Kiama Coastline
Multiday Photography Workshop
4 Days · 3 Nights — Cathedral Rocks · Bombo Quarry · Minnamurra Headland
Next intake: 19–22 February 2026
Reserve Your SpotDuration
Group Size
Workshop Price
A$2,250 Loyalty Rate
Overview
Discover the best seascape and astrophotography locations in New South Wales with this 4-day Kiama photography workshop. Designed for beginner to advanced photographers, you'll shoot at iconic spots like Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks, and Minnamurra Headland—perfect for capturing dramatic ocean scenes, Milky Way rises, and unforgettable sunrises. Whether you’re building a portfolio or refining your skills, this workshop offers hands-on learning and expert guidance in one of Australia’s most photogenic coastal regions.
Immerse yourself in the Illawarra’s dramatic coastline with insider access only a local guide can unlock. Having lived and run workshops here, I know every tide window, secret ledge and astro-alignment that turns an ordinary shot into a masterpiece. Over three thrilling days you’ll chase blazing sunrises, conjure fiery sunsets and reveal the Milky Way in its full glory—then refine every frame in expert post-processing sessions for wall-ready results. Whether you’re just starting out or sharpening a seasoned portfolio, this coast-to-print journey delivers epic images and lasting skills.
Why this workshop?
World-class locations
Basalt cathedrals, explosive wave hits, tidal pools and sweeping headland vistas all within a 15 km radius—no half-day drives.
Local’s shortcut
Leverage years of boots-on-rocks experience: tide charts, swell angles, parking hacks and secret compositions.
Capture → Print
On-site post-processing sessions teach exposure blending, Milky Way noise reduction and soft-proofing so you leave with wall-ready art.
Small group, big access
Maximum four photographers. Plenty of tripod space and side-by-side mentoring.
Locations at a Glance
- Bombo Quarry – volcanic hexagons, crashing wave plumes and glass-off reflections.
- Cathedral Rocks – twin sea stacks framed by a natural arch; prime for side-lit sunrise color.
- Minnamurra Headland – layered rock shelves, tidal pools and unobstructed southward vistas—ideal for pastel blue-hour fades and Milky Way rises.
- Bonus spots – Jones Beach sea cave, Kiama blowhole ledges or secret coves if swell/cloud dictates.
Gallery Preview
What You’ll Master
In the Field
- Reading tides & swell for dynamic seascapes
- Wave motion vs tack-sharp drama via shutter control
- Tracking & stacking the austral Milky Way core
- Twilight color balancing & blue-hour blending
In Post
- Exposure & blue-hour blending for high contrast
- Noise-free Milky Way color & detail boost
- Focus-stacking razor-sharp tidal foregrounds
- Print-ready sharpening & soft-proof workflow
Weekend Rhythm
| Day | Session | Location* |
|---|---|---|
| Thu Morning | Fly into Sydney & collect hire car | Sydney Airport |
| Thu 14:00 | Check-in & orientation | Kiama township |
| Thu 18:28 | Sunset shoot | Cathedral Rocks |
| Thu 01:00–05:00 | Optional astro session (if clear) | Bombo Quarry or backup |
| Fri 05:36 | Sunrise shoot | Bombo Quarry |
| Fri 09:00 | Post-Processing 1 – Coastal tones & exposure blending | Café/studio |
| Fri 18:28 | Sunset shoot | Cathedral Rocks |
| Fri 01:00–05:00 | Astro session | Bombo Quarry |
| Sat 05:37 | Sunrise shoot | Bombo Quarry |
| Sat 09:00 | Post-Processing 2 – Dynamic seascapes | Café/studio |
| Sat 18:27 | Sunset shoot | Minnamurra Headland |
| Sat 01:00–05:00 | Astro backup (if cloudy) | Best clear-sky site |
| Sun 05:37 | Sunrise shoot | Cathedral sea cave (tide-dep.) |
| Sun 08:30 | Post-Processing 3 – Milky Way workflow | Café/studio |
| Sun 11:30 | Farewell & depart for Sydney Airport | Kiama township |
*Exact spots flex with tide, swell & cloud cover.
What’s Included
- 3 nights in a private single-room boutique hotel
- All guided tours & ground transport (air-con SUV)
- Daily post-processing sessions in Lightroom & Photoshop (BYO laptop or use ours)
- Lifetime email support for image feedback & gear questions
- Lightroom + Photoshop tutorial bundle (valued at $129 — yours free)
- Comprehensive PDF field guide, cheat sheets & eBooks
- Exclusive discounts on tripods & accessories (10–30% off)
- Personalised gear advice based on your current setup
Pricing
All-Inclusive · Private Room
A$3,150
A$2,250 Loyalty Rate
4 days · 3 nights · everything covered
Secure your spot with a A$450 deposit · Price rises to A$2,650 on 1 Oct — don’t miss your chance
Reserve Your SpotFAQs
What skill level is required?
No matter your experience—beginner through advanced—you’ll get value. We cover fundamentals on Day 1 and progress to advanced astro stacking and creative blending.
What camera gear do I need?
An interchangeable-lens camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with manual controls and a wide-angle lens (14–24 mm or 16–35 mm). Bring a tripod, remote/intervalometer, and optional ND/CPL filters.
Where will we stay, and how does transport work?
You’ll have a private single room at a local boutique hotel. We provide all ground transport in an air-conditioned SUV, including pick-up from Sydney Airport on arrival day.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor forecasts closely and adapt locations as needed. If skies don’t cooperate, we run hands-on post-processing sessions using pro-grade astro and seascape source files.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Your A$450 deposit secures your private room and is fully refundable until 60 days before the workshop. After that, the balance is only refundable if we can fill your spot. We’ll always try to help if plans change — just get in touch early.
How big is the group?
Maximum of four photographers. This ensures plenty of one-on-one guidance, room to shoot, and a relaxed learning environment.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. We’ll recommend excellent local options and enjoy a casual welcome dinner together (at your own cost).
Which software will we use in post?
Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Trial versions are fine. If you use Capture One or other software, just bring your laptop—we’ll tailor the sessions to suit.
What to Bring
- DSLR or mirrorless body + wide-angle (14–24 mm or 16–35 mm, f/2.8–f/4)
- Sturdy tripod & remote/intervalometer
- Head-torch (red mode preferred) & spare batteries
- ND & CPL filters (optional but handy)
- Weather-proof clothing—expect cool dawn breezes & sea spray
- Laptop with Lightroom Classic & Photoshop (trial versions fine)
Secure Your Spot
Seats cap at four to guarantee personalized mentoring—don’t miss out.
Reserve Your SpotTestimonials
"Knighty's Astro photography session was an amazingly transformative and immersive experience as a beginner photographer... I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence."
– Amber
"I was absolutely stoked with the workshop... Dylan clarified a lot of the questions I had. Would love to do this again!"
– Workshop Participant
"Dylan was an attentive and knowledgeable instructor who was prepared to put in extra time... He made sure to check on all photographers and provided tailored advice."
– Participant Feedback
"The workshop was excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience."
– Nikon School Attendee
"Even with the constant rain, Dylan kept me up to date and gave me peace of mind. The workshop clarified so many things that YouTube never could. Highly recommended!"
– Workshop Attendee
"I would highly recommend a Nikon School Workshop and Dylan Knight. He followed up with extra resources and provided a professional experience from start to finish."
– Nikon Workshop Participant