A Journey Through Stunning Landscapes: Our Recent Adventures and Upcoming Plans

Dear Photography Friends and Enthusiasts,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and inspired! Lisa and I are excited to share a glimpse into our recent adventures and what lies ahead in the coming weeks. It’s been a whirlwind of creativity and exploration, and we’re thrilled to bring you along for the ride.

A couple of weeks ago, the south coast of Australia, where we call home, was drenched in rain. When a rare break in the weather appeared one afternoon, we seized the moment and dashed to our local beach to film a seascape photography Video. The video is now live on our YouTube channel, and we’d love for you to check it out!

More recently, we embarked on an incredible journey to the Snowy Mountains to lead our annual Photography Workshop. The 3-4 hour drive from home was well worth it, as we opted for our 4WD vehicles to access remote, breathtaking locations that immerse our clients in nature’s finest landscapes. Before our participants arrived, we spent a few days fine-tuning our itinerary and revisiting key locations to ensure every detail was perfect. This preparation is a cornerstone of our workshops, as we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for every client.

Our adventure began in Canberra, where we welcomed our group and set off for the Snowy Mountains. After checking into our hotel and briefing everyone on the exciting week ahead, we headed to an iconic cattleman’s hut nestled in a stunning landscape, surrounded by native wildlife and the unmistakable scent of eucalyptus. It was the perfect setting for our first sunset shoot.

Day two greeted us with an early breakfast and a full day of exploration in Kosciuszko National Park’s northern region. With rain in the forecast, we kept our plans flexible, ready to adapt to the weather. Our first stop was a picturesque alpine cattleman’s hut framed by gnarled snow gum trees under a dramatic, stormy sky—a scene we had entirely to ourselves. Later, we were thrilled to encounter a mob of brumbies (wild horses), including a majestic stallion and an adorable foal, allowing us to capture some truly special shots. To escape the rain, we took a self-guided tour through scenic caves, followed by a shoot at another historic cattleman’s hut and intimate photos of vibrant, colorful bark on high-country gum trees.

On day three, we ventured to a remote granite gorge adorned with cascades and waterfalls, where the morning’s photography was nothing short of spectacular. After a gourmet breakfast, we drove to Jindabyne, near Australia’s highest peaks. That afternoon, we braved an impending snowstorm to photograph a misty river and gum tree landscape dusted with light snow—an absolutely magical experience. The day, which also happened to be my birthday, ended with a vibrant pink sunset over a granite rock formation near Lake Jindabyne, followed by a cozy bistro dinner and a glass of red wine to celebrate.

Day four was a highlight for many, as we set out early to photograph the iconic alpine snow gum trees—twisted, vibrantly colored, and draped in fresh snow from the previous night’s storm. Despite navigating wintry roads, we were rewarded with a breathtaking scene of fresh snow and golden morning light. After a late breakfast in Jindabyne, we returned to the snow gums for an evening shoot, capturing their beauty under the glow of sunset.

Our final day began with a chilly -6°C sunrise at an alpine cascade creek, where frozen ponds offered stunning ice textures and patterns that became the centerpiece of our morning’s work. After an enthusiastic shoot, we warmed up at a local café with the best breakfast and coffee in the mountains before heading back to Canberra. The workshop was a resounding success, made even more special by the wonderful group of participants whose passion and camaraderie Lisa and I truly cherished. Exhausted but fulfilled, we returned home just before dark, reflecting on an unforgettable week.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be heading to New Zealand on June 16 for our two fully booked Winter Workshops. Those who know us well understand our deep love for New Zealand, especially in winter—my favorite photography destination in the world. We can’t wait to share this magical experience with our participants.

Until next time, stay safe and keep capturing the beauty around you.

Warm regards,
Brett & Lisa

P.S. Our Snowy Mountains Workshop for next year is filling up quickly! Visit our website for more details and to secure your spot.

What's in my Camera Bag?

The Bag: Summit Creative 40-Litre Roll-Top Black-

I’ve been using this bag for over two years, and I absolutely love it. It’s traveled countless miles, flown on numerous planes, and explored the world with me. So far, it’s held up flawlessly. Here’s why I love it:

1. Build Quality: The bag is exceptionally well-made and durable.

2. Organization: It’s perfectly designed for my camera gear, with well-thought-out compartments.

3. Waterproofing: It’s truly waterproof. I’ve tested it in a hailstorm in the Dolomites and even accidentally dropped it in a stream. My gear stayed completely dry both times.

4. Laptop Sleeve: It has a dedicated sleeve for my 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is crucial for travel.

5. Hiking Comfort: The bag is ideal for hiking, with comfortable padding, excellent back support, and a waist belt that distributes weight to my hips for long treks.

6. Storage and Flexibility: It features plenty of pockets, including side pockets for water bottles. The roll-top design is a game-changer—it compacts for overhead plane lockers or expands by 5–10 liters for extra space. I often stow a rain jacket, beanie, gloves, or snacks in the roll-top section for hikes.

I can’t recommend Summit Creative backpacks highly enough.

