Photography
Courses, Workshops & Retreats

Read Testimonials

About Your Tutors

Frequently Asked Questions

Gift Vouchers

Subscribe to the E-Newsletter

One-on-One Classes and Groups
We do one-on-one and organise outings and sessions for groups and clubs including guest speaking.
One-On One classes:
$150.00 pp/hr

For more advice & tips
on photography and a bit
of travel visit
The Bluedog Blog

Hot News:
It's Better Outdoors' photography competition!
Outdoors Queensland has recently launched the 2010 QPWS ‘It’s Better Outdoors’ photography competition!

Free to enter and successful applicants within each category will take home their share in over $3000 worth of prizes from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Nikon Australia.

Click on logo for more info

"Wildly Exquisite"
6th-27th August

An exhibition of images by Exquisite Photoimaging Group which includes Lonely Planet photographer and Bluedog tutor and tour leader, Cathy Finch.

Opening by Darren Jew,  AIPP M.Photog: 2007, 2009 and 2010 Canon/AIPP Australian Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year.

At Myart Gallery, Murray's Art and Framing, 326 Ruthven Street Toowoomba.

Photography and Writing Courses, Workshops, Retreat and Tours Calendar

Please refer to further dates for workshops set below in future months

Courses and workshops are regularly updated on this web page.
Once you start with us our advice does not stop when you leave the workshop. You are welcome to e-mail us with questions and images for further continued advice.

The Bluedog Team of professional photographers and journalists have a wealth of knowledge to share and have taught various aspects of their subjects throughout Australia. You may be a good photographer or writer but that does not mean you can teach. We all continue to work as professional photographers and journalists and have the confidence and patience to take you on exciting paths with your work.

Participant numbers are always kept low to ensure you get individual attention, the maximum benefit and all your questions are answered.

Below is the calendar of planned workshops, retreats and tours.
This is updated weekly. Below the calendar is an outline of many
of the workshops. Please email us for further details.

What We Run At Bluedog

Click on workshop to see further
proposed dates, course, price, outline, etc.

Beginner Photography

Brisbane @ Dusk

Byron Bay Bluesfest Tour

Gold Coast @ Dusk

Human Form

Intermediate Level 1

Landscape Photography

Learn to Write

Macro Photography

Photoshop Workshops

Portraiture Using Natural Lighting

Parents, Carers, Cameras & Bubs

Real Estate and Property Photography

Skywalk

Studio Lighting

Sunset & Star Trails

Tamborine Mountain Weekend
Photography Retreat

Teenagers Photography Days

Travel Photography

Wedding Photography

Photography Tours

Hong Kong

Vanuatu Photography Tour
18th - 24th October 2010

Stradbroke Island Photography Tour
23rd-25th Sept 2010

Fraser Island Tour
30th Aug - 2nd Sept - Now fully booked
5th - 8th October 2010 - 3 places left

thern, Central and Northern regions of  Vietnam

More Tours Are Being Planned!

"A Fav from the
Bluedog Photography library"

Beginner Photography Workshop

An extremely informative day with two professional photographers and a max of 8/class. Understand
what all those buttons and dials mean - interpret the jargon - learn important composition skills, what is aperture and shutter speed, how to set your cameras ISO rating, and loads more. Never use Auto again!!

Then put it all to the test by actually doing it on your camera! During the day you will learn how to freeze droplets of water, blur water and do long exposures as if at night, achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, use on camera flash in daylight, how to archive digital files. Suitable for both digital and film users. An SLR digital is also available for use on the day.

Workshop notes given to all participants PLUS you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8" x 12" (20x30cm) prints. Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Cost: $275.00 - Tamborine Studio weekdays and Saturdays
$295.00 - Brisbane and Toowoomba
Venue: Unless otherwise stated in the table to the left the Beginner workshop is held at the Bluedog Studio on Tamborine Mountain, 40kms from Surfers Paradise.

The Brisbane Workshop is currently being held at:

The Murarrie Progress Association Hall,

10 Queensport Rd South, Murarrie (easy walk to train, 5 mins from the Gateway)
Limited numbers apply.

To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Let's Start! "

"THANKYOU for a fantastic day. Was pleased to see other participants were on the same beginners level as me. You guys rock!! You were so patient, I am technology challenged, but you kept it simple, I did not feel shy or intimidated asking questions. What I really liked was how you made us make our choices, view our mistakes and direct us to correct, I think that is really important.
Thanks again, am on a high without a top quality Chardonnay!!" Sue

Intermediate Level 1

Understand RAW, exposure compensation - get those whites white and blacks black, how to use a grey card, white balance, read the histogram, the varied uses of a polariser and more.
We aim for a 2.5 hour rain forest shoot after a combined theory and practical session at the studio.

