Arnhemland Photo Tour 2017

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

PHOTOGRAPHIC COUNSEL

Exclusive Arnhemland With Peter Eastway 16 - 20 July 2017

1

The Catacombs There are literally hundreds of caves like this one on Davidson’s property with exclusive access for lodge visitors. It is rare indeed to be able to get up close and personal with this kind of history.

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION

Exclusive Arnhemland 4

Friend and fellow photographer Ron Langman

We go driving round the 700 square kilometres

suggested I take a photo workshop to Davidson’s

of pristine Australian landscape in 4WDs and,

Arnhemland Safari Lodge, which I did in July 2016.

unlike Kakadu which is immediately south of the property, we don’t have the same types of

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d heard all

rules, regulations and bureaucracy. We can walk

about Kakadu, but this was supposed to be even

up to ancient rock art and look at it from two

better. Perhaps it’s better described as different.

centimetres away if we wish. We still keep a respectful distance from crocodiles!

We flew in a small plane 300 km from Darwin, directly into Davidson’s. It’s remote, but the

Davidson’s is not inexpensive, but it’s the only

property is clean, very comfortable and the food

place that has a permit from the indigenous

was simply sensational. The staff were all friendly,

owners - which in turn gives us unparalleled

the guides incredibly attentive and helpful.

access to great photographic opportunities that you’re going to struggle to find anywhere else.

I asked our guide Luke why he worked up at Davidson’s. He answered that there was

All the photos in this brochure were taken on the

something really special about ‘the land’, and

one trip to Davidson’s.

that he loved to go walking on his days off and be completely isolated. His knowledge and

Does this sound interesting? Flip through the rest

experience really added to ours.

of the brochure and see what you think. There are only 6 cabins available, but partners or fellow

As visitors, we have a guide with us all the time.

photographers are welcome.

Out On The Billabong Mary-Ellen, Ken, Luke and Tony. Late evenings are very civilised with a glass of wine

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

5

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

6

The Photography Program - $8995 Special All Inclusive Package There are so many photography opportunities

•

exploring the pristine bush, perhaps

at Davidsons (also known as Mt Borradaile), it’s a

recovering after a recent fire (fires are a

matter of choosing what we want to do!

feature of the north at this time of the year) wide-angles and macro lenses;

The weather is expected to be blue skies at this

•

time of the year, so we will focus our photography

shooting in the rock catacombs - a tripod could be helpful for exposure bracketing;

on the mornings and afternoons, which are also

•

visiting the unique rock art;

the cooler parts of the day. Temperatures are

•

bird and wildlife photography;

expected to range from 14°C at night to 32°C

•

landscape photography in the mornings and

during the day.

evenings.

Our photography opportunities will include:

During the middle of the day, we will work on

•

several cruises along the various billabongs,

our files and Peter will provide instruction and

shooting from the water. Bring your long

assistance, both personally and for the group.

lenses for the wildlife and your wide-angles

•

for the vistas, plus a mid-zoom in case we get

Peter has a range of photography presentations

close to some crocs;

to inspire us, along with ‘campfire’ talks, audio

an aerial helicopter flight over the property

visuals and videos, plus there’s the wonderful

and out to towards the coast – this will be an

interaction with other photographers as you share

amazing highlight;

your successes (and misses) of the day!

Great Egret Bring your longest telephoto for these guys.

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

7

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

8

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

9

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

Helicopter Flight Included 10

One of the highlights of this Arnhemland

When you shoot from the helicopter, we

Photographic Counsel is a helicopter flight over

recommend a mid-range zoom lens - a 24-70mm

the property. This is not an inexpensive exercise

is ideal. This gives you a wide-angle view for the

as we have to fly the chopper into Davidson’s

scenics, while allowing you to crop in a bit tighter

Arnhemland Safari Lodge (and back again). Your

for the abstracts. Of course, you can shoot with

flight is included in the price.

whatever focal length you’re comfortable with because when you need to get closer or further

While there’s lots to look at around the billabongs

away, we usually just ask the pilot!

and the nearby rock castles, the ‘secret places’ are out towards the coast on the shallow tidal plains.

