Medieval Provence and Horses of Camargue Photography Workshop

Medieval Charm, Iconic Villages, and the Horses of Camargue

October 25 – 31, 2028

  • Six exclusive sessions with Camargue horses and black bulls
  • Photograph sunrise marshes, Roman Arles, and medieval villages
  • Just six guests, with personal instruction and image reviews

Experience the wild beauty and timeless character of southern France on an immersive photography journey through the Camargue and Provence. From our base in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, we’ll photograph the region’s iconic white horses during six private sessions created exclusively for our small group. Working in the soft light of sunrise and golden hour, we’ll capture the horses galloping through marshes, surf, and open landscapes. One session will feature the powerful black bulls of the Camargue, guided by the region’s traditionally dressed gardians (the traditional herders who look after the horses and their stables).

Beyond the ranches and wetlands, we’ll explore the remarkable variety of Provence. At the Parc Ornithologique, we’ll photograph flamingos and other native birdlife in a protected natural habitat. In Arles, ancient Roman architecture and atmospheric streets provide compelling opportunities for travel, architectural, and street photography.

Our journey concludes in the picturesque Luberon Valley, where hilltop villages, cobblestone lanes, colorful shutters, historic stonework, and a traditional Provençal market offer one final change of pace—and an abundance of visual stories.

With a maximum of six guests, personalized instruction, and image reviews throughout the workshop, you’ll have the support and access needed to strengthen your technique and return home with an exceptional portfolio of Provence.

Your Pro

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

October 25, 2028: Welcome to Nice

Arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur before 12:00 PM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

Meet your group and workshop leader at our hotel near Nice’s historic Old Port. This afternoon, we’ll get acquainted and review the photographic opportunities, schedule, and techniques we’ll explore during the week. In the evening, we’ll walk to a nearby restaurant for our welcome dinner.


October 26, 2028: Nice Sunrise and the Camargue

We’ll begin with a sunrise photography session around Nice’s Old Port, capturing the waterfront as the city comes to life. After breakfast and checkout, we’ll travel west to the Camargue, stopping for lunch along the way.

Before our first horse session, we’ll help you prepare your camera and discuss recommended settings, focusing techniques, and strategies for composing fast-moving subjects. We’ll then photograph the Camargue horses in the warm evening light.


October 27, 2028: Horses in the Marsh and Mediterranean Surf

At sunrise, we’ll photograph the horses moving through a nearby marsh, using reflections, backlight, and splashing water to create dynamic images. After breakfast, we’ll prepare a selection of photographs for our first image review and enjoy lunch together.

This evening, we’ll return to the field for another private session, photographing the horses along a Mediterranean beach as the light softens toward sunset.


October 28, 2028: Gardians, Flamingos, and Black Bulls

Our day begins at the Étang de Vaccarès, where we’ll photograph the horses at sunrise against the expansive wetland landscape. After breakfast, we’ll visit the stables for an environmental portrait session with Camargue gardians in traditional attire and their horses.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Parc Ornithologique, home to flamingos and a wide variety of other birdlife. The day culminates with an exhilarating session photographing the Camargue’s black bulls as gardians drive the herd through water and across a dry, dusty marsh.


October 29, 2028: Camargue Horses and Ancient Arles

We’ll head out early for our final session with the Camargue horses, making the most of the morning light. Later, we’ll gather for our second image review, with personalized feedback on composition, technique, and post-processing.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Arles to photograph its atmospheric streets and remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater. After dinner, we’ll continue photographing as twilight settles over the city’s narrow lanes and historic architecture.


October 30, 2028: The Medieval Villages of the Luberon

After breakfast and checkout, we’ll leave the Camargue and travel to Mallemort. From there, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring two nearby medieval villages.

Perched on hillsides and shaped by more than a thousand years of history, these villages offer a wealth of subjects: winding cobblestone streets, colorful shutters, weathered doorways, ancient fortifications, and sweeping views across the Provençal countryside. We’ll conclude the day with a farewell dinner at our hotel.


