White Angels of Camargue - Europe's Last Cowboys (4K)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Wild West you can find it in France, although it should better be called the Wild South. Cowboys, wild white horses and pink flamingos. Hard to imagine any place on earth where you'll find all of them together but the vast Camargue delta in the South of France is home to all of these colorful creatures.
Since the 1500’s the Cowboys of the Provence, Les Gardians de Camargue - how they call themselves, have been tending to herds of horses in the unfenced coastal region of the Camargue.
It takes a very rustic horse to survive in this territory. The Camargue horse, also known as the "horse of the sea", is very harsh and one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. For more than 500 years the Guardians have been caring for them. They have gained a deep, old knowledge about these wonderful beings who look more like the mounts of fairies, than just animals. They share a language with the horses, a language full of gestures. It’s a communication based upon respect. Philippe, one of the Guardians told me: "You could argue that humans are more intelligent but humans lie to each other. You can not lie to a horse, they are too sensitive for that."
The Guardians have been playing a vital role in Camargue culture for generations but their way of life is becoming harder and harder to sustain. There are just a few professional Guardians left. It’s a very tough profession. It’s hard work and physical. Seven days a week, every day of the year. I hope that the tradition will continue, it’s a job for those who truly love it.
I hope you like my latest work, I'm very curious to hear your feedback - let me know your thoughts in the comments. Producing this video was a long dream of mine and I'm super happy to finally share it with you. Thanks to everybody who helped me on this amazing project.
Filmed at the end of June / beginning of July 2019 (the hottest week in France since weather record with up to 45 degrees Celsius).
Team:
Camera, Edit & Color Grading: Dennis Schmelz (www.dennisschme...)
Graded with my Transsiberian Dream LUT Package (dennisschmelz....)
Music: Christian Heschl (www.heschl-mus...)
Sound Design: Friedhelm Mund (www.friedhelmmu...)
B-Roll: Benoit Malaussena
Thanks also to Daniel Kordan and Iurie Belegurchi from Iceland Photo Tours (www.iceland-pho...) and Canon Germany (www.canon.de) for supporting me on this video project.
Blog: dennisschmelz....
Gear (Affiliate Links):
Canon 1DX Mark II (amzn.to/2ICXrkE)
Canon 16-35 f/2.8 (amzn.to/3241oqi)
Canon 24-70 f/2.8 (amzn.to/2VsFRow)
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 (amzn.to/33kf28R)
Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 (amzn.to/322DThn)
DJI Ronin S Gimbal (amzn.to/2nxHswS)
DJI Phantom 4 Pro Drone (amzn.to/35n1TO7)
📼 LUTs
"Prejudice" S-Log3 LUT: bit.ly/3w97bZC
"Transsiberian Dream" LUT Package: bit.ly/2SCvd1A
Edited in Premiere Pro CC 2019.
For licensing inquiries please contact info(at)dennisschmelz.de.
It's not allowed to use any of this footage without licensing - also for non-commercial use.
© Dennis Schmelz | 2019
Find me also here:
dennisschmelz.de
/ dennisschmelz
/ dennisschmelzfilm
vimeo.com/dsch...
#camargue #horses #pferde

[@wizardofscissory]

Thank you for the absolutely amazing video of these magnificent horses in the Camargue which is one of my favorite places on Earth! I had the privilege of filming the flamingoes on my way to another destination in the Camargue some years ago. I am thrilled to have seen this reminder of the trip that I took to beautiful France . . . .

[@akbarkhantoru]

This is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a while

[@DennisSchmelz]

Glad to hear :)

[@user-rv1zr6vt4m]

2hdbdhdhdhdbxxbdudhcdhxbduxbdhxbdycbd20bhdhxbdhxbdhxbxhdhxhshxhdhdbxbehbegdhwydbehbxhdhdhsbxdhdbxdysbxbchdcehbs

[@deanfirnatine7814]

From an American cowboy, I pray the tradition continues

[@DennisSchmelz]

Hopefully!

[@kerryanne7965]

This is one of the places on my bucket list to visit. Absolutely magnanimous. God is awesome

[@TexasHart]

I was in Camargue in 2009 at a Black Bull Ranch on a very small and personal tour. I got to witness these men in their magic, first-hand. I was scrolling through my photos of that trip, today, when I decided to Google the White Horses of Camargue, and your video appeared. Makes my heart full with joy and tears. That was the BEST time of my life. I felt at home in Provence... more than anywhere else in the world. Turns out, my ancestors are from there. The Gertrude Stein quote is about finding your heart in Paris... nonsense. The airport is in Paris. My heart is in the Provençal region. As a horsewoman, myself, in my younger years... everything you say about them is true. Amazing creatures. Thank you for this film. Filled my heart during a very difficult time. ♥️♥️♥️

[@DennisSchmelz]

So glad to hear, thanks a lot for your comment!

