How did we get to July and where did the last few months go?
A photographer's life in Provence
I am going to admit that I started writing this about 6 weeks ago and somehow haven’t managed to finish this post or get it out. So I am writing this on a slightly cooler Sunday morning outside, listening to the cigales (cicadas) sing before the heat arrives.
I have been fairly absent over here and indeed on social media in the last few months. In fact I have realised that I haven’t posted since April. But that’s OK. I haven’t had the time or the energy to keep up with everything and not only that a lot of the projects that I am working on are not for public consumption.
A big part of my job is working for magazines and publishers. That means that most of them want exclusivity until it actually gets published. Another part of my job is working for clients who will post or use my photographs for their upcoming projects which may or may not mean sharing.
Contrary to people sharing or even over sharing I spend a lot of time not being able to share what I have been working on immediately or sometimes even a year or two later. It doesn’t bother me, but in a world that is visually overloaded and a constant need to share it’s hard not to fall into the trap.
Getting back to my point, that in this season, most photographers will hope that this is/has been a busy season. Once the height of summer comes along, when the sun is at it’s hottest, the light is the most glaring and people are on holiday and especially for Interiors, work generally comes to a halt until the month of September.
I just finished my last shoot yesterday and now have a couple of weeks of post production ahead of me. Then I’m going to take a break. Without my camera? NO! We are heading to Sweden for a couple of weeks and somehow I have managed (without even trying) the possibility of shooting a couple of places already!
Once a photographer always a photographer!
As a recap of the last few months, I have been working pretty much everyday. It was a precarious few months in the Spring, dodging hailstorms, grey skies and rainy days in Provence (yes if you can believe it!). Then the ‘canicule’ (heatwave) hit with such intensity, giving me heatstroke in Fès and then trying to find enough energy in Provence to continue all my shoots.
If it wasn’t for all the post production I’d feel on top of everything but the more you shoot, the more you have to trawl through the photos and edit and the more days needed to work on post production. Clients wanting the photos yesterday (of course) or last minute (often).
The great thing is that I am managing to carve out more work here in Provence. I spent so many years escaping to other countries but I am finding that working here in Provence and carving out a niche is just what I need at this time in my life.
I have been working with the wonderful
on my marketing and she has helped me create my newsletter and overall help me with my marketing strategy. She has some great ideas and it has been really good allowing myself to work with someone and bounce ideas off and move forward. It is hard to do everything and it’s hard to promote yourself, so having someone in your corner supporting you and giving you ideas has been a great experience.So just a few updates as I desperately want to get this out!
For all subscribers to
there is a special discount code for my upcoming workshop in Provence this September (more below). Thank you Judy for being so supportive.If you know
then you know they have a bi-monthly magazine. I am delighted to have not 1 but 5 articles in the July August Issue out now. You can order online.I will be posting next week some of the events and exhibitions happening in Provence this Summer, so keep an eye out for that one, especially if you are heading this way this summer
Our studio is OPEN and you would be most welcome to come and visit us if you are here in Provence this Summer. Antiques, artwork, photography and books for sale.
PROVENCE PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE RETREAT
16 - 23 September
Finally just a SHOUT OUT for my upcoming PROVENCE PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE RETREAT 16 - 23 September. I was beginning to think the dates were cursed as I have had lots of enquiries but the dates don’t work and then a week ago I had two cancellations.
So WHY JOIN ME in Provence?
I have lived here in Provence for nearly 20 years. I am married to a Frenchman @mike_sajnoski and I speak French fluently. I have been a professional photographer for nearly 20 years and I have a deep understanding of this place.
I know a 'Photography workshop' might put some of you off but this a retreat designed for beginners to professional photographers, camera to phone users.
BUT it's not just about photography, It's a week of creativity, learning, discovery, making new friends and above all experiencing our lives here in Provence.
Come and discover why people love the light in Provence and learn to develop your own photographic style inspired by the wonderful surroundings be it the countryside, the gorgeous Provençal villages, private homes that I have shot, my studio full of props and even portraiture with a gorgeous model.
Not only that you will be staying in a truly magnificent house a stone’s throw from Eygalières, one of my exclusive addresses with beautiful gardens and a pool to relax in.
WHO is this for:
• Creative photographers of any level or experience - from beginner to pro
• iPhone photographers, camera users
• Anyone who learns best in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere
What You will learn:
• creative portrait photography across a range of settings
• food and table styling and photography
• working with props and how to style a scene
• how to develop your photographers’ eye
• creative courage and new talents you didn’t know you possess!
WHAT You will get:
• Hand-picked adventures across the hidden Brocantes, markets, gardens, homes and studios of Provence
• Delicious home-cooked meals using authentic local ingredients
• Group and solo photography challenges to expand your creativity
• personal feedback and guidance as you develop your skills
• expert support to get the most out of your camera or phone
• a private room with bathroom in a beautiful old mas
• access to my home photography studio with all my kit
• a chance to go antiquing with my husband
• lots of wine, laughter, and a new group of lifelong friends
So what is stopping you? So if you would like to learn about photography, or be surrounded by like minded people or just looking for some creativity then why not join me here in Provence?
The all inclusive price is 4950 euros which includes all tuition including 1-1 sessions, airport/train transfers, local transport, accommodation (private room and bathroom), excursions, food and wine.
If you would like to come with a partner/friend or share a room please contact for prices. I also offer a payment plan.
Please do share if you know anyone who would be interested in my workshop.
Thank you for reading and I’ll be back soon
Joanna x
My pleasure Joanna. Your work is superb and I genuinely believe that your workshops will be extraordinary. I’d be there if that was possible but at the moment I’m on the other side of the globe. Enjoy!