Back from Provence & Lyon - susan001's trip report with photos
Jul 11th, 2009, 12:57 PM
#22
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Thanks so much, Kevin, for the flattering remark. I guess lugging all this equipment around was somewhat worth the effort (however, next time I may bring a point and shoot!).
June 27 - This morning we set off for the coastal village of Cassis. I had been there before, but this excursion really forced me to take a closer look at light, shadow, form, color and framing of potential images. There were no shopping or relaxing opportunities here. We set up our tripods right out on the marina and got to work. Later we moved right out to the area reserved for the boat-owners and fisherman, though they didn't seem to mind that a few of us were there photographing. I also took many close-ups of the details involved in the fishing/boating life. You will see these in my photo gallery. I'll post the link again:
http://www.pbase.com/scbowen/provence
We had a brief stop for sandwiches before heading back to Greoux les Bains.
That evening we were back in the lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau, once again, shooting during (what photographers refer to as) the golden hour (but we were there for hours), and then a group of us met for dinner at 9:30 pm. The comraderie was wonderful, and all present felt it had been a successful workshop.
June 28 - This morning we met in the lobby of a hotel to share photos, receive some critiques and a few Photoshop tips (however, I was so busy trying to delete photos, because my hard drive was full! So I missed a lot of what was said). Workshop over. Most headed back to Lyon in one of the two SUVs
Our instructor offered to take 3 of us to Avignon, as it was my plan to go there next on my own (though I had originally planned to take a train from Lyon, this was a better arrangement). Another participant and her daughter were headed to Avignon, as well; hence, he just decided to take us there (very nice of him).
I arrived at my B & B at around 2 PM, and after relaxing a bit, decided to take a stroll around. It was Sunday. All the shops, and many restaurants, were closed. Still, I found a nice cafe, where I enjoyed a beer, and later an outdoor cafe near my B & B for a goat cheese salad, which was delicious!
I think I was suffering from exhaustion. The workshop was quite an experience, but we had late nights and early mornings -- I was getting (if lucky) 5 hours of sleep, if that. And my sleep patterns were off. I ended up photographing the papal palace all lit up from the terrace of my B & B at midnight! I slept right through breakfast, but there were still pastries and juice left for me.
I had until 3:00 to roam about before my taxi would take me to the Avignon TGV bound for Aix-en-Provence. I decided to buy a ticket to walk across the Pont Benedict (the bridge that stops halfway across the river. A well-known French nursery rhyme muses about the strange half bridge).
After visiting the bridge and snapping photos (hand-held at this point), I wandered aimlessly around the old town, but never made it to the papaL palace (not enough time - plus it was VERY hot (must have been 100), and I was still recovering from the workshop.
When I got back to the B & B, my hostess was not in, and though she had called earlier to reserve a cab for me, I was beginning to think the taxi wasn't going to come. So a neighboring cafe owner called again for me (very nice people).... and within 10 minutes I was on the way to the TGV station and Aix.
The after-workshop photos will be posted later. I haven't processed or uploaded them to the site yet.
To be continued....
June 27 - This morning we set off for the coastal village of Cassis. I had been there before, but this excursion really forced me to take a closer look at light, shadow, form, color and framing of potential images. There were no shopping or relaxing opportunities here. We set up our tripods right out on the marina and got to work. Later we moved right out to the area reserved for the boat-owners and fisherman, though they didn't seem to mind that a few of us were there photographing. I also took many close-ups of the details involved in the fishing/boating life. You will see these in my photo gallery. I'll post the link again:
http://www.pbase.com/scbowen/provence
We had a brief stop for sandwiches before heading back to Greoux les Bains.
That evening we were back in the lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau, once again, shooting during (what photographers refer to as) the golden hour (but we were there for hours), and then a group of us met for dinner at 9:30 pm. The comraderie was wonderful, and all present felt it had been a successful workshop.
June 28 - This morning we met in the lobby of a hotel to share photos, receive some critiques and a few Photoshop tips (however, I was so busy trying to delete photos, because my hard drive was full! So I missed a lot of what was said). Workshop over. Most headed back to Lyon in one of the two SUVs
Our instructor offered to take 3 of us to Avignon, as it was my plan to go there next on my own (though I had originally planned to take a train from Lyon, this was a better arrangement). Another participant and her daughter were headed to Avignon, as well; hence, he just decided to take us there (very nice of him).
I arrived at my B & B at around 2 PM, and after relaxing a bit, decided to take a stroll around. It was Sunday. All the shops, and many restaurants, were closed. Still, I found a nice cafe, where I enjoyed a beer, and later an outdoor cafe near my B & B for a goat cheese salad, which was delicious!
I think I was suffering from exhaustion. The workshop was quite an experience, but we had late nights and early mornings -- I was getting (if lucky) 5 hours of sleep, if that. And my sleep patterns were off. I ended up photographing the papal palace all lit up from the terrace of my B & B at midnight! I slept right through breakfast, but there were still pastries and juice left for me.