Workshop notes given to all participants PLUS you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8" x 12" (20x30cm) prints. Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Cost:
Tamborine Mountain: $305.00 inc GST
Toowoomba: $335.00 inc GST
Limited numbers apply.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Intermediate Level 1"

Portraiture With Natural Lighting

Learn the art of portraiture with natural lighting. During this full day session you will be guided through the important aspects of portraiture, understand where common mistakes are made and learn the real-life techniques in connecting with your model as well as controlling your camera to give you the stunning image you desire.

Session includes a hands-on session with model. Workshop notes included plus you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8x12" (20x30cm) prints.

Time: 9am-4.30pm
Cost:
Tamborine Mountain: $355.00 inc GST
Toowoomba: $385.00 inc GST
Limited numbers apply. To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Portraiture"

An Introduction to Macro Photography

Our macro workshop consists of two parts: the first is a power point presentation that goes through gear; techniques and tips; the second is a practical. The practical is done at the Bluedog studio to eliminate weather factors interfering.

Workshop notes given to all participants PLUS you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8" x 12" (20x30cm) prints.
Time: 9am-1.00pm
Venue:Commence at the Bluedog Studio at 42 Licuala Drive North Tamborine then on location.

Cost: $155.00
Limited numbers apply. To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Macro Photography"

Brisbane and Gold Coast @ Dusk

These 2 hour sessions are designed for you to 'play' with a professional photographer refining your skills, improving your techniques and receiving expert guidance while shooting under low light situations.We aim to give you helpful hints and advice on low light photography while inspiring you creatively.

Cost: $80.00
Limited numbers apply.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Bluedog"

Sunset & Star Trails and Full Moon Landscapes

Learn how to do long exposures, and capture the brilliant colours of the twinkling stars, star lit landscapes, landscapes using the moon as your light source, creative light painting and dark frame subtraction. Please note on nights where there is a full moon you will not be able to capture star trails.

You do not need to be an expert to attend! We will walk you through each stage.

These sessions will be held at locations in around a 1.5 hours drive of Brisbane such as on private property on the Brisbane side of Boonah (less than an hours drive from Brisbane) where we'll have a BBQ if you wish to bring and cook a snag plus toilet facilities. Other venues may be more remote with no facilities.

Due to us wishing to keep these sessions private for Bluedog participants, exact locations will only be given to those registering.

What everyone must bring:
Camera and manual
Lenses – if you have more than one than please bring them all! Wide angles are great for this.
Tripod
Lens hood
Remote / Cable Release - Lockable Cable Release is best
Cleaning cloth
At least 2-3 batteries fully charged (no old batteries and they should be original equipment)
Empty memory cards that have been formatted
Closed in foot wear & insect repellent
Torch
Camping chair
Your drinks and food

Star Trail Sessions:$195.00
Minimum numbers are needed for each session to run and places will be limited.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Sunset & Star Trails"

Doing a Friends Wedding - What Now?

You are into your photography and now you've been asked to do a friends or relatives wedding - what now? This session will go through some of the basic tips and tricks, how to be organised and do the best for that special day. We will also do a practical exercise so you get to understand simple modelling and lighting techniques with a bride and groom.

A set of notes is given to all participants including our extensive shot list and contract outline. After this workshop you should be equipped with the knowledge to go out and get started - others are already earning money simply by doing this workshop! Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Cost: $355.00
Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Wedding Photography"

"The Wedding Photography Workshop was honestly one of the best courses I have attended. It was the perfect blend of theory, camera technique and practice. Really enjoyed having a model bride to practice with under a variety of locations. I will definitely be recommending this course (and Blue Dog) to others. The amount of information able to be delivered in one day, as well as all the helpful notes and handouts.

It's also great to see that there is follow up from Blue Dog after the courses with more information and advice available. You can tell that the the inspiration behind Blue Dog is the love for photography and encouraging others to reach their full potential. Look forward to the next course!" Paula

How to Do Real Estate Photography?