[@user-rv1zr6vt4m]

2bdnehxnshcndhsndjcnrhfjfhfnrhcndh200000000000fehfnfhxnfhdbrhcnfhcndhfhfhsndhrhfnrhdbrhfbfhfrhdhdhdbehcnd10hcfdjfucchcjfhc

[@antoniogoncalves5005]

Great Video, in Portugal we have been riding horses for more than 5000 years, Lusitano the oldest ridden horse known in the world

[@melindaavila498]

Such a beautiful video! I was there a few years ago and saw the horses, also the black bulls. Stunning land!

[@readytogo6569]

I lived in France as a kid (‘70-‘73). Rode one of these out to see wild ones. Don’t know if there are still wild horses in Camargue, but there were then. Stunning filming. Thank you for showing the small corners of our fascinating world. ❣️

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks for your words and watching the video :)

[@coimbralaw]

Animals deserve our love, compassion, support and care. Especially these majestic creatures. They are of the Earth and we are honored to share this planet with them.

[@OneBlueFroggy]

A thing of beauty, may they run forever ! Great videography and tales of the Camargue ! Bravo ✌️ 🇨🇦

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot, glad you like it!

[@user-rv1zr6vt4m]

​@@DennisSchmelz2bfhdhfbdhxbdycbfhchdhcndufhdydheydheydhdyfdybcd1hceyfhdufb❤hfhrydhrhdhdhchdydhfyhfychdy

[@GamesofMischief]

These horses are real unicorns. They gave up there horns and chose to live along side mankind

[@eliasderksen3163]

Solche Atemberaubenden Aufnahmen! Starke Arbeit Bro 🙌🏼

[@yvonnejoyhofstede8323]

I just see this video and am in tears. These horses...their elegance, their beauty, their graciousness and immense spiritual power touched me very deep. I would love to visit this place and its guardians and learn from them. Where can I find it. Thank you so much, and much love.

[@edwinnorris5807]

Beautifully shot & edited The passion of the human spirit runs wild..Congrats Dennis on your gold award. Well deserved👏👏

[@rock-time6427]

Unglaublich Vielen DANK für so viel Zauber, so viel Emotionen und so unendlich viel LEBEN .... Liebe Grüße aus der Schweiz

[@Ihaveadog230]

Horses are like no other animal. they are truly magical. Beautiful, I got chills.

[@Diamondwarriorofjerusalema]

I would love to ride a horse again honestly, if it wasn’t for my hay fever allergy😢

[@Ihaveadog230]

@@Diamondwarriorofjerusalema aw I’m sorry :( I’ve only ever heard of hay fever in the warmer months, but there is a special type of horse that people don’t have allergic reactions to! Although it’s for people who may be allergic to horse hair. It’s called the curly horse :)

[@Diamondwarriorofjerusalema]

@@Ihaveadog230 oh really?

[@Diamondwarriorofjerusalema]

@@Ihaveadog230 I also meant in the sense of having a running dripping nose if you know what I mean?

[@Ihaveadog230]

@@Diamondwarriorofjerusalema Ah, alright. And yes, there is! They’re called curly horses since their hair is curly which is something I don’t see often in horses.

[@williamsutherland9977]

Beautiful horses

[@crossxoverland3481]

Your appreciation and understanding of horses shines through-bravo!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot. Actually it was a brand new world for me, but these horses are so funny and lovely!

[@rebeccaerb9935]

Beautiful Thankyou

[@DennisSchmelz]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@malinibai1133]

I feel enchanted.................. a world of beauty and mystery and magical creatures descended from the steeds of the roman Legions. Thank you, gardians.

[@maryw1853]

I am so moved by this! Congratulations on the nomination, you absolutely have my vote! Completely beautiful, emotional work. Thank you!

[@DennisSchmelz]

So glad to hear, thank you so much!

[@SgtNarrow]

What a beautiful work! This deserves so much more views! Congratulations!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks man, really appreciate it!

[@zorangrbac7230]

Traumhaft schön - ein Film für Oscar 👍

[@DennisSchmelz]

Hehe, das freut mich - vielen Dank 🙏

[@LorraineEvans]

THANK YOU! Stunning! Didn't know about the guardians although we, just through sheer luck, saw a small group galloping across a marshy field about 12 years ago on a visit to Provence. Hope they are around forever! Thank You again.

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thank you Lorraine! 🙏

[@icecream6680]

majestic creatures

[@DennisSchmelz]

🙏

[@marikacanella2886]

I love horses

[@stefanotraneprotopapa7621]

So gorgeous! Bravo!

