Trekabout Photography Workshops

Friday :

◦ 5:30 - 6:30pm: Meet and greet/drinks
◦ Dinner break
◦ Digital camera discussion and overview of weekend program
 
Saturday :

◦ Visit historic Luke's Farm for photography of old, rustic cattle yards, lichen-covered fence posts, historic buildings and sweeping vistas.
◦ After morning tea, we will head to the O’Reilly’s Botanic Gardens for some macro photography tuition.
◦ After lunch, there will be a review and critique of the day's images. Late afternoon – landscape photography at Luke’s Farm
◦ Dinner break
◦ Free time or join in on Guest Activities 

Sunday :

◦ Bird photography techniques
◦ Morning tea break
◦ Post processing session and farewell
◦ 12:30 PM finish
 

During this weekend workshop, Michael and Mark will present group presentations as well as one-on-one tuition for each participant.  They will explain a variety of digital camera functions, teach you how to use these functions correctly and discuss different photographic techniques that will allow you to take better photos. 

By the end of the weekend, participants will have learned macro, landscape and wildlife photography techniques, digital workflow and post processing tips will be discussed and questions answered.  All of this will occur in the stunning surrounds of the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park, while staying in luxury at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

 
Experience:  Michael Snedic has worked in Lamington National Park for around ten years (and lived at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse for 5 of those years).  He knows both sides of the park exceptionally well (O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra) and is one of the most qualified people to show you where the best photographic locations and subjects are. 

Since commencing Trekabout Photography Workshops, Michael and Mark have conducted over 50 workshops with over a dozen single day and weekend workshops at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.

This half day workshop is designed to get you, the photographer, the opportunity to photograph an amazing array of reptiles and frogs at close range.
Some of the species are virtually impossible to photograph in the wild, so this is a chance you will not want to miss.

Michael and Mark will also give professional photographic tuition throughout the workshop.

They will teach you how to take better photos as well as getting the most out of your camera.

Some of the species available on the day (depending on availability) will include:
 

• Leaf-tailed Gecko and Knob-tailed Gecko

• Bearded Dragon, Southern Angle-headed Dragon, Water Dragon and Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon

• Pink-tongue Skink, Blue-tongue Skink and Shingleback Lizard

• Carpet Python, Diamond Python and Brown Tree Snake

• Magnificent Tree Frog, Gold Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog and Burrowing Desert Frog

• Various other reptiles

The morning starts by learning how to take great wildlife photos at the Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre, including an assortment of birds in the rainforest aviary, Pretty-faced Wallabies with their joeys and other native wildlife. 

After lunch, there is a session reviewing some of the photos taken so far, where Michael and Mark will give their feedback on how they are progressing.  This will include suggestions on any improvements that may be needed.  The next session is aimed at helping improve your digital workflow and post-processing, followed by basic techniques that will show you how to bring the best out of your photos. 

The highlight of the day is photography of tame native wildlife at a private breeder’s collection.  Some of the native wildlife species that we will photograph (depending on availability on the day) include:

• Green Tree Frog and/or Magnificent Tree Frog or Green and Gold Bell Frog 
• Knob-tailed or Leaf-tailed Gecko
• Bearded Dragon and/or Rainforest Dragon
• Blue-tongued Skink and/or Stumpy-tailed Lizard
• Carpet Python and/or some other species of Python
• Tawny Frogmouth
• Sugar Glider
• Bandicoot

This rare opportunity allows you to capture close-up photos of some of Australia’s most unique wildlife, many of which are virtually impossible to photograph in the wild. 

NB - All fees for entry to Wildlife Centre,  private wildlife handlers and usage of wildlife are covered in the cost of this workshop. 

This full day photography workshop has been specifically designed with the beginner photographer in mind. Mark and Michael will explain the basics of photography, show you some simple techniques and talk to you individually about your camera settings. Each participant’s skill levels will be assessed and tuition will be given according to that skill level. Mark and Michael are both extremely patient and understanding and will make sure every participant feels comfortable with the tuition given.

