Meet
Spend an evening with a group of likeminded people. Make new friends, create connections and share your experience.
Explore
Embark on a cultural journey through Port Douglas' rich history as you explore fascinating historical sites and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Learn
Aquire essential skills such as composition, exposure and focus with plenty of personalised help to improve your photography knowledge.
Capture
Shoot the unique beauty and charm of Port Douglas through your lens, creating stunning and unforgettable photographs to treasure for a lifetime.
Tour Overview
My Sunset Photography Tour is the perfect opportunity for photographic enthusiasts, both beginners and experts, or those looking for an unusual or different activity to do in Port Douglas.
Explore and capture the breathtaking beauty of a stunning coastal town. This tour is designed to offer a unique and immersive experience that combines both photography learning and cultural exploration.
This walking tour is 3.5 hours long, covering approximately 2km of Instagrammable locations in Port Douglas.
The tour features four key locations that are known for their stunning sunset views - Rex Smeal Park, St Mary's By The Sea, The Sugar Wharf and The Marina. These locations offer a wide range of photographic opportunities, from natural landscapes to historical landmarks. I will provide historical and cultural information throughout the tour, giving you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the locations you are visiting.
But that's not all - the tour also offers guidance on how to take great photos, covering essential topics such as lighting, composition, focus, and more. I will teach you how to use your camera to its full potential, providing tips and tricks on where to stand and how to capture the perfect Port Douglas Sunset shot!
We finish the tour with a pub style dinner at one of Port Doulgas' iconic restaurants where we have the opportunity to review photos and discuss what we have learnt, seen and captured on the tour.
This is an exceptional and unforgettable experience for anyone interested in photography and cultural exploration. With expert guidance and support, you'll be able to capture stunning photos while learning essential photography skills and immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Port Douglas.
What you will learn
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How to capture the breathtaking beauty of Port Douglas.
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Basic settings for taking great photos including exposure, white balance and focus.
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Composition rules and angles to shoot from to achieve unique perspectives.
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How to use your camera or phone to its full potential.
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Tips and tricks for capturing the perfect sunset shot.
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Tips and advice on camera/phone accessories to improve your photos.
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Advanced camera techniques to capture special moments.
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How to review your images and make small changes to improve them.
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Historical and cultural information about the key locations visited during the tour.
Key Locations
Visit a range of iconic locations, where each stop unveils a new chapter of beauty, culture and history. Immerse yourself in Port Douglas' captivating coastal charm.
Tour Times
Tours run every Sunday and are timed to make the most of the sunset.
We meet outside the toilet block in Rex Smeal Park at the following times:
Mar-Apr 4:15pm
May-Aug 4pm
Sep-Oct 4:15pm
Nov-Feb 4:30pm
The tour is approximately three and a half hours long, finishing at the Yachty.
Student Photos
Kathy
Tracey’s Photo Walking Tour is a sunset walk where we went to different locations to take photos using our own cameras. Tracey covered safety issues that could possibly occur during the tour, and she gave a historical background of Port Douglas for us before we began the tour. We went to photograph the Wharf, St Mary’s by the Sea Church before making our way to the Rex Smeal Park to shoot the sunset. Tracey’s Photo walking tour was probably the best thing I did as far as learning about my camera and getting the best shot I could on the day.
Kate
Loved the tour, best things were learning about some of the iconic areas/buildings of Port Douglas as well as meeting/photographing with other people who also love photography. The historical information was great, really added a lot to the tour.
Tracey is really knowledgeable across many different camera brands and types, and was able to show us how to best capture the scene with our own specific cameras. This was incredibly useful.
LeAnne
My favourite part of the tour was learning about & experimenting with the different lighting and angles especially of the sugar wharf and surrounding landscape.
I was a little bewildered at first as to what is iso, shutter speeds etc. But I only had to ask & of course experiment. Overall it was well planned, good spots for shooting and topped of with commentary which was an added bonus.
Thanks Tracey, it was really a great Tour, always learning something new!! Was also interesting getting use to using a tripod.
Why should you do a tour with me?
I have been a photographer for over 18 years and have a BA Hons Degree in the subject.
After completing my degree, I spent 5 years travelling through South East Asia, taking thousands of photos of people, landscapes, wildlife and even the underwater world.
