Everything you need to know before you book
Straight answers on skill level, gear, weather, inclusions, travel and policies, across my small-group workshops on the Sunshine Coast and selected locations in NSW, WA, NT and New Zealand.
The short version: if you want genuine hands-on coaching in a small group, these workshops are built for you. We cap multi-day workshops at four (single sessions run with up to eight), plan around light and conditions, teach a repeatable capture and editing workflow, and operate with permits and documented safety practices. Astro outcomes are always weather dependent, so if the sky does not cooperate we pivot to stronger options and deeper coaching rather than force a bad plan.
Sunshine Coast plus selected AU and NZ trips
Multi-day max 4, single sessions max 8
Keen beginners to advanced
Astro, seascapes, landscapes
Lightroom and Photoshop (workshop dependent)
$20M public liability; insure your own gear
Booking & groups
How do I book or join the waitlist?
Head to Workshops Overview. If a date is sold out, join the waitlist so you are contacted first when a seat opens or new dates are released.
How big are your workshop groups?
Multi-day workshops are capped at four participants. Single-session workshops run with a maximum of eight. Smaller multi-day groups keep it genuinely hands-on (settings, composition, focus, filters, workflow) and avoid crowded shooting spots.
Skill & experience
Do I need photography experience to join?
No. We start with an on-location quick-start and set up your camera together. Coaching is tailored, so keen beginners through to advanced photographers are all welcome.
Are your workshops beginner-friendly near Brisbane?
Yes. Sunshine Coast workshops, including Noosa and nearby dark-sky locations, suit keen beginners through to advanced, with guidance matched to your level.
Gear
What gear should I pack for a seascape sunrise or astro night?
Bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens (around 14-24mm).
Astro: an f/2.8 or faster lens, headlamp (red light preferred), spare batteries, warm layers.
Seascape: remote or timer, optional CPL, and a 6-10 stop ND depending on the look you want.
If you are upgrading, ask about partner pricing where eligible: My Gear List.
Do I need ND filters to shoot seascapes?
Not always, but they help you control shutter speed for intentional motion (soft blur versus textured water). We cover when to use them and what strength makes sense in real conditions.
Am I responsible for my own camera gear, and should I insure it?
Yes. You are responsible for your own equipment, bags and personal items at all times, including during transport, setup and movement between locations.
Outdoor and night photography can involve water, salt spray, sand, dust, wind and changing weather, so bring appropriate protection for your gear. We strongly recommend insuring any camera equipment you bring. Our public liability insurance covers third-party claims, not your personal equipment.
Weather & conditions
What happens if the weather turns bad?
We pivot: backup locations, different subjects, and more editing and coaching time. If conditions are unsafe, we reschedule where practical. Cloud or poor astro visibility alone does not automatically trigger refunds under the policy.
Will we definitely shoot the Milky Way?
No promises, astro is always weather dependent. We plan for it, but we prioritise safe, strong outcomes and pivot to seascapes, landscapes or editing if skies do not cooperate.
When is the best time to photograph the Milky Way on the Sunshine Coast?
Generally February to October. The galactic core is most prominent roughly April to September. New-moon windows often give the cleanest sky, but weather always matters.
Logistics & travel
Do you provide accommodation or transport?
It depends on the workshop. Some are self-drive and self-book. Some include local ground transport or transfers. Each workshop page lists exactly what is included so you can plan confidently.
How physical are the workshops?
Usually easy to moderate walking on sand, tracks and uneven rock. We brief safe positioning, especially around swell, and adjust plans if you have an injury or concern. Just tell me early.
Do I need travel insurance for interstate or international workshops?
For interstate, remote, overnight or international workshops you are responsible for arranging your own travel insurance, including cover for cancellation, interruption, medical treatment, emergency assistance, personal belongings and photographic equipment where required.
For international workshops, valid travel insurance is a condition of attendance.
Policies & safety
What is your refund and reschedule policy?
- 60 days or more: 100% refund less A$100 admin fee
- 30 to 59 days: 50% refund
- Less than 30 days: no refund unless your seat is re-sold, then 100% refund less admin fee
Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferable once if requested 30+ days prior (terms apply). Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Full terms: Cancellation & Refund Policy.
What am I agreeing to when I book?
At checkout you confirm you have read and agree to the Workshop Terms and Conditions. These cover the cancellation policy, your responsibility for your own equipment, the inherent and obvious risks of outdoor activity, and insurance requirements.
We may alter, delay, relocate or cancel an activity where conditions create an unacceptable safety, access, weather or compliance risk.
Do you operate with permits and permissions?
Yes. We operate with permits and permissions where required and plan around access rules. If a location is restricted or conditions are not safe, we swap to an alternative.
Are drones allowed on workshops?
Drones are not part of these workshops. If you fly independently outside workshop time, you are responsible for checking current CASA rules and any local or site restrictions (parks, councils, culturally sensitive areas and private land).
Other
Do you run photography workshops outside Queensland?
Yes. There are trips in QLD plus selected workshops in NSW, WA, NT and New Zealand. See the current list on Workshops Overview.
How do I choose the right workshop for me?
Start with what you most want to improve (astro, seascape, landscape or editing), your travel comfort level, and your current skill level. If you are unsure, send a quick note via Contact and I will point you to the best-fit option.
Ready when you are
Find your date, or send a question and I will help you choose.