Central Otago Photography Workshop
Central Otago Photography Workshop
South Island, New Zealand
Join Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford for an inspiring photography workshop in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most visually distinctive and seasonally rich landscapes.
Known for its vast skies, rolling hills, historic gold-mining settlements and solitary trees shaped by wind and time, Central Otago offers photographers a powerful combination of simplicity and depth. This workshop is designed to help you refine your landscape photography skills while developing a more personal and expressive approach to image-making.
DATE- May 28- June 2 2026
COSTS NZD Single $4918.00 Twin NZD$4348.00
Group size six with two instructors
Contact us
Updated 4/2/2026
The Landscape of Central Otago
Central Otago is situated in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a region of strong form and subtle nuance. Wide open spaces contrast with intimate rural details. Weathered textures, layered hills and expansive skies that invite careful composition and thoughtful interpretation.
Throughout the workshop we explore:
Iconic Otago trees and rural landscapes
Historic gold-mining relics and old structures
Sweeping vistas and sky scapes
Minimalist compositions
Early morning and late afternoon light
Late Autumn colour as well as possibility of hoar frosts and fog
Intimate landscape details
This is a landscape that rewards patience, simplicity and clarity of vision.
Our Teaching Philosophy
This is not simply a photography tour — it is an opportunity to slow down, observe deeply and strengthen your creative voice.
In the field we work alongside you, offering practical demonstrations and thoughtful guidance. Our teaching combines strong technical foundations with intuitive decision-making, helping you move beyond recording a scene to interpreting it with intention.
You will receive support in:
Composition and visual balance
Working with changing light and atmosphere
Simplifying complex scenes
Removing distractions
Creating cohesive image series
Developing confidence in your own way of seeing
We encourage experimentation, reflection and journalling, so that the learning continues beyond the moment of capture.
Who This Workshop Is For
The Central Otago Photography Workshop is suitable for enthusiastic photographers through to experienced practitioners wishing to deepen their creative practice. A sound understanding of your camera is helpful, but more importantly, a willingness to observe, reflect and explore is essential.
Small Group Experience
We work with small groups of up to six, this ensures personal attention and meaningful interaction. There is plenty of time for in the field tuition, image discussion and helpful review sessions, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace.
Central Otago’s open spaces offer not only photographic opportunity, but also room to think — to refine what matters most in your photography.
What’s included ?
• Five days of expert photography tuition from Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken
• Pick up to and from the airport or your hotel in Queenstown at the start and end of the workshop.
• Two nights private accommodation. Queenstown’s Wyndham Gardens Hotel, two nights at Wedderburn Cottages, one night Moeraki Motel.
Two Breakfasts, One Dinner.
• Luxurious transport throughout the weekend.
• PDF photography group book made from images from the trip.
Not included:
• Insurance
• Flights
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Alcohol
Link to our Refund Policy and our Health and Safety Management Plan