Preparing for my trip to the Camargue was all about understanding the connection between the land, the animals, and the people who live there. I started by researching the history of the Camargue horses, which are among the oldest breeds in the world. Knowing their background—how they’ve been prized for centuries by figures from history—helped me appreciate what I was about to photograph. It wasn’t just about getting shots of these animals; it was about capturing the essence of a breed that has been shaped by its environment over millennia.
Google Earth and Maps were my next stops. The Camargue region is a mix of marshlands, salt flats, and open fields, so getting a lay of the land beforehand was key. I scoped out the areas where I might find the horses grazing or where the light would hit just right at sunrise or sunset. This prep helped me plan my days, knowing where to be and when.
Talking to locals, especially the Gardians who care for the horses, was invaluable. They have an intimate knowledge of the land and the animals, and they shared insights that you can’t get from a book or a website. They even helped work the horses, guiding them through the landscape in ways that made the shots possible. Without their help, photographing the horses would have been almost impossible.
I kept an eye on the weather leading up to the trip, knowing that the Camargue can be unpredictable. Rain was a constant threat, and it ended up being a real challenge during the first few days. But having monitored the weather patterns, I was somewhat prepared for it and had backup plans for shooting in different conditions. This turned out to be crucial, as the rain forced me to think creatively, leading to some of my favorite shots of the trip.
I also did some recon on social media and photography forums, checking out what others had done in the region. The goal wasn’t to replicate their work but to get a sense of what angles and subjects had already been covered. This pushed me to think outside the box, especially when it came to photographing the birds that inhabit the region.
Travel blogs and vlogs gave me practical advice on navigating the Camargue, from which roads to take to where I could find the less touristy spots. These firsthand accounts helped me avoid potential pitfalls and made my time there more efficient.
National Geographic and similar publications were part of my prep, as they often cover the region’s wildlife and culture in depth. Their articles served as both inspiration and a reminder of the kind of storytelling I wanted to achieve with my photography.
Understanding the local customs was another important step. The Gardians have a deep respect for their traditions, and I wanted to make sure I approached them and their work with the same respect. This meant learning about their way of life and understanding how to interact with them and the horses in a way that was both respectful and genuine.
Using apps like The Photographer’s Ephemeris, I planned out when and where the light would be best for capturing the horses and the landscape. This helped me make the most of the golden hours and ensured I was in the right place at the right time.
By the time I arrived in the Camargue, I felt ready to dive in. The research and prep work, combined with the Gardians’ assistance, allowed me to focus on the creative side once I was there, letting the story of the land, the horses, and the Gardians unfold naturally through my lens.
A little about Marshall Foster
Over the last 16 years, I’ve traveled to more than 45 countries, photographing for over 100 clients. My journey has taken me from disaster zones to the heart of livelihood programs and medical initiatives, as well as to the serene landscapes and vibrant cultures that define our world. But it hasn’t been just about the places I’ve been—it’s about the people I’ve met and the beauty I’ve encountered along the way.
Each photograph I make is an attempt to uncover a story that hasn’t been told, to capture a feeling that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through my work, I hope to highlight those subtle threads that connect us all, and to reveal the beauty that persists even in the most challenging circumstances.
For me, photography isn’t just about freezing a moment in time; it’s about creating a connection. I want each image to allow us to see a piece of our own story in someone else’s, highlighting the unity within our diverse world and the enduring beauty that surrounds us.