Lavenders in Provence 2019
6 - 7 - 8 JULY 2019 | PROVENCE, FRANCE
3 DAYS LANDSCAPE TRIP
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS OF ANY LEVEL
IN LAVENDERY PROVENCE, FRANCE
You won't believe your own eyes, that this is not a painted canvas in front of you. Try to touch lavenders, and only then you will believe, that this is for real. Provence - land with endless lavender fields! But not only that - of course french countryside is full of fields with yellow sunflowers, country houses, abandoned old barns (les petites cabanes!) and picturesque small cities. And we can't forget about lonely trees posing just in the middle of the field - begging you to stop for a unique composition. And all that just right there around you.
I have photographed in many areas in France, but Provence has a unique position on my favorite's list. We will visit amazing Valensole plateau covering 800 square kilometers and we will be photographing the most beautiful rolling hills and the most dense lavender fields. But Provence is not only about lavenders and sunflowers, so we will be exploring small local shops with lavender products, we will be shooting sky full of stars and maybe we will find ourselves at the coast of lake de Sainte-Croix. We will be shooting early morning, we will find opportunities to shoot in the middle of the day and of course, we will be ready for the sunset. I'll take you to the best places and so you will have plethora opportunities to smell and photograph Provence full of lavenders!
Small group of max. 10 participants to ensure great experience, so I can dedicate enough space and individual instructions for everybody. You will learn new photography techniques and equipment, you will understand landscape composition and you will see how and why light conditions have such an important role for landscape photography. All than in relaxed atmosphere of same-minded photo enthusiasts. Beautiful, charming and very conveniently located hotel with easy access to the most of the places.
Date: Saturday 6. 7. - Monday 8.7., 2019
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Itinerary for our photo trip*:
Saturday 6 July 2019
13:00 Meet and greet in our hotel in Provence and check-in
15:00 Rolling hills and iconic lavender fields around Valensole, lonely barns
18:30 Early dinner
20:00 Golden hour in Provence, sunset and blue hour
23:00 Stars above Provence - optional night shooting and star trails creation
Sunday 7 July 2019
5:00 Sunrise above lavenders
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Provence at its best - rolling hills, lavenders, sunflowers, another lavenders and for a change old barns and farmhouses in the middle of fields
15:00 Picturesque small Provence city full of photogenic details and corners in obvious purple color
22:00 Late dinner
Monday 8 July 2019
5:00 Beauty of sunrise with the lonely tree
8:00 Breakfast and checkout
9:00 Endless lavender fields, flowers and breath taking landscapes... But also a little bit of forgotten french countryside
15:00 End of the workshop
* Please, bear in mind, that this is a "vagabond" style photo trip, so we will be catching light, shadows, clouds and agenda can change based on the current weather situation. More detailed agenda will be shared prior the workshop.
Workshop price includes:
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workshop fee - full day photo experience
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100% availability of your experienced instructor all the time
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all transport within Provence during the workshop
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all logistic and organizational support at the locations
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great atmosphere and bonus smile ;-)
Total price: 499 CHF
Workshop Provence 2019 | Explore photogenic beauty of South of France
Accommodation: Workshop price does not include accommodation. But I have reserved rooms in the beautiful hotel with restaurant, garden, pool and breakfast - right in the heart of Valensole area. I strongly encourage you to stay in the same hotel, which will be our morning starting point and where we will return late evening. However, you are free to find your own accommodation, but if you'll decide to stay at the different place I require punctuality - sunrise will not wait ;) I would also like to point out, that July in Provence is THE high season with capacities booked out well in advance, so if you want to book your own accommodation, make the reservation as soon as possible. Price for two nights in the hotel (rating 9.3 out of 10), two or three people per room + 2x breakfast is 180 CHF. (Single room available upon request. More info about the hotel can be sent upon request).
Transfer to Provence is not included in the price.
Gift certificate option available! Payment by bank transfer possible.
Please contact us here to agree details.
Requirements: Basic understanding of your camera, tripod (I have few to borrow, contact me if you need one). This will be a very intensive 3 day photo trip and we will be shooting from early morning till very late night, so as for any landscape photography trips, be ready for lack of sleep ;) All scouted locations are however accessible with car, perfect spots are always within a reasonable walking distance and physically this trip is not very demanding.
