South of France picture subjects?

[Koolzakukumba]

I'm off to Bezier in the Languedoc, not far from the Med, for three weeks next month. Are there any suggestions for subject matter? I like landscapes and architectural shots but am also slowly getting into street photography, particularly at night.

Also, can anyone offer any advice about taking a camera to the beach? Not from the equipment point of view but more the ethics of the thing. I fancy photographing some "large old bodies"-fat, wobbly people to be totally non-PC about it-but don't want to be tagged a pervert! Are there any rules or regulations that I could run foul of and attract the attention of the local law enforcement practioners?

Any advice would be welcomed.

Bruce

[Gabriel M.A.]

I think you'll be tagged a pervert when you go back home

It's rather normal in France and Germany (and Norway and Sweden and Denmark and Luxembourg). I would exercise the same common sense as I would when in, say, Parliament. OK, maybe not, let's say your own bathroom. It's normal for you and your family to walk around there, say, au naturel. Now, how would you think they would behave if you were stalking them with a camera? Rather bad analogy, but I think you can see where I'm coming from.

I'd say enjoy being at the beach, enjoy the sun, and take pictures as you would at a pic-nic, not at a trial. Good luck and happy shooting!

[Koolzakukumba]

"I think you'll be tagged a pervert when you go back home

It's normal for you and your family to walk around there, say, au naturel. Now, how would you think they would behave if you were stalking them with a camera? Rather bad analogy, but I think you can see where I'm coming from."

Ha! Taking a camera on a nudist beach would get me tagged a pervert, no doubt about it! I should have made myself clear: I'd just be going to a normal beach where the fat, wobbly bits would be covered with bathing costumes. I'd also have my wife and our three kids with us which might water down the pervert factor a bit.

Bruce

[Gabriel M.A.]

You're in for a surprise, then, when you see the "normal" beaches. Different from what the U.S. ones are; different from what I think the Brittish ones are. Yes, the family will help. And remember: don't stare!

[Paul Connet]

Originally Posted by Koolzakukumba

Also, can anyone offer any advice about taking a camera to the beach? Not from the equipment point of view but more the ethics of the thing. I fancy photographing some "large old bodies"-fat, wobbly people to be totally non-PC about it-but don't want to be tagged a pervert! Are there any rules or regulations that I could run foul of and attract the attention of the local law enforcement practioners?
Any advice would be welcomed.
Bruce

Bruce, I would suggest forget the "large old bodies" search in the south of France.
Rather try something like the shot below, and show us your pics when you return.

Have a nice trip, Paul C.

[Koolzakukumba]

Think I'll take a telephoto lens then, Paul.

Bruce

[dmr]

Originally Posted by Koolzakukumba

Think I'll take a telephoto lens then, Paul.

Years ago my brother used to have what he called his "beach lens" which was a huge (400mm I think) cheap Spiratone telephoto. He would use one of those short tripods and just shoot what interested him ...

I fancy photographing some "large old bodies"-fat, wobbly people to be totally non-PC

... and trust me, that was not what interested him.

[RML]

First of all, enjoy the stay.

Than, bringing along the wife and kids does make a difference. You can walk up and down the beach with one or the other and shoot away. Especially if your wife is on your side you'll be seen less of a pervert. Your wife may think differently, though, so perhaps better walk around with the kids.

European beaches are almost as nude as nude beaches. The teeny thongs the ladies wear cover hardly anything. Only Brazilian beaches would perhaps be more nude.

Don't forget the hinterland of the southern France. A more wonderful country can hardly be imagined. Good old Vincent van Gogh knew well where to go....