FIPF – Mike Smith

Mike Smith – FIPF – May 2026

I’ve always loved horses, their beauty, grace, and strength. I can’t recall when I first saw images of the Camargue horses, but I do know I was entranced. Not being able to afford advertised workshops, I organised my own!

In this panel I present images of Camargue horses who live in semi-feral conditions in the Rhône river delta. Most have never been broken or ridden.

Better known as the “White Horses of the Camargue” they are born brown, but with age become grey and eventually completely white.
The images illustrate their personality, their relationship with one another and with the gardians (the Camargue “cowboys” who use them for herding cattle).

I have chosen to isolate the subject from its background to enhance the image and create cohesion in the panel.

Click on the image below to show a bigger view of the panel:

One of the most important services provided by the Irish Photographic Federation is the IPF Distinctions service.

Individual photographers present their work before the distinctions judges, who assess whether the applicant should be awarded the relevant distinction applied for.

There are three levels of Distinction:- Licentiateship, Associateship, and Fellowship. Distinctions sittings are held twice a year; typically in May and November.