Sunshine Coast + Noosa Photography Workshop 2026 | Queensland
4 days of tight, repeatable coaching built around Sunshine Coast sunrises, Noosa sunsets, and dedicated astro opportunities at Borumba Dam/hinterland (conditions and access permitting), backed by 3× 3-hour editing sessions. Max 4 photographers. Suitable for keen beginners (manual mode familiarity helpful) through to advanced photographers refining workflow.
This workshop is designed to make your field decisions calmer and your files cleaner. We plan around tide, swell, wind and access windows, then consolidate everything in a structured edit lab each day so you actually keep improving after you go home.
Answer-first: A small-group max-4 Sunshine Coast + Noosa photography workshop running 8–11 October 2026 (4 days, 3 nights) with 3 Sunshine Coast sunrise sessions, 3 Noosa sunset sessions, and 3 astrophotography opportunities at Borumba Dam/hinterland (subject to clear skies, safe access, and moonlight). Includes 3× 3-hour editing sessions (basic Lightroom through advanced Photoshop techniques). Tuition-only format (self-drive, accommodation self-booked). Pricing: AU$1,850 Early Bird (first 2 seats) / AU$2,050 Standard (final 2 seats). Suitable for keen beginners (manual mode helpful) through to advanced photographers.
Astrophotography opportunities: Available across 3 nights (Day 2, 3, 4), dependent on clear skies, safe access, and moonlight. If unsuitable, time replaced with extended sunrise/sunset coaching and deeper editing sessions. Not sure what gear to bring? See our 2026 landscape photography gear guide.
What's included
Real coaching time, not queueing behind big groups.
✅ Included
- 3 sunrise sessions (SC seascapes)
- 3 sunset sessions (mostly Noosa)
- 3 astrophotography opportunities (conditions + access permitting)
- 3× 3-hour editing sessions (basic Lightroom → advanced Photoshop: exposure blending, focus stacking, panoramas, composites)
- 11-lesson editing video bundle ($197 value) — yours to keep after the workshop
- Workflow checklists + location planning tools
- Max 4 photographers (real coaching time)
- Dylan Knight Photography holds AU$20M public liability insurance
❌ Not included
- Accommodation (self-booked)
- Meals
- Transport between locations
- Gear hire
- Scenic flights (if you add one outside workshop time, booked and paid separately)
Want suburb recommendations for accommodation? Email us and we'll suggest practical options ~15–30min drive to most sessions. Need gear advice? Check our 2026 gear guide.
Workshop snapshot
3 sunrises on the Sunshine Coast. 3 sunsets in Noosa. 3 astro opportunities inland (conditions permitting). 3× 3-hour editing sessions.
Built to maximise strong light windows without needing you to take a full work week off.
Real coaching time on your setup, not queueing behind big groups.
Edit your own files with guidance (basic Lightroom → advanced Photoshop) and walk away with a repeatable workflow.
3 sunrise seascapes (SC), 3 sunset sessions (Noosa), 3 astro opportunities at Borumba/hinterland when suitable.
What you'll leave with
Practical skills you can repeat anywhere, not just "nice spots". Learn more about Noosa photography locations.
In the field
- Wave timing + shutter intent (freeze vs motion) without muddy files
- Sharp long exposures: stability, focus checks, clean settings
- Headland composition structure (foreground → subject → background)
- Sunset structure in Noosa: silhouettes, layers, clean colour choices
- Waterfall technique (if we pivot): shutter choices + highlight control
We keep the decision-making simple so you can repeat it under pressure.
In the editing sessions (3× 3 hours)
- Basic Lightroom: fast cull, clean colour, WB discipline, saturation control
- Advanced Photoshop: exposure blending (HDR/sky recovery), focus stacking (front-to-back sharpness), panorama correction, composites
- Local adjustments that shape light without overcooking files
- Astro noise management + targeted sky control
- Seascape finishing: natural contrast + realistic detail
- Export workflows for web + print
Plus: 11-lesson editing video bundle ($197 value) covering universal RAW workflow, masking, LR ↔ PS hand-offs, HDR/blending, focus stacking, astro/seascape finishing, exporting, archiving. Includes checklist + shortcuts PDF. 14-day refund window.
Daily itinerary (4 days)
Conditions-led. 3 sunrises on the Sunshine Coast. 3 sunsets mostly in Noosa. 3 astro opportunities inland if it's on.