I am now settled in Australia where I started up my business five years ago to teach photography and pass on my passion for it. In that time I have helped many budding photographers improve their skills and knowledge to the point that they are now taking amazing images without much effort.
I’m all about making photography fun and easy-to-learn with plenty of personalised tuition! Teaching is my passion and joy, and I aim to transmit that joy through imparting my repertoire of photography techniques on to my students.
I cannot wait to see the photos we take together!
What type of shots can I expect to get?
During the Sunset Photography Tour in Port Douglas, you can expect to capture a variety of stunning shots that showcase the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region. From breathtaking ocean views and lush greenery to charming historical buildings and iconic landmarks, this tour takes you on a journey through a range of different locations and settings that offer endless photographic opportunities. Whether you're interested in landscape photography, architectural photography or simply want to capture beautiful memories of your time in Port Douglas, this tour is designed to help you achieve your photography goals and capture stunning images that you can cherish for years to come.
What equipment do I need?
To join the Sunset Photography Tour, you'll need a camera or a phone with a decent camera. I recommend bringing a camera that allows you to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as this will give you greater control over your photos and allow you to capture more creative shots (many phone cameras allow you change these settings).
While a tripod is optional, it can be useful for stabilising your camera and achieving sharper shots, especially during low-light conditions or when shooting long exposures. If you don't have your own tripod, you can hire one for an additional fee of $10 (limited tripods are available).
It's also a good idea to bring extra memory cards and batteries to ensure that you have enough space and power to capture all the amazing shots you'll take during the tour. I will provide tips and advice on how to make the most of your equipment and achieve your photography goals.
What is included in the tour?
A range of features are included on the tour to ensure that you have an enjoyable and comfortable experience.
A pub style dinner and a drink will be provided at The Yachty towards the end of the tour.
There will be plenty of guidance on how to take photos.
I also provide mosquito repellent to protect you from bites during the tour.
Additionally, the tour provides historical and cultural information about the key locations, giving you a deeper understanding of the region's significance and beauty.
You'll also have access to restrooms and water fountains along the way, ensuring that you stay comfortable and hydrated during the tour.
Who is this tour for?
These tours are designed for anyone who has an interest in photography and wants to explore and capture the beauty of Port Douglas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, my tour provides valuable guidance and tips to help you take your photography skills to the next level.
In addition, the tour is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Port Douglas, as I provide an interesting and informative commentary about the key locations visited during the tour.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under the age of 12, unless they have a genuine interest in photography. The tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on various terrains, which may not be suitable for younger children who are not comfortable with walking long distances.
However, if your child has an interest in photography and is comfortable walking for an extended period, they are more than welcome to join the tour. We recommend that parents or guardians assess their child's abilities and interests before booking the tour to ensure that they will enjoy the experience.
For families with young children, we recommend exploring other family-friendly activities in the Port Douglas area. I am happy to provide recommendations and advice on the best activities for families in the area.
Overall, the tour is suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and small groups who want to experience the natural and cultural beauty of Port Douglas through photography and exploration. So, whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply want to experience the beauty of Port Douglas in a unique and immersive way, our tour is the perfect choice for you.
Can I do this tour with a phone?
Absolutely! You do not need a professional camera to enjoy the Sunset Photography Tour. A smartphone with a decent camera will suffice and I will provide guidance on how to capture stunning photos using your phone.
If you have a tripod for your phone, you're welcome to bring it along to stabilise your shots, but it is not necessary (I do have a few tripods suitable for phones available to hire for an additional $10).
The tour is designed to be inclusive and accessible, regardless of your level of photography equipment. So, don't hesitate to bring your phone along and join us on the tour to capture the beauty of Port Douglas through the lens of your smartphone.
I have a camera but I'm not sure how to use it, can I still do this tour?
Yes, absolutely! This tour is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers. I provide valuable guidance on how to take stunning photos, including tips on composition, lighting, focus and more.
However, if you have a camera but are not familiar with how to use it, I highly recommend taking my "Get To Know Your Camera" course first. This short course provides an overview of your camera's features and settings and how to use them to get the best possible photos.
By taking this course before the tour, you will be able to get the most out of your camera during the tour and capture stunning photos of Port Douglas.