Peter will explain his aerial shooting techniques before you fly.

Lots of things can happen when it comes to aerials and while we expect clear skies for this trip,

And afterwards, there are also some tips

on the last visit we had light overcast weather and

and techniques for processing your aerial

smoke from the fires, which at first seemed like a

photographs. There will be ample time left to

challenge, but in the end generated some really

edit your best files and start working on their

great material.

presentation. We’re thinking one of these aerials might be the ‘fine art print’ that you create - see

From the air, it doesn’t seem to matter as much

page 16.

whether you have sunshine or overcast conditions - they just produce different results.

Secret Places for Aerials!

We have the GPS co-ordinates...

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

11

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

Editing And Post-Production Skills 12

One of the highlights for photographers on this

tuition will take place, because this depends on

workshop is the opportunity to edit and improve

what’s happening outside. If a photo opportunity

their photographs. Peter is known internationally

beckons, then we won’t stay at the lodge in front

for his skills in post-production and has given

of our computers! Our main aim is to experience

Photoshop presentations around the world. He

and photograph Arnhemland.

has been closely involved with the development of Capture One and also with the earlier versions

However, on an average day, you can expect

of Lightroom.

one and sometimes two sessions in front of your computer with access to Peter’s instruction and

While there always seems to be lots happening on

help.

trips like these, we have planned some time after breakfast and after lunch to work on your files

For example, after an early morning shoot, we will

when Peter will provide personalised assistance

have a sumptuous breakfast and then spend a

within a group scenario. Peter will look over your

couple of hours before lunch working on our files

shoulder or sit next to you and help you work

at the lodge. Lunch will be served after which we

through the complexities of Adobe Photoshop,

have another couple of hours for post-production

Lightroom and/or Capture One.

before heading out on our evening photo shoot.

During the workshop, there will be many

These ‘image lab’ sessions are when you’ll learn

opportunities to learn about post-production

lots about the creative side of photography, plus

and to refine your editing skills. We don’t set

the post-production skills to assist you realise your

definite times for when and where the editing

vision.

Aboriginal Rock Art We will have rare access with experienced guides

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

13

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

How Do You Like To Learn?

14

Everyone has different ways of learning. For some,

to do is ask. Importantly, you will never be made

it is sitting back and watching an expert at work,

to feel silly because you asked a basic question -

noting how he or she positions and uses the

chances are others in the group don’t know the

camera, reacts to the light and the weather, or

answer either!

interacts with people and wildlife to achieve the best posing and expression.

Peter will be shooting as well. He is just as passionate as you are about photography. He also

Others like to be given suggestions, to understand

feels it is important to practice what he preaches

what the experts are seeing and thinking, and

and to show participants what he has captured as

then left to experiment and discover on their own.

the tour/workshop progresses.

They are looking for guidance, but not too much.

However, he is very aware that his primary role is And yet other photographers like to be shown

to act as your instructor and guide. And he wants

how to find the photograph, how to compose

you to return on other workshops and trips, which

the image and what camera settings are required.

you will only do if you are happy.

They want help with their camera controls and detailed instructions on how to frame and

So, please don’t be shy to ask for help at any time

compose.

and it will be cheerfully provided with a smile!

Different photographers at different stages require different levels of assistance and that’s fine! Peter provides all three levels of interaction, all you have

Enjoying The Location It’s not only the rock art that we photograph.

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

15

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

A Photographic Print 16

A trip like this needs to be remembered and

produce your digital file so it looks its absolute

admired. And photography is so much more than

best when turned into a print.

an image on the back of a camera screen or on your smartphone.

You can do all the work yourself, or you can hand the file over to Peter for his suggestions and final

It’s all about the photographic print.

touches. That’s up to you!