Your day starts at Harry’s Lane in Buderim, where you will meet Mark and Michael and the other participants. It is here that you will be shown various photographic techniques and your camera settings will be explained. Once everyone is comfortable to go to the next step, you will head through Buderim Forest Park along a flat, 1km track to the beautiful waterfall at the end. Morning tea (supplied by Trekabout) will be at Buderim Forest Park and lunch can be purchased at Buderim shops or bring your own.

After lunch, we will head to Buderim where Mark will show you simple post-processing techniques that require little skill level or previous experience. The idea of this session is to show some effective, yet easy-to-use techniques that will help you to get your photos looking great. Mark and Michael will also critique some photos from the morning sessions.

We the head down to the Maroochy Botanic Gardens, for macro and close-up photography tuition. Here you will have a chance to hone your skills photographing the myriad of flowers and insects. If you are a beginner in photography and struggling to get decent photos or are overwhelmed by your camera’s digital technology, this workshop is for you. Trekabout Photography Workshop assure you of a day full of learning fun and with like-minded people.


Please note: This workshop is limited to 10 participants. This will ensure that you receive comprehensive personal tuition from Michael and Mark. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

During this full day workshop, Michael and Mark aim to give group presentations as well as one-on-one tuition for each participant.  They will explain a variety of digital camera functions, teach you how to use these functions correctly and discuss different photographic techniques that will allow you to take better photos.

O’Reilly’s is home to some beautifully coloured birds, including Satin and Regent Bowerbirds, King Parrots, Eastern Yellow Robins and Crimson Rosellas, most of which are quite tame.  In our first session, Michael and Mark will show you how to achieve great bird photos.

After morning tea, we go for a short stroll and learn techniques on rainforest photography, including macro techniques, before heading to lunch.

The session reviewing photos after our day’s shoot is included in order to give each individual participant feedback on how they are progressing.  This will include suggestions on any improvements that may be needed.  This session is also aimed at helping to improve your digital workflow and post-processing.  Mark and Michael will show you how to bring the best out of your photos and will take place in O'Reilly's multi-media presentation room. 

The last session covers landscape photography (during our winter months, we photograph the sunset) overlooking the stunning valley below. It is a great way to finish a rewarding day — one that has been full of learning new photographic techniques, lots of hands-on practice, in the company of like-minded people and in a beautiful natural setting.

During this full day workshop, Michael and Mark aim to give group presentations as well as one-on-one tuition for each participant.

They will explain a variety of digital camera functions, teach you how to use these functions correctly and discuss different photographic techniques that will allow you to take better photos.

The early morning sunrise shoot is a great way to learn how to photograph stunning ocean sunrises. It’s an early start but well worth the effort!

After a short drive, you will arrive at Buderim, where there is an easy trek through some beautiful rainforest to cascades and waterfalls. Mark and Michael will instruct you on the best techniques needed to photograph the lovely waterfall and cascades found throughout the area. It’s amazing how your shots will improve with some expert advice.

After lunch Michael and Mark will review some of the day's photos in order to give each individual participant some feedback on how they are progressing. This will include any suggestions or improvements that may be needed.

Our day finishes with Mark showing you how to improve your day digital workflow and post-processing techniques. He will show you how to bring the best out of your photos and prepare them for printing.

Please note: This workshop is limited to 10 participants. This will ensure that you receive comprehensive personal tuition from Michael and Mark. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Trekabout Photography Workshops cater for all levels of experience and are very encouraging to beginners as well as the more advanced.  Our 5 day Red Centre Experience will be based in Alice Springs which, in itself, is home to many wonderful attractions and photographic opportunities.

The area surrounding Alice Springs is home to a large variety of desert wildlife and flora. The outback is also renowned for producing amazing colours at sunrise and sunset.  Both opportunities will be presented during the workshop. 

The photographic locations and subjects, coupled with Michael and Mark's extensive photographic knowledge and tuition skills, means you will have an opportunity to learn many valuable photographic tips and techniques, with like-minded people. And you will do so in the most beautiful surroundings. The outback remoteness, and the peace and tranquility it embodies, is an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

One of the opportunities presented will be to photograph many wild and rare desert reptiles, birds and mammals at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Special behind- the-scenes access will provide additional opportunities and subjects not normally available to the general public.

You will visit the East McDonnell Ranges and take in the spectacular scenery of Trephina Gorge Nature Park and the history of early Australian gold mining at Arltunga Historical Reserve.

This amazing Red Centre Experience will include a trip to the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We won't be climbing "The Rock" out of respect to its traditional owners, but we will be spending considerable time at select locations to capture it's awe-inspiring beauty. Sunset photography at Uluru followed by dinner and champagne under the desert stars will be an experience not quickly forgotten.

Program includes:

• Macro photography techniques - for beginners and more advanced users.
• Landscape photography techniques - in the expansive outback and desert, with sunset opportunities, overlooking the amazing Uluru and red sand desert expanses.
• Waterfall and cascade photography - depending on conditions and local rainfall, a very real possibility
• Extensive bird and wildlife photography techniques.
• Review and critique of participant's images and suggestions for improvements (two evenings)
• Getting to know your camera and its hidden capabilities.
• Simplifying the digital world including camera technicalities, image storage, unraveling digital jargon and more.
• Advice on recommended cameras/lenses/accessories to use for specific purposes.
• Flash photography techniques including use of diffusers, reflectors, natural light etc.
• Group tuition as well as one-on-one tuition from Michael and Mark.
• Best use of photographic accessories and gadgets.
• Free time to practice what you have learned (or simply unwind and relax)

*PLEASE NOTE – PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Experience:  Mark Rayner has travelled extensively through the Australian outback and photographed its natural beauty. The photographic opportunities presented have been well researched and offer a condensed snapshot of desert life. Additionally, by drawing on the experience of local wildlife experts, you will have exclusive photographic access to rare and difficult-to-find wildlife. 

Since commencing Trekabout Photography Workshops, Michael and Mark have conducted in excess of 50 successful workshops.

Things you will need:

• Camera gear
• Any lenses ranging from 10mm to 400mm (don't worry if you don't have all the lenses - you will still learn a lot with your digital SLR and kit lens)
• External flash (if you own one)
• Memory card(s),
• Sturdy tripod
• Camera owners manual - Important!
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Drinking water
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen and hat
• Fully-charged batteries (plus spares) and charger – Important! 

 
Inclusions:

• The workshop commences in Alice Springs on Sunday evening with a meet-and-greet social get-together and finishes the following Friday evening in Alice Springs.
• All park entries, fees and permits.
• Transport to and from the East McDonnell Ranges, Arltunga Historical Reserve and Trephina Gorge Nature Park
• Transport to and from Uluru and Kata Tjuta (which includes morning tea and dinner) is also included in the workshop fee.  
• Non-participating partners are permitted on this one day trip for an additional fee of $220.00 per person, payable when paying your workshop fee. 

Exclusions:

• Transport to and from Alice Springs.
• Transport to and from your accommodation and the Alice Springs Desert Park.
• Accommodation. To allow access to all budget levels and different accommodations needs of participants (and to maintain an affordable workshop price), transport and accommodation, except where otherwise stated, remains the responsibility of the workshop attendee.
• Meals (except where otherwise stated)

Trekabout Photography Workshops cater for all levels of experience and are very encouraging to beginners. Lamington National Park is full of photographic opportunities, including a large variety of wildlife, rainforest and eucalypt forest landscapes, waterfalls, stunning valley views, sunsets and lots of macro subjects.

These amazing photographic locations and subjects, coupled with Michael and Mark’s extensive photographic knowledge and tuition skills, means you will have an opportunity to learn plenty of valuable photographic tips, with like-minded people. And you will do so in the most tranquil, beautiful surroundings.  

To read what our past-participants say about our 5 Day “Mountain Experience”, please scroll to bottom of this page.

