Wharariki Beach & Golden Bay Weekend Workshop

Join me for a weekend photographing one of NZ's most epic coastal locations. Wharariki Beach is often described as the best beach in New Zealand and there are so many different and incredible compositions to be found here. We will explore the whole Golden Bay region over the weekend visiting locations such as Cape Farewell, Farewell Spit, the beaches of Golden Bay, The Grove Reserve, Kaihoka Lakes, Salisbury Falls and the Motueka shipwreck. 

Due to the remote location of the workshop, accommodation in Golden Bay (AirBnB) and transport from Nelson Airport is fully covered in the workshop fee.  

This weekend photography workshop will teach you how to improve your composition, master your camera's settings and learn how different filters will enhance the images you capture. You'll also discover easy Lightroom techniques to turn your original raw files into stunning landscape images.  

Friday approx 12pm 

We will meet at Nelson Airport and travel together to Golden Bay (approx 2.5 hours).  

Friday evening 

We will head down to Wharariki Beach to capture the sunset at this amazing beach taking advantage of low tide for the best compositions. In the evening we will take the opportunity to photograph the night skies if it is clear. 

Saturday morning 

We will choose a sunrise location at one of the beaches nearby before exploring local landmarks such as Salisbury Falls to practice long exposures with flowing water and Kaihoka Lakes/The Grove Reserve for different styles of photography .  

Saturday afternoon 

The afternoon will be spent undertaking an indepth session in Lightroom editing images from the weekend so far and learning techniques to get the best results from you images.  

Saturday evening 

We will choose a sunset location based on the group preference and weather conditions in the area (potentially returning to Wharariki Beach if the group is keen and the weather is good). Astrophotography will also be planned after dark if the skies are clear. 

Sunday morning 

There are plenty of options for a local sunrise within a short drive so we will pick a location based on group preference before heading back to our accommodation for breakfast and to pack up.  

Sunday approx 2pm 

If there is time on the way back to Nelson we will stop in at the Jamie Seddon shipwreck in Motueka for one last photographic opportunity. You will leave the workshop overflowing with a wealth of new knowledge, exhilarated by the weekend experiences and keen to try out all the new techniques and tips you have learned. 

• Mastering the manual settings on your camera 
• The art of good composition 
• Use of KASE neutral density and polariser filters while in the field 
• Planning and executing a successful photography shoot 
• In-the-field experience at a variety of beautiful photographic locations 
• Valuable tips and advice on how to create stunning images in Lightroom 
• Advice on using social media to showcase your photography 
• Use of Sony cameras and lenses

• DSLR/Mirrorless camera and lenses 
• Plenty of spare batteries and a portable charger 
• Tripod 
• Torch 
•  Laptop with Lightroom installed 
•  Memory cards and adapter to link with laptop for editing 
• Remote shutter control 
• KASE ND filters and polariser (a selection will be available to use during the weekend)
• Wet weather and warm gear (waterproof jacket, hiking boots, a small umbrella or waterproof camera sleeve, hat and gloves) 
• All the food you need for breakfast and snacks, we will get coffee, lunch and dinners at a local cafe/restaurant
• A willingness to learn and a sense of fun and adventure!