I had until 3:00 to roam about before my taxi would take me to the Avignon TGV bound for Aix-en-Provence. I decided to buy a ticket to walk across the Pont Benedict (the bridge that stops halfway across the river. A well-known French nursery rhyme muses about the strange half bridge).
After visiting the bridge and snapping photos (hand-held at this point), I wandered aimlessly around the old town, but never made it to the papaL palace (not enough time - plus it was VERY hot (must have been 100), and I was still recovering from the workshop.
When I got back to the B & B, my hostess was not in, and though she had called earlier to reserve a cab for me, I was beginning to think the taxi wasn't going to come. So a neighboring cafe owner called again for me (very nice people).... and within 10 minutes I was on the way to the TGV station and Aix.
The after-workshop photos will be posted later. I haven't processed or uploaded them to the site yet.
To be continued....
Jul 11th, 2009, 04:42 PM
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June 29 (cont'd) - In Avignon, I stayed at Le Limas, a delightful B & B within the city walls. It was 4 stories straight up, with no elevator, and I was on the 4th floor, but it was quiet, beautifully restored and decorated, and peaceful. The decor was fresh and modern, and the bathroom had a very interesting, modern granite sink. It also had a terrace (just across from my room) with a wonderful view of the papal palace.
I arrived in Aix at approximately 5 pm, and was delighted to find my room at the B & B, Une Chambre en Ville, was as delightful as the last. This was a lovely suite for 100 E a night.... (would have been 120 for 2 people) a real bargain considering it was right in the heart of the old town. Just a one minute walk down my narrow street, and I was in one of the main squares full of cafes. The owner, Luc, is also an extremely nice person.
July 30th: A month earlier, because I knew my time would be limited and I didn't want to rent a car this trip, I decided to book a private customized day tour with a local guide, Catherine D'Antuono, who had been recommended by someone on this board. She was really exceptional. She took me to many of the places I wanted to see and one or two that she had recommended.
I know this is not the ideal way to experience the Luberon, but for this particular trip, it worked well for me, and I now know which villages I would like to revisit and perhaps stay in for a few weeks next time.
We visited the following villages in this order: Menerbes, Lacoste, (goat cheese farm for lunch), Roussillon, Abbaye de Senanque, Gordes, Bonnieux (where we didn't stop) and Loumarin (my favorite). She picked me up at 9 am at my B & B in Aix, and dropped me off at 9 PM. In other words, she gave me my money's worth and I saw quite a bit. The only downside was that it was extremely hot that day.
I will write more tomorrow; hopefully, my next gallery of photos will be ready soon.
I arrived in Aix at approximately 5 pm, and was delighted to find my room at the B & B, Une Chambre en Ville, was as delightful as the last. This was a lovely suite for 100 E a night.... (would have been 120 for 2 people) a real bargain considering it was right in the heart of the old town. Just a one minute walk down my narrow street, and I was in one of the main squares full of cafes. The owner, Luc, is also an extremely nice person.
July 30th: A month earlier, because I knew my time would be limited and I didn't want to rent a car this trip, I decided to book a private customized day tour with a local guide, Catherine D'Antuono, who had been recommended by someone on this board. She was really exceptional. She took me to many of the places I wanted to see and one or two that she had recommended.
I know this is not the ideal way to experience the Luberon, but for this particular trip, it worked well for me, and I now know which villages I would like to revisit and perhaps stay in for a few weeks next time.
We visited the following villages in this order: Menerbes, Lacoste, (goat cheese farm for lunch), Roussillon, Abbaye de Senanque, Gordes, Bonnieux (where we didn't stop) and Loumarin (my favorite). She picked me up at 9 am at my B & B in Aix, and dropped me off at 9 PM. In other words, she gave me my money's worth and I saw quite a bit. The only downside was that it was extremely hot that day.
I will write more tomorrow; hopefully, my next gallery of photos will be ready soon.
Jul 11th, 2009, 05:18 PM
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Susan, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
I was considering a photo excursion this year.. we are leaving this Friday for Provence (then Paris) and it will be without a specific photo-tour but I hope my photos turn out as half as lovely as yours did!
I wonder if I will be past the lavender peak, seeing how gorgeous yours are from a few weeks ago now.
I was considering a photo excursion this year.. we are leaving this Friday for Provence (then Paris) and it will be without a specific photo-tour but I hope my photos turn out as half as lovely as yours did!
I wonder if I will be past the lavender peak, seeing how gorgeous yours are from a few weeks ago now.
Jul 11th, 2009, 06:24 PM
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Hi, Flygirl - yes, it was Bryan Peterson's workshop. Thanks so much for the kind remarks. I believe they start harvesting mid-July, but you might find some fields after that. It will all be gone by the end of July.
Cigalechanta - thanks so much for positive feedback. Yes, you're right. I didn't see much lavender (or lavendin) in the Luberon - some, but not vast fields.
