Kiama Coastline Photography Workshop Feb 2027 | NSW
A Bombo astrophotography + Kiama seascapes workshop built around 3 astro opportunities with exclusive night access permits (conditions permitting), supported by sunrise/sunset coaching at Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks, and Minnamurra Headland. If weather doesn't cooperate, astro time converts to extended seascape sessions and deeper editing sessions so you still leave with a complete workflow. Suitable for committed beginners (manual mode familiarity helpful) through to advanced photographers.
Small-group max-4 Kiama photography workshop running Feb 2027 (dates TBA) (4 days, 3 nights) with sunrise/sunset seascapes at Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks, Minnamurra Headland, plus 3 astrophotography opportunities at Bombo (subject to clear skies, safe access, and moonlight). Includes 3× daily editing sessions (basic Lightroom → advanced Photoshop). Tuition-only format (self-drive, accommodation self-booked). Pricing: AU$2,250 Early Bird (first 2 seats) / AU$2,450 Standard (final 2 seats). Suitable for committed beginners → advanced.
Why Kiama for photography
Kiama compresses rare basalt geology, arch formations and clean headland lines into one compact stretch of coastline. Within minutes you move from columnar quarry walls to sculpted sea stacks to elevated minimalist platforms. It’s a location chosen deliberately for light direction, repeatable compositions, and strong sunrise alignment.
- Basalt columns that create natural leading lines
- Arch framing at Cathedral Rocks for layered depth
- Elevated headland options for cleaner minimalist frames
- Sunrise side-light across fractured rock texture
- Late-summer Milky Way alignment over open ocean
The strength of Kiama isn’t just the scenery, it’s how efficiently we can refine technique across multiple sessions without long relocations. Plans adapt to the best light. Locations are chosen for the strongest shooting experience on the day.
Permits and access are coordinated where required so sessions remain organised and compliant.
Kiama workshop outcomes
Built for photographers who want a repeatable coastal workflow: planning, field execution, then clean editing.
Expose fast-changing scenes, time waves, and choose shutter speeds that match your intent (freeze vs flow).
Tripod discipline, focus routines, and a simple checklist to keep files sharp in wind and spray.
Blend exposures and blue-hour transitions without the "overcooked HDR" look.
Practical astro workflow on clear nights: focus, exposure foundations, and stacking/blending prep. If skies don’t cooperate, you’ll still learn the process using provided Milky Way RAW data in the editing sessions.
Small group, real coaching
Max 4 participants so you actually get time on composition, settings and editing.
What past students say
Small groups, real coaching, and workflows that stick.
Read all testimonials from past workshop participants.
What's included (and what isn't)
No surprises: clear inclusions, clear logistics, and enough editing support to actually finish your files.
Guided sunrise/sunset sessions, 3× daily Lightroom/Photoshop editing sessions, PDF field guide + checklists, and post-workshop email support.
Accommodation and meals are self-booked for flexibility (stay budget or upgrade). Travel to/from Sydney is self-booked (flights/trains). Return transfers Sydney Airport ↔ Kiama plus transport from accommodation to all shoot locations are included.
Accommodation option: Nova Kiama has offered DKP workshop attendees 15% off their standard daily rates (subject to availability and Nova's booking terms; offer can change). When booking, mention: "I'm attending the Dylan Knight Photography workshop Feb 2027."
Transport & meals
Straight logistics so you can pack once and focus on shooting.
Return transfers are included to and from Sydney Airport ↔ Kiama for the workshop dates, plus transport from your accommodation to all shoot locations.
Pickup timing and recommended arrival/departure windows are shared in your booking pack so the group schedule stays smooth.
Food is up to you. After sunrise shoots we usually head out for breakfast/coffee (self-funded). After the editing session, the middle of the day is yours to grab lunch or shop and make something at your accommodation.
We regroup 1–2 hours before sunset for the afternoon session, then usually have dinner afterwards before any astro session (clear nights).
If helpful, we can do a quick supermarket stop early on so you can stock up on snacks and lunch bits.
Exact session times shift with forecast, tide and safety. We confirm timings before each shoot.
Kiama workshop pricing (2027)
Prices are in $AUD. Join the newsletter for first notification when 2027 dates open.
2027 dates: TBA (likely Feb/March 2027).
Pricing: AU$2,250 Early Bird (first 2 seats) / AU$2,450 Standard (final 2 seats).
Get workshop releases to receive first notification when dates open.
Some workshops can sell out quickly after release. Newsletter subscribers get first access to new dates.
What happens after you book
Clear next steps, so you can plan travel and show up confident (without a dozen back-and-forth emails).
- Booking confirmation: you'll receive your receipt + key info by email.
- Booking pack: meet points (shared after booking), access notes, a gear checklist, and accommodation suggestions.
- Conditions check-in: we confirm likely session plans as forecasts firm up, and final call times before each session.
- On the ground: short brief, clear shooting goal, then hands-on coaching in the field.
- Post-workshop: you can email questions after the trip as you apply the workflow at home.
Tip: if you're travelling in, book accommodation with flexible terms where possible. Weather, swell and access rules can change, and we plan around safe decisions.
Kiama workshop itinerary (4 days)
Exact locations flex with tide, swell and cloud. We'll confirm the plan and meet details before each session.
