Do You See What I See? with Noelle Bennett
2026-03-20 16:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Have you ever wondered just how much single elements in your images influence the impact of the complete work? If an element is seen as dynamic and a colour as positive, does it follow that your whole image will be dynamic and positive? And why is it that some people just don’t see your images the same way you do? Why can’t they seem to see what you see?

If you have ever wondered about any of the above and now I’ve piqued your interest, then please come and join me for a weekend of interesting discoveries and discussions combined with lots of photography which I hope will ultimately lead to you understanding the why.

This workshop is not genre-specific – in fact the more varied people’s genre preferences are, the more interesting the weekend will be. The focus of the sessions will be intriguing discoveries and fun, by virtue of your participation.

Originally Noelle Bennett trained and worked as a classical musician, a career that spanned about 15 years which she credits with having a huge influence on her approach to photography even though it would be many years before she first picked up a camera.

A Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, her work has been recognised on both national and international stages. Noelle describes herself as a nature lover who makes photographs. She sees her camera as both her paint brush and her canvas, granting her the luxury of self-expression that is also heavily influenced by music. Her hope is that she may help people begin to see that even the most mundane subject matter can be both fascinating and beautiful.

Who should attend?This workshop will be perfect for anybody who enjoys photography of any type irrespective of how experienced they may be. What is most important is an open and enquiring mind.

ScheduleThe workshop will be held at the Whanganui Camera Club, 2 Handley St, Gonville, Whanganui and starts at 4pm on Friday 20 th March with introductions and a short general discussion about the next two days. After dinner we will resume at 7.30 for an inspirational presentation ofNoelle’s work. Then sessions will run from 9am to 4.30pm on Saturday and from 9am to 3.00pm on Sunday. During this time we will look at:

our individual perceptions of art

what criteria are most important to each of us when viewing images – criteria such as uniqueness, points of difference, technique and technical ability, story-telling etc – and what difference, if any, those preferences make

crafting stories through photography; trying to establish how it’s done and whether all images do actually tell stories

what influences how we create our images.

Time for play and exploration will happen via photographic challenges which will take place at various points throughout the course of the workshop. Each challenge will last for about an hour. There will be time allocated for post-processing your favourite image(s) from those challenges. All the images will be shared with the group as the grand finale to the weekend.

This workshop will be limited to 12 people.

Translating Video for Photographers - Thomas Busby
2026-03-27 16:00 - 2026-03-29 12:00
Unlock the full potential of your camera and confidently step into the world of videography. If you’ve ever suspected your camera can do far more than you’re using it for—especially when it comes to video—this workshop is designed for you.

Who This Workshop Is ForPhotographers who already understand the fundamentals of manual shooting (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) and want to convert that knowledge into creating beautiful, engaging video. You’ll learn how to produce personal video art pieces as well as professional marketing content for any business. We’ll also cover the essentials of editing and exporting your work so you can confidently share your creations with the world.

Your Instructor: Thomas BusbyWith 22 years of professional image-making experience, Thomas Busby brings a wealth of real-world knowledge from both photography and film. His credentials include:

NZIPP Landscape Photographer of the Year (2016)

Work on feature films

A long career fusing photography and videography in a clear, practical, non-technical teaching style

Thomas excels at helping photographers translate their existing skills directly into video.

What You’ll LearnBased in beautiful Ohakune, the workshop includes:

Translating photography principles into videography

Hands-on filming sessions

Lighting, audio, and editing fundamentals

Creating your own finished video project

What to Bring

A camera with video capability and at least one lens around 18–55mm

A laptop (under 6 years old) with 16GB RAM or more and at least 100GB free storage

DaVinci Resolve (free) downloaded prior to arrival

A tripod

Workshop Details

Fee: $550 – Own room in a 2 room chalet (same sex) | $495 – Own room in a 3 room chalet (same sex)

Includes:

2 nights accommodation at Rocky Mountain Chalets (To review accommodation and facilities click the link here)

Food – BYO Breakfasts; other meals will be pay as you go at local restaurants and cafes.

Dates: Friday 27 March (start 4pm) – Sunday 29 March (finish around 12pm)

Location: Ohakune

Fitness: Moderate (some walking on tracks involved)

Capacity: Limited to 12 participants

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a detailed schedule and a recommended gear list.Log into the Member’s Area to register.

