The south of France is an enigmatic part of the world. It’s a place of legend and lore, history and beauty, a place the passage of time into modernity somehow overlooked, in the most pleasant and soul healing ways. From the smooth, undulating fields of endless lavender to the rugged, wild coast of Camargue, the region presents many faces. We will encounter the knowing, wise growers of lavender, tending their spectacular fields, glowing with color. Truly, stepping into the lavender fields of France in very early morning or late sunset is one of the most unforgettable experiences one can have - with camera in hand or not! The perfectly planted rows of purple enchant the eye, while the fragrance and the quietude transport you back to a time without being tied to technology.

From Valensole, we wind our way through the varied beauty of the countryside to the Camargue, where we will meet and photograph the hard riding cowboys and cowgirls of the coast, herding bulls on their famed white horses through beautiful countryside. Photographing a manade (a semi-feral herd of wild horses and bulls) is heart racing. The mythical beauty of these horses and their riders is properly the stuff of legend. Whether charging through the waters, or in repose for a portrait, they beckon the camera.

Along the way we will have early morning exclusive access to a coastal nature reserve, replete with a wide variety of birds. No other photographers, just us and the birds. We will visit a garden-to-table restaurant and start early with the workers amidst the voluptuous greenery, picking and sorting that which will be on our table later that day.

This new workshop will have it all in terms of range of photographic opportunities!  Landscapes, action- packed long lens opportunities, macro photography if you choose, environmental portraiture, and nature photography. A complete photographic experience, paired with expert critiquing, technical assistance, and lovely hotels to rest and relax from our time in the field.

*A Reminder* The workshop takes place in the heat of the early summertime for optimal conditions of the lavender fields. We seek out the best light of the day as photographers, so we will have sunrise and sunset shoots when it is cooler and beautiful, and the fields are at their most pristine. Then we'll plan to rest or have class in the warmest part of the day in air conditioned settings.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS! 

• Multiple coordinated opportunities to photograph lavender, wheat and sunflower fields
• Private excursion to photograph the legendary manade of Camargue, with its white horses
• Exclusive early acess to a nearby nature park
• Farm-to-table culinary experience at a restaurant to photograph the workers
• Hotel Accommodations (with air conditioning) - only 2 Hotel changes!
• Support from multiple experienced fixers to lead the way in this rustic region of France
• All Breakfasts included, and nearly all Lunches and Dinners