We had great weather for our week across the Red Centre this year. A nice mix of cloud and clear and low wind days. It was very mild compared to previous years and even a little hot on a couple of days but nothing unbearable. I had a very small group this years due to cancellations but it was still a very relaxed and productive workshop and I was able to give alot of help and guidence over the week. The gorges we visit are not easy to photograph so I was able to show and guide the best way to acheive a great result in camera. I also concentrated on use of light and making elements stand out from their sometimes very busy environment. We also looked at tones and colour between elements and how best to approach them to get a strong image. We captured some beautiful shots over the week and I also pushed my clients out of their comfort zone as complacency is the biggest hurdle I find people have when it comes to landscape photography. I was encouraging a thought process of creativity and thinking for themselves rather than giving the shots away which I have done in the past. If you want to improve your compositions you need to make the effort to do so and not just copy others. You also need to understand how to use light productively to acheive the best results possible in any given situation. These are some of the things we discussed early in the trip which solidified the foundation for the week of photography.

Terms and conditons for my workshops. You have a resposibility to cover yourselves for situations that may arise prior to a trip or throughout a trip especially since covid has impacted our lives if you are travelling.

I ask that everyone has travel and cancellation insurance. If you want to travel now then you are aware of the logisitcs and also the risk involved around COVID. You need to own it. Your deposit is non refundable and that is my insurance to cover me and always has been. Please respect that. If you have paid the full amount and you have to cancel please read my terms and conditions for my refund policy. I cannot be expected to constantly refund money or I will not survive and that is why we have terms and conditions in place. I have small groups of 4 and if I lose 1 person it has a massive impact.  Covid or not my terms remain the same from 2022. There are many things that can go wrong so COVER yourself as best as you can. If you can afford to book you should be prepared to get insurance or lose money if things go pear shaped. Covermore offers good cover but again please read their terms and conditons properly to make an informed decision.

Ok that said I hope to see you one day in the great outdoors.

This workshop was extremely challenging with so much rain over the 3 and 1/2 days. Even when we caught a break alot of the tracks were closed or not accesable because of water flowing to heavily over crossings. We managed to get 1 day of mainly clear weather with a shower or two about. The very first afternoon we arrived it was raining but not too heavily so I got the group out in it for a couple of hours and introduced them to photographing in the rain. I am use to shooting in these conditions but the others were not and my guess is it was not their happy place although they did not complain. We did alot of critique consisting of all sorts of shots and I also did some post production trying to fill in some time and wait out the rain. The group found this very helpful and insightful.

Our sunset spot was pretty epic also and a nice way to finish off a very wet workshop.

On that note I am planning another trip in early July if your interested in joining me. This should be dry. Please do not book in if you are not fit enough or you will not get the very best out of this workshop and you may be disappointed. The more effort you are able to put in the more you will get out of it. This is a landscape workshop with opportunites to photograph the birds.

You may also choose to forgo a walk to do birds as the birds are all around the Resort and Accomodation with easy access. Please read all the trip notes before booking.

Hope to see you in the great outdoors sometime :)

I have just returned home after taking part in Julie Fletcher’s Lamington National Park photography workshop.

 It was very wet for the four days, which meant some juggling of the itinerary. However, we still managed to pack in plenty of field time. I learnt a lot about taking photographs in difficult conditions.

 I have admired Julie’s photographs for some time and wanted to improve my skills under her expert guidance. I came away with a lot more confidence and knowledge of composition as well as the use of light to create better photographs.

 The workshop is pretty hands-on in a beautiful setting, with lots of time in the field to practice your skills and get feedback on your work.

 I found the experience very fulfilling and Julie very willing to share her knowledge and expertise.

The recent rain event across the outback promted me to get a workshop going as soon as the roads were open to enjoy the best of the water and the green and lush surroundings which is very rare out here. We were lucky it was only 35 degrees for the 3 days and we enjoyed exploring and photographing small pockest of Oasis around the area followed by a scenic flight over Lake Eyre which was as always just stunning. There is lots of water in the Lake which should be around for quite some time but the rest of the water and green will not last much longer as the temps reach 40 degrees again with hot winds. I have been documenting this area extensively and making the most of the stunning conditions while they last. My group had a great time out here and Bruce had his second workshop out here with me and enjoyed it just as much as the first time with new locations and of course lots of water and of course a couple of helpful group critique sessions.

Hope to see you in the great outdoors sometime

Juliex

Hi Julie,

After 3 days driving to get there, 3 days in Marree and then 3 days driving home, I am reflecting back on the experience and learning during the workshop. Well worth the effort. With Julies gentle, but honest and direct guidance, I dusted of my camera skills and obtained new skills I never had. Thank you, Julie.

Thank you for your lovely company and guidance, best spent time for a long time.

Much love and stay safe

Janne 

NSW

Great Walks' Wilderness Photographer of the Year, presented by Nokia, is searching for the best outdoor images captured by Australian photographers!

This year I am happy to be part of the judging panel for this competition. There are two categories, Places and People. For Places, we're looking for sweeping panoramas, dramatic horizons, spectacular coastlines and thought-provoking images of wilderness locations, both here and overseas. For People, we want to see your best wilderness photos with people in the frame.

Winners and runners up will share in a prize pool of more than $14,000 including $4,000 cash. Further, the Top 20 images in each category will be published in Great Walks magazine (December-January 2022 issue) and on www.greatwalks.com.au.

Entry fee is $20. I look forward to seeing your images.

Julie is very passionate about her photography and helping others improve their skills. She takes magnificent photos. She knows the areas extremely well and the times that are best suited to visit. She is also an excellent organiser and puts together itineraries that cover a host of wonderful locations with the best possible times of day for each. She includes important details to ensure the timing is optimum throughout the trip and nothing is rushed.

Julie is a conscientious teacher and makes sure that everyone is getting the best shots possible. I learned how to use my lenses more efftively and now understand my wide angle lens and when to use it.  With the small number of participants we are not crowded as we take our shots and everyone gets attention when they need it.  

If you're thinking about it, just do it. You will have the best time and get some great images.

I have been a fan of Julie's work for many years and have always admired the way she "sees" things that many dont and the way she uses light even harsh light to capture the essence of an area. I was there for composition and learning a little more about using light. Julie was very helpful and gave some great tips and information to help improve our photography. She also took us into all the locations for the best light and at the best time to make the most of it and we were never rushed and could spend lots of time looking for unique shots and just enjoy the area. The birds were a bonus and we had time to spend practising our bird photograhy also. Lots of walking on this trip but nothing too streuous just lots of it. She is a great mentor and very talented and without ego. I highly recommend this trip and hope to do another in the future.

Jessica P

Queensland