Composites Masterclass by Helen McLeod
2026-03-28 09:00 - 2026-03-29 15:00
Creating believable and seamless photo composites in Photoshop is a complex skill, and many common faults can break the illusion. This workshop is intended for people that have used Photoshop to create composites already but want to improve their technique with the use of:

Consistent lighting and temperature across components

Matching shadows (tone, direction and diffusion)

Perspective (consistent vanishing points, relative scale and depth)

Managing cut-outs

Consistent colour grading, grain and sharpness between components

Authentic lighting of foreground elements with respect to the background

This workshop will be run by Helen McLeod, a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society holding a Gold Portfolio Distinction with the Photographic Society of America. She has been tutoring photography for many years in tertiary institutions and runs six Landscape workshops annually in central Otago. Her personal work is principally in creative composites where she has won many awards

The workshop will be held in Taupo (Vintage Car Club Rooms)

Day One will be primarily a teaching day; and

Day Two will focus on critiquing examples of participant’s work and suggestions for improvement.

The fee includes all tuition but not meals and accommodation. We will meet on Saturday night for a pay your own way dinner at a local restaurant. During the weekend there is a very good café open close by.

Creating Images with Impact with Tom Ang
2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00
Tom Ang says the composition of an image is seldom sufficient in itself to guarantee that your work is remarkable. This workshop will focus on elements that create images with impact helping you make more expressive and winning photographs.

We all want to create images that delight the eye and captivate imagination. In this workshop let’s learn how! Note: this workshop is genre agnostic!

What we will cover

Through clear examples, lively discussion, and plenty of visual inspiration from the greats, you’ll learn how to:

Handle the tools of framing, perspective, and flow

Recognize and use visual structure effectively

Balance elements for stronger images

Free yourself from rules and formulae

Apply your instinct for aesthetics with flexibly and creativity

Grow confident with your own personal preferences and personality style

Produce images that stand out and win competitions

We’ll break down each “top ten” idea into practical steps you can use right away—whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, street, or travel photography.

The day will comprise an inspirational presentation by Tom, group analysis of winning images and some photography during the day shared with the group

Tom received the Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) Content Creator Award in 2019 and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jinan International Photography Biennial. He has worked many roles in photography at top levels. His photography has been exhibited internationally and is widely known through over 40 photography books he’s written.He has also judged some the world’s top photo competitions (he was one of the founding judges of the Sony World Photography Awards) … Tom has been around the block a few times.

The workshop will be held at the Gallery Room Eden Gardens 24 Omana Ave, Epsom, Auckland 9.00 am – 4.00 pm.

Mushroom Macro Masterclass
2026-06-05 15:00 - 2026-06-07 13:00
This workshop is designed for occasional macro photographers who really want to lift their game to the next level. It will be a practical workshop.

Topics covered will be:

Gear

Focus brackets and stacking using Helicon (essential for superb mushroom images) including tabletop practise

Prepping mushrooms for photography

Lighting

Photoshoots in the beautiful bush around St Arnaud over the weekend.

Rebecca Bowater is a botanist and wildlife photographer based in Nelson and author or several books including “New Zealand Fungi.” Jo Southgate is a very talented mushroom photographer based in Blenheim. Both are very familiar with the St Arnaud area and look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience with you.

The workshop will begin at 3.00pm on 5th June at the Rotoiti Outdoor Education Centre, St Annaud and end after the second field trip midafternoon on Sunday.

Accommodation is provided on a shared basis (segregated) but there will be ample room to spread out as the centre offers eight rooms that can accommodate 66 persons in total. Typically we will have two per room. There is one male bathroom and one female bathroom. If you wish you can make your own arrangements but we regret we cannot offer a discount on the room cost if you do.

Small Print

Meals, drinks and snacks are not included in the price. You will need to bring your camera, a macro lens, tripod and your laptop with Helicon installed (you can download a free version that works for 30 days). Please also bring all toiletries such as shower soap etc.

Creative Stations with Gail Stent
2026-06-20 09:00 - 2026-06-21 15:00
Explore, Experiment, Express

Step into a weekend of pure photographic play! This immersive 2-day workshop invites you to rotate through a series of themed creative shooting stations, each designed to spark fresh ideas, awaken your artistic eye, and push your image-making into exciting new territory. Whether you’re craving inspiration, wanting to try new in-camera techniques, or looking to break out of a creative rut, this workshop blends experimentation, guidance, and plenty of opportunity to create unique, expressive images. Every station offers a fresh challenge and a chance to make imagery that feels bold, expressive, and uniquely yours. You’ll receive guided instruction at each station, time to shoot and explore, and group sharing to reflect on discoveries. Perfect for photographers wanting to find inspiration, try new techniques, and build confidence in their creative voice. Join us for a fun, supportive environment where you’ll explore, collaborate, and leave with a refreshed sense of creative momentum.

