Hunt’s Photo Adventure: Provence, South of France- White Horses of the Camargue, Wine & Heritage

Workshop Description

Join us for an unforgettable twelve-day photography workshop in the stunning landscapes of southern France, led by photographer and instructor Jeff Swinger and local expert guide Patrice Aguilar! Hosted by Hunt’s Photo & Video, this specialized adventure will immerse you in the beauty and heritage of the region as you capture the iconic White Horses of the Camargue, the striking Black Bulls—guardians of the marshes with centuries of cultural significance—and the elegant Pink Flamingos. You’ll explore charming historic villages, photographing their unique architecture, vineyards, and rich traditions, while honing your skills in both action and landscape photography. With expert guidance from Jeff and insights from Patrice, a true local, this workshop is perfect for photographers of all skill levels looking to enhance their craft and create a stunning portfolio. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the wild beauty, wine, and timeless heritage of southern France through your lens!

Full Workshop Itinerary

October 2 – October 13, 2026 

Day 1 – Friday, October 2 – Arrival & Group Pickup 

– Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) 

– Group pickup and transfer to hotel in Aix-en-Provence 

– Time to rest or enjoy a short stroll through the old town 

Day 2 – Saturday, October 3 – Aix-en-Provence Exploration 

– Morning visit to Aix-en-Provence market and town center for street & detail photography 

– Midday break at hotel (rest, review images, optional editing session) 

– Afternoon photo walk through Aix’s Old Town (Cours Mirabeau, fountains, charming streets) 

Day 3 – Sunday, October 4 – Transfer to Camargue 

– Check out of Aix hotel 

– Drive to Camargue 

– LPhotography in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 

– Check in at Hotel Les Rizières 

– Evening photo session at Bird Sanctuary 

Day 4 – Monday, October 5 – Camargue Horses 

– Morning photo session with Camargue Horses 

– Lunch on your own in Aigues-Mortes 

– Evening photo session with Camargue Horses 

Day 5 – Tuesday, October 6 – Camargue Horses & Arles 

– Morning photo session with Camargue Horses 

– Lunch on your own in Arles 

– Evening photo session with Camargue Horses

Day 6 – Wednesday, October 7 – Camargue Horses & Les Baux de Provence 

– Morning photo session with Camargue Horses 

– Lunch on your own in Les Baux de Provence 

– Visit Les Carrières de Lumières (immersive art show in a limestone quarry) 

– Evening photo session with Black Bulls 

Day 7 – Thursday, October 8 – Camargue Horses & Bird Sanctuary 

– Morning photo session with Camargue Horses 

– Lunch on your own in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 

– Evening photo session at Bird Sanctuary 

Day 8 – Friday, October 9 – Transfer to Provence / Pont du Gard 

– Morning photo session with Camargue Horses 

– Check out of Hotel Les Rizières 

– Drive to Provence and check in at hotel 

– Evening photo session at Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) 

Day 9 – Saturday, October 10 – Colorado Provençal, Roussillon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape 

– Morning photo session at Colorado Provençal (ochre landscapes) 

– Lunch on your own in Roussillon 

– Afternoon wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape 

Day 10 – Sunday, October 11 – Markets & Wine 

– Morning market day in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 

– Lunch on your own in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 

– Afternoon wine tasting and Dinner in Gigondas 

– Evening Truffle Experience

Day 11 – Monday, October 12 – Gordes & Mont Ventoux 

– Morning market day in Gordes 

– Lunch on your own in Gordes 

– Afternoon picnic & scenic shoot on Mont Ventoux 

Day 12 – Tuesday, October 13 – Departure 

– Check out of hotel 

– Transfer to Marseille Provence Airport for flights home 

What’s included in the workshop:

• Local Transportation and airport transfers 

• Hotels for each night of the workshop 

• 8 sessions with Camargue horses / black bulls 

• Entrance to the Bird Park 

• Two Wine Tastings 

• Truffle Experience  

• 11 nights in a 3* hotel (shared basis) 

• 11 breakfasts 

• Waders rental service 

What’s not included in the workshop:

• International flights 

• Lunches 
• Dinners

• Alcoholic beverages 

• Personal expenses 

• Tips for local guide 

• Phone calls or data plans 

• ***Travel insurance (HIGHLY recommended for all travelers)*** Please note that the deposit is non-refundable, but travel insurance can cover this. We strongly encourage it!

