Gulf of Biskaya - France
Seven-day photo workshop with focus on
landscape, long exposure, minimalism, fine art
- since 2022 -
October 05 – 11, 2026 OUT OF BOOK
October 12 – 18, 2026 OUT OF BOOK
November 08 – 14, 2027 AVAILABLE
Workshop location
The Bay of Biscay, also known as the Gulf of Biscay, stretching from the rugged cliffs of Brittany far into the south of France along the Atlantic coast, is not only an ideal destination for capturing successful long exposures due to its proximity to the water but also because of its enchanting, distinctive coastal landscapes, the imposing bridge connections between the mainland and offshore islands, and the numerous photogenic fishing huts that vary from place to place. It's an ideal destination for any ambitious photographer beyond traditional landscape photography.
Together with my Bavarian colleague Michael J. Reibert or my Berlin-based colleague Dennis Schulz, who also specializes in minimalist long-exposure photography, we begin the workshop with its first highlight in northern Brittany: the breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel.
In addition to this iconic French landmark, this region is renowned for its numerous lighthouses, charming châteaux, and impressive fortresses. Over the following days, we will capture some of the most photogenic locations in the best possible light before heading further south to the typically French, idyllic coastal towns of Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef and Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, among others, which are particularly known for their distinctive fishing huts.
These coastal landscapes offer a wide variety of unique and extraordinary photographic subjects, making them perfectly suited to creating minimalist images.
Thanks to spectacular bridge structures such as the Pont de l’Île de Ré, architectural photography will also have its place towards the end of the workshop. Finally, with a collection of great photographs and many new impressions, we make our way back towards Nantes.
Workshop Content
Learn to assess different photographic scenes, weather conditions, and lighting situations directly on location, so you can be in the right place at the right time. Develop an understanding of the many creative possibilities offered by different types of filters, including neutral density (ND) filters, graduated ND filters, and polarizing filters.
Discover the key factors and compositional principles needed to create harmonious, well-structured images in the appropriate format, and gradually develop a confident and efficient workflow for creating powerful and compelling photographs - both during the day and at night under a star-filled sky.
We will take an in-depth look at the technical fundamentals of photography, explore the principles of image composition, and show you how to work with light to capture the perfect mood in your photographs.
This is the ideal photography course for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level. In a short period of time, we will teach you the essential photographic knowledge you need to create captivating Fine Art images while familiarizing you with all the important aspects of landscape photography. Step by step, you will progress from quick snapshots to breathtaking photographs. We will help you improve your photography and develop your own visual approach.
Individual Online Image Editing Training
Image editing is an essential part of photography. In addition to the practical days in France, you have the opportunity to take part in an individual one-to-one online editing workshop, where you will learn how to process and refine your photographs quickly and effectively in order to unlock their full potential.
During this individual online training session, you will learn how to get the most out of your images using Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.
You can book this additional session together with the photography workshop via the booking page, or add individual packages of editing sessions at any time. Don´t hesitate to ask for further information about the content of the online training.
Workshop Highlights
- Learn to identify the characteristics of potentially strong photographic subjects
- Master the essential camera settings for different shooting situations
- Apply effective composition principles to create compelling and visually powerful images
- Create automatic and manual exposure bracketing sequences for precise exposure control
- Learn how to use different types of filters - neutral density (ND), graduated ND, and polarizing filters - according to the subject, lighting conditions, and weather
- Develop a well-structured and efficient workflow for creating balanced long-exposure photographs before, during, and after the exposure
- Discover creative tips and techniques for translating your own photographic ideas into compelling images
Recommended Camera Equipment
- Digital DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control
- Interchangeable lenses - ideally covering a focal-length range of approximately 16–200 mm
- Sturdy tripod suitable for the weight of your camera and lenses
- Remote shutter release, wired or wireless
- Neutral density (ND) filters - recommended: 3-stop (8x), 6-stop (64x), 10-stop (1,000x), and/or 15-stop (32,000x)
- Graduated ND filters - soft or medium, 3-stop (8x) or 4-stop (16x)
- Sufficient batteries and memory cards
- Camera backpack for comfortable transportation of your equipment
Don't have all the filters listed above? No problem.
