Flinders Island Photography Tour

■ Fun, creative, well researched itinerary

■ Small groups of like minded photographers

■ Explore spectacular peaks, rolling green pastures and sparkling vistas

■ Learn from the professional photographer Andrew Thomasson

■ Summit peaks with stunning views

■ Return scenic flights from Bridport with unsurpassed aerial views over the archipelago of islands

■ Photographing unique wildlife, birdlife and wombats

■ Private campsite with comfortable camp beds, great food 

* Complimentary 'on location' Travel Photo course valued at $290

■ Complete understanding of your DLSR, compact, mirrorless or film camera functions

■ Learn shooting modes including Aperture, Shutter speed, Program, Auto, Pre sets, raw vs jpeg, metering  & focusing modes, white balance , ISO, picture style & control, exposure lock & compensation, adding light into shadows  

■ Lighting:  - natural & artificial light, white balance, time the light 

■ Composition: leading & converging lines,  the rule of thirds, framing, reflections, colour, star bursts,  showing motion, viewpoint, selective focus, vertical vs horizontal, aspect ratio

■ Landscape photography throughout

■ Photography of flora and fauna

■ Motion, architecture, nature, flowers.

■ late afternoon, low light seascapes

■ Use of your flash & shooting techniques in wireless flash

■ Understanding editing

■ Insight into photographing for personal, stock, editorial & commercial use

■ View unique Australian wildlife and birdlife

■ Use of light on water, clouds, silhouettes, shadows, twilight

■ Notes, critique & ongoing networking, advice and technical support

■ Practical workshops over 3 days covering: What gear, camera handling, food, architecture, landscapes, portraiture,  photography, action & motion, lighting, composition, nature, wildlife, editing, Lightroom 6 classic, output for screen & print and more 

 * we vary the workshops according to the weather conditions and other factors

■ No prior photography experience

■ Suitable for amateur photographers right through to semi-professionals 

■ Any Digital DSLR, mirrorless, quality compact, smartphone camera

■ Film Camera's are catered for (Having both digital & a film camera is preferred as it allows for on-location photo critique)

■ At least one quality lens such as a Nikkor 18-200mm or a Canon 17-85mm and other lenses that you own

■ Min 4GB card per day of shooting

■ Any camera accessories - such as a tripod, and polarising filter

■ Instruction booklet, sense of humour

■ Every tour participant gets custom tailored advice on their gear, what / where to buy, destination shooting tips, knowledge on cameras, lens, accessories and the best deals. Detailed notes give tips on etiquette, security, the best time to go, image storage, battery life, camera care, security issues and much more. We are strong advocates of using an image capturing device to suit the location, your mood and objectives.

■ Fitness Level / Difficulty
Moderate. Some easy-pace walking required at various locations.

What is your photography tour philosophy ?
■ As Australians are currently unable to travel overseas we are lucky to have a great range of Australian tours on offer

■ We take you on a personal journey of discovery, where life and the traditional cultures remain relatively unspoilt, where the wildlife viewing is spectacular, where the scenery is breathtaking.

■ A Focus 10 photography tour reflects our fascination and love for interesting cultures, great architecture, the world's great cities and the natural world. These tours are not just for expert photographers.

■ In fact, we attract an eclectic mix of people who blend other interests with photography - the lover of wildflowers, the birder, the naturalist, the antiquities buff, the painter, the wine and food lover, the avid traveller looking to expand their horizons.

■ Using professional operators companies such as World Expeditions and Utracks who look after the logistics, transportation, accommodation and food, leaves us free to concentrate on the photography.

