Pinnacles Photography Workshop — Astrophotography + Landscape
A 5-day / 4-night, small-group (max 4) astro-first workshop based in Cervantes, built around The Pinnacles Desert and nearby coastal sessions at Hangover Bay and Kangaroo Point. Multiple night attempts planned when conditions allow. Structured air-conditioned editing sessions run during harsh daylight.
Leave with a clean astro workflow, finished edits from the week, and a repeatable nightscape process you can use anywhere in Australia.
Seats are capped at 4. Subscribe for first access when bookings open.
Night sessions are attempted when conditions and practical access allow — no guarantees. If skies don't cooperate, we lean into editing coaching and sunrise/sunset outcomes.
Who this is for
- Astro + nightscape coaching with multiple attempts when conditions allow
- A simple, repeatable night workflow you can use anywhere
- Small-group help with settings, focus, composition and troubleshooting in the field
- Guided sunrise/sunset sessions as strong backups and portfolio variety
- Structured editing sessions so you leave with finished images
Not the right fit if…
- You want a guaranteed Milky Way (astro is always weather dependent)
- You want non-stop travel and a new location every session
- You prefer a large group tour — this is capped at 4 for hands-on coaching
If you're unsure, ask me directly and I'll tell you straight whether it's a fit.
What you'll shoot
- The Pinnacles Desert: multiple night attempts + sunrise/sunset sessions
- Coastal sessions: Hangover Bay and Kangaroo Point for long exposures and seascape variety
- Supporting options (time/conditions dependent): Lake Thetis and nearby lookouts close to base
- Editing sessions: Lightroom workflow + Photoshop fundamentals, daily during harsh daylight
One-base approach
Cervantes is the only base for the week. All locations are short transfers — minimal driving, maximum reps at each site. Repetition is how you learn to adapt to conditions, not just copy a composition once.
Why this Pinnacles itinerary works
Instead of chasing distance, we build repetition. More time shooting, less time driving.
Multiple night attempts planned when conditions and access allow, with rest and recovery built in. Night sessions are opt-in — if you're cooked, you sleep.
Repeat sessions at the same locations teach adaptation. You learn how to work conditions — not just copy a single composition once in perfect light.
When light is harsh, we run structured editing and planning sessions. You leave with finished images and a workflow you can reuse on your own trips.
What you'll learn
A practical, repeatable process: field decisions + clean files + simple finishing.
In the field
- Astro fundamentals: focus workflow, exposure, clean files, horizon control
- Nightscape composition: spire placement, scale, foreground simplification
- Star trails + single-frame nightscapes (star tracker not required)
- Sunrise/sunset planning: wind direction, cloud breaks, light angles
- Safe positioning in low light: briefings, movement, and boundaries
- Coastal long exposures: shutter choice, timing, and avoiding "mud"
In the editing session
- Lightroom workflow: cull, masks, colour control, sharpening, export
- Photoshop fundamentals: tidy edges, simple blends, clean finish
- Landscape composition: structure, separation, leading lines, story sets
- A reusable checklist you can apply on future trips independently
What you leave with
- A clean astro workflow (focus, exposure, file handling) you can repeat anywhere
- Finished edits from the week — not just raw files on a drive
- Your own next-trip checklist: settings, packing, and planning
5 days structured around the best light windows
Exact timing flexes with conditions and safe/practical access. Night sessions are always opt-in.
Perth arrival + orientation + sunset + night option
Meet in Perth (airport), drive to Cervantes, check in and reset. Short briefing: safety, night workflow, and how the week runs. Sunset at Hangover Bay or Kangaroo Point. Night attempt only if conditions and practical access allow — otherwise rest.
Pinnacles sunrise + editing session + sunset + night attempt
Sunrise at The Pinnacles focusing on composition and exposure fundamentals. Midday rest + air-conditioned editing session covering astro workflow foundations and clean file handling. Sunset at The Pinnacles. Night attempt if conditions and practical access allow.
Coastal sunrise + editing session + coastal sunset + night option
Sunrise at Kangaroo Point for clean, repeatable coastal compositions. Midday rest + editing session covering seascape workflow: masks, colour control, finishing. Sunset at Hangover Bay for textures and long exposures. Optional night attempt if conditions suit.