This is a very comprehensive workshop. We start here at the studio and watch a Power Point where we look at aspects of equipment, file formats,  lighting, exposures, white balance, how to deal with each room, what to do and what not to do, marketing and a little on Photoshop such as how to straighten walls etc.

After this we go to a cottage where you photograph the living room, glassed wall bathroom, BBQ area and exterior. A full set of workshop notes is provided for you to take home.
After this workshop you should be equipped to go out and shoot real estate photography - we already have many doing just that! Morning and afternoon tea refreshments supplied.

Cost: $355.00
Location: Tamborine Mountain from 9am-4pm
Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential.
To book: Ph 07 55454777 or email "Real Estate Photography"

Parents, Carers, Cameras & Bubs

These two hour sessions (10am-12md unless stated otherwise) are designed for you to bring your children along and under the guidance of a professional photographer develop your photography. Please note you are responsible for your children during the outing. Bookings are essential and the session must have minimum numbers to run.

Cost: $80.00
Limited numbers apply.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Cameras & Bubs"

Studio Lighting

Be taught those important studio lighting techniques. With some theory in understanding light, light temperature and known styles of lighting you will then receive practical sessions covering different light positioning and ratios to the key light. You will leave with a sound knowledge of the studio lighting style to apply to your subject matter and thus gain the effect you wish to achieve.

Location: Bluedog Studio Tamborine Mountain
Minimum numbers are needed for each session to run.
To book: Ph: 07 5545 4777 or email "Studio Lighting"

Human Form

After a short session on lighting and exposure techniques our life model will join us for a 3 hour nude photography session. Each session will incorporate different forms of lighting including natural, studio, flash and window. Each designed so you can set the same scenario up at home. During the shoot you will obtain critical feedback and advice to master your photography.

Numbers are limited to 6 per session unless otherwise stated.
Participants must have attended a Bluedog Photography Workshop before to attend or meet basic camera control criteria.
Each participant is required to sign an agreement of understanding on posing and use of images from the shoot which we are happy to send out before hand.

Workshop notes provided and a voucher for 6 FREE 8x12" prints.

Cost: $325.00
Location: Bluedog Studio Tamborine Mountain.

Minimum numbers are needed for each session to run and places are limited.

To book: Ph 07 55454777 or email "Human Form"

Travel Photography

This workshop will be delivered in three parts including a Power Point presentation on gear, techniques including using a polariser, how to photograph rainbows, lighting etc; constructive crit - each participant is asked to bring 5 images either on a CD in jpg. format or as hard copy prints; practical excursion.


Workshop notes given to all participants PLUS you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8" x 12" (20x30cm) prints.

Cost: $155.00
Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential.
To book: Ph 07 5545 4777 or email "Travel"

Intro to Photoshop and Photo Elements

Learn how to process your images, work in layers, resize, make selections, colour balance and make your images pop!

Workshop notes given to all participants.
Cost: $175.00
Location: Tamborine Mountain Studio
To book:Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential. Ph 07 55454777 or .email "Intro to Digital Imaging"

One-On-One and Small Group Sessions in Photoshop and Photo Elements

Our one-on-one and small group courses/workshops/sessions are designed around you.
We can offer: A program specifically for your needs in whatever subject you choose. Included in our digital imaging is everything from an introduction into photography's new dark room to advanced techniques.

Examples of some of the available digital imaging sessions:

The Creative Photoshop Series

Examples of some of the tutorials being undertaken during the Creative Series:
Learn how to correctly edit an image in RAW, use the clone tool and or the patch tool to remove blemishes from the background and add sharpening using unsharp mask.

Creative Series: Learn to use the hue and saturation adjustments and selective colour adjustments to enhance saturation and change specific colours, use replace colour adjustment, more tools and adjust Levels.

Creative Series: Learn to straighten horizons, fix a contrasting image, replacing sky and work in layer masks plus more selection tools.

Creative Series: Learn to straighten perspective, hue and saturation techniques and black and white adjustments layers.

Creative Series: Using our monk image on our Nov-Dec 2009 newsletter learn to isolate the monk gown, make rest of image black and white. Layer masks, selection tools, hue and saturation and curves adjustments also covered.

Creative Series: Have fun removing a person from a beach scene, intensifying colours and more!

Prerequisites:
There is no prerequisites required for Intro to Photoshop.
You need not have completed the Bluedog Intro to attend the Creative Series.

