Port Campbell Photography & Fine Art Printing Retreats

Join award winning Master Photographers David Simmonds and Ian van der Wolde on one or both of these immersive coastal photo safaris along Victoria’s spectacular Shipwreck Coast. Over an inspiring weekend, you will refine your landscape photography skills while exploring one of Australia’s most dramatic and photogenic coastlines. Capture iconic sea stacks and rugged shorelines, learn to read the changing light and weather, and develop a more considered approach to composition and visual storytelling.

The experience culminates on the final day with an introduction to the craft of fine art printing where you will gain insight into preparing your images for print and return home with a gallery quality archival fine art print of your favourite photograph from the weekend, a lasting and tangible expression of your creative achievement

 

The Workshop in a Nutshell

Immerse yourself in three inspiring days of photography, creativity and fine art printing with a uniquely personal retreat experience along the spectacular Shipwreck Coast. Limited to just ten participants with two experienced instructors, this intimate workshop offers plenty of one on one guidance, personalised support and hands on tuition designed to help you strengthen your photographic vision and technical skills.

What truly sets this retreat apart is its strong focus on the art of fine art printing. We believe a photograph is only truly complete when it is brought to life in print and displayed with pride. As an Ilford Master, Ian van der Wolde will guide you through the process of preparing your images for exhibition quality output, teaching you how to optimise your files and match them to the perfect fine art paper for exceptional results.

“A very positive and constructive experience, an invaluable learning opportunity on all aspects of printing.” (Stephen Jude)

“I renewed my enthusiasm for printing, everything was very good.” (Anne Matthews)

Workshop fees include unlimited one on one tuition, transport to all shooting locations from our venue, Friday night dinner, plus complimentary fruit, snacks and juices throughout the weekend.

• Fees do not include additional meals or beverages.

Participants are required to arrange their own accommodation and transport to Port Campbell, with the NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park recommended for convenience and proximity. Throughout the retreat we will gather at a range of local Port Campbell venues for dinner, while breakfasts and lunch orders will be enjoyed at the excellent Grass Roots Deli Café, all within easy walking distance of both our venue and accommodation.

Throughout the retreat you’ll enjoy unlimited access to David Simmonds and Ian van der Wolde for personalised coaching in both the field and during image postproduction. Together, we will support, encourage and challenge you to see more creatively and approach image making with fresh perspective and intent.

We will explore a range of techniques for creating compelling photographs, from in camera capture through to editing and fine art printing, leaving you with not only new skills and confidence, but also a beautifully crafted print to take home. As experienced AIPP accredited mentors and judges, David and Ian offer thoughtful, constructive and insightful critique designed to help elevate both your technical ability and creative vision

The Workshop Experience

You will arrive at your accommodation by your own means on Friday afternoon and settle in. We will the meet at the Port Campbell Arts Space (a few minutes walk from the NRMA Holiday Park) by 5.30/6pm to set up your computer & meet each other with pre-dinner nibbles and a welcome beverage (you’re welcome to come in anytime from 4.30pm, as we’ll be setting up ourselves)

Our special Friday evening guest speaker is currently being finalised, stay tuned for an exciting announcement soon.

Optional Helicopter Aerial Photography Experience

Take your photography to another level with an unforgettable doors off helicopter flight over the iconic Twelve Apostles and dramatic Shipwreck Coast coastline. This exclusive aerial photography experience is available for a minimum of three participants at $700 per person. Should minimum numbers not be reached, all payments will be fully refunded, or participants may choose to proceed at an adjusted price. Flights are weather dependent and will operate on either Saturday or Sunday. Please speak with David Simmonds or check the "I'm Interested box" if you are interested in participating.

Saturday and Sunday we will typically begin the day with a sunrise shoot before returning to our favourite local café, Grass Roots, for breakfast and to collect our lunches for the day ahead. From there, we will explore a range of spectacular locations stretching from the Twelve Apostles to the Bay of Islands, photographing dramatic coastal scenery, hidden beaches and some lesser known wild locations that few visitors experience. 

Our location choices will be guided by weather and light conditions to ensure the best photographic opportunities possible. Each day concludes with a sunset shoot followed by dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Port Campbell. Interwoven throughout the weekend are dedicated sessions for downloading, processing and editing your images, along with personalised tutoring, image reviews and shared photographic experiences. 

Monday is dedicated to the final preparation and printing of your images, bringing together everything you have captured and learned throughout the weekend. With Ian van der Wolde’s extensive experience in fine art printing and deep knowledge of the Ilford paper range, you will be guided through the process of refining your files and producing exhibition quality fine art prints with exceptional detail, tone and colour.