Pinnacles mastery day + portfolio review + final night push
Sunrise at The Pinnacles focusing on advanced compositions and story sets. Midday editing session: building a consistent portfolio set with live review. Sunset at the best-conditions location. Final night push if conditions and practical access allow.
Final sunrise + wrap + return to Perth
Final sunrise at the strongest option for the day. Wrap-up: your next-trip checklist and personal settings guide. Return transfer to Perth for departures.
Fatigue note: night sessions are opt-in. If you're tired, sleep — take a night off. If we get clear skies every night, we build in rest nights to combat fatigue. All night sessions are optional.
What's included
Confirmed inclusions for Sep 2027. Food is flexible and pay-as-you-go.
Included
- 5-day workshop tuition (max 4 participants)
- 4 nights accommodation (private room, Cervantes)
- Perth airport pickup + return (group transfer)
- All ground transport during the workshop
- Park entry fees for planned sessions
- Guided sunrise/sunset shoots + night attempts when conditions allow
- Daily air-conditioned editing sessions
- Permits/permissions where required
- Documented safety practices + $20M public liability insurance
Not included
- Flights to/from WA
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and personal purchases
- Camera gear purchases
Food plan: meals are pay-as-you-go so you choose what suits you. We'll keep a simple daily rhythm for early starts and share local options in Cervantes.
Pricing
Limited to 4 seats.
Gear checklist
You don't need exotic gear. You do need the essentials, especially for low light.
Required
- Camera with Manual mode
- Sturdy tripod
- Wide-angle lens
- Headlamp — pre-dawn + night sessions
- Spare batteries + memory cards
Helpful (not mandatory)
- Fast wide lens for cleaner astro
- Remote shutter / intervalometer
- ND filters for daytime/coastal long exposures
- Lens heater / microfibre cloth (condensation control)
What past participants say
Real feedback from real workshops.
"Before the workshop, my approach was simple — just take the shot. Now it's all about planning, preparation, and waiting for the light. Understanding light as the most fundamental element of composition was the real revelation, along with the discipline of arriving early to set up properly. The total experience will exceed expectations."
"Before the workshop, advanced techniques like exposure blending and shooting full manual felt out of reach. Three days on the Sapphire Coast changed that. I left not just with shots I'm genuinely proud of — particularly nailing slow water — but with a real understanding of why the process works. For anyone at an intermediate level sitting on the fence, I'd say do it."
"I've done quite a few workshops with Dylan now, and I keep coming back for good reason. The planning that goes into finding the right locations at the right time for the best light is exceptional — nothing is left to chance. And the Milky Way sessions? Absolutely fantastic. Dylan sets the bar high and consistently clears it."
"I considered myself a capable photographer before the workshop, but it surprised me how much I still had to learn — and how quickly small adjustments improved my results. Dylan challenged me creatively and helped me produce a collection of images I'm truly proud of. You gain so much more than just photos — you leave with practical skills, creative direction, and genuine confidence."
"Dylan brings a depth of knowledge and experience that's rare — but what sets him apart is his genuine willingness to share all of it. I learned an enormous amount over the workshop, yet never once felt overwhelmed. The pace was right, the instruction was clear, and every concept built on the last. I'd recommend this without hesitation."
"Definitely worth it — expert tuition, incredible locations, and a great group of like-minded photographers in a genuinely fun atmosphere. My photography has noticeably improved since the workshop. If you're sitting on the fence, just go."
FAQs
Direct answers before you book.
Is this an astrophotography workshop or a landscape workshop?
Will we definitely shoot the Milky Way?
What happens if it's cloudy at night?
Are night sessions compulsory?
Do I need a star tracker?
Is this suitable for beginners?
What lens should I bring for astro at the Pinnacles?
How much driving is involved?
Do you pick us up from Perth?
Are permits and access handled?
Are drones allowed?
What's the cancellation policy?
Get first access when bookings open
Seats are capped at 4. Subscribe to the newsletter and you'll be first notified when dates and booking links go live.
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