Thanks to the support of my partner HAIDA GERMANY, missing filter equipment, including filter holder systems, can be provided for the duration of the photography workshop.
By putting the equipment to practical use in real-world shooting situations, you can make an informed decision about whether investing in your own filter system is worthwhile for you.
Previous Photography Experience
- No prior experience is required. Absolute beginners are just as welcome as experienced and advanced photographers. I personally and enthusiastically accompany all participants from the first to the last moment of the workshop.
The goal is to systematically expand your photographic understanding so that you can already create technically clean and visually compelling photographs on the very first day of the workshop.
- Arrival: Nantes on October 5, 2026 / October 12, 2026 / November 8, 2027
- Departure: Nantes on October 11, 2026 / October 18, 2026 / November 14, 2027
Workshop Fee
- 7-day workshop: from €1,695.00 incl. VAT
- Deposit: 25% of the workshop fee is required upon booking
Included in the Price
- Full-day photographic guidance and individual instruction by Ronny Behnert and Michael Reibert or Dennis Schulz
- Organization and reservation of hotel rooms (single or double rooms) for the duration of the workshop
- Transfer to and from Nantes Airport (NTE)
Transportation throughout the workshop in a vehicle provided by us
- Tolls and parking fees
- Follow-up support, including feedback on edited images by email, assistance with questions regarding workshop content, and a location map for independent orientation
Not Included in the Price
- Six hotel nights
- Travel to and from Nantes
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses and tips
- City tax / tourist tax
- Travel, accident, or cancellation insurance
- Any services not explicitly listed as included
Additional Information
- Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are essential
- The workshop takes place regardless of weather conditions
- The organizer accepts no liability for damage to cameras or photographic equipment
- Respect for nature and landscape conservation is important to us, and we will take this into account throughout our excursions in France
- Weather conditions along the French Atlantic coast can be highly changeable in autumn. Low temperatures, particularly in the early morning and evening, should be expected, while daytime temperatures can still be relatively mild
- Most photographic locations are easily accessible from public parking areas, generally requiring only short walks along paved or well-maintained coastal and dune paths. Some locations may involve short walks across rocky terrain or uphill sections. For participants who prefer easier access, alternative viewpoints are generally available nearby
Of course, you are always free to decide whether you would like to join any of the planned excursions. If you have significant mobility or health-related limitations that could affect your participation, please let us know in advance so that we can work together to find a suitable solution.
________________________________________________________
Testimonials from the Photography Workshop in France
- "Without a doubt, a five-star experience!”
The photography trip to Brittany in autumn 2025 with Ronny and Jakob was perfectly organized from start to finish. I was particularly impressed by the carefully selected photography locations and the precise timing, which consistently ensured optimal lighting conditions - even with the unpredictable autumn weather. The photographic guidance was outstanding: Ronny shares his knowledge in a clear, patient, and highly individual way, tailored to every level of experience. This allowed every participant to make noticeable progress. The pleasant group atmosphere and harmonious interaction made the trip an especially memorable experience. I am already looking forward to my next photography trip with Ronny! I can recommend it without reservation. Thank you, dear Ronny and dear Jakob, for such a wonderful time! - Anja Peters (2025)
- I have just returned from the workshop on the Bay of Biscay. It was extremely well planned, and both the photography locations and the cafés and restaurants were very well chosen. Ronny was always there to offer advice and support, ensuring that we were all happy with our results at every location. Workshops with Ronny are simply highly recommended! This was my third workshop, and I have already booked two more! - Manuela Stelck (2025)
- My fifth workshop with Ronny in the Bay of Biscay once again included one highlight after another, just like the previous ones. It was an exciting workshop with beautiful locations and many moments of pure joy. Once again, I learned a great deal, and my heartfelt thanks go to Ronny and Jakob for their tireless patience and all the valuable tips! - Viola Glaz (2025)
