Cronulla Whale Photography Workshop

Cronulla Public Wharf - Berth 2, Cronulla, NSW

Sat 19 Oct

Brett Lobwein

Image: Alpha 1 (A1)

Brett Lobwein

Advocate

Cronulla Whale Photography Workshop

Cronulla Public Wharf - Berth 2, Cronulla, NSW

Sat 19 Oct

Brett Lobwein

Advocate

Cronulla Whale Photography Workshop

Cronulla Public Wharf - Berth 2, Cronulla, NSW

Sat 19 Oct

Brett Lobwein

Image: Alpha 1 (A1)

Scene Festival

Cronulla your turn!

About the event

The 2024 Whale Migration North was incredible, now it is time for the Southern Migration!!! Jump on quickly to book for these workshop series, limited to only 6 places per workshop.

Photo from 25th of May 2024 Workshop. Taken with Sony Alpha 9 III and Sony 300mm G Master

Join award winning wildlife photographer and Sony Advocate Brett Lobwein for a workshop on capturing whales. These workshop run for 2.5 hours departing directly from Port Hacking River. It will take us around 20 minutes to get out to the "zone" where the whales will hopefully be. During this cruise we will get stunning review of the Cronulla area, push it gives me a chance to talk over settings, whale behaviours etc.

Photo from 25th of May 2024 Workshop. Taken with Sony Alpha 9 III and Sony 300mm G Master

OPEN TO EVERYONE - ANY SKILLS and ANY CAMERA

For this workshop we are using the team at Cronulla Whale Watching.

'Whale Watcher' is a 55ft well maintained purpose built Whale Watching vessel providing loads of open deck space to move around, with two levels of undercover seating. With all the latest equipment, Whale Watcher is quick, safe and comfortable.

Easy access to extra seating in an enclosed cabin area with wide viewing windows and full toilet facilities will ensure your journey is a most comfortable one.

Note: we will be on the boat with the general public, but there is plenty of room for us to run this workshop.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE ARRIVE WITH PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE DEPARTURE TIME - IF YOU ARE LATE THEN THE BOAT WILL LEAVE AND NO REFUND CAN BE ISSUED AS I HAVE TO PRE-PURCHASE SPOTS ON THE BOAT.

Great opportunity for Bird Photography during the workshop as well.

Photo from 25th of May 2024 Workshop. Taken with Sony Alpha 9 III and Sony 300mm G Master

Techniques covered

Wildlife Photography
Great bird photography opportunities as well
As a bonus you will get an amazing cruise out of Sydney Harbour to photograph all what the city has to offer
Shooting from a moving boat
Best position on the boat to create stunning images
Whale behaviours, giving you the best chance of predicting where the action is going to happen

What to bring

Camera
Best lens is 100-400mm for Full Frame shooters, also 70-200mm is a great option
Bring a wider lens like a 24-70mm just in case the whales decided to get close and personal to the boat
Extra Battery
All our whale watching tours take us out in to the open ocean so it is best to be prepared for all weather eventualities. Ocean conditions can change whilst we are out. We recommend bringing warm clothing, rainproof jacket, hat, sunglasses, any food you may want whilst on the tour
Seasick tablets recommended

Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)

I don't have a camera/lens. Will I be able to borrow one?

Unfortunately due to other Sony Events around this time there will no loan equipment for this workshop. I will bring along a few of my personal spare lens and cameras. Please message me when booking onto the workshop if you would like to "reserve" any of this loan equipment. Otherwise it will be first come first serve on the day. Or we will rotate the equipment around the group.

Will meals be provided?

No.

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

We recommend bringing warm clothing, rainproof jacket, hat, sunglasses.

Is there any parking available?

There is plenty of non timed parking along Tonkin Street which is an easy stroll from the wharf.

What is included in this package?

2.5 Hour Whale Watching on Cronulla Whale Watching plus the expert guidance of Brett while on the workshop. Also a free 30 minute Zoom Session before the workshop (details to be sent after registration). Please note to keep the cost down we aren't "chartering the boat". We will be onboard with the general public as well. I keep this workshop group to a small number so we have room to work around the boat.

Is there a minimum number of attendees required for this event to go ahead? If so, what is the cutoff date?

Minimum of 5. Cutoff a week out from the workshop.

Can minors (under 18) register for this event if accompanied by a responsible adult who also books their own ticket?

Yes, but the minor will need to purchase one of the workshop tickets.

