Pinnacles Photography Workshop — Astrophotography + Landscape
Base: Cervantes (one-base retreat via Indian Ocean Drive) • Region: Nambung National Park + nearby coast (Hangover Bay + Kangaroo Point)A 5-day / 4-night, small-group (max 4) workshop built around The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park), with nearby coastal sunrise/sunset sessions. It’s astro-first — we plan multiple night attempts, when conditions and practical access allow — and run structured air-conditioned editing labs during harsh daylight so you leave with finished images and a repeatable workflow.
Newsletter first: when bookings open, subscribers get first access to dates, inclusions and the first release of seats.
This is a 5-day / 4-night astro-first photography workshop based in Cervantes, Western Australia, focused on The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park) with nearby coastal sunrise/sunset sessions at Hangover Bay and Kangaroo Point. With a maximum of 4 participants, you’ll get hands-on field coaching, plus daily air-conditioned editing labs during harsh daylight. Astro is attempted when conditions allow; no guarantees.
★★★★★ “I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence.” – Amber
Cloudy-night plan: if skies don’t cooperate, we increase indoor coaching (editing + planning) and double down on sunrise/sunset outcomes.
Quick links: Upcoming workshops · Ask a question
Workshop snapshot
A tight, high-output retreat: shoot the best light windows, rest when light is harsh, then edit with structure.
Pricing note: early bird applies to the first 2 booked seats. Remaining seats are standard pricing.
Meals: pay-as-you-go (choice and flexibility, especially with early starts).
Who this is for
A quick fit check so you know what you’re signing up for.
Ideal if you want:
- Astro + nightscape coaching with multiple attempts (when conditions/access allow)
- A simple, repeatable night workflow you can use anywhere
- Small group help with settings, focus, composition and troubleshooting
- Guided sunrise/sunset sessions as strong backups (and portfolio variety)
- Structured editing labs so you leave with finished images
Not ideal if you want:
- A guaranteed Milky Way (astro is weather dependent)
- Non-stop travel and constant new locations every session
- A big-group tour (this is capped at 4 for hands-on coaching)
If you’re unsure, hit enquire and I’ll tell you straight if it’s a fit.
Why this Pinnacles itinerary works
Instead of chasing distance, we build repetition: multiple sessions at the Pinnacles plus nearby coast options. More time shooting, less time driving.
We plan multiple night attempts when conditions and access allow, with rest and recovery built into the day. Night sessions are opt-in.
Repeat sessions teach adaptation: you learn how to work conditions, not just copy a single composition once.
When light is harsh, we run structured editing and planning so you leave with finished images and a reusable workflow.
Core locations: The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park) · Hangover Bay · Kangaroo Point.
Supporting options (time/conditions dependent): Lake Thetis and nearby short walks/lookouts close to base.
What you’ll learn
A practical, repeatable process: field decisions + clean files + simple finishing. No fluff.
- Astro fundamentals (when clear): 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
- Landscape composition: structure, separation, leading lines, story sets
- Coastal long exposures: shutter choice, timing, and avoiding “mud”
- Lightroom workflow: cull, masks, colour control, sharpening, export
- Photoshop fundamentals where useful: tidy edges, simple blends, finish
- A reusable checklist you can apply on future trips
What you’ll 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
Gear checklist (simple)
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)
- 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)
Itinerary (5 days)
Structured windows with flexibility inside each day. Exact timing flexes with conditions and safe/practical access.
Day 1 — Perth arrival + orientation + sunset + night option
Day 2 — Pinnacles sunrise + editing lab + sunset + night attempt
Day 3 — Coastal sunrise + editing lab + coastal sunset + night option
Day 4 — Pinnacles mastery day + portfolio review + final night push
Day 5 — Final sunrise + wrap + return to Perth
Fatigue note: night sessions are opt-in. If you’re cooked, you sleep. We prioritise outcomes without grinding people down.
What’s included
Confirmed inclusions for Sep 2026 (food is flexible and pay-as-you-go).
Included
- 5-day workshop tuition (max 4 participants)
- 4 nights accommodation (private room)
- Perth airport pickup + return (group transfer)
- Ground transport during the workshop
- Park entry fees for planned sessions
- Guided sunrise/sunset shoots + night attempts when conditions allow
- Daily editing labs (air-conditioned)
- 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 can 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. Early bird applies to the first 2 booked seats.
FAQs
Direct answers to the common questions.
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 gear should I bring?
What’s the cancellation policy?
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