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The Workshops

Available Dates

April: Saturday 13th - Wednesday 17th
May: Thursday 16th - Monday 20th
June: Wednesday 19th – Sunday 23rd

Mentors

Both workshops are held and overseen by Philippe Garguil (wildlife photographer, cineaste and naturalist) and Christophe Courteau (wildlife photographer and biologist).

Prices (VAT included)

€ 1'860 per person double room full workshop

€ 1'450 per person double room
(accompanying non-photographers)

€ 1'990 per person single room full workshop

Included:
Lodging and full board (open bar) in situ.
Day outing to Lisbon including lunch (free afternoon).
Grand tour of the property before starting the workshop.
All transports within the property and continual coaching by
two professional Naturalist/biologist photographers/film makers.

Not Included:
Transfer to and from the airport
to the Herdade do Pinheiro (€ 140 per car per transfer).

PROFESSIONAL COACHES

PHILIPPE GARGUIL

PHILIPPE GARGUIL

Wildlife Photographer and Cineaste

It is by passion that Philippe Garguil, naturalist, became a photographer and cineaste. Once a teacher always a teacher ! Philippe has taken advantage of the skills of his first job to heighten people’s awareness of Nature and the environment they live in. For the past 30 years he has published many wildlife articles in magazines all around the World, over 10 books on French birdlife, has produced 28 wildlife documentaries for television and worked as cameraman for another 33 others.

He also worked in cinema alongside Jacques Perrin for the film “Le Peuple Migrateur” (Winged Migration), “Oceans” and “Seasons”.

CHRISTOPHE COURTEAU

CHRISTOPHE COURTEAU

Wildlife Photographer and Safari Tour Leader

Former Biologist, Christophe Courteau has been a professional wildlife photographer and Safari Tour Leader for more than 25 years. His photos have been published worldwide by the biggest magazines like «National Geographic» or «The New York Times». In France, his photos have been featured in «Paris Match», «Figaro Magazine» and many more! He is also the author of many books, mostly about Africa, published by Flammarion, Robert Laffont, Glénat, Michel Lafon, Ouest France, Vilo, White Stars...

Christophe is one of the very few true professional wildlife photographers and Tour-Leader in France (he was one of the pioneers in the 90s). He organizes and leads photographic safaris on the five continents.

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Contact:
info @ herdadedopinheiro.com

What’s on the program?

Get really close to a large nesting area on a pond! Great photos can be taken from our specially conceived hideouts. Ibis, herons, spoonbills, ducks, cormorants and many, many others…

Spend a night in a hideout and discover the varied nocturnal life.

Be adventurous in the mobile hideouts (tents) and discover woodpecker nests or kingfishers or whatever Nature has to offer to us.

Storks! Storks to your left, storks to your right, storks above… storks everywhere! Zoom in, zoom out… there are around 30 nests right in the middle of the Monte, many along an old aqueduct. Perfect setting.

Like to fly in the air? Learn how to use a drone with Philippe. This course is open for beginners too.

Take a look through the microscope… or nearly, with a lesson on macro photography.

Let’s not forget the farm. Black Alentejo pigs, Pure bred Mertelengo cows (a rustic breed from the Alentejo), cross-bred Limousin cows and very majestic Lusitano horses. These horses are bred and ridden on the property.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery and magnificent sunsets whilst having a glass of bubbly!

Get advice from the pros!

Each day, time will be given to go over your photos and Philippe and Christophe will help you correct and perfect your techniques.

There will also be a possibility of photo development on LightRoom Classic with Christophe.

More Details

Accomodation

Within the traditional Alentejo village (Monte) of the Herdade do Pinheiro, guest houses have been refurbished to welcome you in colourful, cosy rooms with adjoining living spaces. Each guest house has its bathroom with shower and kitchen. Breakfast will be taken individually at your own leisure.

FULL BOARD

Extra care will be taken to tease your palates with local delicacies and national specialties. Please do not hesitate do indicate if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

EQUIPMENT

This photography course is open to all but you do need to be knowledgeable enough to be alone in the hideouts. A minimum of 300mm lenses are highly advised, obligatory use of a tripod.

Some equipment can be rented (Nikon).

FACILITIES AND OUTINGS

There are various mobile hideouts (tents). Most are for one person but we do have a double occupancy one.

All the static hideouts are in wood with large reflecting windows or camouflaged openings. You remain invisible to animals on the other side. All of these hideouts are for 2 people. The hideouts used for overnight observation have dry-toilets.

You will be accompanied and driven to your destinations on each of your outings. Do not forget, this is a large property!

Course Languages

This workshop will be held in English and French.

Extra Activities

For the less keen photographic amateurs, or those accompanying, other activities are also possible. These include horseback riding, safaris by 4x4 across the property, Nature walks (with and without a guide) and cooking classes.