MACEDON RANGES
AUTUMN COLOURS PHOTO TOUR
Embark on an enchanting journey with us as we delve into the mesmerising autumnal palette of the Macedon Ranges. With a deep personal connection to this breathtaking region, having grown up in its embrace, I am thrilled to share the wonders of my home with you.
Throughout this exploration, we will guide you to the most extraordinary spots, chasing the vibrant hues that transform this area into a picture-perfect paradise. Prepare to be captivated by the ever-changing tapestry of colours as we visit private gardens and other hidden gems, revealing the true essence of this remarkable destination.
Indulge in the comfort and elegance of our selected boutique hotel, where you will enjoy a private room designed to offer ultimate relaxation. As we navigate through this stunning region, we will curate dining experiences at some of the most iconic establishments, ensuring your taste buds are immersed in the flavours of the local produce.
Immerse yourself in the art of photography as we capture the iconic avenue of honour in the most favourable light. Discover the hidden charm of beautiful Japanese maple trees, and witness the kaleidoscope of ambers, vermilion, and rich reds that paint the landscape in the Macedon Ranges during autumn. It is these picturesque moments that truly make this region a magical wonderland during this season.
Join us on this unforgettable adventure, where you will experience the splendour of nature and create lasting memories amidst the autumnal splendour of the Macedon Ranges. Book now and let the magic of autumn unfold before your eyes.
TOUR DETAILS
DATES: 15th to 17th April 2024
DURATION: 3 Days
DEPARTURE: Melbourne, Victoria @ 9:00am
RETURN: Melbourne, Victoria @ 7:00pm
TOUR PRICE: $2995.00 AUD Single Supplement
Tour HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the ultimate photography learning experience with our exclusive tour led by a renowned, multi-award-winning professional photographer. Through personalized one-on-one tuition, expert guidance, and invaluable advice, you will unlock the secrets to mastering composition and lighting in your photography. Dive deep into pre-visualization techniques and explore the creative process to enhance your artistic vision. Gain a competitive edge with game-changing editing tips and tricks shared in special processing workshops throughout the tour.
Expand your repertoire of photographic skills with expert techniques tailored for landscape, travel, wildlife, and portrait photography. Additionally, delve into aerial, black and white, and astrophotography to add a touch of versatility to your portfolio. With a focus on continuous growth, our professional critique sessions will help you refine your work and elevate your craft, whether you aspire to enter and win prestigious photography competitions or simply wish to challenge yourself as a photographer.
But the benefits extend beyond skill enhancement. Connect with a community of like-minded photographers and adventure seekers, and experience the transformative power of collaboration and inspiration. Join us for a truly immersive journey that combines unparalleled learning opportunities, expert guidance, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. Don't miss this chance to take your photography to new heights.
GALLERY
ITINERARY
Coastal Exposure will give you techniques and experience in a variety of photographic styles and settings. You will be shooting on and off tripod, with and without movement, star shots, sunrises, sunsets and during the day, in a variety of situations. You will have the opportunity to shoot a wide range of subjects, which will compound and diversify your skill set.
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Your travel tour begins in CBD Melbourne at 10am, where you will be greeted by your friendly guide/s. From there, we'll embark on a scenic drive into the picturesque Macedon Ranges, known for its stunning autumn colours.
As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of the region, we'll make a stop for a delightful lunch, giving you a chance to sample some of the local cuisine and flavours. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Trentham Falls, a magnificent waterfall that will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.
In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at our luxurious accommodation in Daylesford, a charming town renowned for its spa retreats and natural springs. Here, you can unwind and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings, taking in the serene atmosphere that Daylesford is famous for.
To complete the day, we'll indulge in a delicious two-course dinner, savoring the finest local produce that this region has to offer. Whether it's farm-fresh ingredients or artisanal creations, you're in for a treat as you taste the flavors of the area.
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Get ready for a day filled with stunning sights and unforgettable experiences. Our adventure begins with an early rise to witness a breathtaking sunrise at an iconic location in the Macedon Ranges.
After capturing the beauty of the dawn, we'll treat ourselves to a delicious breakfast at one of the area's beloved establishments. With our energy replenished, we'll continue our journey to the first private garden, where you'll have the opportunity to capture the vibrant autumn colours that make this region so enchanting.
As we explore the garden, taking in the picturesque scenery, we'll make time for a delightful lunch, allowing you to savour some of the local culinary delights. Our next stop will be another magnificent private garden boasting a tree-lined driveway that is sure to take your breath away.
To complete our day, we'll make our way back to Daylesford, making a stop at another iconic garden along the way. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, capturing the essence of the region through your lens.
