Photograph the lighthouses of Brittany
The lighthouses of Brittany – stoic sentinels of stone and light, standing tall against the wild embrace of the Atlantic. They are not merely structures; they are storytellers of survival, resilience, and maritime mystique, dotting the rugged coastlines of northwestern France like exclamation marks on a windswept manuscript.
I have owned a campervan for over 12 years, and Brittany, with its rugged coastline and easy accessibility for campers from the UK, has drawn me back many times. Over the years, I have become quite familiar with its prime photography locations.
A Symphony of Stone and Sea
Brittany boasts over 60 lighthouses, making it one of the most densely lit regions in the world. These towers are guardians of a coastline so jagged and treacherous that sailors once dubbed it the “Côte de la Mort” – the Coast of Death. Yet, the lighthouses stand firm, their lights piercing through the tempestuous nights to guide ships away from peril.
Each lighthouse has its own personality. Some are perched on wave-lashed islets, such as the legendary Phare de la Jument, defying the full fury of the ocean. Others, like the elegant Phare Saint-Mathieu, rise near ancient abbey ruins, blending maritime utility with a touch of medieval mysticism. Then there’s the Phare de Kéréon, nicknamed the “Palace of the Sea” for its intricate wood paneling and Art Nouveau touches – a lighthouse as luxurious as it is lifesaving.
Light, Texture, and Mystery
Photographing the lighthouses of Brittany is a journey into the soul of light and shadow, where each shot becomes a poem written with a lens. These iconic sentinels stand at the edge of the world, challenging you to capture their timeless elegance amidst an ever-changing seascape. From dramatic skies to golden sunrises, every frame holds the drama of the elements and the romance of the sea.
The Dance of Light and Weather
In Brittany, the weather is your co-conspirator, as capricious as the ocean itself. One moment, the sky is a tapestry of storm clouds, and the next, a radiant sun slices through, scattering light over the waves. This unpredictability is your ally – it transforms each lighthouse into a new masterpiece with every gust of wind or break in the clouds.
Mont Saint Michel – The floating fortless
Mont Saint Michel – a vision plucked from the pages of legend, rising like a dream from the tides of Normandy. It is a place where history and myth embrace, a marvel of human ingenuity perched atop a rock, surrounded by the whispering sea and the infinite dance of light and shadow. To visit is to step into a medieval fairytale, to wander through a labyrinth of stone and sky.
The beach cottages of Le Gouffre
Imagine a tiny stone cottage, snugly nestled between two colossal granite boulders as though nature herself built a fortress around it. The 19th century La Maison entre les Rochers stands defiantly against the fierce Atlantic winds, its slate roof weathered by years of salt spray. It’s as if the rocks have wrapped protective arms around the house, shielding it from the elements while allowing it to harmonise with the wild landscape.
Originally a refuge for fishermen, its simple design mirrors the rugged practicality of life along this storm-battered coast. From a distance, it looks as though the house is part of the landscape – a natural extension of the pink granite rock.
Charming inlets and bays are the Spirit of Brittany’s Coast
More than just a stunning backdrop, the coast of Brittany is a storyteller. Its beautiful inlets, sandy bays, jagged cliffs and windswept shores speak of resilience and wildness; its harbours and cottages, of tradition and community. To photograph Brittany is to not just document its beauty but to capture its essence – a place where land and sea collide in a symphony of light, texture, and timeless emotion.
5 comfortable hotels over 7 nights
Our first hotel is among the closest to Mont Saint Michel, located just a 2-minute walk from one of our key shooting locations. The other hotels have been carefully selected for their central proximity to most of our planned spots, minimising travel time. Each guest will enjoy single-occupancy private rooms with ensuite bathrooms – no sharing required. Breakfast is not included, as we will primarily be out shooting during those hours. However, all hotels offer breakfast options should time permit. This arrangement is reflected in the trip price, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Seascape techniques
- Architectural techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of coastal Brittany
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- Comfortable well placed hotels
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and seascape photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers