Trekabout Photography Workshops

Bird, macro, wildlife and landscape photography in the stunning Lamington National Park. Based at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, the Full Day Mountain Experience workshop packs a lot into a single day, including a post processing and critique session. In addition, a visit to Luke's Farm makes this a special day indeed.

The Beginner's Experience 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.

The Beach to Mountains Experience sees an early morning sunrise shoot over the ocean. 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.

Meeting at Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre in The Gap, Brisbane the Brisbane Wildlife Experience commences the day photographing native wildlife including Pretty faced Wallabies, birds and reptiles. After lunch we review the mornings photos, look at some basic digital workflow and Photoshop tuition before heading on to Closeburn. Finishing the day with a rare opportunity to photograph unique Australian wildlife at a private breeder’s collection

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.

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

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.

Saturday:
Session 1 - Workshop briefing at Buderim Forest Park and then into the rainforest for falls and cascades landscape photography.
Session 2 - After morning tea, we will head back into the rainforest for macro photography tuition, including fungi, flowers and plants.
Session 3 - After lunch, digital post processing and workflow. Learn how to best process your images.
Session 4 - Late afternoon – seascape sunset photography at Point Cartwright.
Session 5 – Sunrise seascape photography at Point Cartwright.
Session 6 – After morning tea - Rainforest fringe bird photography.
Session 7 - Image critique and final post processing review.
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 bird photography techniques, digital workflow and post processing tips will be discussed and questions answered.  Queensland's fabulous Sunshine Coast will play host to a wonderful weekend of photography and tuition.

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!