Hey gang,

I’m in Spain doing some final scouting for an August workshop, I just wanted to drop a final note before we gather in Paris. I landed in Paris and zipped through the airport security. I’ve been reading some horror stories about their facial recognition not working but it was less than five minutes for me, it may have been my oh-so-innocent face!

This being a European adventure, there are some things to keep in mind. Our Paris hotel isn’t the fanciest but the location is great. A fair warning: the hotel soap and shampoo are small packets that barely get the job done. You might want to be sure to bring your own. Along those lines, if you are a wash cloth user, bring your own, hotels here rarely have them. And don’t bring your American hair dryer, even with a power plug converter you’ll burn it up. The hotels have one.

Breakfast isn't included with our room in Paris, it frankly isn't great. There are some wonderful cafes nearby, the desk will be happy to point them out. Breakfast is included in Aigues-Mortes.

You will need power adapters. France uses the common Type E two prong power plug. If you have any device, like a laptop, that has a power block, or anything that says 110/220 volts, like your camera battery charger, you’re fine as long as you have the simple plug converter. Most things adapt with the proper plug. I have extras so if you forget or can’t get the right one, let me know.

France uses the Euro, I find the best way to get them is through an ATM, they are everywhere. You really don't need cash, every place takes a Visa or Mastercard, not so much American Express. There may be times when you use your card and they ask if you want to pay in Euros or US dollars, alway say Euros, you'll get the best exchange rate.

We’ll be moving around Pais on the Metro, a good way to go. You can get Metro cards at the stations or download an app for your phone. Either can be refilled, so you don’t have to guess how much you need at the start. And Google Maps on your phone will plot the Metro path for you, so if you are running around Paris on your own, that is a great way to find the best way to get there.

If you have a favorite Parisian restaurant or location, let me know, I'm always looking for something new.

When we get to the Carmargue, the best time for shooting is sunrise and sunset. This time of year that is early and late. So we’ll have plenty of time in between for naps and relaxing. Here’s the  approximate shooting schedule:

Morning

Sunrise is around 6am so we'll leave the hotel around 5:15/5:30 (depending on shoot location) Shoot starting around 6am (depending on cloud cover, etc.) until 7.30am approx.

Back at the hotel for breakfast by around 8am/8:15am (depending on location)

Afternoon/evening shoots

Departure from hotel around 7pm (depending on shoot location)

Shoot time start around 7:45pm (depending on cloud cover, etc.) to sunset 9:15pm

Back at the hotel between 9:30/10pm

I’ll have a van so if we want to do some little daytime excursions, we can. We’ll also have a session or two in the afternoon to talk about post processing and shooting tips. The hotel does have a nice pool, you may want to bring your bathing suit.

I'll be in Paris Thursday, if you are arriving early, let me know you are there.

I'll see you Sunday at the hotel in Paris! Holler if you have any questions before then.

Loren