What can I expect from one of Luke’s Tasmanian photography workshops?

These photography workshops are small group experiences, designed to give you maximum time in the field with an experienced and friendly photography tutor.

You will enjoy stunning landscapes at the best times of day, including sunrise, sunset and night ie astrophotography. You will enjoy photographing beautiful landscape scenes as well as unique seasonal highlights and return home with new knowledge on how to use your camera and an exciting collection of new images.

You can expect to have all your questions answered in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The conversation can continue over meals as after any given outdoor session we enjoy meals together too.

All workshops include your own private hotel room so you have some quiet space to relax in between shoots and overnight.

Each workshop also includes all meals, transport and entry fees so you can expect to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics!

Licensed and Accredited Operator since 2005

My tour guiding business is named “Leatherwood Tasmania Tours” and we have been operating in Tasmania since 2005 making us the longest running provider of Tasmanian photography tours and workshops in the state.

Leatherwood Tasmania Tours is an accredited tourism provider and maintains all relevant insurances and licenses to operate commercially in Tasmania including:

• National Parks and reserves managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
• Public Passenger Vehicle driver licensing and registration of all vehicles used on tours
• Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT) accredited since 2005
• Public Liability Insurance

What is the teaching style during the workshop?

We learn while using our cameras out in the field, so there will be a minimum of indoor group talks and most of our tuition time together will be out in the field. Based on the needs of each particular group, I may talk to the group as a whole in location, or allow more experienced shooters to start shooting while I assist beginners or those with very specific questions/needs.

Digital cameras allow for great sharing of images and learning. I will often compose and shoot alongside guests in order to share the results, which is a very useful way of sharing methods and techniques, including for when we do post processing.

I sometimes snap “behind the scenes” shots of the group in action which may be used for future promotional purposes.

How do I book a place on one of these tours?

Each individual tour page includes a link to an online booking form (Google Forms) where you can register your interest. No payment is required when filling out the form, instead you will receive an invoice after completing the form with details on how to pay your deposit.

You can always just contact me too if you have any questions.

Is it a “Tour” or is it a “Workshop”?

To be honest, I use the terms interchangeably. Everyone who books one of these trips will be looked after in terms of staying in very comfortable accommodation, eating great food and seeing great sights – which pretty much ticks the “tour” box.

You can also expect plenty of camera talk and advice, and to be out in the field at the right times of day including sunrise, sunset and at night for astro photography – putting it firmly in the “workshop” category too!

The tour I am interested in is fully booked – what options are there?

Due to the small group nature of these tours, tours may book out many months in advance. In this case you should still contact me to register interest and I will contact you if a place becomes available and/or when new dates are announced.

If the dates listed online don’t match your planned travel in Tasmania by all means get in touch as I may have new dates that are not announced yet.

Alternatively you might like to book one of my private 3 day workshops which run on demand, all year round.

What is the Best Time for Photography in Tasmania?

Generally I set my multi-day group tours through autumn-winter-spring (ie March/April through Oct/Nov). The main reason is hotel availability and pricing, which is at a premium in summer (ie Nov-Feb). Also, the very long days of summer make for very tiring days if we are shooting sunrise, sunset and the night sky.

I run private tours all year round, on demand.

What about Photographing the Aurora in Tasmania?

The aurora is a very random event and simply cannot be guaranteed in advance. I usually set my multi-day tours to coincide with dark evening skies/new moon, so that if an aurora were to appear we would have nice dark skies to shoot it. Also, the days are shorter during autumn-winter-spring, so the chance of catching an aurora should it occur are in our favour.

Is there a minimum level of photography experience required to join one of these workshops?

No, there is no minimum experience or ability requirements for anyone joining one of my workshops.

If you have a brand new camera and want some guidance; if you need a refresher after not shooting for a few years, or if you are a very experienced shooter and want to be shown some amazing Tasmanian locations without having to arrange all the travel yourself then you are welcome to join in and I will make sure everyone gets exactly what they are looking for from the trip.

What about personal fitness?

The aim of these workshops is immersion in the field and there is no long hiking.

The longest walks undertaken are around 30-40 minutes one way eg to Philosopher Falls, Wineglass Bay Lookout or similar. These are on very well maintained tracks and there is no reason physical fitness (or lack thereof!) should restrict participation in these trips. I always allow ample time (eg 3 hours) for any particular session so there is no need to be stressed by time constraints.

If you have any particular concerns please let me know at the time of booking.

What kind of camera gear will I need?

Again, there are no particular requirements re gear ie brand, full frame/APSC, DSLR/mirrorless, lenses, accessories. The aim of these workshops is of course tuition and learning in the field, so basically if you own any camera that allows manual control and would like some guidance in using it then this tour is for you.

Do you have general recommendations regarding gear?

As a starting point, you would want to have some, if not all, of the following:

* Camera (essential); Tripod (essential)

* Optional but recommended to have any of the following (based on your own particular interests of course):

LENSES: wide angle lens (eg 10-20mm on APSC; 15-30 on full frame); medium zoom lens (eg 24-70mm); macro lens; long lens (eg 70-200mm or longer for birds and wildlife).

ACCESSORIES: Polarising filter. Neutral Density filter/s. Lens hood, shutter release cable (or remote). Spare batteries and your charger (for multi day trips).

Can I participate using my phone’s camera?

As time goes by, the quality of phone cameras has improved dramatically and the convenience is undeniable.

There are many tips and tricks you can learn to achieve the most out of your phone’s camera and anyone using a phone rather than a DSLR/mirrorless camera is completely welcome to book a trip and can expect to be looked after and enjoy the experience just as much as those with DSLR/mirrorless cameras.

Is camera gear provided?

Generally the answer is no as it is far better that you travel with your own equipment. It may be possible to share filters and minor accessories, but not cameras and lenses.

What is the maximum group size?

All tours are capped at a maximum of either 4 or 6 participants. All trips include a single room for all guests so you can have some privacy at the end of the day.

Twin share is only available to couples/friends traveling together.

Do you offer a partner (ie non-photographer) discount?

Non-photographer partners (eg spouse, family member, friends) are welcome to join these trips. A discount is built into the twin-share price when two guests book together. No further discounts apply.

I also offer private tours which run on demand and can be tailor made for yourself and a friend/partner.

What is included in the workshop fee?

Each tour is different, and all the inclusions will be listed on each individual tour page, but basically:

MULTI DAY TOURS: Tour fee includes ALL transport, meals, accommodation, entry fees (eg National Parks and any other attractions listed in the tour itinerary).

DAY TOURS: Usually include transport and entry fees.

ONE ON ONE, HOBART & SURROUNDS: Do not include meals or transport ie tuition only.

WILDLIFE TOURS: Tour fee includes a significant donation to the relevant wildlife centre. No transport or meals are included, but transport may be arranged for an additional fee.

What is not included in the tour fee?

Guests need to get themselves to Hobart for the start of the trip, and from the time you are picked up from your hotel, only personal purchases and minor expenses along the way such as mid-morning coffee stops or alcoholic drinks with dinner are not included.

Is there anything else I should consider before booking one of these tours?

Please be aware that outdoor and landscape photography requires a great deal of care with regard to your camera equipment. In particular caution must be taken when around water (rainy days, creeks, beaches etc) and rocky or uneven surfaces.

Please take all sensible precautions for looking after your own camera gear while in the field as Luke O’Brien/Leatherwood Tasmania Tours will not be held responsible for damage or injury.

We recommend Travel insurance to cover any unforseen circumstances that may impact your ability to fully participate in the experience.

For further information or to make a booking please contact me.