Sunshine Coast Photography Workshop
For photographers who want cleaner sunrise seascapes, reliable long exposures, and a night setup you can repeat (conditions permitting). Dates are released via the priority list · max 4 · next step: join the list (or browse other workshops).
This is a small-group Sunshine Coast photography workshop built around a repeatable field workflow: planning for light, choosing safe angles, and getting sharp files without guessing. We plan around tides, swell and access so you spend your time shooting the right scene at the right time.
Answer-first: This Sunshine Coast photography workshop is a capped max-4 small-group experience covering seascapes, waterfalls and night-sky technique (conditions permitting). You’ll learn a repeatable workflow for exposure control, sharp long exposures, and cleaner low-light shooting. Dates and exact meeting points are released via the priority list.
* Night sessions depend on cloud, wind, visibility and access. If night shooting isn’t suitable, we switch to extra sunrise/sunset work and editing guidance.
Who this is for (and who it’s not)
Fast self-check so you book the right thing.
This is for you if you:
- want consistent sunrise/sunset results, not random “lucky” frames
- want long exposures that are sharp, clean, and intentional
- want a night workflow you can repeat at home (conditions permitting)
- prefer small groups and direct coaching over a big tour
Not a fit if you:
- need guaranteed astro outcomes (we teach technique; skies decide)
- can’t manage uneven sand/rocks or short walks with a camera bag
- want a slow sightseeing itinerary (this is tuition-led and time-based)
- plan to fly drones as part of the workshop (not included)
Workshop snapshot
A tight 3-day Sunshine Coast plan built for strong light, clean files, and practical technique.
Sunrise + sunset priority, with flexible pivots for swell and wind.
More feedback, less waiting, and real time on your setup.
Headlands, bays, waterfall shutter control, and night technique when conditions allow.
Dates and tier details are sent to the priority list when intakes open.
* Pricing and availability can vary by intake. You’ll see the exact dates, inclusions and booking steps when the next intake opens.
Sunshine Coast photography workshop outcomes
Specific skills you’ll leave with (so you can repeat the results at home).
- Wave-timed shutter control (freeze vs motion) without muddy files
- Sharp long exposures: stability, focus checks, and clean settings
- Headland composition structure (foreground → subject → background)
- Waterfall technique: shutter choices, glare control, and safe angles
- Blue hour workflow: exposure transitions and colour control
- Low-light/night foundations: focus routine + exposure decisions (conditions permitting)
- A simple editing workflow: select → clean colour → finish → export
- How to self-critique so you improve after the workshop
What’s included (and what isn’t)
No surprises. Clear logistics so you can plan your trip.
Included
- Small-group field coaching (max 4)
- Conditions-led location planning (tides, swell, wind, access)
- Camera setup help + on-the-spot corrections
- Workflow checklists to take home
- Editing guidance (Lightroom/Photoshop friendly)
- Permits/permissions where required for workshop activity
We keep the focus on tuition and practical decision-making in the field.
Not included
- Accommodation, meals, personal expenses
- Transport to/from the Sunshine Coast (you’ll need a car)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Drones (not part of the workshop)
If you fly drones independently outside workshop time, you’re responsible for checking current CASA rules and any site restrictions. Rules can change.
Itinerary snapshot (3 days)
Times are conditions-led. The goal is to be in the right place for the right light.
Sunrise: seascape basics, sharpness checks, shutter control.
Afternoon: planning tools + composition structure.
Sunset/blue hour: exposure transitions and clean colour.
Sunrise: headland frames and wave timing.
Midday option: waterfalls (safer angles + shutter control).
Sunset: long exposures and refined compositions.
Sunrise: your strongest repeat (apply feedback).
Editing guidance: selection and finishing workflow.
Night: technique session (conditions and access permitting) or a coastal alternative.
Final meet points and timings are confirmed in your pre-workshop info. Access rules can change, so always verify official sources and follow signage and on-site guidance.
Locations and access approach
We use a small set of reliable Sunshine Coast locations and pick the safest, best-light option each session.
- Point Cartwright: first-light structure, leading lines, wave timing, blue hour.
- Point Arkwright: elevated headland frames and clean sunrise/sunset angles.
- Coolum bays: sheltered compositions when open beaches are messy.
- Buderim Falls: waterfall shutter control and safer mid-day shooting.
- Wild Horse Mountain area: layered landscapes and night concepts (conditions permitting).
- Pincushion Island area: silhouettes and reflective water options (conditions permitting).
How we choose locations (simple and honest)
- We plan around tide/swell/wind and choose safe angles first.
- We adapt the location to the light (not the other way around).
- We keep it calm and clear: you’ll know where to meet and what to bring.
- Always verify official sources and follow signage and on-site guidance.