Program includes:

• Macro photography techniques - for beginners and more advanced users.
• Landscape photography techniques -  in the rainforest and sunset overlooking the amazing expanse of the Kerry Valley.
• Waterfall and cascade photography.
• Bird and animal photography techniques.
• Reviews and critique of participant's images (evenings) and suggestions for improvements.
• Post-processing tips and hints.
• Audio visual presentations from Michael and Mark, including wildlife, macro and nature photography.
• Getting to know your camera and it's hidden capabilities.
• Simplifying the digital world including camera technicalities, image storage, unravelling digital jargon and more.
• Advice on recommended cameras/lenses/accessories to use for specific purposes.
• Flash photography techniques including use of diffusers, reflectors, natural light etc.
• Group tuition as well as one-on-one tuition from Michael and Mark.
• Best use of photographic accessories and gadgets.
• Free time to practice what you have learned (or simply unwind and relax in the stunning surrounds of Lamington National Park)

*PLEASE NOTE – PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Experience: Michael Snedic has worked in Lamington National Park for around ten years (and lived at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Guesthouse for 5 of those years). He knows both sides of the park exceptionally well (O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra) and is one of the most qualified people to show you where the best photographic locations and subjects are. 
Since commencing Trekabout Photography Workshops, Michael and Mark have conducted over 30 workshops with over a dozen single day and weekend workshops at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat.

Read what some of the Trekabout Five Day Mountain Experience past participants have to say below:

Jay Gould of Malvern, VIC writes:
Trekabout Photography’s 5-Day Mountain Experience exceeded all of my expectations. As a newbie to high-end digital photography, prior to making a commitment to participate in a 5-day learning experience, I researched all of the available local courses and evaluated the instructors, course content, and costs with my brother who is a professional photographer in San Diego, California. We came to the conclusion that Michael and Mark’s qualifications as professional photographers and instructors, the amount of material covered during the five days both in group and one-on-one instruction (there were only 12 of us!), justified choosing Trekabout Photography to be my instructor and to introduce me to the various aspects of nature photography: equipment, moving critters/birds, landscapes, and macro. When considering the pupil/student ratio, the number of hours involved during the five days, the content, and the location, the price was the most reasonable of all that I had researched. Trust me: the five-day experience will more than exceed any expectation you might create prior to going on the course! As an aside, when M & M indicated that they were considering a couple of other multi-day courses – a week in the desert and a week at Norfolk Island – several of the participants were ready to sign on the bottom line. Personally, I have registered for four more of their courses, and I am waiting to learn about their multi-day courses hoping that their dates will coincide with my schedule. See you at a Trekabout Photography Workshop!
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Bob Raymount from Robina, QLD writes:
G'day Michael and Mark, Just wanted to drop you both a quick line to tell you how thoroughly I have enjoyed the last five days! I am not sure I could even suggest what you guys could have done to have made it any better than it was and I want you to know that I have come away knowing a great deal more about photography than I knew at 5.30pm last Sunday. You guys should be proud of that and I know that my sentiment is shared by everyone who attended the workshop. We could not have asked for a better bunch of people to share 5 days developing our common interests and an added bonus to the skills I have learned is the friends I have made. You guys deserve a lot of credit - I know we are the paying customer, but you guys deliver in spades and your knowledge and personalities complement each other and make everyone feel very comfortable very quickly. All the best guys and rest assured, the big guy up there willing, we will meet again! Thanks heaps.
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Howard Aron of Mudjimba, QLD writes:
As a keen photographer for a number of years, I booked on the workshop for the opportunity to spend some time outside the stressful work environment with some people that share a common passion and interest and I guess a quest to hone ones skills in the amazing art of photography. Not only did the leave the workshop relaxed and ready for the office environment, but I also unexpectedly took home a lot more knowledge and skills that I gleaned from Michael and Mark. A workshop like this which caters to all levels of skills also made me realise that just when you think you know it all, it take two gents like Michael and Mark to help you lift your skill even further. My only regret was not taking my wife with me, to share in the beauty of Lamington National Park.
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Colin Kildey of Bellingen, NSW writes:
I have been on a number of courses run by Michael and this time I had the opportunity to meet Mark. My main interest is macro photography. With the help of both Michael and Mark, I came away with a better knowledge of this type of photography. Nothing was too much trouble for either one, readily answering questions on gear, lenses most suited for the subject, light, and composition. A very good course for those who wish to better understand their cameras and how to capture that  "WOW" photograph.
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Terry O'Brien of Dalby, QLD writes:
Hi Michael and Mark, Placing pen to paper (so to speak) to say what a great time I had at your 5 day workshop. O'Reilly's will be a return journey for photography in 2010. I learnt so much about my camera, I cannot thank you both enough. These workshops are assisting in my digital photography knowledge, and I feel that it is all coming together. All the best to everyone
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Garth Thomas of Coorparoo, QLD writes:
The 5 day workshop at O'Reilly's was my second Trekabout workshop. The first workshop had significantly improved my camera skills and I was hopeful the experience would be even better with a longer workshop. I was not disappointed. Under the guidance of Michael and Mark, I am convinced that my skills have taken another leap forward. The longer workshop provided an opportunity to learn and consolidate new skills, and spend a relaxing week in a marvellous location.
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Pamela Handyside of Canberra, ACT writes:
The “5-Day Mountain Experience Workshop” was fantastic. What a way to learn new photography skills – with two totally dedicated tutors who devote 100% of their time to teaching all levels of skill to every one in the group and are freely giving of their vast knowledge and enthusiasm for photography, nature and wildlife. The workshop was an invaluable learning experience and I learnt more from Michael and Mark during this workshop than I have on all previous courses and workshops combined! It all now makes sense and my camera skills have been taken to a much higher level. If you want to learn about photography and camera skills - and have fun at the same time - there are no better tutors than Michael and Mark. I am signing up for more workshops!