October 31, 2028: A Provençal Market and Return to Nice

This morning, we’ll visit a traditional village market filled with local produce, artisans, and everyday Provençal life. It’s an ideal setting for candid street photography, environmental portraits, colorful details, and a taste of the region’s food and culture.

After a final lunch together, we’ll return to Nice, arriving in the afternoon, where our workshop concludes.

Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM today.


Testimonials

Bob P.
Colors of Provence and Camargue '26
Neil Protheroe has changed my photography for the better! Fantastic instruction and I would recommend the workshop and Neil to anyone else. His calm, instructive style and his easy-going ability to cope with 'herding cats' are above expectations, he made the trip a super lifetime memory.
Jared K.
Camargue Horses and Colors of Provence '26
Good opportunities to photograph the horses, with a good number of runs for each shoot. The hotels and food were great and Neil is a great instructor who helps you find the best timing and exposures for each location.
Norma S.
Colors of Provence and Camargue '26
Neil does an excellent job of assessing the needs of participants and effectively addresses those needs during the photo shoots and image reviews. He reviewed the steps for focus stacking prior to the shoots where needed and provided an effective demo on processing.
Debbie B.
Colors of Provence and Camargue '26
The area was beautiful, the hotels we stayed at were very nice, and the other participants were a group group of people. Overall, the workshop exceeded my expectations.
Margaret W.
Colors of Provence and Camargue Horses '25
I really liked our group and working with Neil. He was very helpful with composition.
Gallery

Behind the Scenes

Camargue Horses

Photographing the Camargue horses is an exhilarating experience, and a little preparation will go a long way toward achieving great results from all of the sessions we'll be enjoying.

Prior to our first shoot, we'll be helping you set up your camera in a way that is best suited to capturing the horses as they gallop toward us or across our field of view. Telephoto zoom lenses such as 70-200mm and 100-400mm are ideal for this photography. We'll work through exposure settings using Auto ISO, the importance of ensuring correct depth of field at longer focal lengths, shutter speed selection, how best to use the focus mode options on your camera, and how to approach the composition of a moving subject.

If you are interested in practicing the techniques involved before traveling to France, we can offer you some practical advice on how to do so. Just let us know if you'd like some help!

Fitness

Moderate: Be prepared for early starts and long days with multiple photography sessions, including sunrise and sunset shoots. You’ll navigate varied terrain such as marshes, beaches, and cobblestone streets, often carrying camera gear. Expect some walking and standing during sessions, with breaks for meals and image reviews.

Flights

Arrive at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), Nice, Alpes-Maritimes before 12:00 PM on October 25, 2028. Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM on October 31, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

  • Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $1,200 supplement.
  • All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
  • All permits and park fees.
  • All transportation during the workshop.
  • Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
  • Photographic guiding and instruction from Neil Protheroe.
  • Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
  • Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
  • Unscheduled airport transfers.
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
  • Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
  • Anything else specifically not listed as included.
  • Single rooming is available for a $1,200 supplement.

Payment Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll learn how to capture dynamic images of the Camargue horses using telephoto zoom lenses like 70-200mm and 100-400mm. We'll cover exposure settings with Auto ISO, depth of field management at longer focal lengths, shutter speed selection, and focus mode options for moving subjects.

Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150 and 91 days, refunds are for payments exceeding 50% of tuition. Between 90 and 61 days, refunds are for payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you'll receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the original payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.

A moderate fitness level is required, as you'll experience long days of walking on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones, stairs, and occasional steep inclines.

The workshop is limited to a maximum of six participants, ensuring personalized instruction and ample opportunities for one-on-one guidance.

Bring a telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200mm or 100-400mm, for capturing the Camargue horses. A wide-angle lens, like 14-35mm, will be useful for landscape and architectural photography in Provence.

Yes, there will be image reviews throughout the workshop, offering personalized feedback on composition, technique, and post-processing to help you improve your skills.

While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind during your travels.

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