Day 1 (Thu) — Orientation + first sunset
- Meet-up, safety briefing, and quick gear/settings check
- Sunset session at Cathedral Rocks or Minnamurra (conditions dependent)
Day 2 (Fri) — Sunrise + Editing Session 1 + sunset
- Blue hour → sunrise (often Bombo / nearby options)
- Breakfast/coffee after sunrise (self-funded)
- Editing Session 1: coastal tones + blending foundations
- Sunset session (Cathedral Rocks / Minnamurra)
Day 3 (Sat) — Sunrise + Editing Session 2 + Bombo astro (clear nights)
- Blue hour → sunrise (conditions dependent)
- Breakfast/coffee after sunrise (self-funded)
- Editing Session 2: seascape blends + night workflow prep
- Bombo astro session if skies are clear and conditions permit (only where night access is allowed under the relevant permissions)
Day 4 (Sun) — Final sunrise + Editing Session 3 wrap
- Final blue hour → sunrise session
- Breakfast/coffee after sunrise (self-funded)
- Editing Session 3: final polish + print-ready finishing
- Wrap-up + next steps
Kiama coastline locations and what you'll shoot
We choose locations each session based on tide, swell, wind, safety and light. Exact meet points are shared after booking. Not sure what gear to bring? See our landscape photography gear guide.
- Bombo Quarry: basalt geometry, wave timing, reflections, blue hour into sunrise
- Cathedral Rocks: stacks/arches, side light, mood options in messy weather
- Minnamurra Headland: shelves and pools for cleaner long-exposure lines
- Twilight → blue hour blends that stay believable
- Planning with PhotoPills (timing, alignment, ethics)
- Wave timing + shutter choices (freeze vs flow)
- Tripod stability, focus checks and file cleanliness
- Noise control via smart exposure + stacking basics
- Print-ready finishing (contrast, colour, sharpening)
- Bombo astro is the clear-night plan (conditions permitting)
Night sessions are planned around moon phase and Milky Way alignment for the specific positions we use. Final call on the night depends on cloud, wind, swell, safety and access rules.
We operate with permits/permissions where required. Some areas have restrictions on night access and activity. We follow signage and on-site guidance. Get the full Kiama location guide (free download).
Safety, access and fitness (read this)
Coastal platforms are serious. The goal is great photos without pushing luck.
- Terrain: uneven rocks, wet surfaces, steps/track walking, and early starts
- Ocean risk: swell and rogue sets are real. If access isn't safe, we move or change plans
- Night sessions: headlamp required, and only where night access is allowed under the relevant permissions
- Rules: follow signage and on-site guidance; access rules can change
- Bring: grippy footwear, warm layer, rain shell, water, and a small towel/microfibre cloth
- Pace: we shoot as a group, and nobody is pressured to stand in risky positions
- Not a fit if: you can't handle uneven ground, you're not comfortable near waves, or you need late starts
- Insurance: $20M public liability (details available on request)
Gear for seascapes + Bombo astro
You don't need a perfect kit. You do need stability, a plan, and a few essentials. See our full landscape photography gear guide for detailed recommendations.
Interchangeable-lens camera, wide-angle lens (roughly 14–24mm or 16–35mm), sturdy tripod, spare battery, headlamp, and a remote/intervalometer.
Filters: optional. We can make strong images with or without them (and I'll show you both approaches).
Mid-range zoom (24–70mm), telephoto for abstracts, CPL/ND filters if you already own them, L-bracket, and a fast wide lens for night (if you have one).
Editing: Laptop with Lightroom Classic + Photoshop strongly recommended for daily editing sessions. Software subscriptions are not included.
Conditions plan (Plan B)
If the "perfect" plan isn't safe or workable, we pivot fast and still get strong outcomes.
We shift to safer platforms/angles, shoot higher-ground compositions, and use longer editing session time to refine blends and finishing.
We plan astro around the forecast, but cloud happens. If skies don't cooperate, you’ll still capture foregrounds in the field and we use provided Milky Way RAW data in the editing sessions to teach the full workflow.
If access rules or conditions make a spot unsafe, we choose the best protected option for the light and keep shooting.
We confirm plans before each session. You'll know where to be, when to be there, and what to bring.
FAQs
Straight answers to the practical questions (including the ones people avoid asking).
Where are the Kiama photography workshop locations?
Is this seascapes or astrophotography?
Is Bombo the astro location?
What if it’s cloudy, raining, or swell is unsafe?
We plan around what the conditions are actually doing (cloud breaks, wind direction, tide and swell), and the locations we use have multiple workable angles so we can still shoot strong compositions in most conditions.
If swell or access makes a specific platform unsafe, we simply move to a more protected option and keep shooting. The goal is great photos without pushing luck.
Is astrophotography included?
Astro is always conditions dependent (cloud, visibility, wind and access), so specific night results can’t be guaranteed. We still plan for it and make the attempt whenever it’s safe and workable.
If the sky doesn’t cooperate, you won’t miss the learning. You’ll still capture your own foregrounds in the field, and I’ll provide downloadable Milky Way RAW data (captured on a clear night) so we can cover the full workflow, blending and finishing during the editing sessions.
What skill level is this for?
Do I need to shoot in manual?
What gear do I need?
Are filters required?
If you’re considering buying filters before the workshop, email me first. I’m a NiSi reseller and can usually save you money.
Do you teach Lightroom and Photoshop?
Do I need a laptop?
How fit do I need to be?
Are permits and insurance in place?
Are airport transfers included?
Is accommodation included?
What’s the cancellation policy?
All testimonials
What past workshop participants have said about Dylan Knight Photography workshops.