What should I wear?
I recommend that you wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on various terrains. The tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours, so it's essential to wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable throughout the tour.
I also recommend wearing lightweight clothes, suitable for the tropical climate in Port Douglas. The tour takes place during the late afternoon, so it's a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
What should I bring?
I recommend that you bring a few essential items to make your experience more enjoyable. These include:
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A water bottle: It's important to stay hydrated during the tour, so make sure to bring a water bottle with you.
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Camera equipment: Whether you have a professional camera or a smartphone, bring the equipment that you're most comfortable using. Don't forget to bring a fully charged battery and enough storage space for all the photos you'll take!
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Tripod: While a tripod is not necessary, it can be helpful for stabilising your shots and taking photos in low light conditions. If you have one, we recommend bringing it along (tripods are also available for hire for an additional $10).
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Money: Although a dinner and drink is provided in the tour, you may wish to buy additional drinks or desert at The Yachty.
In addition to these items, you may also want to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a small backpack to carry your belongings during the tour.
Overall, make sure to bring what you need to stay comfortable and capture beautiful photos of Port Douglas during our Sunset Walking Photography Tour.
What photography techniques will we talk about?
We will cover a range of photography techniques to help you capture stunning images of the area. These will include:
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How light changes quickly: As the sun sets, the light can change rapidly, so I will teach you how to adjust your camera settings to capture the best images.
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Composition: We will cover various composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, balance and symmetry to help you frame your shots beautifully.
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What to focus on: We will discuss how to choose the main focus of your shots, whether it's a particular object or the overall scene.
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Depth of field: I will explain how to control the depth of field to create different effects in your photos.
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White balance: I will teach you how to adjust the white balance settings on your camera to capture accurate colours.
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Where to stand: I will guide you on where to stand to get the best vantage points for your shots.
I hope that by the end of the tour, you will have learned some new photography skills and have some stunning images to show for it!
How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs AUD$135 per photographer and AUD$94 for non-photographers. This includes a 3.5-hour walking tour, guidance on photography techniques, mosquito repellent, dinner and a drink at The Yachty.
If you need to hire a tripod, there is an additional cost of $10 per tripod (limited tripods are available).
How long will we spend at each location?
We will spend at least 30 minutes at each location. This will give you enough time to explore the area, take photos and learn about the historical and cultural significance of the site. However, please note that the duration may vary depending on the group's pace and interests.
Can I bring my friend/family member who does not have an interest in photography?
Certainly! While the tour is designed for those who are interested in photography, I understand that you may want to bring along a friend or family member who may not share the same passion for photography. They are more than welcome to join us on the tour and enjoy the scenic locations we visit. However, please keep in mind that the focus of the tour will be on photography techniques and capturing the beauty of Port Douglas. We kindly ask that they respect the tour and its participants by refraining from disrupting the group or interfering with photography lessons. Please note they will still need to pay for their place on the tour at AUD$94.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
I understand that weather conditions can greatly impact the experience and quality of your tour. As such, I closely monitor weather forecasts in the days leading up to and on the morning of your scheduled tour.
If the weather forecast predicts unfavourable conditions, such as heavy rain or storms, I may opt to reschedule the tour. I strive to provide you with the best possible experience, and rescheduling ensures that you can enjoy your photography tour in optimal conditions.
In the rare event of prolonged bad weather that prevents me from conducting the tour safely or providing a satisfactory experience, I may have to cancel the tour. I prioritise the safety and comfort of my guests. In such cases, full refunds will be issued to all participants.
Please note that while I make every effort to anticipate and adjust for weather conditions, some unpredictability is inherent to nature. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility in these situations, as I strive to provide you with an exceptional photography tour experience!
How many participants will be on the tour?
Between 2 and 8 participants will be on the tour. This allows for plenty of 1 on 1 time to get personalised help and assistance. This does include any non-photographer companions that you or other participants bring along.
What is the food like? Are there options for specific dietary requirements?
The food at The Yachty is pub style food. When booking your tour you will be able to choose from a variety of main dishes off the standard menu. There is a mixture of meat dishes, seafood dishes and vegetarian options.
If you have specific allergies or dietary requirements please contact me prior to your tour and I will talk to The Yachty about how best we can meet your requirements.