Sapphire Coast Seascapes
Instructor: Benjamin Maze
Dates: December 9th - 13th 2022
Location: Sapphire Coast
Participants: 4 (SOLD OUT)
Join me on a 5-day workshop exploring the rugged coastlines of the Sapphire Coast!
Located about 5 hours south from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, the Sapphire Coast is home to some of the most dramatic coastline you'll find in the entire state. Included are the iconic drawcards Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock, which are a seascape photographer's delight in any conditions. Several more underrated locations and unique angles await too, which you'll be guided to and instructed in how to capture them at their best. To maximise our chances for good light, the yearly timing of mid-December means the sun is as close as possible to being behind these icons at both sunrise and sunset.
My goal in teaching a workshop is always to have my participants leave as a better photographer than when they started. Whether it’s technique, creative vision, more effective compositions, storytelling or post processing, I’ll be working hard to ensure you’re developing your skills and having a good time while doing so. You as the participant are my priority, not my own photography, so you can be confident in knowing that I’ll be there answering any of your questions and needs. A small group size means you'll be able to get my help whenever you may need it.
Overview
You’ll learn how to capture dramatic, refined and unique images with personal instruction from myself every step of the way, as we explore creating engaging wide-angle compositions alongside the fascinating smaller scenes that can be found in nature. We’ll be keeping a flexible itinerary, with a wide range of possible locations to suit any weather situation in order to maximise our opportunities. I’ll be there to instruct you on capturing unique perspectives and what makes a compelling composition, full manual settings for maximum quality and creative control, what shutter speed looks best when capturing moving water, techniques for front-to-back sharpness, maximising dynamic range, reacting to conditions, and much more.
We’ll be basing ourselves conveniently in the town centre of Bermagui, a mere 10 minutes from Horse Head Rock and Camel Rock. Back at our accommodation, we’ll be going through post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop, covering the basics all the way to advanced editing techniques in order to bring the most out of your captured files. You’ll learn the proper editing application of the in-field processes you were taught, from focus stacking to exposure blending, as well as creative techniques and workflow tips that will result in clean, natural yet striking looking images that stand out amongst the crowd.
Most of all, you’ll get to enjoy 5 days of intensive nature photography instruction by a passionate photographer who has created internationally recognised imagery in the area and loves to guide people along in their creative journey!
Activity Levels
A low level of fitness is required for this workshop. 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; footwear that is appropriate for traversing slippery rocks is highly recommended.
Details
What’s included:
• 4 night’s accommodation via a house in Bermagui town centre
• 5 days of experienced guidance to a wide range of locations along the Sapphire Coast
• 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 files
• Personal editing instruction to achieve the best result possible, taking control over each step for maximum creative output
• Analysis of my Sapphire Coast portfolio images to show how they work and how this can be applied to other scenes
• Educational presentations on capturing both dramatic wide-angle and intimate/abstract imagery
What’s not included:
• Meals, snacks & drinks
• Flights/transportation (though we’ll be carpooling to locations when necessary)
• Travel insurance
Group size
4 - 6 participants
When and where?
December 9th - 13th 2022, Sapphire Coast*
*accommodation address will be provided to participants closer to the workshop's commencement
What about COVID-19?
In the event that coronavirus restrictions cause the workshop to be postponed/cancelled, you can rest assured that all participants who can no longer attend the workshop will receive a full refund. Please see the full terms and conditions for the policies on refunds for individual cancellations.
Price
Single Supplement: $1750 (sold out)
Twin-Share: $1500 (sold out)
Couple: $1250* (sold out)
*Please note that a couple booking requires two of the same booking to be made at the same time. Couples will share a queen size bed.
If you are booking within a sale period, your savings will be deducted from the final balance.
As an ambassador, I can 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
Book your place with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Final payment is required by November 9th (30 days prior to commencement).
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
Sapphire Coast Gallery