As each print is completed, we like to display them on the gallery walls,  a very different and rewarding experience compared to viewing images flat on a screen or table. Our workshop space operates as a working gallery and features a professional hanging system that allows us to curate and enjoy the work as it comes to life. During the afternoon, we also welcome members of the local community to casually drop in and view the collection of images created over the weekend. The retreat concludes at approximately 3pm, with you heading home inspired, enriched with new skills, and carrying your finished fine art prints and completed image files.

Still have question? 

Go to Simmonds Photo Safaris or Text David Simmonds on 0418 328 710 and he'll get back to you promptly

 Your Presenters and Hosts

 

 

Ian van der Wolde

M.Photog IV, HonFAIPP, FAIPP
Photographer, Ilford Master Printer & Ambassador, BenQ Monitor Ambassador, Profoto Light Shaping Ambassador, and X-Rite Coloratti
AIPP Victorian Landscape Photographer of the Year 2012 and 2017
AIPP Victorian Illustrative Photographer of the Year 2012
alteredimages.com.au | @ianvanderwolde

Ian is a multi-award-winning photographer with a successful Melbourne based commercial practice spanning a wide range of photographic genres. Specialising in digital colour management and fine art printing, he is particularly passionate about long exposure photography and urban landscapes, and also lectures in photography at Swinburne University of Technology.

 

 

 

 

David B Simmonds

M.Photog II

Moran Contemporary Photography Prize, semifinalist 2015, International Colour Awards, Honorable Mention (Pro) 2013, Val Forman Award, highest scoring landscape print 2002

simmonds.com.au | simmondsphotosafaris.com 

@davidsimmondsphotographer | @simmondsphotosafaris

David is an experienced photography mentor, coach & competition judge. His fine art works are held in corporate & private collections, including the permanent collections of Museum Victoria & the Photography Museum of Lishui (China).

"David has been a longtime mentor, industry colleague and friend for over 25 years. I have always been impressed by the way David “sees” and his ability to constantly evolve and adapt. His move to Johanna Beach is one such move that has seen his work in landscape photography rise to new levels. Living in the Otway’s, David has spent much of his time exploring and capturing the beauty of the region and, unlike many creatives, he is willing shares this knowledge with others. There is no one more qualified to lead us on a photographic journey through this region and I am thrilled and excited to be a part of this workshop with him. David’s generosity is only surpassed by his big heart, and coupled with his extensive knowledge of photographic styles and genres, both past and present, be prepared to extract the most from your own creative juices". (Ian’s reflections on David)

 

The workshop fee includes

• Fun, fellowship, discussion and collaboration with like minded creatives
• Unlimited One on One guidance and tuition from David and Ian
• Drinks and nibbles on arrival
• Pizza (or similar) for dinner on the Friday evening
• Fruit, snacks and juices
• Travel to and from each location
• Monitor calibration and profiling
• Printing tuition
• Image critique
• Photoshop and Raw Image editing skills/tuition
• An A2 archival Fine Art Print of your favourite image from a selection of Ilford Fine Art Papers

 

The workshop fee does not include

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Meals
• Accomodation
• Travel to and from Port Campbell

Safari Price $1850.000

 

Discount Codes

Earlybird Discount: Pay only $1700.00 if you book one month before your chosen workshop giving you a saving of $150.00 on the full workshop price. Enter the discount code in the payment section to apply the discount. Full payment must be made to qualify for the Earlybird discount.

Coastal Winter Contrasts 7th-10th of August 2026  (Earlybird Discount Code Winter)

Chasing Spring Light 20th-23rd November (Earlybird Discount Code Spring)

 

SPECIAL OFFER

Attend any of our workshops and instantly qualify for a $200.00 discount off your next booking with our Past Participant Discount.

Past Participant Discount: We acknowledge and are grateful for the support of our past participants by offering a loyalty discount of $200.00 to any participants of any of our previous Simmonds photo safaris, simply enter the letters PP into the discount code area of the payment section to apply this discount 

Optional Doors Off Helicopter Experience

Enjoy a doors-off helicopter aerial photography experience over the iconic Twelve Apostles and the surrounding coastline. This unforgettable opportunity is a must for anyone wanting to take in the region’s spectacular coastal views from a whole new perspective. Pricing varies depending on the number of participants. Simply register your interest below, and we’ll confirm the cost before the workshop begins.

Accomodation Suggestions

Port Campbell is in the heart of the Shipwreck Coast a world renowned tourist attraction so there are no shortage of accomodation options available to suit every budget.

For accomodation we recommend the NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park. We usually stay here as it offers many options from campsites to cabins and is within easy walking distance to the old converted church building we use as our editing base and meeting point throughout the weekend

Click here for more details and booking for the NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park and dont forget to ask for the Simmonds Photo Safari special rate