Dordogne

Across the valley, the magical village of Curemonte floats in the morning mist. This is a view I will never tire of, a unique vista that wants to be photographed again and again. Picturesque villages unspoiled by the riggers of the 21st century, sit amidst a gentle landscape. Rarely do you find such a variety of architecture in a relatively small area. During the photography workshop in the upper reaches of the Dordogne valley, we will encounter granite houses with steep pitched slate or lauze roofs such as those in Argentat. Just a short journey down river the stone becomes lighter, characteristic of the limestone plateau of the Lot; to the north the white buildings give way to many shades of sandstone and the extraordinary village of Collonges-la-Rouge, the village of a thousand red chateaux.

The patchwork of fields constantly change as the seasons reveal a tapestry of colour and shape: rows of tobacco plants, walnut orchards, corn, barley and maybe the elusive field of poppies. High cliffs drop down into the Dordogne river, forming a wonderful backdrop to the villages. The architecture is incredibly varied and changes from one village to the next. The white limestone houses of Turenne and Martel are covered in black slates. The pink or yellow sandstone houses of Curemonte and Carennac are covered with clay tiles.  Argentat is different again, built out of gneiss or granite and covered with lauze (stones).

Our days will be spent discovering this diverse region, taking us to many of the "plus beaux villages" such as Loubressac, Autoire, Carennac and unforgettable Rocamadour. We will visit the "Bastide" market square of Bretenoux with its abundance of local produce, the impressive chateau Castelnau and the hilltop village of Turenne. All locations have been carefully chosen based on years of experience, endless early mornings, and hours of standing in fields waiting for the light.

As much time is spent on location during this photography workshop, with shoots in the morning and late afternoon/evening. The break in the middle of the day is a great opportunity to view your work or perhaps have a little rest or a swim - you are on holiday after all!