Camargue Horses Photo Workshop
Photo Workshop 2024The Camargue Horses Photo Workshop with Wilf James
A three day Photo Workshop in the Camargue – Spring – April 26th – 30th 2024
- We will photograph at dawn the horses of the Camargue galloping along the waters edge
- A myriad of birdlife to photograph including hundreds of pink flamingos
- Your tutors and fellow photographers Espen Lossius, nature and wildlife photographer and Wilf James, founder of WPA.
The stunning region of the Camargue in southern France – home to the world famous horses of the Camargue, an amazing array of birdlife and a rugged land-seascape vista.
* Three full days of photography with four nights accommodation
The Camargue Horses Photo Workshop 2024
Dates: for 2024
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- Spring 2024 – April 26th – 30th
- Autumn 2025 – TBA
Who is this for?
The trip will be of great interest to both seasoned photographers and those new to photographing birdlife and the semi wild horses of the Camargue.
Whatever your level of experience you will be guided through how best to capture images.
A minimum of four participants are required for this photo workshop.
The goal of this workshop is to capture the stunning beauty of the wild Camargue horses as they gallop through the salt lagoons in the early morning sunlight. However we will also be photographing the birdlife including the wonderfully flamboyant pink flamingos, the uniqueness of this rugged location and the extraordinary light of the south of France.
With an area of over 930 km2 (360 sq mi), the Camargue is western Europe’s largest river delta. It is a vast plain comprising large salt lagoons or étangs, cut off from the sea by sandbars and encircled by reed-covered marshes. These are in turn surrounded by a large cultivated area. Approximately a third of the Camargue is either lakes or marshland. The central area around the shoreline of the Étang de Vaccarès has been protected as a regional park since 1927, in recognition of its great importance as a haven for wild birds. In 2008, it was incorporated into the larger Parc naturel régional de Camargue. The Camargue is home to more than 400 species of birds, its salt lagoons provide one of the few European habitats for the greater flamingo. The marshes are also a prime habitat for many species of insects, notably (and notoriously) some of the most ferocious mosquitos to be found anywhere in France – don’t forget that insect repellent.
Camargue horses (Camarguais) roam the extensive marshlands, along with Camargue cattle – Manade, free running bulls. The Camargue horse is an ancient breed of horse indigenous to the Camargue area in southern France. Its origins remain relatively unknown, although it is generally considered one of the oldest breed of horses in the world. For centuries these small horses have lived wild in the harsh environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands of the Rhône delta, here they developed the stamina, hardiness and agility for which they are known today. Traditionally, they live in semi-feral conditions in the marshy land of the region. The Camargue horse is the traditional mount of the gardians, the Camargue “cowboys” who herd the black Camargue bulls. Camargue horses galloping through water is a popular and romantic image of the region, the image that we will try our best to recreate.
Itinerary as a guide – however days may change.
Arrivals Day.
Arrival and pick-up from from Montpellier airport.
Afternoon: Once installed at our accommodation and introductions have been made we will head out for an early evening / sunset shoot at the Pont du Gau Ornithological Park. A host of birdlife will be present including pink flamingo, grey heron and egrets.
Day One
Morning : Early morning shoot with our “Gardians of the Camargue”. Here we will be shooting images of the Camargue horses are they gallop through the surf. Fantastic opportunities to capture the horses as they approach from the salt lagoons as well as the Gardians as they work the horses.
Afternoon : Photograph in and around Les Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer. Early evening and ‘golden hour’ Mediterranean seascapes and dunes at sunset.
Day Two
Morning : An early start for the sunrise looking for a flock, flamboyance or regiment of Flamingos to photograph. This will also give us the chance to discover more of the unique land-waterscape of the Camargue and the best ways to capture the identity of this rugged location.
Afternoon : we will head out for an early evening / sunset shoot at the Pont du Gau Ornithological Park. A host of birdlife will be present including pink flamingo, grey heron and egrets
Day Three
Morning : Freestyle – we’re in the Camargue and such a fantastic place with so much to explore and photograph.
Afternoon : Evening sunset shoot with our “Gardians of the Camargue”. Here we will have another opportunity to shoot those unique images of the Camargue horses are they gallop through the surf, this time as the sun set over the stunning Camargue. Fantastic opportunities to capture the horses as they approach from the salt lagoons as well as the Gardians as they work the horses
Day Four
Breakfast and goodbyes before heading off to the airport.
Included in the Price
- Accommodation
- Transport during the workshop
- Entrance to Pont du Gau Ornithological Park
- Travel fees during workshop
- Pick-up and drop off at Montpellier airport
Not included in the Price:
- All flights / transport to and from your home country to Montpellier Airport, France.
- Transfer from other airport destinations
- Meals, Lunch and Dinner
- Gratuities, additional beverages soft / alcohol.
Information
Our base will be the Mas de Pioch which sits right in the heart of the Camargue, located 9 Kilometres (just over 5 miles) from Les Saintes Maries-de-la-Mer. Individual rooms with ensuite toilet and shower.
The Mas de Pioch is home to the Manade Cavallini (the traditional Camargue Black Bull herd). We will during our stay have the opportunity to photograph the Manade and the Gardians.
All weather light layered clothing is required, also waterproof boots or overshoes as wading in shallow water is required. Normally the daytime temperatures are around 20°C but it can be a little fresh in the morning. Insect repellent against mosquitoes is essential. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
If you have any other questions please use the contact form.
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The goal of this workshop is to capture the stunning beauty of the wild Camargue horses as they gallop through the salt lagoons in the early morning sunlight. However we will also be photographing the birdlife including the wonderfully flamboyant pink flamingos, the uniqueness of this rugged location and the extraordinary light of the south of France.
$2,410,82