■ Small groups & journeying to unusual and 'off the beaten track' places

■ Destinations & activities specifically chosen for their photogenic nature

■ Itineraries tailored to take full advantage of photographic opportunities

■ Friendly tuition by master trainers and professional photographers

■ On-location analysis and critique of images after each days shooting

■ Detailed pre-departure and on-location notes to fast track your skills

■ Travel with interesting, fun loving, like-minded individuals

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Do we handle all logistics or work with Travel Companies or local operators?
■ Focus 10 only operate its own tours in Australia and in areas we know intimately through running our huge variety of courses in each area. We also shoot commercially in these areas for local Tourist boards, for other travel companies and local tourist business ranging from restaurants, tourist activities ecetera . In other words- we know what works photography wise!
■ Almost all our tours are centred in one area with a minimum of driving . In fact often the participants had their own vehicles and prefer to drive themselves to the various locations we photograph at

■ Using professional operators companies such as World Expeditions and Utracks who look after the logistics, transportation, accommodation and food, leaves us free to concentrate on the photography.

■ Over 30 years as a photography leader with companies such as World Expeditions teaches you many things! Your job as an instructor is to do just that - to instruct your fellow travellers and impart as much of your professional knowledge to achieve the end result - brilliant , memorable photographs that your guests have taken themselves.

■ You also have to be an opportunist. To create opportunities.To be pro-active, energetic and committed.

■ It helps if you have been in the country, area or region before so you understand the customs, the light and the boundless opportunities to take amazing photographs

■ It's also a huge help to use highly reputable travel companies preferably with their own operations on the ground. Having a local when things go pear shaped, and a deep understanding of local customs and protocol is essential. It allows for a division of labour; the local guide can go ahead and check the group into a hotel while the group continues to shoot a beautiful sunset.

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What sort of insurance cover do you and the tour operators your represent have?
■ Focus 10 Pty Ltd has full insurance to run our own tours. It it however mandatory that you also have your own insurance policy. We will not accept anyone on our tours without having a copy of your insurance.

■ We use the reputable PIPP brokers for our camera gear insurance
www.photoinsurance.com.au
www.wscbrokers.com.au
Contact : nancy@wscbrokers.com.au for a quote

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What is our guest to Instructor ratio?
■ All our dedicated Focus 10 tours have small groups of up to 8 persons . This ensures a highly personal training experience with lots of individual attention to each photographers needs. Everyone has their own ideal when it comes to instructor-to-guest ratios. We prefer a small group of
up to eight.

■On other photography tours where we are acting as the photography host and the company runs all the tour logistics such as transport, accommodation, food etc the ratios can be higher.

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What is the difference between your photography tours and courses?
■ A tour is a chance to be guided through an area typically rich in photographic content. There is less direct hands-on instruction, moment to moment, and the subject matter can cover a large spectrum.

■ A course by contrast, is usually more hands-on and directed to a specific goal. An example of this is a one day workshop on street photography. Your instructor will be close at hand to make all those small course corrections and critiques needed for improvement.

■ Photography courses and workshops tend to have a more structured atmosphere with assignments and critiques. Really good courses and workshops are taught by professional photographers and tutors.

■ Our Photography tours are more casual in nature and the instruction isn’t as intense. More emphasis is placed onexperiencing and photographing a bucket-list of great locations, activities and so forth. On our tours we never dispense assignments. We put a high emphasis on having fun.

■ Depending on the tour photographer, you should have the opportunity to get some one on one tuition. We provide that with detailed reference notes and the opportunity to perhaps do one of our 'online' or 'on location' Travel Photography courses beforehand.

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Has the photographer leading the trip been to my destination before?
■ One of the many great things about photography tours is that you don’t have to worry about wasting time scouting locations yourself.

■ Ideally, your leader has been there before and knows what looks best at certain times of the day. They know where the hidden gems are in addition to the tourist hot spots.

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safe to travel and book a holiday right now?
Western Australia remains one of the most desirable destinations in the world, Business wise, adventure wise, lifestyle wise - it is a fabulous place

This is Straight from www.wa.gov.au website

'Travel is now permitted throughout all regions within WA, except for entry into remote Aboriginal communities.

Western Australia is incredibly vast and diverse; as the largest state, it covers nearly one-third of the country. Its the size of Western Europe ... From baffling rock formations and ancient Aboriginal sites to sweeping green vineyards of world-class wineries and unbelievably clear ocean waters, Western Australia is the land of endless exploration.

