Galerie des Pins, Biot, France
2023 dates to be determined
Price: FREE to 120€
Join me for a weekend of landscape photography along the beautiful Côte d’Azur.
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Expect to come and learn about landscape photography, but also to relax, discuss, and laugh together in an idyllic setting, as we will spend part of our time together in a private villa nestled in the pines on the hills overlooking the famed sea-side resort of Antibes, about halfway between Nice and Cannes.
The workshop is a mix of theoretical lessons in the classroom–covering the fundamentals of exposure, focusing, and composition–and hands-on sessions in the field.
The atmosphere is meant to be convivial and friendly and the workshop is open to photographers of any skill level, but mostly directed at beginners in the field of landscape photography. Your instructor will be there to give you guidance and assist you with any technical questions you might have.
If you have a partner who is not into photography, but likes to snap photos with their smartphone, bring them too! We will help them learn to see things photographically and get pictures that will make their friends ask when they’ve become a pro. There is going to be serious fun for everyone!
Program
The workshop starts on the Saturday at 4PM. We will be hosted inside the beautiful Galerie de Pins in Biot.
We will start the day with a two-hour presentation about the basics of landscape photography that will be followed by an aperitif by the poolside.
This portion of the program is absolutely free, but you still need to register for it.
As the evening approaches, we start preparing the barbeque. This is a communal activity and everybody is invited to participate and put meat on the grill (there will be vegetarian options too) or relax by the pool with a glass of beer, French wine, or their favourite drink in hand.
During dinner, we will have the option to photograph the sunset from the terrace of the Galerie, overlooking the forest-covered hills that surround it.
If you wish to take part in the barbeque, a fee is required to cover the cost of food and drinks. The exact amount will be communicated before the event.
As we do not offer accommodation, everybody will make their way back to their place.
On the Sunday, we meet again in the morning, at a location to be determined. During the morning, the students will apply the techniques they have learned the day before to try and get new and better pictures.
After a light lunch, we return to the Galerie, where a hands-on session on post-processing will be taught. There you will have the chance to edit the photos taken during the day.
At around 4PM we say goodbye and everybody goes on their way (but you are welcome to spend a few more days on the French Riviera on your own, if you wish).
The price for attendance to the Sunday sessions is 120€ per person.
What You’ll Learn
- Types of landscape photographs
- How to “see” the light
- Planning to grab the best opportunities
- Fundamentals of technique: exposure and focus
- Proper use of equipment
- Creating meaningful and compelling compositions
- Digital darkroom techniques
Armed with this knowledge, you will become able to create meaningful photographs and not just vacations snapshots.
The Venue
What to Bring
Any kind of photographic equipment is suitable for use during the workshop, including compact cameras and smartphones, but in order to get the most out of the practical sessions, we recommend a camera that can shoot RAW files and where exposure and focus can be set manually.
A tripod is also recommended.
If you have ND, GND, and polarizing filters, you would do well to bring them, though they are not absolutely required.
A medium zoom lens is going to be most useful, while a wide-angle lens could come in handy in some circumstances.
You are not required to bring a laptop, but do if you’d like to post-process your images after capture.
The climate on the French Riviera in spring can be very pleasant and warm, but evenings can be cool and there is always a chance of rain. Dress comfortably and adequately and, most of all, use comfortable walking shoes.
What Is Included
- Attendance in the workshop program, as outlined above, in a small group setting (maximum of 12 students)
- Classroom time and assistance during shooting by your instructors.
- Drinks and light snacks during the aperitif.
What Is Not Included
- Your travel expenses to reach our meeting point in Biot, France. We might be able to carry for free some people to and from the train stations in Biot or Antibes. Ask in advance if you would like this service.
- Accommodation.
- Breakfasts, lunches and any meals.
- All beverages outside of what are offered at the aperitif.
- Personal expenses and tips.
- Everything not explicitly mentioned in the “What Is Included” section above.
Interested?
The 2019 edition of the workshop was a great success and we’re planning to do it again in 2023. We still haven’t decided on the dates, but if you’d like to be informed when we open bookings, get in touch using the form below and we’ll keep you posted.
What People Say About Us
Terms and Conditions
Basis of Rates: All prices are per person and are quoted in Euros. VAT is included.
Eligibility: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire journey.
Group Size and Booking Considerations
The workshop will be confirmed only if a minimum number of 6 participants is reached. In order to keep the group size small and the experience enjoyable for everyone, the maximum number of participants I accept is 12.
Payment Schedule
The payment for this workshop is due at the time of booking and is not refundable.
Cancellation Policy
The booking deposit will be refunded if participant numbers are not reached.
Payment Options
To book your place, click on the “Pay With Card” button above or on the PayPal link. Contact me if you’d prefer to pay by direct bank transfer.
Travel insurance
It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident.
I strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Cover should include medical expenses, as well as repatriation, in the event of accident or illness. In addition, I strongly recommend that you have cover for personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities on your trip, including trekking, you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions.
Responsibility
Ugo Cei will provide education enrichment during photo tours. The other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. Ugo Cei and their designated tour leaders shall not be held responsible for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government, or by acts of nature, strikes, fire, flood, war, terrorism, sickness, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against Ugo Cei and its designated tour leaders for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. Ugo Cei reserves the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on any photo workshop. Ugo Cei reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the itinerary whenever, in their judgement, conditions warrants, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.
You have assumed the responsibility to select an activity appropriate to your physical abilities and interests. You are personally responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the activity.