Peter believes that the print is still the ultimate

Chances are your file won’t be ready until a couple

expression of photography. It’s only with ink on

of weeks after your return. You’ll want to make

paper (or silver halide embedded in emulsion)

it just right - and that takes time. However, once

that the true beauty of a photograph is revealed.

you’re completely happy with the file, send it to Peter and he will personally prepare an A2-size

During the trip, Peter will be encouraging each

fine art print with generous white borders.

participant to be working towards a photographic masterpiece of their own. You may already have

When you receive it back, all that will be left for

an idea for a photograph before you leave, or you

you to do is to title and sign the print, put it in a

may simply choose your best shot at the end of

frame and hang it in pride of place in your home

the trip.

or office.

During the tour, Peter will talk about the many different philosophies behind print production, plus he will sit with you and help you post-

Is this cheating?

Hopefully you will make your own art!

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

17

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

Comfortable Lodgings!

18

We are all housed in comfortable deluxe cabins,

with communal dining, full bar facilities and a

each fitted with either a queen bed or twin single

comfortable lounge area with an extensive library.

beds, with a lounge setting and tea and coffee facilities.

There is a delightful menu and the chef is able to cater for special dietary requirements (please

All cabins have ensuites, ceiling fans and large airy

advise us of any when booking your stay).

screens to best suit this tropical climate.

The lodge has an extensive wine cellar and a large The idea is one photographer per cabin, but

range of beers, soft drinks and spirits for purchase

photographers are welcome to bring their

at the bar.

partners with them (an extra fee is payable).

Two ‘non-partner’ photographers can share a cabin, subject to confirmation that two single beds are available! There is a discount available.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main common area and a complimentary laundry service is also available for guests booking into the Deluxe Cabins.

The main common area has a friendly atmosphere

Inside & Out This is Cabin 14 - and very comfortable too!

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

19

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

20

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

How Physical Is It?

Bring Your Partner

You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this

Despite being located in one of the remotest

photography workshop. If you can bushwalk,

parts of Australia, the comfortable Davidson’s

you will have no trouble. If you can sit on a flat-

Arnhemland Safari Lodge is designed for travellers

bottomed boat, you will be motored into position.

who are looking for a ‘Top End’ experience

And the seat on the helicopter is a no brainer!

in comfort. This is one of the reasons we are partnering with Davidson’s - so the lodge can look

However, there is some walking involved to get to

after us and our partners.

some of the photographic locations. Sometimes we will be walking a few hundred metres and

There are no shopping malls or fancy cafes and

generally no more than a kilometre or so. To see

everyone is encouraged to get out into the

one or two of the caves which hold some of the

surrounding environment.

rock art, there are challenging climbs for older guests. If you are unable to climb into these

Non-photography partners are welcome to

caves, worry not because there are larger, more

accompany the photographers on their early

photogenic caves with equally good rock art that

morning and late evening explorations, or stay

have very easy access - and we will visit these too.

back for a leisurely breakfast and a sleep in!

The weather will also determine what walks

The photography program is varied and partners

are possible, but at this time of year, we’re not

are most welcome to join us at meals and to sit in

expecting there to be any difficulties!

on presentations. It is a small group and we aim to make it very hospitable.

Textured Close-Ups After fire, the remaining leaves are delightful!

21

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

22

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

Peter Eastway G.M. Photog., MNZIPP, Hon FAIPP, HFNZIPP, FAIPP

photography competitions, both as a judge and as an active participant. He judges and speaks

Sydney-based photographer Peter Eastway

internationally on a regular basis.

is a Grand Master of Photography and a two time winner of the AIPP Australian Professional

Peter’s work has been published internationally

Photographer of the Year. Known best for his

in photography and travel magazines, and he

landscape and travel photography, he has worked

was also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Guide

in most areas of the profession and also loves

to Landscape Photography. His photography has

sport, studio still life, portraiture and wildlife.

featured on the cover of the Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia, an Australian postage stamp, in

Peter is the editor and publisher of Better

articles in the Qantas inflight magazine, and in an

Photography magazine and website, a position

Apple television commercial. And he has worked

that has given him special access to many of

with Phase One researching and promoting its

the world’s leading photographers over the past

Capture One raw processing software, and with

30 years. His ability to communicate both the

Adobe on its Lightroom software.

technical and aesthetic sides of photography makes him a sought after speaker on the

In 2015 he featured in the National Geographic

international circuit.

