Landscapes in Detail

Instructor: Benjamin Maze
Date: June 17, 2023
Location: Royal National Park
Participants: 6

Overview

Join me on a relaxed afternoon exploring and photographing the smaller scenes within nature!

Intimate and abstract nature photography is a fantastic way to capture the landscape outside conventional hours, make the most of lacklustre skies, capture interesting imagery when wide-angle compositions aren't presenting themselves, and generally push our creativity with unique and thought-provoking images. Allow me to take you into the beautiful Royal National Park for a leisurely Saturday afternoon, as I help you to see beyond the grand scenes to the details.

My goal in this workshop is to provide assistance in opening your creative mind to capturing photos that are out-of-the-box; considering what else things like rocks and water can be to the subjective eye; observing the world in shapes, lines, colours, textures, patterns and interactions with light.

Technical and compositional instruction will of course be included, such as utilising focus stacks for front-to-back sharpness, creative uses of shutter speeds, and much more. However, the primary focus will be the most important part of image creation, which is developing an eye that sees what others don't, and a mind that understands how to capture it. This is a time to relax, get weird and wonderful with experimentation, and have fun producing unique images!

We'll have world-class sandstone textures to work with atop the gorgeous cliffs of the Royal National Park, as well as crystalline water and sand found in the inlets along the coast. We'll be able to utilise a wide range of light, making the most of the changing ambience as the day progresses.

Activity Levels

A low-moderate level of fitness is required for this workshop. We will be beginning at Wattamolla Beach carpark (TBC) and walking for periods up to 30 minutes along an established track to reach favourable spots along the cliffs. We'll then be walking back to our cars in the dark by headtorch after finishing shooting at 5:30pm. Accessing or photographing some compositions may require scrambling, traversing slippery rocks or standing in moving water. Participants are responsible for their own ability and safety; appropriate footwear such as sneakers are recommended.

Details

What’s included:

• 4 hours of experienced photography guidance & tuition in the Royal National Park

• Personal in-field photography instruction to develop vision and technique, including:

- Exploring a scene first to find images that you connect with

- Going beyond the trophy shot; exploring intimate and abstract nature images

- Exploring the use of every kind of light without relying on golden hour

- Top-to-bottom technical instruction to ensure you're capturing high-quality images

What’s not included:

• Meals, snacks & drinks

• Transportation to/from the Royal National Park

• Insurance

Group size

6 participants

When and where?

June 17th 2023, 1:30pm - 5:30pm

Royal National Park*

*further details will be provided to participants closer to the workshop's commencement

What about COVID-19?

Please see the full terms and conditions for all policies on cancellations, postponements and refunds.

Price - $250

(Early Bird - Save $50 until April 30th)

As an f-stop ambassador, I also offer all my workshop participants a 15% discount on f-stop gear! Shoot me an email if you'd like to take advantage of this offer.

Booking

Full payment is required to reserve your place in the workshop.

By booking you acknowledge and accept the Terms & Conditions

Got questions? Get in touch via my contact page!

Testimonials

"A huge thanks to Ben for his hospitality over the weekend. He has a genuine interest in helping others improve on their photography journey and I’d recommend his workshops thoroughly. Ben, you did a great job ... I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and I learnt so much. THANK YOU!!"

- Oliver H

"Fantastic experience. Getting tips and tricks from such a talented photographer like Ben is priceless and in such a relaxed and comfortable environment. No matter your level of experience Ben doesn't make you feel like you are being a hinderance and is willing to help with even the most basic of questions/problems and explains in a way that is easy to understand without getting lost in technical names/words/terms. The advice given on how to improve your steps, technique and/or style in capturing an image doesn't second guess anything that you currently do but expands on your current knowledge without trying to reteach and change. Any skill level will feel 100% comfortable on a workshop with Ben."

- Evan H

"The workshop was a great experience despite the very trying weather conditions with which you had to work. I know that running photographic workshops and tours is not easy and it takes a lot of background organisation and a unique set of skills – from interpersonal skills, people management skills, to technical photographic skills and knowledge, as well as being a weather magician! You managed to juggle all this and more! ... Your gentle and encouraging approach was greatly appreciated as you gave me time to try to dredge up and apply my skills and knowledge. It was great to know that support was there when it was needed. Your work is quite inspirational, and I look forward to exploring the world of intimate and abstract landscapes. Again, thank you for a wonderful experience."

- Debbie S

"Ben is very organised, knowledgeable and generous with his time and expertise."

- Anita R