Materials required and supplied:
A laptop computer with either Photoshop CS3 or CS4 loaded (you can download a free 30 day trial)
1GB USB Memory Stick, Notepad and pen
Images of your own you may wish to work on.
We will supply images for working on tutorials, workshop notes and a statement of attendance.

To Book:
Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential. Ph 07 55454777 or .email "Photoshop"

One-On-One and Small Group Courses

Our one-on-one and small group courses/workshops/sessions are designed around you.
We can offer:
A program specifically for your needs in whatever subject you choose.
It may be learning how to drive your new camera, experimenting and acquiring knowledge in studio lighting, flash - any of a range of possibilities are on offer including digital imaging using Photoshop and Lightroom.

Examples of some of our sessions:

Nature Walks:
Undertaken in a range of locations including the Mt-Cootha Botanic Garden, Brisbane River Precinct, Tamborine Mountain Botanic Garden, Gold Coast Botanic Garden, Burleigh Heads and others.
2 Hour sessions.

Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk
Like to get close to nature?
Then join a tutor from Bluedog Photography into the canopy of the rainforest.
Please note - this walk is only partly on an elevated platform and there is an alternative
path on the ground.

To make further enquiries or book for any One-on-One or small group session:
Ph 07 55454777 or email "One-on-One and Small Groups"

Teenagers Photography Days:
Are you a teen and into your photography? We offer a range of short courses to keep your imagination running and your skills improving such as:
Teens Beginner: Learn what ISO, aperture and shutter speed are. Understand what all those buttons and dials mean - interpret the jargon - learn important composition skills, and Never use Auto again!!

Then put it all to the test by actually doing it on your camera! Freeze droplets of water in mid air, blur water and do long exposures as if at night, achieve an out of focus background, maximum depth of field for landscapes, use on camera flash in daylight and learn how to archive your digital files.

Workshop notes given to all participants PLUS you receive a voucher for 6 FREE 8" x 12" (20x30cm) prints.

About Our Teen Days: These days are designed to get the photographically interested teenager of the house out and about and exploring their interests by combining learning with fun. The day usually starts at the Bluedog Studio with Milo and morning tea. Parents are welcome to stay for the intro and meet the tutors. Then we start! Children today are born into the digital world; it is a natural element for them. They love things to happen fast as does the world of digital.

We will aim to take them on a visual journey across Queensland and beyond. They will learn, as in our beginners workshop, techniques and skills on their camera and each session will have practical sessions designed to be fun such as a walk into the rainforest and to a water fall where they will discover it’s beauty through the lens and find out why this part of the rainforest is unique. This is a great chance to put their skills into practice and also have fun learning with others. The days are specifically designed so that it does not matter what level of reading and writing the teenager is at or what kind of camera they have. It is a day of learning with no text books! Each participant will receive a voucher to get one of their images from the day blown up as a 20x30" print for free and notes to take home.

"Your Weekend Photography Retreat was a
pleasure to be part of with your
friendly and informal approach.
I enjoyed making new friends sharing
in a common passion.

The knowledge and experience
that you draw on seems endless.
You have opened my eyes a little wider.
I always felt I had an eye for an image
worth capturing but now, I see that
scene in a different light
(pardon the pun)
and many more that I wouldn't have
given a second glance in the past."

Robert H. November 2008

Bluedog Photography Tamborine Mountain Weekend Retreat

This two day workshop allows participants to explore the wonderful world of photography. Each retreat itinerary is arranged around participant's particular interests - view our May 08 Bluedog Photography Weekend Retreat itinerary to see an example. A minimum of two professional tutors per session. We meet on Friday evening where photographers and their partners meet the tutors, dine on a sumptuous dinner (all diets are catered for) and view a presentation such as our 'Masters of the Lens' and receive your 'Bluedog Retreat' pack with notes, map, flyers and vouchers.

During the weekend we visit places such as the acclaimed Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, Skywalk, venture into Queensland's oldest rainforest (the third oldest in the world!), visit the amazing Sculpture Garden where internationally acclaimed Antone Bruinsma carves amazing sculptures, the Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre, an award winning winery and their barrel room (and yes we sample some of their fine wines), take in a sunrise, sunset, portrait shoot and for those that like to take a stroll at night, see glow worms, glowing fungi and other amazing nocturnal creatures of the rainforest. For those needing accommodation we will refer options for you. If you require transport from airports or train stations please contact us and we will assist you with this. Bookings and numbers apply.