Safety, fitness and night notes
Coastal shooting is conditions-led. Safety and responsible access come first.
- Expect short walks and some uneven sand/rock platforms.
- Closed shoes with grip are non-negotiable near headlands.
- Bring a headlamp/torch for early starts and low light.
- If swell is up, we shoot a safer angle or switch locations.
- Night sessions are conditions permitting and access permitting.
- If night access isn’t suitable, we run a coastal alternative or add more sunrise/sunset + editing guidance.
- Permits/permissions where required. Follow signage and on-site guidance.
- $20M public liability insurance (details available on request).
Not a fit if you can’t manage uneven surfaces in low light, or if you want guaranteed astro results.
Gear (essentials vs optional)
You don’t need exotic gear. You do need a stable setup and the right basics.
Essentials
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls
- Wide lens (ideal), plus any standard zoom you already own
- Solid tripod (this matters more than people think)
- Headlamp/torch + spare batteries
- Closed shoes with grip, layers for coastal wind, light rain cover
If you’re unsure what you have, join the list and you can reply with your kit for guidance.
Optional (nice to have)
- ND filter(s) for longer exposures (helpful, not required)
- Cable release/remote (not required)
- Spare batteries + power bank
- Laptop for editing guidance (recommended, not mandatory)
Editing guidance is Lightroom Classic + Photoshop friendly. If you use other software, the workflow principles still apply.
Pricing and how to get a spot
This page is “date-ready”. When the next intake opens, the priority list gets the dates, itinerary and booking link first.
Early Bird is offered on selected intakes and is limited.
You’ll receive the next dates, inclusions, meeting info and booking steps.
* Exact pricing tiers, deposit and payment timing are provided when the intake opens so you can decide with full information.
What happens after you join the priority list
Less uncertainty. Clear next steps.
You’ll get the next available dates, the 3-day structure, and what the workshop covers.
You’ll receive meeting info, what to bring, and the level/fitness expectations so there are no surprises.
If you’re in, you’ll follow the booking steps provided. If you’re unsure, reply to the email with questions before committing.
Conditions plan (Plan B)
You’re not paying for luck. You’re paying for decisions that keep outcomes strong.
If swell/wind makes headlands unsafe
- We switch to sheltered bays or elevated viewpoints.
- We adjust timing so you still shoot the best available light.
Success still looks like: sharp files, controlled motion, and strong composition structure.
If cloud blocks night sky
- We teach night technique where it’s productive and safe, or move to a coastal alternative.
- We add more sunrise/sunset time and editing guidance so you still level up.
Success still looks like: a repeatable night workflow, even if the sky doesn’t cooperate.
Access rules and conditions can change. Always verify official sources and follow signage and on-site guidance.
FAQs
Direct answers before you join a Sunshine Coast photography workshop.
Is this Sunshine Coast photography workshop suitable for beginners?
Do I need to know Manual mode?
What camera and lenses should I bring?
Do I need a tripod?
Do I need filters (ND or polariser)?
Is night-sky photography included?
Will we definitely see the Milky Way?
How fit do I need to be?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Are permits required at these locations?
Is accommodation included?
Is transport included?
Do you teach editing?
What’s included in the workshop fee?
What’s the cancellation / refund policy?
Are drones part of the workshop?
Testimonials
"Dylan has put a lot of time and effort into this workshop. He is easy to understand and ensures each student gets the time they need to grasp the concepts. I really appreciated that there were only four students—Dylan spent plenty of time with each of us. The follow-up eBooks he created and published are a terrific way to reinforce the weekend and make sure the new techniques and knowledge really stick. Thank you Dylan—I really enjoyed the weekend and can’t wait to see what’s next."
– Jo
"Highly recommend Knighty’s Photography! You won’t be disappointed! I’ve done a few private workshops with Dylan over the last five years and it’s been great! Looking forward to my next workshop with Dylan!"
– Wendy K.
"Knighty's Astro photography session was an amazingly transformative and immersive experience as a beginner photographer... I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence."
– Amber
"I was absolutely stoked with the workshop... Dylan clarified a lot of the questions I had. Would love to do this again!"
– Workshop Participant
"Dylan was an attentive and knowledgeable instructor who was prepared to put in extra time... He made sure to check on all photographers and provided tailored advice."
– Participant Feedback
"The workshop was excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience."
– Nikon School Attendee
"Even with the constant rain, Dylan kept me up to date and gave me peace of mind. The workshop clarified so many things that YouTube never could. Highly recommended!"
– Workshop Attendee
"I would highly recommend a Nikon School Workshop and Dylan Knight. He followed up with extra resources and provided a professional experience from start to finish."
– Nikon Workshop Participant