Because of its location so far away from the likes of Sydney and Melbourne, its far less touristy and much more laid-back. WA locals know they reside in the best state in Australia, but you won’t catch them boasting about it, because they wouldn’t want the secret to get out. In the current nasty virus pandemic ravaging the world , we urge everyone in Australia to consider one of our favourite tours in WA

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DATES & PRICES
 

Tour Dates: 1 Nov 2020 - 6 Nov 2020

Tour Cost: from $2795 ex Launceston, Tasmania

Tour Style: Activities, 6 day photography & walking

Accommodation: 5 nights camping in exclusive camp sites on Flinders Island

Tour Host: Andrew Thomasson

Operator: World Expeditions

Day 1 - Fly to Flinders Island, explore Castle Rock, Wybalenna
Today you will be collected from your accommodation between 7.00 and 7.30am and transferred to the Bridport Airport where we embark on our scenic morning flight to Flinders Island. Upon arrival we head to the seaside township of Whitemark where your guides will give a detailed briefing of the week ahead. We then drive north to the small hamlet of Emita. From here we have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Flinders Island Museum and the historic Wybalenna; infamous site of the disastrous indigenous resettlement scheme and the remaining graveyard and chapel. In the afternoon we begin the first of many wonderful walks by trekking along the coastline to one of Flinders Island's most famous landmarks: Castle Rock. A myriad of photo opportunities present themselves on the way to this impressive three storey high granite boulder standing sentinel on the magnificent coastline. Our walk continues to Marshall Bay then inland to our well situated private camp, where we will be staying for the week. Once we have settled in to camp, and if time and weather permit, we drive a short distance towards, Mt Killiecrankie and take in the views and focus on some of the surrounding coastline. . Upon returning to our campsite your guides will cook up a feast to recharge after an adventurous day. Walking distance: 3.5km Meals: L,D

Day 2 - The Docks, Old Mans Head and Killiecrankie Bay
Leaving our idyllic camp site we drive past Mt Killiecrankie and on to a four wheel drive track that leads us to 'The Docks'. This area is one of Flinders Island's secret gems; spectacular coastal scenery with lichen encrusted granite outcrops in every direction, and magnificent mountain cliffs reaching right down to sea level. Its a photographic dream. The day's walk entails a combination of coastal paths and extensive rock hopping which can be changed depending on the group and how much walking they want to do. One of the walks can reach the prominent landmark, Old Mans Head, where we can stop to enjoy the coastal splendour and enjoy a rejuvenating snack. From here we continue following the coast south until we reach Stacky's Bight with its intriguing rock formations and breathtaking views across the extensive bay. Stopping for lunch we can enjoy a well deserved swim in the crystal clear waters or just enjoy the serenity. The afternoon leg of the journey sees us walking along the crescent shaped white sandy beach of Killiecrankie Bay before arriving at its namesake hamlet. Here we will meet our transport which takes us back to camp where we can relax and reminisce over the wonders of the day's explorations. These walks are optional depending on the group, and how much walking they want to do as opposed to doing more landscape photography from one point. Walking distance: 7-8km Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 - North East River and Palana
On the third morning of our adventure we head off to the northernmost point of the island to the wonderfully remote North East River. This is Flinders Island at its best; remote, pristine and at the full mercy of the elements. Andrew will guide you in getting those great angles and photographic shots. The day's walk will see us exploring the coastline and the impressive Palana sand dunes whilst being mesmerised by the exhilarating views out to the Sister Islands. Rock pools and knobbly granite outcrops are a treat to behold and our group can spread out to enjoy the peacefulness that can only be found being at one with nature. Once reaching the tiny settlement of Palana, we can opt for a swim before jumping aboard our support vehicle to return to our secluded camp for the evening. These walks are optional depending on the group, and how much walking they want to do as opposed to doing more landscape photography from one point.To be decided on the day Walking distance: 7km Meals: B,L,D

