Blue Mountains Sunrise Session 23rd June 2024

Join me for an enchanting morning Sunrise session atop the extraordinary Narrowneck plateau in Katoomba, nestled within the majestic Blue Mountains. Together, we'll delve into the art of Sunrise Landscape Photography, capturing the mesmerizing vistas stretching across the Jamison Valley, Three Sisters, and Mount Solitary.

Gather with fellow enthusiasts for a sunrise adventure filled with exploration. Delve into the fundamentals of landscape photography, from equipment essentials to refining your capture and editing techniques. Plus, dive into the world of Sony Digital Imaging equipment, with a chance to get hands-on experience*.

With over a decade of experience photographing the Blue Mountains, I can attest that Narrowneck never ceases to inspire. After being closed off since 2021 due to flooding rains, the roadway is once again accessible, granting us access to the finest clifftop viewpoint for capturing truly unique and unforgettable sunrise imagery. The frequent cloud inversions, eucalypt mist and morning freshenss give rise to phenomena that give exceptional and unique imeragery from this location, surrounded by iconic monuments such as the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary

Our journey begins at the locked gate, where we'll embark on a brief hike to reach the clifftop vista. While the trail is unformed and requires some mobility (GRADE 2), the panoramic views awaiting us are well worth the adventure. Upon arrival, we'll dive into the essentials of landscape photography and gear, emphasizing the importance of clifftop safety. Additionally, I'll provide insider tips tailored to our location, ensuring you make the most of our session. As a local guide, I'll also offer interpretive insights into the area's rich history, geology, flora, and fauna, enriching your understanding and enhancing the storytelling potential of your images.

After our sunrise escapade, why not extend your exploration of the mountains? I'm here to offer personalized travel tips, guiding you to other hidden treasures based on the day's conditions. Let's embark on a day filled with discovery and unforgettable moments amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS - We will generally be meeting and working at an accessible lookout, close to vehicles with little to no stairs to manage, but some sessions will require some adventurous bushwalks. As such, check the Location for the "Grade" of each session:

• Grade 1 - Easy to access for all levels.
• Grade 2 - Some walking and small number of well formed stairs with handrails to navigate.
• Grade 3 - Small distance bush walking (<5km) with some inclines and stairs. Stairs may be unformed with no handrails. Walks may be on muddy tracks. Moderate levels of fitness required.
• Grade 4 - Long distance walks (<10km) with inclines, stairs, muddy and slippery unformed tracks and a high degree of self awareness, good mobility and good fitness required.
• Grade 5 - Totally bush. Tracks are largely unformed and over uneven terrain often in highly remote and declared wilderness areas where minimal impact techniques are employed. Experienced bushwalkers only. High degree of mobility and fitness required.

Jay is licensed to operate Photography tours and Bushwalk Activities in NSW National Parks under an Eco Pass License # LIC20/116.

We wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country we visit during our tours, the Gundungurra, Dharug, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung and Thawawal people and pay our respects to elders past, future and ongoing.

WILL WE HAVE SONY EQUIPMENT TO TRY?

*From time to time we will have Sony Digital Imaging equipment to try while we are on our sessions. This will always be dependent on what Sony has available to loan and our ability to get gear to our location. Check in with me before hand if you want to try anything in particular during the session and we will try to coordinate it for you.

WHY IS THERE A FEE?

Apart from receiving Landscape photography coaching & tuition from your highly experienced guide and tutor, your small fee covers my business costs for hosting such tours in NSW National Parks, Council Reserves and Crown Lands which includes:

• Any National Park Entry Fees ($4.64 per person per day).
• License fees (such as NSW National Parks EcoPass).
• Public Liability Insurance to cover Bushwalking and Wilderness Activities (a Requirement of  Licenses)
• An Experienced and Accredited Guide and Photography Educator with Remote Area First Aid Accreditation.
• Other Ancillary costs.

• Bushwalking for Landscape Photographers
• Landscape Photography Essentials
• Capturing the Blue Mountains
• Using Filters and Circular Polarisers
• Sunrise/Sunset Photography
• Long Exposure Photography
• Macro Photography
• Nature/Wildlife Photography

• Mirrorless or DSLR Camera & Lenses
• Lens Choice - Wide Angle 16-35mm, Telephoto 24-105mm. 100-400mm
• Tripod & plates/mounts for your camera
• Shutter Remote
• Charged Batteries and empty memory cards
• Landscape filters inc Grad ND and CPL (if you own them)
• Comfortable Camera Backpack
• Good Hiking boots or Walking shoes (waterproof high ankle support boots are essential to access some locations)
• Hiking clothing suitable for the weather
• Small towel, Rain jacket & Pack cover if rain is forecast
• Water bottle (750ml minimum main bottle recommended)