My Camera: Canon R5 (Backup: Canon R6)-

My main camera is the Canon R5, which I’ve owned for over three years. It’s by far the best camera I’ve ever used, and I can’t fault it. The image quality, ease of use, dynamic range, and ability to handhold slower shutter speeds are outstanding. It also excels at timelapse and video. This camera has endured a tough life—dropped on rocks and in water multiple times—yet it still performs like the day I bought it, despite a few battle scars.

Compared to its predecessor, the Canon 5D Mark IV, the R5’s resolution and dynamic range are a significant leap forward. I confidently shoot two stops underexposed, knowing I can recover shadow details in post-processing. My backup, the Canon R6, rarely sees action. On overseas trips, I leave it at the hotel or in my luggage as a precaution. I get to use a lot of different camera makes and models owned by clients on our workshops, and no other brand, including expensive medium format brands will autofocus in low light like the Canon R5 with RF lenses.

My Lenses-

1. Canon 15–35mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle: My go-to lens for landscape photography. It handles most of my work and delivers tack-sharp results. It’s also weather-sealed and performs flawlessly.

2. Canon 24–105mm f/4 Mid-Range: Some claim this lens isn’t sharp, but I strongly disagree. It’s versatile, lightweight, and weather-sealed—an excellent all-purpose lens. In New Zealand, I use it almost as often as my wide-angle.

3. Canon 100–500mm f/4.5–7.1 Telephoto: This lens is heavy and expensive, but its sharpness is unmatched for a zoom. I use it sparingly, mainly for wildlife or zoomed-in shots of mountain peaks, trees, or intimate scenes. Paired with the Canon R5’s animal eye-tracking autofocus, it’s phenomenal for wildlife photography.

Video Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo-

This is my primary video camera for YouTube content. I used to rely on bulkier cameras like the Canon R6, but carrying extra gear and a tripod became cumbersome. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a game-changer: compact, with incredible battery life, 4K footage, and impressive low-light performance. Its dynamic range, image stabilization, and built-in gimbal are outstanding. It comes with a carry case that fits in my pocket and a clip-on DJI microphone for easy audio recording.

Filter Kit: NiSi JetMag Magnetic Pro Landscape Photography Kit-

I’ve used this magnetic filter system for over six months and have no complaints. It delivers excellent quality with no color cast or vignetting, even at 15mm with stacked filters. The system is lightweight, compact, and perfect for travel. The magnetic locking mechanism is a huge improvement over traditional glass sliding filter systems. For its portability and performance, this kit is my top choice.

Sea to Summit Tech Towel-

This microfiber cloth compacts into a small case that fits neatly in my camera bag. It’s high-quality and perfect for cleaning smudges, water droplets, or dirt from my lenses and filters while shooting.

Summit Creative Battery Bag-

This small bag, made by Summit Creative, stores my batteries inside my backpack. I carry 4–5 camera batteries and two headlamp batteries, always keeping them charged, especially in cold climates where batteries drain faster. It’s a handy way to stay organized.

NiSi Air Blower-

This is useful for removing dust from my sensor or lenses. It’s also great for blowing water droplets or snow off gear when shooting in drizzle or snowy conditions. While I don’t use it often, it’s a valuable tool to have.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp-

A reliable headlamp is essential for landscape photographers, especially for early morning hikes, post-sunset shoots, or astrophotography. This headlamp is high-quality, with adjustable brightness settings, a red light mode, and rechargeable batteries that charge via USB. I always carry a spare charged battery.

Wired Cable Release-

I use a budget-friendly wired cable release purchased from B&H Camera in New York. I rarely need it, as my Canon R5 has a 2-second timer and a built-in bulb timer for long exposures. However, it’s invaluable for seascapes or moving water, allowing me to time shots perfectly without looking at the camera.

Macpac Traverse Rain Jacket-

This high-quality, lightweight jacket isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. It’s breathable, keeps me dry in rain or snow, and rolls up small to fit in my backpack’s side pocket. It’s a must-have for unpredictable weather.

Leofoto Multi-Tool-

This compact tool includes Allen keys, a screwdriver, and a clip for attaching to my bag. It’s incredibly useful for adjusting L-brackets or other gear during photography workshops. Note: Be cautious when traveling, as airport security may flag it. I recommend packing it in checked luggage.

My Tripod: Leofoto LP-324C with LH-40 Ball Head & LB-60N Leveling Base-

While not stored in my bag, I carry my tripod by hand when shooting or hiking. This Leofoto tripod is the best I’ve ever owned. It’s well-made, waterproof, and stable, even in windy conditions—a critical feature for landscape photography. The lever clamp on the ball head is intuitive, and the leveling base is perfect for panoramas. It’s compact enough for travel yet robust for rugged use.

In a Nutshell-

Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to one camera and three lenses, covering 15mm to 500mm focal lengths—perfect for any scenario. My Summit Creative 40-litre roll-top bag, weighing around 12kg when fully loaded, fits in most plane overhead lockers. For airlines with strict 7kg carry-on limits, I carry a small calico bag to temporarily offload lenses if needed. On smaller propeller planes, I occasionally stow the bag under the seat.

I hope this breakdown helps you with your gear choices. I plan to create a YouTube video soon to showcase my equipment in more detail.

Some of the products I use are available on my website, so check out the Products under the SHOP tab on my website.