Weather: This is an outdoor photo trip and of course we hope for ideal weather conditions. Timing of the photo trip has been selected to maximize our chances of favorable conditions - and of course the most beautiful lavender fields, which are usually in bloom as of mid June (harvest starts mid of July). However, please be aware that weather can change and cannot be guaranteed. We will be monitoring weather forecast closely and will flexibly reshuffle our agenda to maximize the potential of our trip, but no guarantee can be made for ideal sunrises, sunsets, clouds or blue sky or golden light right above the lavender alley. Nevertheless, landscape photography is also about learning how to take pictures in a different conditions and I will do my best to teach you how to understand weather in photography and how to plan and shoot in inclement weather if it will occur (which is often very photogenic, by the way ;-)).
Payment and cancellation policy: To book your spot, payment must be made in full.
If your booking will be cancelled by 28.2.2019, you will be refunded 400 CHF. After 1.3. 2019 you'll be refunded 400 CHF only if I'll fill your place from the standby list, otherwise no refund is possible. Finding replacement for your spot is encouraged and of course fully accepted.
Minimum 5 participants are required to organize this photo trip. In case of unlikely event of cancellation at our side for any reason, your payment will be refunded in full.
Terms and Conditions: This photo trip is organized by Patrik Banas and your participation is voluntary, based on your own decision and you will join as an independent person. Please ensure to take care of all your gears and personal possessions as I cannot accept any liability for them. I will do all my very best to keep you safe, comfortable and happy, however you are responsible (and I strongly recommend it) to arrange your own travel insurance, covering your health, photo gears and personal liability. I will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by participants resulting from any events and actions which are beyond my reasonable control.
Booking your spot for this particular photo trip serves as placing an order with Patrik Banas and constitutes as acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Every participant will be asked at the beginning of the workshop to sign and accept Accident Waiver and Release of the Liability, which can be downloaded here.
Questions? Email me and I will be delighted to answer any questions! provence@patrikbanas.com
What participants say about Patrik's workshop:
"A fantastic experience, well worth going. Patrik manages to find the right locations at the right time and always be there to guide you."
Tony Baker, St. Legier, CH
"Last spring I joined Patrik's workshop in Tuscany. It was intensive, it was demanding but it was amazing! Patrik is not only an excellent photographer, but he also knows how to transfer his knowledge and experience in an easy and understandable and enjoyable way. Most of all, I liked how Patrik is able to find photo opportunities during a whole day, under any light conditions - because that's the story of my life during all my holidays."
Tomáš Feller, Ostrava, CZ
"I was lucky enough to be with Patrik on a trip to Italy in May 2017. There are two principal reasons why I am happy to recommend him as a guide and photography trip leader, and would be happy to go with him on any workshop or journey. First of all he is blessed with a lovely, calm and thoughtful personality, which is a great benefit when travelling, and where things don’t always go according to plan. I felt safe and secure at all times, and there was a lovely atmosphere around Patrik and his group. It seemed easy to arrange meals, meeting times and places, and journeys on trains and in cars and buses. Patrik’s good humour was a real asset.
As for his photography tutoring, he is most concerned to ensure that all the photographers were able to do their very best with whatever equipment they had, and was generous with both his time - explaining things as often as needed - and his kit, lending it around to help others, either to try out or to use for a particular shot. I do hope that I can get to travel with him again."
Alison Ryde, Oxford, UK
Patrik's "Amazing Tuscany" workshop is unique not only due to the most beautiful locations, but also thanks to its structure (definitely do not expect a lot of sleep ;)). And last but not least thanks to professional and kind instructor's approach. Patrik is extremely careful and caring, he is really committed to get the best shots for each workshop participants and make them to feel comfortable. All that is supported by Patrik's positive energy, great sense of humor and also very pleasant and beautiful accommodation. I am still in Tuscany mood and I am very happy to, that my pictures taken during the workshop are adored by my friends and family. Thank you!
Michaela Nesvadbova, Prague, CZ
Looking forward to seeing you! Patrik | photo © Michaela Nesvadbová