About GailGail is a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand and currently on the PSNZ Honours board. She has been tutoring photography since 2016 and also leads New Zealand Photography Workshops. Gail also tutors photography privately, as well as Photoshop and Lightroom post processing. Her personal work covers a variety of genres, her favourite genres are composites and creative work, macro and closeups, sport, wildlife and underwater portraits.

Details & Inclusions

Where: Tauranga Photographic Society’s club rooms. 177 Elizabeth Street.

Workshop fee: $200, the workshop is limited to 12 attendees

Meals: Tea, Coffee and Biscuits provided. BYO lunch both days

The workshop will start at 9am on Saturday and conclude at 3pm on Sunday. On Saturday evening you’re invited to an optional get together dinner (pay your own way) at a local restaurant.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a full schedule, location details, and a recommended gear guide.

Wildlife of Kaikoura with Leanne Buchan
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-25 15:00
Join wildlife photographer Leanne Buchan in Kaikōura for an unforgettable long-weekend workshop immersed in the incredible bird life and coastal beauty of Aotearoa. Leanne, owner of Feather in Your Capture, is a passionate educator who loves helping photographers of all levels capture compelling wildlife images.

What’s Included

Private charter aboard the Coastal Encounter vessel Delphinadae, where you’ll photograph albatross, other pelagic seabirds, and—if we’re lucky—dolphins.

Guided sessions along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, focusing on coastal birds, New Zealand fur seals, and dramatic seascapes at both sunrise and sunset.

Workshop Schedule – Friday 23 October – Sunday 25 October (Labour Weekend)

Starts: 5pm Friday

Ends: Approximately 3pm Sunday – Labour Weekend gives you an extra day on Monday to explore Kaikōura or continueyour travels.

Practical Details

Meals: At your own cost in local cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation: Please book in central Kaikōura.

Group Size: Limited to 14 participants.

Workshop Fee: $475

Gear & Fitness Requirements

Recommended lens: 400–600mm zoom.

Expect 3–4 hours on the open sea — good sea legs (or reliable seasickness remedies) essential.

A moderate level of fitness is required for several hours of walking on Saturday and Sunday.

Important Notes

The boat operator may cancel the charter if weather conditions are unsafe. In this case, the boat-tour portion of your fee will be refunded.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive full schedule details and a recommended gear list.

Breeding Spoonbills and Shorebirds by John Parker
2026-11-06 14:00 - 2026-11-08 12:00
The feature of this workshop is to introduce you to a newly formed breeding colony of Spoonbills in the Hawkes Bay which offers superb reasonably close range shooting.

The workshop will be led by John Parker, an award-winning bird wildlife photographer based in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. Over the years John’s work has gained National/International recognition winning Kiwi Image of the Year, New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year and has been published in books, magazines, and calendars worldwide. As the founder of Maddox Photography NZ, John has combined his passion for the outdoors, adventure, and photography into a unique experience for fellow photography enthusiasts.

Friday 2.00pmWe will begin at 2.00pm at the Kennedy Park Conference Centre with an introductory briefing and a presentation by John on his Journey and what he looks for in a strong image, followed by a familiarisation tour of the colony.Saturday 5.00 amAn early start is needed to take advantage of the sunrise at the colony. We will aim to be back by 8.30 am so you can get breakfast resuming at the Conference Room by 10.00 am for a processing workshop and processing clinic. Mid-afternoon John will show us one of the best shorebird locations in the Bay where we would hope to catch some evening colour.Sunday 5.00 amOur second early start at the colony followed by breakfast. Then you will have free time to explore these or other locations recommended by John.

Birds on offer at these locations include Royal Spoonbill, White Heron, Cormorants, Patiki, Dabchicks, Australian Coot, Pukeko, Pied stilts, Dotterel, Godwits, Canadian geese, Wrybill and Heron.

Please note the above timeline is weather dependent.

Fitness

All locations are on level ground and provide easy walking.

Accommodation and MealsAccommodation is not included in the fee but we recommend you make use of the Kennedy Park Resort which offers a wide range of accommodation. No meals, snacks or drinks areincluded.
