Nature Photography Experiential Workshop

An immersive 1-day workshop comprising tutorials and walkabouts so you can enhance your knowledge and skills for photographing an array of subjects in nature.

Taking photos is not just about capturing a moment or creating a visually appealing image; it's also about immersing yourself in the process and enjoying every step of the way.

Meanwhile, engaging in nature photography is a wonderful way to connect with the natural world and capture its beauty in the images you create.

This Nature Photography Experiential Workshop is designed to provide participants with enhanced awareness and understanding of the diversity of techniques, camera settings and the array of considerations for photographing the natural environment.&
Ultimately, it is aimed to assist photo enthusiasts with the myriad choices possible when creating unique images, not just snapshots.

OPTIONS:

Full day:
Arrive at 9.00am for tutorial commencing 9.30am • Concluding at 4.30pm
Includes: Arrival morning tea, lunch, and afternoon refreshments.

Half-day (morning):
Commences 9.30am • Concludes at 12.30pm followed by lunch unitil ~ 1.15pm
Includes: Morning tea and lunch.

Half-day (afternoon):
Pre-requisite applies - see details below.
Lunch at 12.30pm followed by tutorial commencing 1.30pm • Concludes at 4.30pm
Includes: Lunch and afternoon refreshments.

Each tutorial session runs for 3 hours, including a short refreshment break.

There are two parts to this full-day workshop – a morning and afternoon session. You may join us for the full day or for a half day, the morning or afternoon session as is appropriate for you. Please note, a pre-requisite applies if booking only the afternoon session – details below.

Part 1: Morning Session

Time: Arrive 9.00 for Tutorial start at 9.30am • Concludes at 12.30pm
This session is for:
Beginners to intermediate photo enthusiasts – no prior experience or prerequisites required.
Nature enthusiasts currently shooting on Auto-mode aspiring to engage more creatively and mindfully while taking photos.
Photo enthusiasts who wish to revise prior learnings to support the growth of their skills and knowledge.

What you will discover during the morning session

• Fundamental photography terminology – an interpretation of the essential jargon
• Driving your camera and navigating the menu: The buttons, dials, and menus
• What the Exposure Triangle is, and why it’s so fundamental to comprehend – ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed demys
• The importance of choosing a suitable focus mode, area, and point
• Showcase your subject using depth of field
• When to consider adjusting white balance, especially when it matters.
• How and why do using the same settings end up with different results
• Guided photo walkabout for practical experimentation and learning

Lunch: 12.30 to 1.15pm

PART 2: Afternoon Session

Tutorial start 1.30pm • Concludes 4.30pm
Pre-requisite for joining the afternoon session only

• Participate in the morning session on the same day or an earlier workshop date.
  OR
• To get the most from the afternoon session, you will benefit from a workable knowledge of your camera menus and buttons (know where they are and what they do) and be somewhat familiar with the Exposure Triangle and its 3 components – ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed.

What you will discover during the afternoon session:

• A recap of the Exposure Triangle and the interrelationship between all three components – ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed.
  Shooting modes – the available modes and why choose one over the other.
  NB: Shooting manual is not essential all the time (or even any time) … it’s your choice!
• Exposure and metering
• Practical shooting hints and tips for more consistency in focus and sharpness
• Advanced settings and techniques – when you may consider using them and why
• Customising your camera buttons and dials to help you navigate your camera more easily and efficiently (subject to available functionality and menu options)
• Guided photo walkabout for practical experimentation and learning

After participating in this workshop, it is aimed that you will have experienced growth in your photography practice, levelled up your knowledge and increased your repertoire of settings and techniques for photographing an array of subjects in nature.

About Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1946 and it is one of the oldest private conservation areas in Tasmania. Prior to European settlement, Tasmanian Aboriginal people inhabited the area. Later, early bushrangers used the site as a hideout. In the 1920s, there were regular sightings of the elusive Tasmanian Tiger!

With its enchanting natural environment, heritage, culture, and history, Chauncy Vale has shared a role in creating many meaningful experiences for several generations of Tasmanians.

FAQ's specific to this Nature Photography Experiential Workshop

• Where is the workshop being held?
  Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary - Peter Bird Memorial meeting room, 350 Chauncy Vale Road, Bagdad TAS 7030

• How do I get there?
  You will need your own transport to get to the venue as there is no public transport available for this route. We will facilitate rideshare by request - so please get in touch if you need a lift or can offer a lift for someone else.

• Who is the workshop for?
  This workshop is ideal for nature and photo enthusiasts looking to develop a practical understanding of camera settings and techniques appropriate for nature photography. You will be introduced to the different sub-genres of nature photography and a range of settings to consider when shooting in different environments, weather, conditions, and scenarios in nature.

• Why ‘experiential’?
  This workshop is presented in a conversational style with plenty of opportunity to experiment with what you are learning as you learn it. In a small group of participants, and having fun along the way, you will build on each layer of understanding using a range of tutorials and activities combined with individual guidance throughout the day. Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities for your questions to be answered individually.

• Which camera do I need?
  This workshop is most suited to compact/bridge digital cameras and superzooms (that have some manual functionality), DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras. Give Coreena a call (or send a message) if you have further questions about your camera.

When it comes to smartphones, they have limitations in their functionality, varying greatly between brands and models, and the age of the device. Yes, you can participate in this workshop on your smartphone provided you have existing familiarity with the many camera features of your smartphone. While some topics discussed during the workshop don't require special gear, and some features that are found on different smartphones may be mentioned during the workshop, it is not intended to provide in-depth instruction for navigating and operating smartphone cameras.

• Which lens should I bring?
  We recommend you bring the lens that you have mounted on your camera most of the time or the lens/es that you frequently use. During this workshop, we will focus primarily on the range of modes, settings, and techniques for nature photography and how to get the best from the camera, lenses and gear you already have.

• Will I need a tripod?
  A tripod is not essential for this workshop however, if you own one then please bring it along. If you don’t own one, there is no need to go out and buy one before this workshop. We have a couple of loan tripods available for use during the workshop when/if needed.

Availability

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop. Please get in touch if you'd like to know when this workshop will run in the future.