What can I expect from one of these workshops?

These workshops are small group experiences, designed to give you maximum time out in the field with an experienced and friendly photography tutor.

You will enjoy stunning landscapes at the best times of day, including sunrise, sunset and night/astro photo opportunities. You will enjoy photographing beautiful landscape scenes as well as unique seasonal highlights and return home with new knowledge on how to use your camera and an exciting collection of new images.

You can expect to have all your questions answered in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere as we not only shoot together in the field but enjoy meals together too.

All workshops include your own private room so you have some quiet space to relax in between shoots and overnight.

Each workshop also includes all meals, transport and entry fees so you can expect to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics!

How to Book

There is an online booking system in place (look for the pink “Book Now” button) for you to book and make payment all in one go.

You can also contact me or fill in this contact form if you have any questions or you’d like to pay with a bank transfer instead of credit card online.

Dates

If the dates listed online don’t match your planned travel in Tasmania by all means get in touch as I may have new dates that are not announced yet.

Alternatively you might like to book one of my private 3 day workshops which run on demand, all year round.

Fully Booked

Due to the small group nature of these tours, tours may book out many months in advance. In this case you should still contact me to register interest and I will contact you if a place becomes available and/or when new dates are announced.

Best Time for Photography in Tasmania

Generally I set my multi-day group tours through autumn-winter-spring (ie March/April through Oct/Nov). I tend to run more private/One on One tours in summer. The main reason is hotel availability and pricing, which is at a premium in summer (ie Nov-Feb). Also, the long days of summer make for very tiring days if we are shooting sunrise, sunset and the night sky.

Photographing the Aurora

The aurora is a very random event and simply cannot be guaranteed in advance. I usually set my multi-day tours to coincide with a new moon, so that if an aurora were to appear we would have nice dark skies to shoot it. Also, the days are shorter during autumn-winter-spring, so the chance of catching an aurora should it occur are in our favour.

Level of Photography Experience

There is no minimum experience or ability requirements for anyone joining one of my workshops.

If you have a brand new camera and want some guidance; if you need a refresher after not shooting for a few years, or if you are a very experienced shooter and want to be shown some amazing Tasmanian locations without having to arrange all the travel yourself then you are welcome to join in and I will make sure everyone gets exactly what they are looking for from the trip.

Level of Personal Fitness

The aim of my workshops is immersion in the field and there is no long hiking.

The longest walks undertaken are around 30-40 minutes one way eg to Philosopher Falls, Wineglass Bay Lookout and so on. These are on very well maintained tracks and there is no reason physical fitness (or lack thereof!) should restrict participation in these trips. I always allow ample time (eg 3 hours) for any particular session so there is no need to be stressed by time constraints.

If you have any particular concerns please let me know at the time of booking.

Camera Equipment

Again, there are no particular requirements re gear ie brand, full frame/APSC, DSLR/mirrorless, lenses, accessories. The aim of these workshops is of course tuition and learning in the field, so basically if you own any camera that allows manual control and would like some guidance in using it then this tour is for you.

Phone Cameras

As time goes by, the quality of phone cameras has improved dramatically and the convenience is undeniable.

There are many tips and tricks you can learn to achieve the most out of your phone’s camera and anyone using a phone rather than a DSLR/mirrorless camera is completely welcome to book a trip and can expect to be looked after and enjoy the experience just as much as those with DSLR/mirrorless cameras.

Recommended Equipment

As a starting point, you would want to have some, if not all, of the following:

* Camera (essential); Tripod (essential)

* Optional but recommended to have any or all of the following (based on your own particular interests of course): wide angle lens (eg 10-20mm on APSC; 15-30 on full frame); medium zoom lens (eg 24-70mm); macro lens; long lens (eg 70-200mm or longer). Polarising filter. Neutral Density filter/s. Lens hood, shutter release cable (or remote). Spare batteries and your charger (for multi day trips).

Is camera gear provided?

Generally the answer is no as it is far better that you travel with your own equipment. It may be possible to share filters and minor accessories, but not cameras and lenses.

Teaching Style

We learn while using our cameras out in the field, so there will only be a minimum of indoor group talks and most of our tuition time together will be out in the field. Based on the needs of each particular group, I may talk to the group as a whole in location, or allow more experienced shooters to start shooting while I assist beginners or those with very specific questions/needs.

Digital cameras allow for great sharing of images and learning, including constructive criticism. I will often compose and shoot alongside guests in order to share the results, which is a very useful way of sharing methods and techniques and comparing results.

Group Size

All my tours are capped at a maximum of either 4 or 6 participants. All my trips include a single room for all guests so you can have some privacy at the end of the day. Twin share is only available to couples/friends traveling together.

Partner (ie non-photographer) Discount

Non-photographer partners (eg spouse, family member) and/or friends are welcome to join these trips. A discount is built into the twin-share price when two guests book together. No further discounts would apply.

I also offer private tours which run for only 1 or 2 people which of course a non-photographer partner is very welcome to join.

What is Included

Each tour is different, and all the inclusions will be listed on each individual tour page, but basically:

MULTI DAY TOURS: Tour fee includes ALL transport, meals, accommodation, entry fees (eg National Parks and any other attractions listed in the tour itinerary).

DAY TOURS: Usually include transport, lunch and entry fees.

ONE ON ONE, HOBART & SURROUNDS: Do not include meals or transport ie tuition only.

WILDLIFE TOURS: Tour fee includes a significant donation to the relevant wildlife centre. No transport or meals are included, but transport may be arranged for an additional fee.

What is not included

Guests need to get themselves to Hobart for the start of the trip, and from the time you are picked up from your hotel, only minor expenses along the way such as mid-morning coffee stops or alcoholic drinks with dinner are not included.

It is recommended you arrange travel insurance in case any last minute issues preclude your participation in the trip.

Please note: All arrangements for the Tours and Workshops (including invoicing/payment) will be handled by Leatherwood Tasmania Tours, of which Luke O’Brien is co-proprietor.

Leatherwood Tasmania Tours is an accredited tourism provider and maintains all relevant insurance and licences to operate commercially in Tasmania.

Please be aware that outdoor and landscape photography requires a great deal of care with regard to your camera equipment. In particular caution must be taken when around water (rainy days, creeks, beaches etc) and rocky or uneven surfaces.

Please take all sensible precautions for looking after your own camera gear while in the field as Luke O’Brien/Leatherwood Tasmania Tours will not be held responsible for damage or injury. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

For further information or to make a booking please contact me.