and agile. There can be a degree of exertion given the purpose and nature of the holidays, as some of our best beach
       locations can be a little difficult to access, with an element of walking, some low–level climbing, crossing of rocks, and certainly walking on soft sand. Let me know
       before booking if this is likely to be a problem.
    * Next of kin contact numbers would be useful.
    * If concerned about valuables while away talk to Tony.
    * Generally don’t leave valuables lying around. Lock them away.
    * Don’t leave things on view in the cars and vans when unattended
    * Make sure cars and vans are locked.
    * Look after villa keys, and ensure villa doors and windows closed and locked if no one left in the villa and at night
    * Keep an eye open for any strangers taking an interest in the villas.
    * Look out for one-another.
    * Keep one-another informed of movements.
    * Remember the address of where we are staying
    * Don’t tell strangers where we are staying – for your own safety, and don’t forget a lot of our equipment is quite valuable.This Image is Copyright of the Photographer

Finally, Don’t Forget
It’s amazing what people need or want on holiday, but forget to bring. Just some examples include:-

    * Your toothbrush..
    * Your music if you need it - iPods, radios, etc
    * Alarm Clocks
    * Hairdryers
    * Electric adaptors for your music, hairdryers, battery chargers, etc..
    * Batteries
    * Sun lotions etc..
    * Books and magazines..
    * Beach towels..
    * Glasses/Contact lenses.
    * Sunglasses..
    * Etc