Itinerary: 

• 8am – Meet at the gardens entrance near the Cafe.
• The day will commence with a run-down of equipment, settings, lighting , etc., recommended to achieve the best "macro" results.
• Michael and Mark will instruct you on various macro photography techniques “in-the-field”
• 12.30pm finish

In this half-day photographic workshop, Michael and Mark will instruct you on how best to achieve sharp, evenly lit and well-composed photos of anything “macro”.  You will be shown how to use different types of lenses, extension tubes and filters as well as ways to achieve perfect lighting using a macro flash or reflectors. 

Depth-of-field, an important component of macro photography, will be discussed at length as well as the best ways to steady your camera/lens. 

Our subjects will include various types of flowers in bloom, insects, possibly a Green Tree Frog and more.

Our day commences at 8am, where you will meet Michael and Mark, as well as the other workshop participants at the entrance to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Each participant’s skill levels will be assessed, with tips given on how to get the best results from their photographic equipment.

After our initial get-together, we will head straight into the botanic gardens and start photographing the myriad of plants on display. Subjects include ferns, cacti, non-native flowers, shrubs and more.

After morning tea, at the botanic gardens café (or BYO), we will concentrate on photographing the miniature “macro” world that is ever-present in the gardens. This will include many different flowers, leaf patterns as well as any insects we find on the day. Should the weather be inclement, we will head into the enclosed herbarium.

Lunch is again at the café (or BYO) and afterwards we will slowly head towards the top of the gardens to photograph the native plants on display. Although primarily a day of “botanical” photography, we won’t pass up the opportunity to photograph the prolific birdlife often found feeding on the flowers. We will, of course, photograph any interesting flowers or plants along the way.

To finish our day, we will wander back to the huge ponds below the café, where there is an abundance of water lilies and birds to photograph. The workshop concludes at 4pm, after which you are free to wander the park at your leisure and put your new found skills to work.

Apart from group tuition, Michael and Mark will also give one-on-one tuition to each individual, to help them improve their photographic skills.