Skill Sets: All Levels of Photographers are Welcome

During this workshop, you will receive hands-on instruction and practice in a variety of photography techniques, including: 

• Tracking Focus – capturing moving subjects like horses and birds with precision 

• Exposure – managing light in diverse environments, from bright marshes to dim village streets 

• Composition – creating visually compelling and balanced images 

• Metering – using your camera’s metering systems to handle tricky lighting conditions 

• Use of Lenses – selecting and maximizing wide-angle, telephoto, and specialty lenses 

• Subject Development – learning to observe, anticipate, and capture your subjects’ best moments 

• Creative Thinking – experimenting with angles, perspective, and storytelling techniques 

• Shooting in Low Light – mastering dawn, dusk, and indoor lighting scenarios 

These skills are designed to help photographers of all levels enhance technical ability, develop creative vision, and capture stunning imagery throughout the workshop. 

Physical Activity:Low. Minimal hiking, but photographing for long periods of time outside in the cold. We will encounter muddy conditions in the marshes and wet-sandy conditions on the beach. Please see note below about weather.

Weather and Weather Gear 

A Note About Weather (and weather gear) 

What to Expect 

During October 2–13, the average daily temperatures in Provence and the Camargue typically range from the 50s–60s °F (10s–20s °C). Expect: 

• Pleasant afternoons are perfect for exploring and photographing. 

• Cooler mornings and evenings, especially near the marshes and open landscapes. 

• Mild winds in some areas, particularly around coastal and marsh regions. 

• Stunning natural light — October often brings soft, golden light ideal for photography. 

• Seasonal colors in vineyards, historic villages, and wildlife habitats. 

Recommended gear:

To make the most of your workshop and stay comfortable, consider bringing: 

Clothing: 

• Layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures (light sweaters, long sleeves, jackets). 

• A windproof and waterproof jacket for cooler mornings and potential light rain. 

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for village streets, marshes, and uneven terrain. 

• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection. 

• Optional: lightweight gloves and scarf for crisp mornings. 

Photography Gear: 

• Camera(s) with multiple lenses (wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife). 

• Tripod for low-light and sunset/sunrise shots. (Optional) 

• Extra batteries and memory cards. 

• Lens cleaning kit (dust and marsh conditions). 

• A camera bag comfortable for day excursions. 

• Roller camera bags or backpacks for travel are fine for this trip. 

Laptops & Image Management 

• While laptops are optional, many participants find them helpful for: 

• Reviewing images daily to check composition, exposure, and focus. 

• Participating in critiques with the instructor and peers. 

• Backing up and organizing files during the workshop to ensure nothing is lost. 

Tips 

• Bring a lightweight laptop if possible, to avoid heavy loads while traveling. 

• Include your charging cables and any necessary adapters for France (European plug type C/E/F). 

• Consider using portable external drives or cloud storage for additional backup. 

• If you choose not to bring a laptop, a memory card organizer and backup cards will suffice for image storage. 

Other Essentials: 

• Reusable water bottle. 

• Notebook or journal for notes and inspiration. 

• Small backpack or daypack for daily outings. 

Luggage:  

• Soft-sided luggage with wheels is strongly recommended. These are easier to fit in the vans and allow flexibility for tight spaces. 

• Duffel bags are good as well. 

• Consider stair access at hotels or historic accommodations — if you anticipate needing to carry your luggage up a flight of stairs, pack only what you can comfortably manage. (We will be there to help, but please consider) 

Travel information
You need to fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). There will be a bulk pickup of attendees at the airport. If you choose to arrive earlier or stay later, you will need to make your own arrangements for transportation into Provence.

Hotel information
All hotels have been secured for you during the workshop. Due to the sensitive nature of this workshop and the difficulty of securing accommodations, we will not be detailing our itinerary or accommodations to anyone who is not attending this workshop.  All accommodations in Camargue and Provence are 3-star hotels.

Payments
A non-refundable reservation fee of $2000 (25%) is required upon sign-up to secure a spot. The total cost of the trip is $7995 per person for single occupancy.  Please note that the reservation fee and payments on this workshop are non-refundable. Please make sure to purchase insurance in case you need to cancel your trip. (You can purchase trip insurance from numerous insurance companies– Allianz, AAA, and more.)
The remaining balance is due 120-days (4 months) prior to the workshop and can be made on this page.

Sharing a Room?

If you are signing up for two tickets and sharing a room, you can receive $1,000 off the cost of each ticket. Your discount will be applied on the final payment.