Channel’s Tales By Light six-part photography series produced in partnership with Canon.

Peter was the chairman of the Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards for

He is familiar with Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and

many years and is still involved in all aspects of

Phase One camera systems.

23

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

24

The Atacama and Patagonia with Peter Eastway

Camera Equipment For The Expedition

Checklist Here’s an incomplete list of some of the things you may need.

Recommended Camera Stuff

Peter is not an equipment snob! Yes, he uses

•

DSLR or CSC camera recommended

professional equipment, but that’s his full time

•

Standard zoom - cover everything

job.

•

Wide-angles - as wide as you have

•

Telephoto - 300mm is not too long, a 150-600mm zoom ideal!

So, whether you turn up with the latest DSLR or an older camera you’ve loved for many years, it

•

1.4X or 2.0X Converter

really doesn’t matter. However, there are some

•

Macro lens - optional

lenses and accessories that will certainly help you

•

Spare camera battery & battery charger

capture a wider range of photographs.

•

Backpack style camera bag

•

Tripod (with a quick release plate)

We do recommend you bring everything you

•

Plenty of storage cards for your camera

think you might need, but not so much you

•

Polarising filter

can’t carry it with you. You will be able to leave

•

Neutral density filters (0.9x, 4.0x optional)

equipment behind in the cabin at any time.

•

Card reader and cable if necessary

•

Laptop computer (Mac or PC)

•

External back-up drives

•

Photoshop, Lightroom or Capture One

•

Mouse or stylus/tablet

•

Hat, sunscreen

Down By The Billabong A 600mm lens was used for this image.

25

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 26

These terms and conditions relate to the photography tours and workshops organised by Pt 78 Pty Ltd [Pt78], ABN 75 003 152 136, trading as Better Photography, and run

by Peter Eastway, the workshop leader.

RESERVATIONS Bookings can be made on the Better Photography website at www.betterphotography.com in the online shop, or you can email Kim Valenti at kim@betterphotography.com, or call her on +612 4388 6851.

The workshops are limited to a maximum of 8 photography participants (plus the workshop leaders). However, there are only six cabins available, so the practical limit may be six! Non-photography partners are invited to attend in addition to the maximum of 8 participants. A mininum of 5 photography participants is required for the workshop to run. Workshop places will be confirmed in order of receipt, payment or deposit.

PRICE 16-20 July 2017 Arnhemland with Peter Eastway: AUS $8995 Single Shared rate for two photographers AUS $16,495 Non-photography partner (shared room) AUS $4950 The price includes photographic counsel and all transport ex-Darwin.

The Single Price is per person including

single supplement accommodation in deluxe cabins with ensuites (queen beds) per 24 hour period, and include all meals, all tours, activities and permits to enter Arnhemland. Also included is a helicopter flight and a billabong cruise.

The Shared rate offers the same inclusions, except two people must book together and agree to share a cabin.

Separate beds will be provided if required.

Partners are welcome to come with a full-paying photographer, but the rate does not include the helicopter flight or photography tuition.

Not included are flights to/from Darwin. Other snacks, beverages and alcohol are not included. Alcohol cannot be brought into Davidsons, but you can purchase drinks from the bar. You may also need to arrange a night’s accommodation in Darwin at the beginning and end of the trip, depending on your flights.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Payment details are as follows: 1. A deposit to reserve your place of AUS $260.