[@Zabination]

Sau schöner Kurzfilm!!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Danke dir mein Lieber, jetzt erst gesehen?

[@Zabination]

so bewusst ja haha - gefällt mir echt gut und sicher auch ne tolle Zeit im Projekt! @@DennisSchmelz

[@DennisSchmelz]

@@Zabination Das freut mich sehr. Ja, die Dreharbeiten waren super. Abgesehen vom Hitzerekord in Frankreich, bei 46 Grad macht das Drehen dann nicht mehr soooo viel Spaß, darum haben wir uns auf die Morgen- und Abendstunden begrenzt, eh schöneres Licht! 😁

[@carlotacarmenmartin6434]

Espectacular vídeo, los caballos son maravillosos acompañados de la maravillosa figura del mar y de la melodía, hace un conjunto único qué llega al alma!!!! Felicidades precioso.........❤

[@ThePrimakerel]

Simply stunning!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot!

[@Theredroomsalonspa]

Thank You so much for this stunning short docu ! Jehovah God be the glory ❤️

[@DennisSchmelz]

It's a pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@annsjoholm7310]

I felt the heart in every breath with Saya, a horse ❤. Bless you for being protectors of these free spirits ❤

[@julietannou6034]

Sublime ❤

[@margretmartin7572]

Beautiful!!

[@btrsam]

Mega! Sehr schöne Aufnahmen, Bildgestaltung tolle Einstellungen. Ich habe dein Artikel in der neuen Ausgabe der Film&TV Kamera gelesen. Ich habe auch meine Ausbildung als Mediengestalter Bild und Ton gemacht in Frankfurt. Sowas Inspiriert! Weiter so!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Freut mich sehr zu hören, vielen Dank. Dir auch alles Gute und viel Erfolg! :)

[@LeToile9]

Beautiful video. Magnifique

[@Beboyphotography]

This is epic dude! Crazy good work! 😍

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks Julien, it was such a great trip and so nice to meet you there. Hope we will do something together soon.

[@luisschungel9700]

These shots are insanely well done!!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot :)

[@AtriKY111]

Как красиво! Восхитительно!

[@sw270189]

amazing shots! everything fits perfectly together! great job Dennis

[@DennisSchmelz]

Vielen Dank Sascha. Freut mich sehr, dass es dir gefällt! :)

[@marinabreen9168]

They are beautiful amazing video 💯💙💙😊.

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thank you so much!

[@andreaottolina]

Really beautiful, a perfect connection between images, music and words. Probabilly soon I’ll go to Camargue, I’ll try to be inspirated by your video.

[@DennisSchmelz]

Glad to hear, thanks Andrea!

[@sharonroberts3397]

FANTASTIC FILMING GORGEOUS SCENERY LOVE 🐎 LOVE 🐎🐴🐎🐴🐎

[@je_sinn1190]

This channel is so underrated man🙄. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot - I hope more and more people will discover the channel 😁

[@pamelastones4802]

Absolutely marvellous and wonderful! ❤

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thank you Pamela!

[@tiredandold2019]

First time on the channel. This is truly incredible work. I was locked on 3 seconds into this. I am meeting with my filming partner in a few hours and I am gonna have him watch this. We just purchased our first camera (Canon EOS M50) and I feel like we can learn a lot from you. Thanks for the awesome content. Just subscribed!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot, very glad to hear that. Good luck for your future! ;)

[@DigitalDre]

wow mal wieder ein Hammer video, mich würde interessieren wieviele Drehs du organisiert hast, weil du ja nur in golden hour aufgenommen hast :)

[@DennisSchmelz]

Danke dir, freut mich! :) Wir waren etwa 5 Tage in der Gegend und haben immer zum Sonnenauf- und untergang mit den Pferden geshootet! ;)

[@bentoStudio]

Great work and very nice narration !!!

[@meras121]

wow those camera shots are fantastic

[@janlaurel7830]

absolutely stunning

[@jeffkodiac]

Awesome video ! So lyrical and inspiring.

[@DennisSchmelz]

Glad to hear, thanks Jeff!

[@anduswamy6353]

beautiful

[@bhagyashreeghatak5545]

Awesome 😍

[@iluxman]

Beautiful shot! Thanks for sharing

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks for watching :)

[@pietrofrisella2903]

Sehr schönes Video... Kompliment an Hr. Schmelz

[@DennisSchmelz]

Vielen Dank :)

[@farhanaazeemi1395]

so beautiful 💗💗💗

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot!

[@emperoroflaw]

I truly love horses 🐎 especially white horses 🐴

[@alaschgari]

WOW! Beautiful!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks Aljoscha, glad you like it! :)

[@that_hunter_jumper818]

Mind if I use some of these clips? This is so pretty!

