A four-day photography workshop based in Rotorua, in the central North Island, photographing geothermal landscapes and forest waterfalls with tutor Ken Wright. Rotorua gives you two subjects that ask very different things of you: the saturated colour, mineral texture and drifting steam of the thermal fields, and the long-exposure discipline of moving water in deep native bush. Three nights based at the Distinction Rotorua Hotel means we can return to a location when the light is right rather than passing through once, with the quieter middle of the day used to review images and work through processing. We visit two of the region’s major geothermal parks, Lake Tarawera and the redwood forest, and photograph Tarawera Falls and a series of smaller falls through native bush. Groups are no more than five.
Ken’s own photography is built on slow shutter speeds and moving water, and this workshop is where that knowledge gets handed over. We photograph falls and river landscapes through native bush, learning to read the water in front of you and choose an exposure that keeps its texture.
The thermal country gives you colour and form found nowhere else in New Zealand, rewarding a longer lens as much as a wide one. You’ll work on isolating pattern and mineral detail within the wider scene, and using steam as a compositional element rather than an obstruction.
We are based in Rotorua for the whole workshop, with everything within comfortable reach. We visit two of the region’s major geothermal parks, chosen for their variety of thermal features and photographic access — colour terraces, silica flats, mud and steam. Away from the parks we work the lakes and forest, including Lake Tarawera at dawn with the mountain behind it and the towering redwood forest with mist moving through it. On the waterfall side we photograph Tarawera Falls and the river above and below it, a warm thermal stream running through native bush, and a small number of other falls and cascades a short walk off the road. The exact order is set by the weather, the water levels and the light — we follow the conditions rather than a fixed schedule, and that judgement is part of what you are here to learn.
Ken Wright’s seascapes speak for themselves, capturing outstanding moments of sunrise and sunset. With 40 years in creative industries, Ken is highly skilled in design, illustration and photography.
The workshop is based at the Distinction Rotorua Hotel. You can self-drive to Rotorua or fly into Rotorua Airport, and a pick-up from Tauranga can be arranged. Once on the workshop, all transport is included.
Start time on day 1: The workshop begins at 12.00 pm on Saturday 3 April at the Distinction Rotorua reception. After introductions Ken will run through the techniques covered over the four days, and we head out for our first session that afternoon.
Finish time on day 4: We aim to finish mid-afternoon on Tuesday 6 April, in time to connect with late afternoon flights or begin the drive home.
Our workshops run with a maximum group size of five. Limiting class sizes ensures we provide you with the best learning environment possible, including expert guidance, instruction and personal attention according to your learning style.
A deposit of 15% is required to reserve your space for the workshop. The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Booking and Cancellation Policy: Please click here for our booking and cancellation policy.
Ideally, you will have a basic knowledge of photography and be comfortable adjusting camera settings such as aperture and shutter speed. Much of this workshop uses long exposures and Live View, so bring a second battery. You will also receive free access to our Online Essential Landscape Photography Course to make sure you are camera-ready for the workshop.
Camera Equipment: Our tours focus on how to use your camera, not your type of camera. A basic list of recommended camera equipment can be found here
Clothing: A list of recommended clothing to bring on the tour can be found here
There is a fair amount of walking on this workshop. Tracks in the thermal parks are rough and often have many steps, and reaching some of the waterfalls involves walking through bush on uneven ground while carrying your gear. You will be on the go for much of the day.