Hobart Waterfront Photography Tutorial and Walkabout

This Hobart Waterfront Photography Tutorial and Walkabout is an interactive small-group experience guided by a friendly and knowledgeable local photographer to offer guidance for photography techniques and answer your questions while you pursue your passion for photography.

Discover key photography principles, like lighting and exposure, aperture/f-stops and depth of field, composition, and various other relevant topics for capturing the essence of Hobart's historic and picturesque waterfront.

Ideal for beginner to intermediate photographers, and any photo enthusiast looking to discover a new or different approach to taking photos, including those with advanced skills in photography and camera craft.

It is not intended to delve too deep into the technicalities of camera equipment. Now, this is not to say that there won’t be any tech talk regarding the cameras that each participant brings with them – we just don’t spend all our time talking about it. Instead, you will improve your photography skills while on location, in a practical learn-by-doing manner.

Things to note

• We start at 7.00am so we can take advantage of the morning light. The paths are less crowded too!
• Coffee and morning tea are included in the cost
• Dress for the weather conditions on the day and wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
• Bring your own camera gear and tripod if you have one
• There is no need to have the latest camera equipment or years of experience, however, you will gain the greatest benefit with an SLR, mirrorless or any compact camera with at least some manual functionality.
• Yes, you can use your smartphone camera, however, you may be restricted in what you can create in some circumstances, simply by its limited functionality.
• These walks are intended for beginner to intermediate photographers and anyone who wishes to discover a new or different approach to taking photos. 
• The walking is easy and suitable for mixed abilities. Care is to be taken when near the edges of the wharves, docks and piers.
• A chance for you to ask your questions without being overshadowed by a large group
• Minimum number of participants per departure: 4
• Maximum number of participants per group: 6
• Duration is officially 3 hours + an extra ½ hour or so to linger with more general conversation and morning tea
• Your booking confirmation will outline the location and time to meet
• You will receive a reconfirmation text message the day before as a reminder for ease of reference. 

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First, we meet at one of the many cafes in Hobart for a coffee (or another non-alcoholic beverage of your choice) so we can get to know a little more about your photo objectives and experience. Next, a tutorial to acquaint you with a range of camera settings and techniques to enhance the photos you take throughout our photo walkabout.

After the tutorial, we set off on our walkabout along Hobart’s picturesque waterfront pausing along the way at chosen vantage points for a series of guided photo shoots. At each location, your tutor shares practical learn-by-doing instructions and guidance to help you sharpen your camera skills and create compelling images. 

Our walkabout begins at Hunter Street and is centred around Victoria Dock, Franklin Wharf, Constitution Dock and Elizabeth Street Pier. This area is a working fishing harbour and the location of many local festivities and events. It is a brilliant place to explore with your camera all year round. 

Returning to where we started, we enjoy a morning tea while engaging in casual conversation about the photos you created. Amongst the topics might be the approach used, composition and perspectives, camera settings and other related topics.

We aim for you to leave feeling excited by your experience and the images you have created. During the review, we will also offer simple suggestions for using a vast range of apps and software available to spruce your photos up with some final touches to impress your family and friends.

This photography tutorial and walkabout offers you the following

• Discover how to get the most from your camera to explore with more confidence and creativity
• Gain a better understanding of different lighting conditions
• Master composition and framing, depth of field, exposure and focusing techniques
• Learn to utilise the light around you and how the amount of light impacts the sharpness of your photos
• Explore the importance of considering your final image while shooting
• Challenge any preconceived notions about how a photo ‘should’ look or be
• Unlock your creativity alongside like-minded photo enthusiasts in a small group setting

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While photographing waterfront precincts and marinas is nothing new, the intention of this experience is to help you discover something new to think about while pursuing your passion for photography. For instance, explore different approaches, and become innovative about the settings and photography techniques used. And, by thinking more deeply about, and looking for, distinctive angles and perspectives to shoot from, you have an opportunity to create new and extraordinary images. 

Features of Hobart’s waterfront include (not limited to)

• Facades of historic and heritage-listed buildings, illuminated by morning light
• Cityscape vistas framed by Mt Wellington in the background
• The colours and patterns of sails and sail masts 
• Reflections of buildings, yachts, sailboats, and other watercraft, shimmering in the smooth water surface
• Weathered patterns and textures of wooden boat hulls
• Leading lines created by ropes and sails
• The charm of historic watercraft like the helm, bell, ropes, rope pulleys and more (especially during the Wooden Boat Festival)

So, whether you are local or visiting Hobart from interstate or overseas, this tutorial and walkabout is a great way to improve your photography skills. 

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This tutorial and walkabout is scheduled at various times throughout the year and during significant festivals that take place on Hobart's Waterfront, for instance

• Australian Wooden Boat Festival (10th to 13th February 2023 and every second year in February)
• Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (annually, summer)
• Australian Antarctic Festival (biennial/every second year, winter)
• Tasmania’s Taste of summer (annually, summer)
• Festival of Voices (annually, winter)

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If a scheduled departure doesn't work in with your schedule, you may request another departure date with a minimum of 8 weeks' notice for the best chance of reaching the minimum number of participants. Alternatively, our Private Hobart Night Photography Walkabout will guarantee departure on your preferred date.