Get snap-happy at O’Reilly’s, thanks to Trekabout Photography Workshops

Budding and experienced photographers can now capture the beauty of the rainforest and the diversity of wildlife at O’Reilly’s all year round, with one day and weekend workshops being run by wildlife photography experts Trekabout Photography Workshops, in response to a growing interest in nature photography.

Each year, some of the best nature photographers in Australia train their lenses on Lamington National Park for O’Reilly’s annual photography workshop, with this year’s event proving so popular that two week-long workshops were scheduled in May and June.

Trekabout Photography Workshops will cater for those people who can’t get away for longer workshops but want all the tips and inspiration they can pack into a weekend or one day workshop.

For Trekabout founder, nature buff and former O’Reilly’s guide, Michael Snedic, it’s a welcome return home.

“Having lived and worked at O’Reilly’s as a track guide for five years, I know the area intimately,” Mr Snedic said. “I love Lamington National Park with a passion and it’s great sharing my photographic knowledge with others,” he adds.

“That means that even with relatively limited time, we should be able to discover the wildlife for participants to capture with their cameras. I also know some of the best spots for capturing landscape and panoramic views.”

“With workshops spread throughout the year, there’s the chance to capture the diversity of wildlife in spring or the spectacular winter sunsets or simply the changing beauty of the seasons.”

Mr Snedic was inspired to learn photography while working with long-term O’Reilly’s guide and resident photographer / film-maker Glen Threlfo, who passed on his passion and taught that very vital skill of persistence.

“I became only the fourth person to get a shot of the elusive Albert’s Lyrebird, following on from Glen who was the second person to achieve such a rare shot,” Mr Snedic said.

“I camped out in a bird hide for seven weeks to get the photo, so you certainly learn patience, but even for those who aren’t quite as fervent, there are still many opportunities for some great shots, without so much perseverance.”

Mr Snedic is joined in intimate workshops by business partner Mark Rayner, who has made macro (fungi, flowers, insects) and landscape photography a particular specialty.

The workshops cater for different levels, from beginners to intermediate, and participants can shoot with either a point-and-shoot or SLR camera, whether digital or film.

“They are a great introduction to improving wildlife and nature photography techniques, but also to knowing how to use your camera equipment, getting the most out of your camera settings, and working with the beautiful light of the rainforest,” Mr Snedic said.

While the focus is working in the field, the workshops also include a critique of images and a post-processing session on the computer.

“Mark is very skilled in the digital workflow and post-processing aspects of digital photography and is accomplished in the use of Photoshop,” Mr Snedic said.

Michael and Mark have 35 years of photographic experience between them. Michael is widely published in Australia’s top photographic and nature journals and his photos have been published in numerous books, magazines, calendars, diaries, brochures and other publications. He is also a freelance writer with credits in Australian Geographic, Wildlife Australia Magazine, Wingspan (Birds Australia) and Australian Photography magazine, amongst others. Mark was named Overlander Magazine Photography Forum ‘Photographer of the Year’ for 2005 and 2006.

The field opportunities are the obvious focus, with Lamington a true photographer’s paradise, boasting over 500 waterfalls, 220 species of birds and 66 mammal species, not to mention hundreds of scenic locations and lookouts -
a wonderful nature photography experience without the expedition!

Numbers are restricted to just 12 participants for the one-day workshops and 16 for the weekend workshops, to allow for individual tuition. For further information, please visit www.trekaboutphotography.com or email admin@trekaboutphotography.com.

Trekabout Photography Workshops are proudly supported by O’Reilly’s and anyone booking a one or two day workshop is entitled to special workshop accommodation rates. For further information on staying at O’Reilly’s, please contact O’Reilly’s Reservations on 1800 688 722, e-mail reservations@oreillys.com.au or visit www.oreillys.com.au.

ENDS.

Further information on the Trekabout Workshop and other Discovery Weeks.

MEDIA:
For further information on this press release, please contact:
Amanda Tidmarsh
Phone: 07 5502 4900
Fax: 07 5502 0988
E-mail: amanda@oreillys.com.au
Or
Kathy Bourke
Phone: 07 5539 9883
Mobile: 0419 757 622
E-mail: kathy@articulatecommunications.com.au