Landscape Photography On The French Riviera

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.

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French Riviera Landscape Photography Workshop students

What People Say About Us

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Lisa DeRea
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Karin Vasseur
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Lynda Rubin Greenberg
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Kerri Clark
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Patsy Latscha
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Sharon Jackson
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Susan Higgins Flickinger
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Diana Hatfield
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Gail Ginder
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Judith Pannozo
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Peter Wade

Spent a great weekend with Ugo Cei and Pia Parolin at their "Weekend on the French Riviera" workshop. Learned great tips from Ugo and had a fun time photographing in the Nice outdoor market, along the Promenade des Anglais seaside and in the winding narrow streets of Nice. Highly recommended!! lisadereaphotography.com

Wonderful Weekend in the French Riviera with Ugo who shared his knowledge about photography with us. Learned so many interesting things. Will do it again!

Ugo was a wonderful teacher and host in Venice at last years’ Carnival. He takes all the time you need to get your shot and to help with the camera settings when needed! Ugo was very generous and took us out for dinner two times, beginning and end of the workshop. And, he’s fun to be with!!

After two photo tours with Ugo in Italy, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough – the local knowledge of Italy, partnered with photographic expertise and guidance made for an extremely rewarding photo tour! Ugo guides and mentors you according to your skills, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast. I have come away with greater understanding of the craft and confidence to build my skill set. I am inspired to continue my learning journey to create beautiful images. Thank you Ugo!!!

I had a wonderful experience in Venice with Ugo. I learned new things while enjoying the wonderful city. I have some special needs which he was able to accommodate perfectly. I highly recommend his company for photo tours.

If you are planning to travel and love photography at any level Ugo can plan a personal tour to fit in with your itinerary! He has a wealth of knowledge to share with you on any subject of photography. Apart from photography (my passion) Ugo provides a total travel experience looking at Italy through the eyes of a local. A life changing trip leaving me totally hooked to book another! Thank you Ugo and yes I will be returning my dilemma is choosing a destination.

My husband and I were fortunate to travel on Ugo Cei's photography trip to Oman. The country itself is an undiscovered treasure, filled with nature and welcoming people. Traveling with Ugo was a pure pleasure. He offered us a thoroughly researched itinerary and lots of photographic guidance. We shot portraits, landscapes, markets and all manner of subjects and Ugo was always there to offer tips. Do yourself a favor and try out one of his workshops!

I have done 3 photo tours with 3 different guides and locations, this has been the best of the three. Ugo was definitely the best of the three guides. His attention to detail with setting the scene and location with models, suggestions on camera settings were helpful for me, a novice with portrait photography. I would definitely recommend any tour with Ugo, he is an excellent photographer willing to share his knowledge, experience and secrets of special places he knows to make the entire photography experience a lifetime memory.

My husband and I did a workshop with Ugo in Cinque Terre. It was fantastic. Ugo is not only a great photographer, but he is generous with his knowledge, and he offers a great workshop. The group was international, which made the experience even richer.

What an extraordinary experience to participate in a photography tour and workshop with Ugo Cei Photography Tours, in Venice, Italy during the Venice Carnival. His knowledge of Venice along with the right place to be at the right time made this perfect. Add to that his technical and lighting knowledge and then to top it off the perfect local eateries and local interests. It was days full from daylight to evening at a manageable pace with likeminded new international friends. So glad I took the leap and participated.

As I was spending my vacation in the Dolomites I arranged a one day private workshop with Ugo. Although I was a four hour drive from Ugo's home base he willingly made the journey — even though he was heading off to Barcelona first thing the next morning for another commitment. 

Not having any transport or knowledge of the best locations to shoot having someone like Ugo was fantastic — and when you add his knowledge of photography and ability to impart that to his pupil it all added up to an outstanding day. 

I recommend Ugo without reservation.

Parque des Calanques, France

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.

Parque des Calanques, France