Day 4 - Haulands Gap and Red Bluff
Today we turn our attention inland to discover another aspect of the island. We drive up to Walkers Lookout which provides amazing views of the Darling Range before departing on the Haulands Gap Track. This track through peppermint scented eucalyptus forests provides great views of both the east and west coastlines. Returning to our vehicle we head over to the west coast at Patriarchs Inlet and enjoy a leisurely walk to the impressive and aptly named Red Bluff. Time permitting we can also visit the volunteer conservation venture, Patriarch Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the chance to get up close to some of the island's native animals. In the evening we journey down to Lady Barron to enjoy an 'island style' meal with the locals at the Furneax Tavern. As well as sampling some of the island's hospitality and a cold Tasmanian beer, this also provides a wonderful chance to meet some of Flinders friendly and colourful characters. There will be some great photo moments here. These walks are optional depending on the group, and how much walking they want to do as opposed to doing more landscape photography from one point. Walking distance: 7-8km Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - Mt Strzelecki
An early departure will help ensure that we obtain stunning views and photography light angles for magnificent Mt Strzelecki before afternoon clouds roll in and wraps the summit in their obscuring embrace. The track to the summit of Mt Strzelecki is a challenging 700m climb through stands of blue gums and peppermints and endemic unique alpine vegetation before entering an enchanting, evergreen cloud forest. On a clear day there are increasingly amazing views of Flinders Island, the outer islands as well as the northern coastline of mainland Tasmania. which make some great photo moments. These walks are optional depending on the group, and how much walking they want to do as opposed to doing more landscape photography from one point. The group maybe split if some choose to climb or relax. This will be at the guides discretion and if weather conditions permit the activity. An optional but highly recommended swim at Fotheringate Bay helps to revive and restore well tested muscles before returning to camp for our final night on the island. Walking distance: 4km Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - Trousers Point walk and return flight
For our last morning on the magnificent island we are transferred out to Big River Road where we will start our morning's walk to Holts Point and then join onto Trousers Point, one of Tasmania's Great Short Walks. This walk affords wonderful views from Trousers Point beach up to Mt Strzelecki and the chance to wade through the tranquil waters before returning to the camp ground and enjoying one more sumptuous lunch prepared by your guides. We then have the option of a couple of hours free time before packing up and heading off to catch our scenic return flight to Bridport. From here we transfer to Launceston and return you to your accommodation where the trip concludes. Walking distance: 6km Meals: B,L

Inclusions:
2 professional wilderness guides
Expert photographic guide
5 nights camping
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
Transport by private minibus
National Park fees
Sleeping bag, inner sheet, swag and camp bed
Emergency communications & group first aid kit
Return scenic flights from Bridport

Not Included:
Travel to and from Launceston before or after the trip
Accommodation before or after the trip
Items of a personal nature - alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
Travel insurance

Payments
Paying for your course in full upon booking will confirm your attendance. Places are limited on all courses.

Refunds
We reserve the right to cancel and reschedule any course, due to inadequate enrollment, bad weather, instructor illness, or an 'act of God'. We also reserve the right to cancel any course if there is insufficient demand, especially if it means that our costs would be higher than our income. Please therefore do not leave it until the last few weeks if you are interested in a particular date, as you may find that it has been cancelled. As our costs for each training event remain the same no matter how many delegates attend, like any pre-booked tickets for the theatre, concert, flights etc, we are unable to give a full refund in the event of non-attendance, regardless of the circumstances. If withdrawal occurs within the 14 days before the course starts we will try to put you on an alternative date if places are available. Please note that we cannot be liable for any other costs incurred by yourself, so please check with us before booking any non-refundable accommodation or transport.

Workshop Photography:
We reserve the right to take photographic, (both still and video) records of any of our workshops/courses which may be used for promotional purposes, submissions, advertising and records. We grant permission for participants to use any images captured by them during this workshop for self-promotion only. Participants may not make any financial gain from any images captured during this workshop/course.