[@matthawksworth]

The built in alarm system makes it hard for a bad guy to steal your ride

[@asfaloth1494]

Hi , Really cool video!! I am planning do a cool video edit for my barn and horses for a riding event. It is going to be 30-60 seconds. It is about a riding in nature and exploring different cities riding event. So I came across your video wanted to ask: What editing tool or program (idk) did you use? Is there a way i can learn it (a udemy course maybe) I need to get some of content from internet where can I find it ? I have zero experience but I ll learn fast. Can you help me and give a few ideas? Thanks already :)

[@bluemoon9701]

A passion..a Life..

[@ladislavsvencik]

Wonderfull!!!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thank you ;)

[@michellewagner3237]

Epic ❣️

[@galinanikolaeva2692]

Божественная красота. Умнейшее животное.

[@VisiVisuals]

beautiful shots!! how did you shoot the last clip? with a drone or from a cliff maybe?

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thank you Victor. The last clip was captured by a drone! ;)

[@PLT722]

So so beautiful ❤️Definitely something I want to do to make this life more fulfilled 🐴💖

[@christophemariller1995]

hello it's really an incredible video full of emotion, I would like to know the exact title of the music thank you in advance and let us dream again

[@Uweson]

Good stuff !!

[@DennisSchmelz]

Danke dir mein Guter :)

[@donatosarcinella1987]

Stupendo

[@keziah6730]

So so beautiful 💖

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot!

[@diamond-flashy8681]

wow! ❤❤❤

[@nicoletteolle4772]

Amazing ❤️

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks 🙏

[@kongbrailatpamranjana9799]

I am Ranjana Sharma lmphal Manipur lndia..A great working out with the wild horses 🐴🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot and best regards to India!

[@kavindyaherath340]

it's touch my hart 😍 😍

[@DennisSchmelz]

Glad to hear :)

[@ever_filmed]

Damn nice! What is this song called?

[@OffrdplayersSparkCuriousity]

I'm in flames and full of hope for the concept of the human kind - with the aid of these beings

[@DennisSchmelz]

🙏

[@MichaelZi]

Very nice :) Grats

[@alkhanssa7843]

You made my day 😍❤️🏇🏻

[@DennisSchmelz]

Glad to hear =)

[@azhar7591]

just wow bro

[@DennisSchmelz]

Thanks a lot! =)

[@jpgirbon1152]

Bonjour puis je utiliser vos images pour illustrer une reprise de One more cup of coffee Dylan (reprise non commerciale)?

[@danielguetschow]

Wow richtig schön :)

[@DennisSchmelz]

Danke dir Daniel! =)

[@tariksaidi5620]

einfach Woow 🤟♥️

[@user-ll5cs9nn6w]

I Feel Powerful 🦄♥️🤠

[@queirozffotos9262]

Lindo...fantástico

[@Lena.Fridaa]

amazing :D

[@DennisSchmelz]

🙏

[@nikolinabukal8292]

Predivno je konji su prelijepe životinje

[@shelleyann9101]

What are the whips for? Forcing them to run I guess

[@hidalgosantagusti3021]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@carlotacarmenmartin6434]

👌👌👌🐎

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

🥺♥️

[@nataliestiben3007]

👌❤️❤️❤️

[@ophelia05]

Can I use this for school purposes

[@PEGGY7018]

COOL CAN I USE BECAUSE I MAKE HIS SONG

[@freyja1739]

Can i come and work there 😁

[@calebpagan2226]

Could I use 10 seconds of this for a video? I don’t monetize or make money off my videos. You can monetize it and I will put a link to your channel in my description. I hope to hear back from you. 🙏

[@rangerjaxmaxmay7742]

Horses & dogs are so connected to us. Sadly there was a BBC Earth vid named Ride into Relaxation with the Cowboys of the Camargue BUT those brutes wore STEEL SPURS, carried Steel-pronged poles & the horse in the beginning did not like the rider & the horses had curb bits, nose chains, martingales, cruppers!! Those guys were not cowboys in the good sense but in the bad sense. Cruel. This video is entirely different with different riders, so thank you. Get rid of those other guys who give you a bad name.

[@kennanapier867]

I am manifesting a horse at the moment

[@sil398]

No creo en ningún horóscopo pero oh,en el chino soy 🐎...

[@nenadmitic2359]

Thanks cookies for your support in support of Das Culture AVE The Duke of Bentleigh Victoria sincerely yours Ned Mitic director of the Public Image Propaganda and The Style Council of Australia overall future Ned Mitic Advertising

[@Rockymtnbloom]

Beautiful!