Is it possible to get to the meetup point using public transport?

For those that wish to use public transfer, Cronulla Train Station is approx 200m away which is surrounded by shops, restaurants, banks and other amenities.

I have more questions. Can I contact the host?

Drop me a message via Sony Scene :-) or via email b.lobwein@me.com

Is there anything else I should know about the event?

Please ensure you are on time for our departure. Light rain is no problem, as we have undercover enclosed areas keeping you warm and protected. Bring a spray jacket if it looks like rain. In heavy rain and rough conditions, for your own safety we do not go to sea and we will refund you 100% so you can re-book another day.. WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS? We all must remember, we are out on the open ocean and it is always better to come prepared. Visit your chemist or doctor for sea sickness tablets/remedies.

What precautions are in place to prevent the spread of COVID at this event?

The health and safety of our crew and passengers has always been important to us. However the recent COVID19 pandemic has highlighted this and we have responded by increasing our onboard hygiene measures. We take our responsibility for your health and safety seriously. We also acknowledge that this is a cooperative approach, one that we would ask all our passengers to comply with NSW Health. In Australia all vessels carrying passengers are required to meet strict safety standards. Our vessels are surveyed annually to comply with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements. We are required to maintain and update our Safety Management Systems (SMS). Please be assured that the boat will carry all required lifejackets and safety equipment. Lifejackets are not required to be worn during this tour as we do not cross any sandbars. All crew are appropriately qualified and experienced. You may ask what are we doing to ensure that to the best of our ability that our tours and boats are CovidSafe environments? All vessels are thoroughly cleaned at the end of the day from top to bottom with detergent and water. Handrails, seats and internal surfaces are then also disinfected with commercial grade disinfectant. We have installed hand sanitiser on all boats. All vessels now have reduced passenger capacity. We will continue to adhere to the NSW Government’s social distancing policy. At present this requires us to ensure that we provide 4 square meters of space for each person onboard the boat including crew. We also need to ensure that we are able to facilitate people/families remaining 1.5 meters from one another. Each deck space onboard our boats is now clearly signed as to how many people can be in the space at any one time. Our onboard toilets which on all of our boats are located on the stern lower deck are fitted with hand washing facilities. A toilet has been reserved for passengers on the upper deck and a toilet reserved for passengers on the lower deck. Crew will disinfect the toilet surfaces regularly during tours. Your co-operation with with this will be most appreciated. Our crew will circulate throughout the cruise disinfecting handrails and another surfaces. We have provided our crew with training about safe cleaning practices and maintaining good personal hygiene. Tea and coffee will continue to be served, however this will no longer be available for you make yourself. Crew will make this for you. Have fun with a

Suitable for all levels Nature / wildlife

Session 1 - Sat 19 Oct 2024, 9:30AM - 11:30AM (Sold out)

Sat 19 Oct 2024, 9:30AM - 11:30AM

Suitable for all levels

~~A$99 per/person~~

2 Tonkin St, Cronulla NSW 2230
I will be on the wharf at least 15 minutes before departure. You will see me with a Sony Hat and Jacket. Please don't be late, we can't hold up the boat.

Session 2 - Sat 19 Oct 2024, 12:30PM - 3:00PM

Sat 19 Oct 2024, 12:30PM - 3:00PM

Suitable for all levels

4 going, 2 spot(s) left

A$99 per/person Book now

2 Tonkin St, Cronulla NSW 2230
I will be on the wharf at least 15 minutes before departure. You will see me with a Sony Hat and Jacket. Please don't be late, we can't hold up the boat.

Attend & win a trip to Greece with Sony!

Attend any event during Scene Festival, which runs between Sunday 1 September - Thursday 31 October 2024, and receive one entry into the draw for a chance to win one of five tickets to the ultimate Scene experience in Athens and Santorini, Greece! The more events you attend, the more chances you have to WIN!

Learn More

Advocate

Brett Lobwein

Brett Lobwein is a passionate and environmentally-minded photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Having grown up on the waterways of the Port Hacking River in ...

Brett was very professional and friendly, providing insightful advice on the Sony camera equipment and whale behaviour. ”

Peter Mcgee, Whale Photography Workshop

My Gear

A-Mount 2.0X Tele Converter

This workshop helped me to step up my skills and expand my knowledge of photography, and learn more about the technology and equipmpment Sony offers.”

Emma Kidson, Cronulla Whale Photography Workshop - Private Session