“Romance, Red Heels & Ruins: A Valentine’s Day Fashion Shoot at White Castle Abergavenny”

A romantic first collaboration at White Castle, Abergavenny, where Georgia Wratten’s debut shoot with Final Image Photography brought Valentine’s magic to life in the heart of South Wales.

There are some shoots that just feel right from the very first frame, and Saturday 14th February was one of them.On the only clear blue-sky day we’ve had so far this February, 16year-old Cwmbran model Georgia Wratten joined Final Image Photography (FIP) at the breathtaking ruins of White Castle in Abergavenny, South Wales. What followed was four hours of creativity, collaboration, and the beginning of what promises to be a strong and exciting working relationship.

White Castle is one of the most remarkably preserved 11th-century Norman fortresses in Wales. Originally built of earth and timber, it was rebuilt in stone during the 13th century and forms part of the famous “Three Castles, alongside Grosmont and Skenfrith, commissioned by the Normans to control the border region.

Renamed in the 13th century, likely due to the white render that once coated its stone walls, the castle features:

• A deep defensive moat

• Six impressive D-shaped towers

• Strong inner ward fortifications

• A dramatic medieval presence that still dominates the landscape

It even saw military action during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr in 1404, making it not just beautiful, but historically powerful.

For a Valentine’s shoot, it offered the perfect contrast: romance against stone, elegance against centuries of history.

Georgia arrived prepared, confident and ready to create.

The concept was simple but powerful, a red dress, red high heels, a heart prop and a single rose. Georgia styled herself, did her own makeup, and worked with poise well beyond her years. The outfit is now part of FIP’s growing wardrobe collection, something we’re building specifically to support models with strong styling options and creative flexibility.

The shoot was structured into four separate sections, moving between different areas of the castle ruins. This allowed:

• Varied backdrops and moods

• Warm-up breaks in between

• Time for Georgia to retouch her makeup

• A steady creative flow without fatigue

  
  

Reflector boards were used throughout to control natural light and fill shadows,essential for maintaining skin tone balance under bright winter sun. Georgia’s boyfriend assisted with the reflector and also captured behind-the-scenes video footage that will later be produced into a short feature video.

Throughout the day, we interacted with visitors, including international tourists, who were fascinated by the Valentine’s concept unfolding inside a medieval fortress. It created a wonderful atmosphere and added to the energy of the shoot.

Why This Shoot Matters

This wasn’t just about creating images, It was about building trust.It was about establishing a working rhythm.It was about setting a foundation.This was Georgia’s first shoot with Final Image Photography, and it marks the beginning of what we believe will be a growing portfolio and creative journey together.

You can view Georgia’s developing portfolio with FIP here:

https://www.finalimagephotography.co.uk/?pgid=lzud5vsu-5f7ffeb8-2647-4b9b-a0fd-892be0789c51

There are already plans in place to collaborate again, and her portfolio will continue to grow with us through new creative concepts, location shoots and styled sessions.

What Working With Final Image Photography Offers Models

At FIP, we specialise in “all things model related.” That phrase isn’t just a slogan, it’s a working philosophy.

We offer:

• On-location shoots across South Wales and the South West of England

• Small video productions and behind-the-scenes media content

• Portfolio and E-folio builds

• Portfolio updates and single-session trial shoots

• Access to a growing wardrobe and prop collection

• Structured shoots designed to build confidence and professionalism

  
  

Location shoots like White Castle demonstrate what’s possible when strong styling meets strong settings. Historic ruins, coastal backdrops, urban environments, woodland locations, South Wales offers an incredible variety of natural and architectural spaces to elevate a portfolio beyond standard studio imagery.For new and developing models especially, learning how to work with natural light, environmental conditions, public interaction and varied terrain is invaluable.