- The workshop in Brittany exceeded my expectations by far! The Bay of Biscay offers endless photographic possibilities. Ronny and Jakob's professional organization made it possible to make the most of our time while always maintaining a relaxed, stress-free working atmosphere. There was always enough time to follow our own inspiration and experiment. Help was always available whenever we wanted to reflect on our work. The calm and constructive group dynamic created a wonderful atmosphere that made working on each subject an unforgettable experience. Thank you all for that! I would be very happy to return and continue growing in this creative environment. - Jessica Albers (2024)
- This trip with Ronny and Jakob exceeded all my expectations! For anyone wanting to discover Brittany through photography, this tour is an absolute must. The carefully selected photography locations offered both iconic subjects and hidden, lesser-known places. Everything was excellently organized and presented with great passion by Ronny and Jakob. The group immediately bonded, which made the trip even more enjoyable. Ronny was always available and, with his calm and helpful manner, provided valuable advice tailored to each participant's individual level of experience. Our shared dinners created a relaxed and humorous atmosphere that encouraged conversation and exchange. It was simply fantastic traveling with you! I came home with many lasting impressions and made tremendous photographic progress. My next trip with you is already booked, and I cannot wait! - Sonia Aumiller (2024)
- I can highly recommend Ronny and Michael's workshop! The locations in picturesque Brittany were perfectly chosen, and the entire organization was extremely professional. Ronny and Michael know exactly when support is needed and when it is better to give participants the freedom to explore their own creative paths. Their friendly personalities make it easy to feel comfortable and ask questions. I returned home with many new tips, tricks, and plenty of inspiration. It wasn't my first workshop, and the next one is already booked! - Silke Schönborn (2024)
- The “Bay of Biscay” workshop with Ronny and Jakob was an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. In addition to well-known photography locations such as Mont Saint-Michel and the lighthouses of Brittany, there were many subjects that were completely new to me. With the focus on long-exposure photography, the experience was relaxed and enjoyable. This certainly wasn't my last workshop with Ronny. - Thomas Ilg (2024)
- The “Bay of Biscay & Brittany” photography trip was my first trip of this kind with Ronny and Michael. They actually exceeded my expectations. They showed us some beautiful photography locations, including a few that are not widely known. They made sure we were always in the right place at the right time. On location, Ronny and Michael demonstrated different possibilities for composing an image and were always there to offer advice and support, whether it was about composition or exposure. Even when something unexpected happened, the instructors handled the situation brilliantly, and the atmosphere within the group remained relaxed. I am already looking forward to my next trip with Ronny and Michael! - Katrin Blumenschein (2024)
- A week in Brittany with Ronny and Jakob is truly a unique experience. From selecting the photography locations and timing them with the tides, to expert advice on composition and photographic technique, as well as the choice of hotels and restaurants, everything was perfect. And as an added bonus, there was always a friendly and cheerful team of guides. My expectations were more than fulfilled. It was not my first trip with Ronny and Jakob, and it certainly won't be my last! - Erich Lebherz (2024)
- The “Bay of Biscay – France” photography workshop with Ronny and Jakob was once again a wonderful journey - just as you have come to expect from them, yet never something to take for granted. Beautiful coastal landscapes alternated with excellent boulangeries, thoughtfully selected to make us happy. Add to that expert guidance, humor, patience, and a genuine effort to fulfill our wishes. Thank you - discovering the world with you is a gift! - Nicoline Dreyer (2023)
- “An early premiere - and a complete success.”
The “Bay of Biscay - France” workshop was originally planned for autumn 2023. As we had experienced so often in the past, the pandemic required a great deal of flexibility when planning such ambitious workshops. So instead of traveling to Japan in October, we headed to the Bay of Biscay. Ronny and Jakob managed the almost impossible and brought the 2023 workshop forward to 2022 within a very short time. They carefully revisited all the locations beforehand and organized and guided us through an exceptionally successful photography tour of Brittany. As always, they adapted 100% to the participants' wishes and shared a wealth of photographic knowledge. As with all of Ronny's workshops, it was a complete success that left us wanting more. - Michael Sonntag (2022)
- Many thanks for all the wonderful photography locations you selected for the Bay of Biscay trip. I was able to capture many beautiful moods and am delighted with the photographs I created. I am already looking forward to the next trips. - Silvia Otto (2022)
