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March
Landscapes & Astro

3 Night/2 Day Workshop

When:         28th - 31st March 2025
Where:        Riverstone House | West Coast
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 4
Skill level:    Any
Cost:           $1990.00 | 10% deposit required

Highlights
-Motuikiekie's famous sea stacks and starfish dotted tidal reef at sunset
-Sunrise or sunset eco boat cruise along the ancient waterways of Mahinapua
-Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and blow holes at high tide
-Astrophotography tuition with one of New Zealand's leading astrophotograhers under a bortle class 1 night sky
 

Overview

On this adventure we'll be visiting some of my favourite spots to shoot on the West Coast both day and night, all within an hour drive from our base at Riverstone House, which is situated on the banks of the Taramakau River halfway  between Greymouth and Hokitika, owned and operated by yours truly.

You'll have your own private king or queen bedroom with access to a full kitchen stocked with all the essentials, including continental breakfast provisions that you can help yourself to.

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The workshop commences at 3.00pm Friday 28th of March and concludes Tuesday 31st of May at 11.00am and is open to all levels of photographer.​​

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The exact schedule will be determined according to the whole group’s photographic objectives but mainly the weather will be the deciding factor in where we visit on the day/night and  I keep a flexible itinerary to accommodate this. 

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Places we may explore include the beautiful beaches and sea stacks of The Great Coast Road which is consistently rated among the top drives in the world and the tranquil bays and jetty's of Lake Brunner and Lake Kaniere which are both a photographers dream with their epic reflections on a still night. We also may have the opportunity to capture the Milky Way rising majestically behind Coal Creek Falls.

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​​​​       What you can learn

  • How to plan your compositions using apps such as Photopills

  • Wide-field landscape astrophotography

  • Settings and methods specific to your gear and skill level

  • Single frame exposure techniques 

  • Blended exposure techniques 

  • Long exposure techniques during the day, using filters if you have them

  • Milky Way panoramas (mosaics) and how to stitch them

  • Image Stacking 

  • Post processing to make your images pop, using Photoshop, Lightroom, plugins, PTGui and Sequator 

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What to bring

  • Mirrorless or DSLR camera

  • Ideal lenses: 
    -A wide zoom lens for day landscapes such as, but not limited to, a 16-35mm 
    -A telephoto lens for day landscapes such as, but not limited to, a 70-200mm or 100-400mm
    -A fast and     wide prime lens for astro; f/1.4 through to f/2.8 or 16mm through to 24mm for the best results, although up to f/4 is fine if your camera has high ISO capabilities. Please ask if you wish to borrow a Canon lens.

  • Spare camera batteries and SD cards

  • Sturdy tripod (essential) Please ask if you need to borrow one.

  • Filters if you have them

  • Waterproof camera sleeve

  • Travel umbrella

  • Lens heater (not essential but very helpful if you have a bulbous lens that is prone to fogging up at night)

  • Remote shutter or intervalometer if not in-built in your camera body

  • Laptop or desktop with Lightroom Classic and/or Photoshop installed.

  • Thermal base layers

  • Warm jacket*

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Gloves

  • Sturdy and warm footwear

  • Hat, hood or beanie

  • Head torch with a red light or low light setting

  • 2-3 lens cloths*

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

    We can experience 4 seasons in 1 day on the Coast so please come prepared for anything​

    *The high humidity on the Coast causes dew. If bringing a puffer jacket, please bring a waterproof jacket to go over top. This also is why we need plenty of lens cloths in case your lens starts fogging up at night.

Physical Difficulty

A minimum level of physical activity is necessary to enjoy this tour. All locations we shoot will be within a short walk along bush tracks or the coastline. These are sometimes uphill, over uneven ground, or rocky beaches and you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment. There may be a couple of longer walks (30-45 min one way). If your fitness or mobility is an issue please let me know in your application form.

Whats Included

  • 2 days and 3 nights of photography tuition in the field 

  • Accommodation at Riverstone House with your own private king or queen bedroom

  • 1 post processing tuition session to make your images pop

  • Travel during the workshop in a comfortable 4WD Landcruiser

  • Daily continental breakfast provisions to help yourself to

  • Full kitchen with all the essentials to cook and prepare your own meals should you wish to dine in

  • DOC concession fees

  • Comprehensive Safety Management Plan

  • Pick up/drop off at Hokitika airport

  • Digital workflow sheet spilling all my secrets on how I plan, shoot and edit an image from start to finish.

Whats not Included

  • Personal, equipment and travel insurance

  • Lunch, dinner and snacks

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Terms & Conditions

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