Welcome to Camargue Photo Hides by Alexandra Martinez, 

a unique photography experience designed by wildlife photographer Alexandra Martinez.

Located in the protected wetlands of the Camargue, the hides offer exceptional opportunities to photograph rare and iconic bird species in their natural environment.

All hides are built with respect for light, landscape, and animal behavior. From sunrise reflections to evening flights, each session is designed to provide silence, proximity, and authenticity — the essence of true nature photography.

Whether you are a passionate birder, a professional photographer, or simply drawn to the quiet rhythm of the marshes, 

Camargue Photo Hides by Alexandra Martinez opens the door to one of Europe’s most fascinating ecosystems.

01

The Idea

As a wildlife photographer based in the Camargue, I often faced the same challenge as many others: limited access.

Most of the region’s wetlands and lagoons are privately owned or protected, making it almost impossible to photograph wildlife in good light and from the right position.

Public areas are few, and even there, activity and human presence often disturb natural behavior.

Camargue Photo Hides by Alexandra Martinez was created to change that.

The project provides professional photographers and serious enthusiasts with access to carefully selected private wetlands. 

02

 The Hides

The hides are the result of years of observation and fieldwork in the Camargue.

Each one was placed where light, background, and wind direction create ideal photographic conditions.

The hides are active from March to the end of June, when the Camargue is at its most vibrant.

There are both fixed hides, located on dry ground overlooking different habitats, and floating hides, used on shallow ponds for low-angle perspectives.

Water levels are ideal, vegetation is fresh, and bird activity is constant from sunrise to sunset.

It’s the season of courtship, nesting, and movement — the most dynamic and photogenic time of the year.

Outside this period, the hides remain closed to allow the sites to rest and wildlife to follow its natural rhythm.

03

Photography Experience

Photography sessions take place in the first light of morning and the last light of evening — the hours when the Camargue is quiet and alive.

Each photographer works independently after a short briefing on access, behavior, and safety.

Each hide is limited to a maximum of two photographers, and resting periods between sessions are respected to allow the sites to recover naturally. 

Photographers are required to bring their own tripod, camera and telephoto lenses.

Waders are provided on site for use during floating hide sessions.

Each hide is equipped with a special one-way, non-reflective glass window that allows close observation without being seen or disturbing the animals.

The floating hides offer a different perspective — low angle, mobility, and direct contact with the water surface.

The floating hides are stable, safe, and allows natural photography at eye level.

 A tripod head is required during floating hide sessions.

04

Species

The Camargue is one of the richest bird areas in Europe, with more than 350 recorded species throughout the year.

Its mosaic of habitats — salt lagoons, freshwater marshes, reed beds, rice fields, and dry pastures — supports both breeding and migratory populations.

From March to June, the hides offer access to some of the most active sites for bird photography.

Typical species include black-winged stilts, avocets, glossy ibises, little and cattle egrets, squacco and purple herons, bee-eaters, terns and flamingos.  

Raptors are a constant presence in the Camargue. Among the most frequently observed species are marsh harrier, black kite, kestrel, buzzard, short-toed snake eagle and occasionally osprey.

In the evening and early morning, several owl species become active, including barn owl, little owl, long-eared owl, and, in suitable habitats, tawny owl.

During this period, many species are nesting or feeding chicks, providing natural activity and interaction.

The diversity of species changes daily with light, water levels, and weather conditions.