Iconic Wild White Horses

Workshop Overview

The Camargue region of the South of France is famous for the beautiful White Horses that roam the area. You will not need to be a horse lover to be transfixed whilst watching and photographing this world renowned and noble breed splashing through the shallow waters of the marshlands, lakes and the ocean. When in season we can photograph Mares and Foals and also the Guardians (French Cowboys) working with the horses in their natural habitat. You will not be disappointed with the stunning results you can capture on camera.

All shoots are taken in the early morning and early evening, dawn and dusk, to ensure that we do not miss the spectacular light and different backdrops. The Camargue is a haven for any lover of nature and the wild. It is situated on the coast of Southern France and consists of wonderfully unspoiled wetlands, natural lakes and marshland and exceptional wildlife.

Designed for every level of photography from beginners up to experienced amateurs and professionals, the courses are run on a relaxed and informal manner with the emphasis on everyone gaining the maximum benefit from the small sized group. Both Janette and Serge participate in the whole course so we are on hand to help and assist at all times if required.

This course is the only one located in the Camargue itself so we are spoiled with the most genuine and local contacts you could hope to have. We have exclusive access to private land where no other company, nor the public have access. We are also the only company who organises many horse shoots (with more drives per shoot) in different locations and with different compositions. We also include opportunities to shoot the feisty stallions. Shoots will be on the beach with a single stallion (white and black running on the beach and rearing on the dunes) and the other with 2 sparring stallions in order to capture them entwined at full height.

For those that wish to we can also help out with Lightroom. Serge will show you how to develop and enhance your image from the RAW format.

You also do not need to be interested in photography for this trip. We can arrange other activities for you. Please just ask. We are happy to help.

What You'll Learn

• Improve your photography skills
• Learn about histograms and correct exposure
• Learn about aperture / shutter priority
• Compositional skills
• Learn about the amazing Wild White Horses of the Camargue

Workshop In Detail

After collection from the airport you will settle into your 3 star hotel in the medieval town of Aigues Mortes (pronounced egg-mort), unpack and unwind. You will have time to explore the streets of this city that lie within the mile long rampart walls.

We will then meet for a welcome drink and a chat. At this meeting Serge will talk about the horses and provide examples of images that you will be able to achieve. We can have an informal group dinner together also (optional)

For the next 3 days we will photograph groups of white horses running i various location including through the marsh and on the beach heading straight towards you and your camera. It is an exhilarating experience. Several drives take place to enable you to practice your photographic skills both technical and compositional.

We have another session with horses running together through the shallow waters of the salt lakes near the sea. After the action we all have the chance to take portraits of the horses on their own or in small groups. They are very friendly. We can also customised drives so that if you wish we can request that the horses are run in a formation of your choice, either a single horse or a pair to star on their own. We have 7 shoots in total. We have 2 shoots on the beach with a single stallion. 1 is a black stallion and 1 is a white stallion. The stallions will run in the sand dunes and in the sea. Also the white stallion will rear in the sand dunes, an amazing sight. This is simply a unique and fantastic experience.

For the last evening/day we can have a group closing dinner at a typical Camargue restaurant (optional).

Included

• Exclusive access to private land unavailable to anyone else
• 3 Camargue horse shoots with several drives per shoot in different locations and compositions
• 2 Camargue horse shoots on the beach/in the sea/at the lagoon
• 1 shoot wth sparring stallions
• 1 shoot with beautiful a black stallion and white stallion running and rearing on the dunes
• Transfers from Airport to hotel and return
• Accommodation in 3 star hotel in Aigue Mortes, on a B&B basis
• Welcome Drink
• Entrance Fees
• All transfers throughout your stay
• Guiding fees
• Photographic Tuition

Excluded

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature
• Lunches and evening meals

Workshop Itinerary

Please note: Sometimes the itinerary may change but this will not interfere with game viewing and photography opportunities!

Day 1

• We will collect you at the airport and take you to your hotel
• Arrive at hotel in Aigue Morte
• Unpack, unwind and chill out
• Explore the medieval city of Aigue Morte
• Welcome drink and briefing
• Group dinner at local bistro (optional)

Day 2

• At dawn we photograph a stallion running along the white sand and in and out of the sea. He will also be rearing on the dunes
• We have several shoots with the amazing stallion
• Evening session taking photographs of the white horses running through the shallow waters of the marsh
• After the action we take images of the horses on their own or in small groups, silhouetted against the sunset
• We take several images of the Guardians (Camargue Cowboys) dressed in their traditional shirts, trident in hand, surrounded by the herd

Day 3

• At dawn we photograph a the horses running through the lakes in a different location. single white stallion in the sea and in the sand dunes
• In the afternoon we go to a new location and photograph the white horses running along golden sands and in the sea
• Capture images of the horses at sunset

Day 4

• At dawn we photograph the white horses galloping through the marshes
• Late afternoon, we are back at the beach for more shoots of the white horses in the lagoon and on the beach running along the golden sands and in the surf, amazing!

Day 5

• At dawn we photograph sparring stallions. This is a unique opportunity to see the horses entwined at full height with their manes flying
• Breakfast at hotel with time to explore the beautiful walled town of Aigues Morte. Glorious views from the ramparts and many tiny streets will provide many photographic opportunities.
• We then transfer to airport to return home

Important Notes

• Sometimes the itinerary will alter. This will not affect the photographic opportunities!
• You will have 7 shoots throughout your trip.
• Many are on the sandy beaches and lakes
• The other shoots will be with herds of white horses in different marshes and lagoons.

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