2. Final payment by 1 May 2017.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Should you wish to cancel your booking, you must advise us in writing (email is fine). We try to have a fair refund policy that works for both you and us: • Deposits are refundable, up to 60 days

prior to the event. If you don’t request a refund of your deposit 60 days out or longer, we will assume you wish to come and the balance is payable.

• if you are cancelling more than 60 days from the workshop date, we will refund your deposit in full; • if the workshop is not full and, after your cancellation, we still have the minimum number of bookings to run, we will refund your booking fee in full; • if the workshop is full, and we have turned away other customers, and you are cancelling within 60 days of the workshop date, we won’t refund you unless your place is filled by someone else; • if after you cancel your booking the workshop numbers fall below the minimum number required to run, and you are cancelling within 60 days, we won’t refund you.

No part refunds are made for unused portions or services of a workshop.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS The workshop is designed to be suitable for people of all ages in good health and moderate fitness. While activities are not strenuous, on some workshops we may be taking hikes for several kilometres on tracks in National Park and wilderness areas, which may involve short steep descents and climbs.

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

We will comply with the National Parks’ safety requirements, but these are wilderness areas and you need to be careful when you are in them.

It will be necessary to carry your own camera equipment and water for these activities.

Should you have any concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness, please contact your doctor to discuss before booking your place.

You are required to disclose any medical or physical condition that you have which could create a risk for you or any other participants. We assume no responsibility for medical care nor guarantee to meet any special dietary requirements.

INSURANCE: We have public liability insurance, but we have no insurance for par ticipants, their health, their equipment or personal belongings. We strongly advise you to obtain your own insurances suitable for your needs.

LIMITED LIABILITY As we are a small company, we are not in a position to insure your travel arrangements with Davidsons. If Davidsons were unable to provide the services for which you have contracted and paid, Pt78 will not be liable to you for any loss you incur.

We strongly suggest you take out travel insurance.

In such an unlikely event, we would naturally refund the tuition component of the course. We are not opting out of our responsiblities to you, only those over

which we have no control. We are asking you to take the same risk you would were you to book your accommodation directly with Davidsons.

RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Pt78 is strictly limited. As a tour/workshop operator, Pt78 may organise, promote, and sell programs consisting of services that it purchases from various suppliers. Pt78 does not own or operate any of these suppliers and as such is not responsible for any negligent or wilful act or failure or omission of any supplier. By taking part in the tour/workshop, you agree that Pt78 shall not be liable for the above failings.

Pt78 cannot accept responsibility for losses or extra expenses caused by, but not limited to, delay or changes in any transportation services, weather, illness, injury, strike, quarantine or other causes.

All such losses or expenses will be the sole responsibility of the participant.

Pt78 reserves the right to cancel any workshop prior to commencement, whereupon paid funds will be refunded in full, but is not liable for any other trip preparation expenses such as, but not limited to, air ticket penalties, visa fees and medical treatments.

Pt78 reserves the right to substitute accommodations (if any) of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary. Where weather conditions or forces of nature restrict or prohibit workshop activities, it reserves the right to alter the trip program and

substitute alternative activities.

Prior to commencement of any workshop, an Acceptance of Risk Release form is a term of sale.

The Acceptance of Risk release must be agreed to by each participant prior to the commencement of the workshop.

No alterations to the Acceptance of Risk Release will be accepted.

If a participant attends a workshop without signing an Acceptance of Risk Release, their attendance confirms their acceptance of all parts of these Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk Release.

These Terms and Conditions, and the Acceptance of Risk release, shall be governed in all respects by and interpreted in accordance with the law within New South Wales, Australia.

That’s it! Any special requests, please let us know beforehand!

27

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

28

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

29

Down By The Billabong A 300mm with 2x was used for this image.

Exclusive Arnhemland with Peter Eastway

PHOTOGRAPHIC COUNSEL

Arnhemland With Peter Eastway

30

16 - 20 July 2017

For more information and bookings, please contact Peter Eastway at eastway@betterphotography.com or Kim Valenti at kim@betterphotography.com