Dated: 23 January 2025

My recent trip to your Marree workshop was initially as much about re-connecting with our unique remote landscape as it was about learning how to take a photo but wow, I’m so glad I did the course.

I’ve seen a fair bit of remote Australia through my work with remote nurses but time and effort were drowning out the call to return to the bush. Then I saw the newspaper story (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2707196/Woman-quit-toxic-relationship-city-life-moved-remote-town-takes-magical-photographs-Australia.html) and was simply inspired. I jumped online and signed up straight away.

I was a little apprehensive about my skill level as I’d joined the Intermediate Course (purely for the dates available at the time) but your patience and easy-going style of communicating soon put any fears to bed. Yes, I was challenged but never felt pressured or uncomfortable in any way what so ever.  The small group of 4 was a perfect size and nobody felt left out at any stage. Everybody shared their own experiences and the odd tip (very odd at times haha) which was really helpful and added to the learning experience.

Although I considered my skills in seeing and framing a shot to be pretty good, I was always too scared to take the settings of automatic mode in fear of stuffing up the shot altogether. Not any more. I now realise how limiting it really was.

The early starts for sunrise and late finishes for the night shots really made it feel more like an adventure tour rather than a course.

The daytime sessions on editing provided simple tips and tricks and I was amazed at how little ‘work’ is required to bring an average photo up to a great photo – just a handful of tips, not too many as to feel overwhelmed.

I can’t wait to re-visit some old holiday spots, turn the camera to Manual and RAW settings and snap away. The 7 hour drive back to Adelaide turned into 10 as I kept stopping to use my newly acquired skills.

The inclusive accommodation and meals at the Roadhouse made the overall cost very competitive in my eyes.  They were both excellent and exceeded my expectations greatly. Lyall’s jokes were just a hilarious bonus. A real bush experience!

Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend Julie.

Regards

Steve Batten

Adelaide, SA