As the day draws to a close, we'll head to Lake Daylesford, where you'll witness a spectacular sunset painting the sky with vivid colours. This tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the magic of the moment.
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Our day begins with an early start to witness the stunning sunrise at Lake Daylesford, capturing the vibrant autumn hues across the lake and the iconic jetty.
After experiencing the magic of the morning, we'll head back to our accommodation to enjoy a hearty breakfast and check out. With our local guide, Dani, leading the way, we'll venture to a charming country town known for its picturesque tree-lined avenue. Here, you'll have the opportunity to capture the beauty of the surroundings while soaking up the small-town charm.
As our adventure continues, we'll indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the iconic country artisan general stores, where you can savour the flavours of regional Victoria. With our appetites satisfied, we'll slowly make our way back to Melbourne, making stops along the way to discover hidden gems and soak in the natural beauty of the countryside.
To conclude our day, we'll gather at one of Melbourne's iconic locations to witness a breathtaking sunset, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of the city. As the sun sets over the skyline, you'll have the chance to add another layer to your Victorian experience, creating lasting memories.
Our tour will conclude with a drop-off in Melbourne CBD by 7:00 pm, leaving you with a heart full of cherished moments and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Daylesford and Melbourne.
YOUR GUIDE
Dani is a rising star among Australia's next generation of professional photographers, driven by a deep passion for capturing visually compelling imagery. With a distinguished degree in photography and photo imaging from RMIT University, one of Australia's premier photography institutions, Dani has fine-tuned her craft under the guidance of industry experts, including the esteemed Ken Duncan OAM. This invaluable mentorship has elevated her knowledge and skillset to new heights.
Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Dani is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Photography, expanding her mastery beyond traditional concepts and empowering others to develop their unique photographic style. Her commitment to imparting knowledge and expertise is evident through her dedication to guiding travellers in capturing the perfect travel photo. Through insightful tips and expert guidance, Dani equips photographers with the tools and techniques that enhance quality while maintaining authenticity and credibility.
Accommodation
Nestled in the charming heart of Daylesford, stands the historic Hotel Frangos, a revered establishment tracing its roots back to around 1888.
Over the years, its walls have witnessed an array of transformations - from a bank to a bar, and even a drapery. Today, the renowned Koukla Daylesford corner at Hotel Frangos serves as a notable landmark, welcoming both locals and tourists. Here, you can unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty that Daylesford has to offer.
Boasting 15 uniquely designed suites equipped with spa baths, our boutique accommodation truly epitomizes the essence of Daylesford. It's not just a place to stay; it's a comfortable haven where you can relax and soak in the charm of this historic town.
DETAILS:
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All skill levels are welcome. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the tour is designed to cover all aspects of image capture that apply to your current photography journey.
The best way to learn photography is by taking photos, so we will be by your side, sharing insights and guidance as you shoot.
No matter your skill level or equipment, you’ll learn.
Equipment: We can help you optimise the equipment you choose to use, from compact cameras to digital SLR cameras. Please let us know in advance if you would like to discuss what equipment to bring to the trip.
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Moderate: Some easy-pace walking is required at various locations.
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Compact, DSLR, Mirrorless Camera
Standard zoom, wide angle and telephoto lens
Tripod
Spare SD cards and batteries
Polarising filter and ND filters
Old cotton t-shirt, lens cloths, hand towel
Suitable clothing for all wet and dry weather conditions. We recommend comfortable clothing made of fabric that breaths (such as cotton) and packs a combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved tops and pant options.
Hat, Sun block and sun glasses (protection against UV)
Water bottle
Sturdy, Comfortable Walking Shoes
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Four nights’ luxury accommodation at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific (September 20 to 23, 2024) Go here for more information on Crowne Plaza, Terrigal.
All meals for the duration of the course including morning and afternoon teas.
Day trips to some of Ken’s favourite Central Coast destinations including the locations of some of his most iconic images
A free 20″ master print of one of your images taken during the event
Priceless notes, a copy of the final evening’s audio-visual presentation, and other resources to take away
Personal tuition, attention and instruction on location from Ken and his team
Structured, in-depth, classroom sessions with expert training from Ken and other dedicated professionals where you will learn:
Capture One software
Editing and post-processing your own images
How to output your image files to suit a variety of applications.
The basics of digital file management so you can confidently file, catalogue and select your best images for printing or sharing in the future
Creating a portfolio of images and how to market your work
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Travel to and from the meeting point.
Private Whale Watching Tour (optional +$100.00)
Personal Purchases
Alcoholic Beverages
Travel insurance: please ensure your camera gear is insured under your home and contents policy, or you have private independent camera equipment insurance.