The retreats are suited for those that do not own an SLR and there will be some digital SLR's available for a small fee to assist cover cleaning costs. A limited number of tripods will also be available for loan for free.

Cost: For the September 2010 Retreat - $780.00 - Includes meals (morning tea and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and 2 course dinner at restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings), tuition, notes, model, guides, entry, a glass of wine/juice and nibbles at sunset shoot on Saturday.

For non-photography partners wishing to join us for dinner it is $45.00 per dinner each night.
For other wonderful things to see and do and accommodation on Tamborine Mountain Read more about Tamborine Mountain.

Registration is essential and currently being taken. To register Contact Us.

Learn How To Write Workshops

Join photo journalist Danielle Lancaster in these stimulating and informative workshops.
The Beginners Guide to the World of Writing:
The Art of Photojournalism: Christine will cover the art of perception & observation; creativity & imagination, how to write, writer’s block & things to avoid, stimulating the senses plus there will be a practical exercise in writing and critique and constructive criticism.
The Art of Photojournalism - How to capture a story on camera and in print: Learn what is the difference in Writing vs Journalism, Writing vs Photography, what is the truth and how do you find it? How to write for newspapers and magazine, the Press Release, the tools and tricks of the trade plus there will be a practical exercise in writing and critique and constructive criticism.
From Concept to Print: In this session we cover essential information such as dealing with deadlines, legal issues, packaging and pitching and much more.
How to Prepare a Press Release & Stop them 'Falling to the Floor'!
No matter what business you are in the press release is used everywhere and not just for the press. The tools you use are ones you will use in the everyday writing for your business from the web to advertising.
Includes you preparing a release and crit.
Numbers will be limited and bookings are essential.
Cost $255.00 inc GST.
For further details or to book - Ph: 07 5545 4777 or e-mail "Learn How to Write"

Bluedog/Kingfisher Bay Fraser Island Photography Tour

Join the Bluedog photographers and resident Fraser Island nationally acclaimed photographer and Kingfisher Bay Ranger Ranger Peter Meyer of Living Gallery Photography discovering some of their favourite photography haunts on Fraser Island!

We will stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
All meals, accommodation and vehicles supplied (so you don't even have to own a 4WD.)

The tour is limited to two vehicles only so you will be assured a personal yet rewarding photography experience.

Your tour includes your transfers to the island and a whale watching tour!

For more visit our Fraser Island Photography Tour page

After our exciting 2010 tour we are now planning to return for the 2011!
A limited edition 6 day adventure with two tutors to this exciting city.
Experience the smorgasbord of images this bustling city has to offer.

Adorned with lights, decorations and celebrations at every turn we will take in the heights of the Peak Tram and the fireworks on Victoria Harbour. We'll walk through the tranquil Hong Kong Park
and be mesmerised as the locals gather for Tai Chi.

No trip complete without a little retail therapy we'll visit the famous Mongkok area with its markets and electronic stores (this means camera gear folks!).

Other highlights include the great laneways and bars of the Soho district, the Great Buddha, the flower and bird markets, lunching in Stanley overlooking the South China Sea.

Cost:
TBA Includes 4 star accommodation on Hong Kong Island, 2 tutors for assistance and critique, breakfast each day, 3 lunches, all entry fees and transfers to nominated activities. LAND based content only. Airfares and airport transfers are not included.

Max of 8.

View more: Chinese New Year Hong Kong Photo Tour

Vanuatu Island Photography Tour

On Efate Island we will stay in luxury accommodation, tour the capital Port Vila, treasure hunt in the markets, view the amazing Mele Cascades, beautiful beaches as well as snorkel with brilliant reef fish and corals and take an around island tour as well as hone our photography skills.

View more details at: Vanuatu Island Photography Tour

"I had a sensational time and I have got to say I learnt more over the last week about my camera than I have since I got it at Christmas.

Thank you so much for all your knowledge and skill it was just amazing to watch and listen to the amount of expertise you have.

I really noticed how much I am “thinking“ about my shots now- in terms of ISO, DOF, white balance etc.

You went out of your way to ensure that everyone and everything was going to plan and that everyone was comfortable and I really appreciate that. I will certainly be joining you for more workshops!"
From Emma