Cigalechanta - thanks so much for positive feedback. Yes, you're right. I didn't see much lavender (or lavendin) in the Luberon - some, but not vast fields.
Jul 11th, 2009, 06:50 PM
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Susan: I have NEVER seen such glorious photos as those you took in the lavender fields. They are a sight for sore eyes, absolutely fabulous. Thank you so much for posting them for the photographically challenged, like me!!
Jul 12th, 2009, 09:57 AM
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Susan, THANK YOU for the beautiful photos. We were in Provence in March so I could only imagine the lavender. The colors are wonderful as was the sky. We also hit Cassis and while I love my pictures yours are much more vibrant. Again, thank you so much.
Jul 12th, 2009, 12:40 PM
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Plan2GoSoon: Thanks so much for the kind remarks - Some of the ones of Cassis were processed in HDR (high dynamic range), which creates a colorful, dynamic effect.
Sue4: Wow. Thanks so much for the flattering comment!
I'll be posting more photos (Luberon) as soon as they are ready and uploaded to the site.
Susan
Sue4: Wow. Thanks so much for the flattering comment!
I'll be posting more photos (Luberon) as soon as they are ready and uploaded to the site.
Susan
Jul 12th, 2009, 05:55 PM
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Thank you so much, JKen & Tpayt.
I've spent the better part of today sorting through and processing photos taken in the Luberon. I believe I took too many! There is so much spectacular beauty there, it was hard to resist. I'll have my Luberon gallery up in a few days, and will post a link when it is ready.
Thanks to everyone for taking a look at my galleries and for your kind remarks.
I think my upcoming photo albums will tell a greater story in images than my words can convey.... but I'll give you a summary of my last day.
July 1 - I devoted the day to exploring Aix, and I shopped!! There were lots of sales on in the shops, and I must say I bought some fashionable clothing at bargain prices.
I had lunch at the popular Deux Garcons, and while there, struck up a conversation with a delightful French couple who were also in town for the sales (and for a Picasso - Cezanne exhibition, which she insisted I must see). We ended up exchanging addresses and phone numbers and they've invited me to spend a day with them in the Luberon on my next visit.
After we said our goodbyes, I headed off for the museum. I had to check my camera (with expensive lens) and my bag of purchases. I was nervous about this, though the girl behind the counter assured me my things would be safe. The exhibition was croweded - I breezed through -- enjoyed some huge Picassos I'd never seen and quickly got out to retrieve my things.
Then I stopped at a cafe (there were dozens) near my B & B for a cold drink. The French do most things so right. What a lovely lifestyle.
At 6 PM I left for my airport hotel in Marseilles. The next morning I was taking the shuttle to the airport at 5 am for my early morning flight. Trip over.
Check back in a couple days, as I will have posted the rest of my photos.
Susan
I've spent the better part of today sorting through and processing photos taken in the Luberon. I believe I took too many! There is so much spectacular beauty there, it was hard to resist. I'll have my Luberon gallery up in a few days, and will post a link when it is ready.
Thanks to everyone for taking a look at my galleries and for your kind remarks.
I think my upcoming photo albums will tell a greater story in images than my words can convey.... but I'll give you a summary of my last day.
July 1 - I devoted the day to exploring Aix, and I shopped!! There were lots of sales on in the shops, and I must say I bought some fashionable clothing at bargain prices.
I had lunch at the popular Deux Garcons, and while there, struck up a conversation with a delightful French couple who were also in town for the sales (and for a Picasso - Cezanne exhibition, which she insisted I must see). We ended up exchanging addresses and phone numbers and they've invited me to spend a day with them in the Luberon on my next visit.
After we said our goodbyes, I headed off for the museum. I had to check my camera (with expensive lens) and my bag of purchases. I was nervous about this, though the girl behind the counter assured me my things would be safe. The exhibition was croweded - I breezed through -- enjoyed some huge Picassos I'd never seen and quickly got out to retrieve my things.
Then I stopped at a cafe (there were dozens) near my B & B for a cold drink. The French do most things so right. What a lovely lifestyle.
At 6 PM I left for my airport hotel in Marseilles. The next morning I was taking the shuttle to the airport at 5 am for my early morning flight. Trip over.
Check back in a couple days, as I will have posted the rest of my photos.
Susan
Jul 12th, 2009, 07:14 PM
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Hi, Adrienne. The book that taught me exposure methods is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It's very accessible. I also have Learning to See Creatively, also by Bryan, but to be honest, I haven't read it yet.
As I go through my photos I see aperture mistakes I made, shutter speed mistakes and composition problems in some (both during and after the workshop). It's all a learning process. When traveling, there's so much to soak in, it's just hard to get it right every time - even half the time.
Thanks for the kind words.
As I go through my photos I see aperture mistakes I made, shutter speed mistakes and composition problems in some (both during and after the workshop). It's all a learning process. When traveling, there's so much to soak in, it's just hard to get it right every time - even half the time.
Thanks for the kind words.
