Trekabout Photography Workshops

Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of the Australian mainland. Norfolk Island is the main island of the island group the territory encompasses and has an area of 34.6 km² (13.3 mi²), with no large-scale internal bodies of water but 32 km of coastline.

The island's highest point is Mt Bates (319 m above sea level), located in the northwest quadrant of the island. The majority of the terrain is suitable for farming and other agricultural uses. Phillip Island, the second largest island of the territory, is located seven kilometres south of the main island.

The coastline of Norfolk Island consists, to varying degrees, of cliff faces. A downward slope exists towards Sydney Bay and Emily Bay, the site of the original colonial settlement of Kingston. There are no safe harbour facilities on Norfolk Island, with loading jetties existing at Kingston and Cascade Bay. All goods not domestically produced are brought in by ship, usually to Cascade Bay. Emily Bay, protected from the Pacific Ocean by a small coral reef, is the only safe area for recreational swimming, although surfing waves can be found at Anson and Ball Bays.

The climate is subtropical and mild, with little seasonal differentiation. The island is the eroded remnant of a basaltic volcano active around 2.3 to 3 million years ago, with inland areas now consisting mainly of rolling plains. It forms the highest point on the Norfolk Ridge, part of the submerged continent Zealandia.

The area surrounding Mt Bates is preserved as the Norfolk Island National Park. The park, covering around 10% of the land of the island, contains remnants of the forests which originally covered the island, including stands of subtropical rainforest.

The park also includes the two smaller islands to the south of Norfolk Island, Nepean Island and Phillip Island. The vegetation of Phillip Island was devastated due to the introduction during the penal era of pest animals such as pigs and rabbits, giving it a red-brown colour as viewed from Norfolk; however, pest control and remediation work by park staff has recently brought some improvement to the Phillip Island environment.

The major settlement on the Island is Burnt Pine, located predominantly along Taylor's Road, where the shopping centre, post office, liquor store, telephone exchange and community hall are located. Settlement also exists over much of the island, consisting largely of widely-separated homesteads.

Government House, the official residence of the Administrator, is located on Quality Row in what was the penal settlement of Kingston. Other government buildings, including the court, Legislative Assembly and Administration, are also located there. Kingston's role is largely a ceremonial one, however, with most of the economic impetus coming from Burnt Pine.

Norfolk Island is a photographer’s paradise. The island is only 8km x 5kms and is situated in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, half way between Australia and New Zealand. The air is crisp and clean, the scenery superb and the people are delightful. Photographic opportunities are endless and include stunning landscapes/seascapes, sunrises/sunsets over rocky cliffs, birds galore(including shots of birds in flight), convict ruins, cattle/ducks/geese roaming over the fields and macro, to name but some.

No matter what your level of experience, Michael and Mark will help you gain valuable photographic experience that will ultimately lead to you taking better quality photos. With two experienced and enthusiastic tutors, there will be many opportunities to ask any questions you may have, specific to your own needs. Norfolk Island is the perfect place to improve your photographic skills, due to the variety of subjects to photograph. Our itinerary has some free time included, so you will be able to practice your photography or unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful island as well.

Itinerary:

Sun 7th Nov 2010: Arrive at beautiful Norfolk Island, settle in and unwind.

Mon 8th Nov 2010: In the morning, meet your professional tutors, Michael Snedic and Mark Rayner, as well as other photography workshop participants. You will be given a rundown of the week’s program and participant’s skill levels will be assessed. After lunch, there will be a familiarisation bus tour of the island that will give you an idea of what type of scenery to expect at Norfolk. There will be good photo opportunities along the way. In the evening, join Michael and Mark for our welcome dinner.

Tue 9th Nov 2010: Up bright and early for some sunrise photography, overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean. After breakfast, we head down to Kingston, where there are lots of old convict-built buildings and ruins to photograph. After lunch is free-time, where you can practice some of the techniques learned so far or simply relax and enjoy tranquil surroundings. In the evening (after dinner), Michael and Mark will review and critique some of your photos taken so far.

Wed 10th Nov 2010: After breakfast, we will drive to St Baranabas Church, a lovely old stone church with stunning stained glass windows. A very popular building to photograph and a good time to practice some HDR merge techniques (merging different exposures in order to create evenly-exposed photos). There are also plenty of cattle roaming the lush fields and hills, as well as flocks of ducks, chooks and geese on the roads and in nearby fields, which make great photography subjects. Join a luncheon with Michael and Mark. Free time after lunch and then it’s off to Captain Cook’s Lookout for some landscape and sunset photography.

Thu 11th Nov 2010: Free morning to explore Norfolk and photograph whatever you like, or alternatively, join one of Norfolk’s many tours. In the afternoon there is an informative session by Mark on streamlining your digital workflow and image post-processing. He will also show you how to give the photos that extra “lift”. In the evening, Mark will present an audio-visual on nature photography.

Fri 12th Nov 2010: After breakfast we will visit 100 Acres, a wonderful, lush part of Norfolk filled with Norfolk Island Pines, indigenous plants and numerous birds. Michael will present a session on wildlife photography in the field, showing you the techniques he has learned over the years. On our return, Michael will present an audio-visual on wildlife photography. After lunch, you can join in on some mini-golf (included in package).

Sat 13th Nov 2010: Here’s a chance to photograph some of the tiny subjects on the island. This morning session will have Michael and Mark show you the best techniques for macro photography. After lunch, we will head out for some more landscape photography. In the evening, join Michael and Mark for our farewell dinner.

Sun 14th Nov 2010: Free morning to visit the local markets, grab a coffee at a local café or go for a snorkel and swim at beautiful Emily Bay, before flying back home.

Photographic Prerequisites:
This inspiring workshop is designed to suit the beginner or serious enthusiast. A digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera is recommended, however, any camera that has manual functions would also be suitable. Best lenses to bring include a zoom and wide angled lens (and macro lens if you own one). A sturdy tripod is also necessary, especially for our landscape and macro photography sessions.

Some of the topics that will be covered:

• Landscapes
• Birds
• Macro
• Sunrise/sunsets
• Convict ruins etc
• Composition
• Lighting (natural/flash/reflectors etc)
• Exposure and metering techniques
• Filters
• Streamlining your digital workflow and image post-processing techniques

• Photography tuition and coaching as per the itinerary
• Lunch (Wednesday)
• Return economy class airfare to Norfolk Island
• All pre-paid airline taxes
• Norfolk Island departure tax
• Meet & Greet at the Airport
• Return airport transfers on Norfolk Island
• Seven night’s accommodation
• Bonus seven days car hire (excluding petrol & car insurance, both payable direct whilst on
• Island)
• Welcome Dinner with Michael Snedic & Mark Rayner
• Complimentary Miniature Golf – golf your way through Norfolk’s history
• Complimentary “A Walk in the Wild” – a unique rainforest walk
• Farewell Dinner

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