Who is Scott?

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Scott Jon Photography and Paul Hoelen Photography: Broome & Derby Aerial Safari – 2026 [All Inclusive, Meet Broome] Self Drive and Accom options available.

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary five-day aerial photography adventure from June 25th to June 29th, 2026, through two of Western Australia’s most stunning regions—Broome and Derby. This exclusive workshop is designed for photographers who want to capture the dramatic landscapes of the Kimberley from above. Using a mix of Cessna 210 aircraft or R44 helicopters, and drones, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph breathtaking coastlines, intricate tidal patterns, and the striking contrasts of the outback.

This is a heli and fixed-wing focused workshop, meaning participants should be prepared for multiple aerial sessions in a mix of aircraft, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. Each flight will accommodate three photographers per aircraft, with some flights operating simultaneously in both the Cessna 210 and the R44 to maximize shooting opportunities. While drones will be used during mid-day breaks and on the ground, the core focus is aerial photography from the Cessna 210 and R44 helicopters.

Our itinerary is structured to alternate between morning and afternoon flights in each location to allow for a broader range of conditions, followed by drone and ground-based photography during the opposite session. Accommodation will be in comfortable, high-quality hotels in both Broome and Derby, ensuring a balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re an experienced aerial photographer or looking to expand your skills, this workshop will take your image-making to the next level.

Historical & Regional Context

Broome

Broome has a rich history as a pearling hub dating back to the late 19th century. The town was shaped by a blend of cultures, including Japanese, Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous Australian influences, making it a unique destination. Roebuck Bay, one of our aerial subjects, is known for its massive tidal movements and vibrant red cliffs. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the ochre sands makes it one of the most photogenic coastlines in Australia.

Cable Beach, another highlight of our journey, is named after the undersea telegraph cable laid in 1889, connecting Australia to the rest of the world. Today, its 22-kilometer stretch of pristine sand provides iconic photographic opportunities, especially at sunset.

Willie Creek, an essential aerial location for this workshop, is a striking tidal estuary north of Broome. Famous for its winding waterways, shifting sandbars, and vibrant turquoise waters, it offers incredible aerial compositions that transform with the tide. The creek is also home to a pearl farm, a reminder of Broome’s longstanding pearling industry.

Derby

Derby is famous for having the highest tides in Australia, reaching up to 11 meters. This makes the surrounding mudflats and estuaries an ever-changing landscape, perfect for aerial photography. The nearby Boab trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old, add a historical and cultural dimension to our ground-based photography. These trees have long been used as landmarks and even shelters by Indigenous groups and early European settlers.

Derby offers an incredible variety of aerial photography opportunities, particularly its vast tidal flats and stunning abstract landscapes shaped by some of the largest tides in Australia. The region’s shifting patterns, evolving water channels, and intricate textures provide endless possibilities for unique and compelling compositions.

Meet Your Instructors

This workshop is co-led by Scott Jon McCook and Paul Hoelen, two of Australia’s most renowned aerial photographers.

Scott Jon McCook has spent over a decade capturing some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes from above, specializing in fine art aerial photography. His work has been widely published, and he brings a wealth of experience in crafting dynamic aerial compositions and maximizing the potential of aerial shooting. Scott is also highly skilled in advanced editing techniques, ensuring that participants will gain in-depth knowledge of post-processing workflows to bring their aerial images to life.

Paul Hoelen is an award-winning aerial and landscape photographer whose passion for capturing the natural world has taken him across Australia and beyond. Paul’s expertise in aerial storytelling and in-camera composition adds an invaluable depth to this workshop, ensuring participants gain insight into both shooting techniques and creative vision.

Together, Scott and Paul will provide expert guidance on composition, technical settings, and post-processing to help you elevate your aerial photography skills.

Workshop Details

Dates: June 25th – June 29th, 2026
Duration: 5 Days (3 days in Broome, 3 days in Derby)
Locations: Broome & Derby, Western Australia
Accommodation: High-quality hotels in Broome and Derby
Aerial Photography: Cessna 210 aircraft or R44 helicopters (doors off), 2 photographers per aircraft, simultaneous flights where needed
Additional Photography: Drone and ground-based shooting
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced photographers

Itinerary

Flexibility in Our Itinerary

As with any aerial photography adventure, we are more susceptible to the elements than most other photography genres. This means our schedule is designed with flexibility in mind. We may adjust shoot times, moving sessions from morning to afternoon or vice versa, to work around cloud cover, weather conditions, or to seize unexpected photographic opportunities. What remains constant is our commitment to maximizing our valuable flight time—ensuring we are always in the best location at the best time to capture stunning imagery.

Day 1: Arrival in Broome & Sunset Ground Shoot

• Afternoon: Arrival in Broome and hotel check-in.
• Late Afternoon: Welcome briefing, including safety procedures, aircraft shooting tips, and recommended camera settings for aerial photography, followed by group introductions.
• Sunset Shoot: Gantheaume Point – Capture the iconic red cliffs contrasting with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
• Dinner: Group dinner at a local Broome restaurant (included).

Day 2: Morning Cessna Flight & Afternoon Heli Flight in Broome

• Early Morning: Aerial photography flight over Roebuck Bay, Cable Beach, and tidal flats in the Cessna 210.
• Afternoon: Doors-off helicopter flight over Willie Creek and coastal estuaries.
• Sunset Shoot: Cable Beach.
• Dinner: Free time.

Day 3: Morning Drone Shoot & Drive to Derby, Afternoon Heli Flight

• Early Morning: Drone and ground-based photography at a key coastal location in Broome.
• Afternoon: Drive to Derby (approx. 2 hours) in Scott and Paul’s 4WDs, arriving around 3 PM.
• Late Afternoon: Doors-off helicopter flight over Derby’s breathtaking tidal flats and abstract scenery.
• Dinner: Group dinner.

Day 4: Morning Heli Flight & Afternoon Drone in Derby

• Early Morning: Doors-off R44 helicopter flight over Derby’s tidal systems and Horizontal Falls.
• Afternoon: Drone photography over Derby’s Boab-lined landscapes and remote tidal flats.
• Sunset Shoot: Derby Jetty.
• Dinner: Free evening.

Day 5: Return to Broome & Farewell Lunch

• Morning: Drive back to Broome (approx. 2 hours) in Scott and Paul’s 4WDs.
• Midday: Farewell lunch in Broome.
• Afternoon: Drop-off at accommodation or airport for departures.Please view our full terms and conditions here