Whale Photography Workshop

Brett Lobwein

Image: Alpha 1 (A1)

Brett Lobwein

Advocate

Whale Photography Workshop

Brett Lobwein

Advocate

Whale Photography Workshop

Brett Lobwein

Image: Alpha 1 (A1)

Learn how to capture stunning Humpback Whale photographs off Sydney Harbour

About the event

Jump on quickly to book for these workshop series, limited to only 5 places per workshop.

Photo from 13th of July Workshop. Taken with Sony A1 and Sony 100-400mm G Master.

Join award winning wildlife photographer and Sony Advocate Brett Lobwein for a workshop on capturing whales. These workshop run for 3 hours departing directly from Sydney Harbour. Within minutes from leaving the Heads of the Harbour we are in the "zone".

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

IMPORTANT - Please note that the 11:30 session offical departs at 11:45am.

We are using the amazing team at Go Whale Watching as our plaftform for this workshop, they are in our opinion the best operaters in Sydney, giving us the best opportunity to photograph the whale migration. Brett will be on hand to give you advise on settings, animal behaviours (help you guess where they are going to surface), best position on the boat, and more.

For those interested who book into this session, Brett will also host an online Zoom meeting a week before the workshop. During the Zoom Brett will give you some information on the Whale Migration, advise on camera setups and settings. Plus address any questions you might have leading up to the workshop. Details of the Zoom meeting will be sent as a message closer to the workshop. For those that can't attend we will have plenty of time while cruising out of Sydney Harbour to cover settings and give you an overview of the Whales.

Go Whale Watching is owned by Simon and Jessica Millar who have been operating whale watching tours from Sydney and the South Coast of NSW since 2004. Simon and Jess love whales and love sharing their knowledge and passion for these incredible animals with all who come onboard their boat 'Bubbles.'

'Bubbles' is a fast, modern and comfortable vessel, specifically designed for whale watching. She has lots of outdoor viewing areas but also a large indoor cabin with seating and toilets for your comfort and convenience.

Whilst all efforts will be made to ensure that your whale watching tour is an enjoyable one it is important to remember that these whales are wild animals. They do not perform on cue! A range of whale behaviours may be viewed including fluke up dives, tail slapping, pectoral fin slapping, spy hopping, breaching, tail throws. We are committed to minimising the disturbance that our whale watching cruises make to the whales we are watching. Our crew will provide interesting and informative commentary during the cruise and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

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?

Yes I will have some kit available for this workshop. Best to message me to arrange a loan. 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?

Tea and Coffee provided. You are welcome to bring any food you like on the boat.

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

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

Is there any parking available?

Parking in the City is always in demand so please allow plenty of time. We suggest planning your trip into the city. Parking can also be pre-purchased. We recommend visiting either: www.wilsonparking.com.au/find-a-park or http://www.secureparking.com.au/ When you are searching use ‘King Street Wharf’ Darling Harbour, Sydney.

What is included in this package?

3 Hour Whale Watching on Go 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?

Our tours will depart on time so please plan your trip into the city. The boat will not be able to wait for you if you running 5 minutes late. We recommend visiting http://www.transportnsw.info/ and using their trip planner. Sydney Ferries – Services to Darling Harbour depart Circular Quay Wharf 5 about every half hour. Please check timetables for full schedule on Transport Info: 131 500 or www.131500.com.au Train – Town Hall or Wynyard stations. 5-10 min walk from CBD down Market St. or King St. Bus – Sydney Explorer Bus Stop No 24, or hop off any bus service in that city that drops near Market Street or King Street and take the short walk down to Darling Harbour. Taxi – Ask to be dropped at King Street Wharf on Lime Street or Wheat Road.

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. When see the boat "Bubbles" arrive at Wharf 6 for our departure it is important that you inform the crew that you are part of the Sony Scene/Brett Lobwein group booking. Simon and the crew will then direct you over to me. All our tours are dependent upon suitable ocean conditions. We do not tend to cancel based on forecasted rain. Unless it is vey heavy rain which of course affects visibility and our ability to find and follow whales. The factors that influence when a tour is cancelled are based upon the wind strength and direction and the swell height and direction. Our decision to cancel a tour is based upon forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. What if we don't see whales? Please be assured that we will do our best to find whales each tour. However it is important to remember that they are wild animals! In the event that no whales are sighted we will give you the opportunity to come on another whale watching tour free of charge. This offer is valid for the current season only and is not transferrable. This offer is not redeemable for a refund. IMPORTANT - Cancelations within 48 hours of the booking departure NOT be refundable. No shows or late arrivals will also not be refundable.

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 27 Jul 2024, 8:30AM - 11:30AM (Closed)

Sat 27 Jul 2024, 8:30AM - 11:30AM

Suitable for all levels

A$89 per/person

36 The Promenade, Sydney NSW 2000
Go Whale Watching Boat "Bubbles" departs from Wharf 6. We will meet just at the top of the ramp.

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 has a fantastic knowledge of whales, is friendly and approachable. He encouraged us to observe and appreciate the whales, not just to take photos.”

Liz Parsons, Whale Photography Workshop

My Gear

A-Mount 2.0X Tele Converter

Despite the high seas, high winds, driving rain and cold. Our host Brett and the crew of Bubbles ensured we had the best possible whale interaction. ”

John Hall, Whale Photography Workshop