The Catlins - Southern New Zealand
Join Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford for an immersive photography workshop in The Catlins, one of the most atmospheric and visually diverse regions of the South Island of New Zealand.
Renowned for its rugged coastline, ancient podocarp forest, waterfalls, dramatic skies and sweeping beaches, The Catlins offers endless opportunities for expressive landscape photography. This workshop is designed for photographers who wish to refine both their technical skills and creative vision while working in one of New Zealand’s most inspiring coastal environments.
The Catlins Landscape Photography Workshop
Southern New Zealand
March 26-31 2026
COST: Single NZD$4920.00, Twin share NZD $4259.00
Updated 7/1/2026
What Makes The Catlins Special?
The Catlins is a place of shifting light and mood. From wind-carved sea cliffs and tidal rock formations to mist-filled forest interiors, the region encourages photographers to slow down, observe carefully, and respond intuitively to the landscape.
We explore:
Wild beaches and coastal rock formations
Hidden waterfalls and forest scenes
Expansive seascapes and long-exposure opportunities
Intimate details within the landscape
Each location is chosen not only for its beauty, but for its potential to help you grow as a photographer.
Our Teaching Approach
This is more than a location-based tour. Our workshops combine field-based tuition, creative development and constructive image review. We work alongside you in the field, demonstrating techniques and helping you refine your compositions.
You will receive guidance in:
Landscape composition and visual flow
Working with natural light and changing weather
Long exposure techniques
In-camera creative approaches
Simplifying scenes and removing distractions
Developing a cohesive series of images
We encourage you to respond personally to the landscape
Who Is This Workshop For?
The Catlins Photography Workshop is suitable for enthusiastic amateurs through to experienced photographers wanting to deepen their creative practice. A good understanding of your camera is helpful, but the emphasis is on learning, experimentation and thoughtful image-making.
Small Group Experience
Working in a small group ensures personal attention, time for discussion, and space to explore your ideas. The pace allows for reflection, journalling, image review and meaningful creative growth.
Included
Five days of expert tuition from Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken. We take you to our favourite locations throughout The Catlins sharing our image making techniques and help you to develop your own.
Pickup and drop off in Queenstown from the airport on the day.
Two Nights accommodation in Queenstown.
Three nights accommodation in The Catlins - Owaka.
Comfortable transport in a luxurious 12 seat van where everyone has a window view.
PDF of a book of images from the workshop.
Trial use of our Canon lenses and bodies (on application).
what's not included
Insurance.
Travel to Queenstown (Flights).
Food and beverages.
THe Critique Process
The downloading and critique sessions are the foundation of the learning process. We discuss composition, design and celebrate all your photographic efforts. Our aim is for you to leave the workshop satiated: knowing more about photography but what’s more important, knowing more about yourself and what photography means to you.
We share with you the reasons why and how we make photographs and encourage you to play and practice the skills we share.
Jackie and Mike will help you edit and process your files.
A selection of edited images will become part of the 2023 Catlins Landscape Book.
Link to our 2018 Catlins Landscape book and 2022 Catlins Landscape Book Copyright of the images remains with the photographers, these books become a great reminder of all that was learnt and shared.
Link to our Refund Policy and our Health and Safety Management Plan