A passionate photographer's early morning venture to one of southern France's most beautiful beaches has resulted in a breathtaking image that perfectly captures the magical quality of dawn light. Eric Le Jeune, a retired teacher from the Paris region who now lives near Montauban in southwestern France, spent several days vacationing at Port-Leucate in the Aude department, where he seized the opportunity to photograph the spectacular coastal landscape during the golden hour.
Le Jeune, who has been pursuing photography for over 35 years, exclusively uses professional Sony equipment for his work. During his recent vacation to the Mediterranean coastal town, he carefully planned his shoot after scouting the location the day before. The resulting photograph showcases the pristine beauty of one of Occitanie region's most stunning beaches, captured with remarkable precision and artistic vision.
The 60-something retired educator, who taught at Déodat de Séverac High School in Toulouse, has developed a methodical approach to landscape photography over his decades-long career. Speaking about his process, Le Jeune explained his philosophy: "I'm really not the type to project myself, to come back several mornings and try by almost obsessing over a location, with a very precise position and angle. I take my time, with scouting the day before if necessary. It's so much more pleasant for me and more spontaneous as a result."
Le Jeune's connection to Port-Leucate runs deep, as he regularly visits the area with his partner. "I know its beaches well and Leucate as a whole. We go there regularly," he shared. During this particular trip, he discovered the perfect conditions for what would become his most talked-about series of photographs. After consulting with the local tourist office to confirm water levels at a natural reflecting pool, he identified the ideal location for capturing the interplay between light and water.
The decisive moment came on Thursday, September 18th, when Le Jeune woke up just before 5 AM and made his way to the predetermined spot. He spent time waiting for the perfect conditions, understanding that patience is crucial for landscape photography. "The morning lights are incomparable, superb, natural. I take a lot of shots in the morning and also in the evening. Sometimes I even shoot in the middle of the night, but not for this particular series," he explained with characteristic attention to detail.
At exactly 6:41 AM, everything aligned perfectly for the former film photography enthusiast. "I only took one photo at that very precise moment. The lights were perfect. There was no one on the horizon. It was splendid and the reflection was obvious, very visible," Le Jeune recalled with evident satisfaction. The resulting image captures the serene beauty of the Mediterranean coastline with remarkable clarity and artistic composition.
Le Jeune relies exclusively on his Sony A7 R5, a professional-grade camera that he admits he "never separates from for very long." This former professor discovered his passion for photography in the 1990s, around 1995, and has been steadily developing his skills ever since. His dedication to the craft has grown exponentially over the years, though his focus remains consistently on landscape photography.
"Always and almost only landscapes, it's so beautiful to contemplate and capture them," concluded this cultured man, whose recent work has gained significant recognition. His expertise recently earned him a spot as a finalist in a global photography competition for an image he captured in March 2025 in the Occitanie region, perfectly showcasing the Milky Way galaxy.
Le Jeune's commitment to natural landscape photography represents a deliberate artistic choice that resonates with viewers who appreciate the pristine beauty of France's Mediterranean coastline. His work at Port-Leucate demonstrates the reward of patience, planning, and technical expertise in capturing fleeting moments of natural perfection. The series from this late summer visit stands as a testament to both the photographer's skill and the enduring appeal of France's coastal landscapes, offering viewers a glimpse into the magical moments that occur when light, water, and artistic vision converge at dawn.