Afternoon: meet + workflow brief + planning tools.
Sunset: Noosa (conditions-led).
No sunrise or editing session Day 1.
Sunrise: SC seascapes (Cartwright/Arkwright/Coolum-type options).
Editing session (3 hrs): seascape finishing + controlled motion.
Sunset: Noosa (structure + silhouettes).
Sunrise: SC repeat + refinement.
Editing session (3 hrs): critique + improvements you can measure.
Night: Astro opportunity at Borumba Dam/hinterland (subject to clear skies, safe access, moonlight).
Sunrise: final "apply everything" session on the coast.
Editing session (3 hrs): final selects, finishing, export + next-step plan.
Wrap: Q&A + depart. Workshop ends after editing session.
If conditions are messy or it rains, we pivot to Buderim Falls for a dedicated waterfall technique block and use it as a strength.
Locations and how we choose them
We keep the list tight, then choose the safest, best-light option each session.
Sunrises (Sunshine Coast)
- Headlands + bays chosen around tide, swell and wind
- Focus: shutter intent, sharp long exposures, clean compositions
- We'll use sheltered options when open beaches are messy
Most mornings are coastal to maximise sunrise consistency. Read more about Sunshine Coast photography locations.
Sunsets + night
- Sunsets: Mostly Noosa for stronger structure and colour. See our 8 best Noosa photo spots.
- Astro: Borumba Dam/hinterland when clear + suitable
- Rain pivot: Buderim Falls for waterfalls and forest textures
We chase the strongest light window, not a fixed checklist of spots.
What past students say
Real feedback from small-group workshops.
Read all testimonials from past workshop participants.
Safety, fitness and night notes
Safety first. Conditions-led decisions keep outcomes strong without pushing risk.
What to expect
- Early starts and some uneven sand/rock platforms
- Closed shoes with grip (non-negotiable near wet rock/headlands)
- Headlamp/torch for low light
- If swell is up, we change angles or switch locations
We're here to get strong images without doing anything silly.
Night session reality check
- Astro opportunities are subject to clear skies, safe access, and moonlight
- If it's not on, we replace it with extra coastal time + deeper editing sessions
- We operate under relevant permits and site permissions where required
- Dylan Knight Photography holds AU$20M public liability insurance
You're paying for decisions and coaching, not luck.
Essential gear
Bring what you have. The basics matter more than exotic kit. Full breakdown in our 2026 landscape photography gear guide.
Field essentials
- Camera with manual controls
- Wide lens (ideal) + any standard zoom you own
- Solid tripod
- Spare batteries, lens cloth, rain cover
- Closed shoes with grip, warm layer for wind
Filters are helpful, not required. See our gear guide for specific recommendations.
For the 3-hour editing sessions
- Laptop with Lightroom Classic (recommended)
- Card reader/cables + power supply
- External drive (optional)
- Photoshop optional (but we'll cover advanced techniques if you have it)
No laptop? You can still learn, but you'll get the most value editing your own files during sessions.
Pricing (max 4 seats)
Bookings are open. Early Bird is limited to the first two seats.
First 2 bookings only.
Final 2 seats.
Tuition-only (self-drive, accommodation self-booked). Scenic flights (if you add one outside workshop time) are booked and paid separately.
Plan B (weather contingency)
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 safer elevated angles.
- We adjust timing to the best light window available.
Success still looks like: sharp files, controlled motion, strong structure.
If rain arrives (or the coast is messy)
- We pivot inland to Buderim Falls for waterfall technique and textures.
- We go deeper in the 3-hour editing session so you leave with a repeatable workflow.
Success still looks like: better technique, cleaner edits, stronger images.
Access rules and conditions can change. Always follow signage and on-site guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers before you book.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Are we definitely doing astrophotography?
Do I need a laptop for the editing sessions?
Is accommodation and transport included?
What happens if the weather is bad?
What's included in the workshop fee?
What camera gear do I need for Sunshine Coast sunrise photography?
Can I attend if I've never done a photography workshop before?
Are the astrophotography opportunities guaranteed?
What's the cancellation / refund policy?
What Past Students Say
"Incredible workshop as Dylan has so much knowledge and experience as a tutor and photographer and is so willing to share it all with his clients. I learnt so much, but at a rate that I could understand as we went along and didn't feel overwhelmed. Would highly recommend and would participate in future workshops in a heartbeat."
– Lynette (Noosa National Park Workshop)
"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
