AUTUMN COLOURS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Autumn is a brilliant time to experiment with creative photography techniques—use shallow depth of field to isolate a single leaf, or shoot through foreground foliage to create soft, dreamy layers. Try intentional camera movement (ICM) with slow shutter speeds to turn trees into painterly streaks of colour and atmosphere. For a more abstract result, get in close with macro-style framing and focus on texture, patterns, and the tiny details that make the season feel alive.

Autumn naturally gives you ready-made drama — rich colour, strong texture, and moody light — so creative techniques instantly look more powerful and intentional. The season also has lots of movement (falling leaves, wind in branches) which makes slow shutter effects and abstract blur really effective. Basically… autumn does half the creative work for you.

LEARN HOW TO CAPTURE THE COLOURS OF AUTUMN.

The warm, golden light of autumn mornings and evenings adds a soft glow to landscapes, enhancing the rich hues of the season. Trees shedding their leaves often reveal striking textures and patterns, while fallen leaves create natural, colourful carpets that add depth and interest to compositions. It’s a time when nature’s artistry is on full display, inviting photographers to explore and experiment with their creative vision.

Photographing autumn colours is a delightful experience because the season offers endless opportunities for storytelling. Whether capturing the contrast of fiery foliage against an overcast sky or focusing on the intricate details of a single dew-kissed leaf, autumn encourages a closer connection to nature. The dynamic range of colours and textures provides a perfect canvas for photographers to play with light, shadows, and perspective. Additionally, the fleeting nature of these colours reminds us to savour the beauty of the moment, making every photograph a cherished memory of this magical time of year.

WHY THE APERTURE CLUB?

We take great pride in our supportive teaching style as you participate in workshops tailored to your needs and receive guidance and advice while shooting. We cover the sessions from a Professional Photographers point of view – and approach training in a practical, hands on approach combined with simple and well explained theory. Our way – Learn and Do.

Lesson topics include composition, tone, line, colour theory, self-critique, studying master landscape photographers and technical camera and processing tips.  Lesson topics are guided by the needs of the group.

You will receive valuable feedback on your photographs in tutor lead critique sessions.  Often these insights help you take your photography to the next level.

ACCOMODATION

Hotel Etico is a social enterprise that provides beautiful and comfortable accommodation in one of the most welcoming villages of the Blue Mountains, Mount Victoria.. Plus it powers a program that provides employment and independent living opportunities to young people with disability, helping them to achieve their independence goals.

We have secured rooms at a corporate rate at Hotel Etico in Mount Victoria where we will be staying. As a minimum you will need 3 night’s accommodation – this can be shared if travelling with a friend.  We generally find a big breakfast is great and a light snack for lunch prepares us for a hearty dinner at night. Dinner is approx $25 – $35 excluding drinks.

INVESTMENT

Cost $2450 Includes  accomodation and breakfast, all Tuition, entry into  gardens and 1  picnic lunch.

Deposit $450 to secure your place.

Extra nights are possible but best to book early. To access our rate mention you are on the Photography Workshop.

(Deposit required ON BOOKING  and full payment required 4 weeks prior to the workshop. Please note we are happy to arrange a payment plan for you. Please speak or email Sharon for more info.

WORKSHOP FORMAT

DATE: 28, 29 30 April  1 May- 3 nights, 4 days.

LOCATION: Mount Victoria including Mount Wilson

GROUP SIZE: Minimum 4 – Maximum 8 participants on each workshop (these numbers do not include  teaching staff)

PREREQUISITES: BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED To join this workshop you should have some basic camera handling.  If you’re not sure if that’s you, please email us: sharon@theapertureclub.com.au.
 

GETTING THERE

By Car: From Sydney, head west along the M4 towards Penrith.  Join the Great Western Highway and follow the road as it weaves its way up into the mountains.  You might like to stop for a cup of tea or coffee in lovely Leura on your way! 

By Train: If you would like to travel by train, please contact us to discuss options for a pick-up at Mount Victoria train station and daily carpools to and from the workshop venue. 

A TYPICAL DAY

We rise early(or maybe before!) to capture the gorgeous early morning light and shifting mists that the Blue Mountains area is known for. Breakfast is supplied at Hotel Etico and after we will explore some great garden locations that out maestro Brent Wilson has found for us. 

Afternoons will be spent relaxing or viewing your morning shoot and learning some valuable tips on botanical editing.

We will have the opportunity to shoot late-afternoon/sunsets and continues until dusk. Ensuring we out for the golden and blue hours. This is an opportunity to practice the theory and techniques covered during the day over the ever-changing evening light.  After dark it’s your time to use as you choose: rest, reflect, dine and delight in the peaceful Blue Mountains. Of course we can change the schedule to suit conditions and if we find an absolutely ‘must photograph’ place that we can’t resist!

WALKING AND WEATHER

This is a gentle trip, which requires a low level of fitness.  There will be a small amount of walking to and from shooting locations, occasionally on uneven surfaces with steps and inclines.  If you have any doubts about your ability, please contact us directly.  

Blackheath is on a high plateau about 1000 metres above sea level. Temperatures are generally lower than Sydney. Spring days in the Blue Mountains regularly begin with a misty morning that burns off by mid-morning. This is caused by cold air sinking into the valleys overnight and rising as the day begins and can make for very atmospheric (but chilly!) morning shoots.  During spring, temperatures generally rise through the day, with crisp cool evenings.  Err on the safe side and come prepared for wind, rain and temperatures from 10˚C- 20˚C.

When you book you will receive a detailed packing list to help you plan for the mountains.

POSSIBLE LOCATIONS AND SHOOTS

• Mount Wilson
• Gardens Blackheath or nearby
• tumbling creeks
• majestic cliff top views
• green mossy rain forests
• gum tree forests 

MEALS

Full breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are not included in the workshop and can be enjoyed at your accommodation or at one of the many cafes, restaurants, pubs in the area.   

We will also have a picnic lunch provided for one day.

TRANSPORT

Participants are requested to provide their own transport from their accommodation and to shoot locations if necessary. We will happily provide transport with pick up and drop off to the train station or see if there is a share ride possibility. 

Most of our clients prefer to have their own transport for this workshop, so that they can come and go from shoots depending on their energy levels. 

Otherwise we have our cars for you to travel in.

WHAT TO BRING

• Camera equipment
• Tripod
• Laptop with latest Adobe Lightroom Classic software (recommended) or a tablet with image processing software (Snapseed)
• Wet weather clothing
• Clothing for cold temperatures
• Sturdy footwear
• Travel insurance + ambulance cover for duration of tour (required)
• Day pack/camera pack
• Torch
• Water bottle

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Student notes

• Courtesy transport to and from train station and limited seating to shooting locations
• One-on-one instruction and guidance from fine art photographers and educators Sharon Hickey and Brent Wilson.
• Entry to Gardens
• 1 Picnic Lunch
• Gain valuable insights into computer processing software that will make your photos sing
• Plenty of time to shoot at each location
• Calm, relaxing atmosphere, encouraging engagement and connection with the landscape
• Suitable for all levels from absolute beginners to professionals
• A positive environment, which encourages group learning, advice-sharing and support

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport – We suggest traveling with our tutors though you can drive if you prefer.,
• Lunches and evening meals 
• Photographic equipment (cameras, lenses, tripods etc.)
• Weather-specific clothing 
• Camera Insurance
• Personal Insurance – We highly recommend you take out travel insurance.