Spring in the Camargue brings a stunning transformation, especially for nature photographers. Migratory birds return, the landscape shifts, and life begins anew. Alexandra Martinez, an experienced wildlife photographer who has lived in the region for five years, shares her approach to capturing the Camargue’s beauty.
One of Alexandra’s favourite subjects is the black-winged stilt, especially during the breeding season. “Black-winged stilts are fascinating to observe. These graceful-looking birds can be very aggressive when defending their territory during mating season and when they have chicks. I’ve seen them attack foxes, herons, and even marsh harriers to keep their breeding areas safe.
They also display fascinating behaviour during mating, which offers great photographic opportunities. The whole process is brief, but the behaviour afterwards is remarkable. The male will wrap his wing around her, and they’ll walk together like a perfect dance. It’s one of those moments that makes wildlife photography so special.”
Wild beauty
When Alexandra first arrived in the Camargue – she’s originally from the German Eifel region – she expected to find wild horses running freely across the landscape. But she quickly learned that most horses in the region are managed by breeders on their private properties. However, she found a way to capture the wild spirit of the Camargue’s iconic horses. “I was lucky to meet the right people, who gave me access to their private property, where a large herd of Camargue horses roams. This private area is about 560 hectares and contains swamps and meadows … So I could follow the horses closely. I observed the herd from sunrise to sunset, documenting their behaviour for years.”
Alexandra’s favourite place to shoot the horses with clients is the beach, where their interactions are full of energy and life. “The beach is where you see real action. The stallions love to play – unless you add a female to the mix. Then it turns into a fight.”
Flamingos and migratory birds
Flamingos, typical in the Camargue’s salt lakes and wetlands, are another frequent subject in Alexandra’s portfolio. These birds are present year-round, but their behaviour and appearance change with the seasons.
“I photograph flamingos primarily around the private marshes near my home,” Alexandra says. “You can find them in the Ornithological Parc, but there’s lots of tourists. Flamingos start out with soft, pastel pink hues but during their mating season, their colours intensify. That makes it exciting to photograph them at different times of the year.”
The European Bee-Eater is one of the migratory birds Alexandra eagerly anticipates each spring. “I live just a few meters away from a place where they breed. The challenge is always finding the right equipment to get close enough without disturbing them, especially because they’re so skittish when they first arrive.”
Alexandra uses one-man chair hides, though she notes that the conditions in the region—salt and humidity—mean these hides require frequent replacements. “I’m always looking for better and more durable equipment, especially when it comes to hides. So I’m hoping these chair hides will become part of the Mr Jan gear range!”
Alexandra’s favourite Mr Jan Gear equipment
- Floating Hide Combo: “Such a game changer! It’s light and easy to use, even in the shallow marshes. I can move around quietly and stay low, which gives me that perfect perspective for bird photography. It’s a wonderful technique and a must-have for anyone shooting in the wetlands.”
- Beanbag: “Crucial when I’m shooting horses or birds on the beach. It helps stabilise my camera, especially with longer exposure times, and it’s waterproof, which is essential when shooting in the saltwater environment.”
- Shower Cap (all sizes): “Invaluable for keeping my camera equipment dry and safe.”
- Lens Carrier System: “This makes carrying my heavy telephoto lenses much easier on long excursions. I can access my gear quickly and it keeps everything stable, even when I’m walking through rough terrain.”
- Boris M Camera Backpack: “When I upgraded to an 800mm lens, I needed a solid backpack to protect my gear while traveling. The Boris M is perfect for this. It’s spacious, offers excellent protection for my lenses, and is easy to carry. I also love the fact that I can open it from the sides, which helps keep dust and moisture out of my equipment.”
All images © Alexandra Martinez
