Spirits of the Camargue

Spirits of the Camargue

In this double exposure, the Gardian merges with the strong profile of the bull. Their forms overlap until they feel like one presence, carrying the history and culture of the Camargue with them. The black-and-white palette adds to the sense of time standing still. For centuries, man, horse, and bull have shaped life here, each relying on the others to survive. By blending their shapes, the image hints at a bond that runs deeper than work or tradition. It feels like a shared spirit that belongs to the land itself.

Personal Reflection

I made this in the historic town of Saintes Maries de la Mer on a rainy day. I had been walking through the wet streets, wiping my camera lens, when I saw the statue of a Gardian on his horse. It stood as a symbol of the people here, the horses they ride, and the bulls that define much of the culture. I wanted to bring those elements together in one frame, so I paired the statue with the textured form of a bull. The rain, the history in the air, and the weight of these traditions all came together in this image. For me, Spirits of the Camargue holds the harmony and dependence between Gardians, horses, and bulls, a relationship that still shapes this place.