- From above
- Drone, Fixed-wing
Who is Scott?
Want to know more about me before joining the workshop? Watch this short video where I share a bit about my journey, my passion for photography, and what drives my creative process.
Hutt Lagoon Drone Photography Workshop Itinerary (All Inclusive, Meet at Kalbarri) [OCTOBER 2025 Date now available along with March 2026](SOLDOUT)
Overview
Join me for an immersive three day drone photography workshop at Hutt Lagoon, one of Western Australia’s most striking landscapes. Famous for its vivid pink hues, this saltwater lagoon offers endless creative opportunities for aerial photography. Over the course of the workshop, we’ll explore different aspects of drone based image making, from scouting and composition to post processing and creative storytelling. Additionally, we’ll take some time to dive into my Creative Workflow Seminarwhere I’ll walk you through my personal approach to conceptualizing, capturing, and refining powerful aerial imagery.
This workshop is designed to be accessible for all skill levelswhether you’re a beginner or a seasoned drone pilot. It is also structured to fit into busy schedulesrunning over a weekend in March 2026making it an ideal opportunity to refine your skills without requiring extended time away from work or other commitments.
About Hutt Lagoon
Hutt Lagoon, located near the coastal town of Port Gregory, is a naturally occurring pink salt lake known for its high salinity and the presence of Dunaliella salina, a type of algae responsible for its distinctive color. The lagoon’s hues shift from bubblegum pink to deep red depending on the season, water levels, and time of day, creating a dynamic and ever changing canvas for aerial photography. Historically, the region has been used for salt and beta carotene production, and its surreal landscape has made it a popular destination for photographers worldwide.
Accommodation
We’ll be staying at Kalbarri Edge Resorta comfortable and well equipped base that provides easy access to both Hutt Lagoon and the stunning coastal landscapes of Kalbarri National Park. The resort offers modern amenities, great dining options, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for reviewing images and refining editing techniques in the evenings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Aerial Session
- 12:00 PM: Meet at Kalbarri Edge Resort for introductions and a briefing on the workshop objectives and safety procedures.
- 2:00 PM: First flight session at Hutt Lagoon, focusing on composition, patterns, and color shifts.
- 5:30 PM: Sunset drone session to capture the lagoon’s reflective golden hues.
- 7:30 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant and image review session.
Day 2: Full Day Aerial Exploration & Creative Workflow Seminar
- 5:30 AM: Sunrise drone session to capture Hutt Lagoon in soft morning light.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast and discussion on refining drone techniques.
- 10:00 AM: Midday editing session and workflow discussion.
- 2:00 PM: Free time, Creative Discussions and planning.
- 5:30 PM: Golden hour drone session along the coast, capturing dramatic cliffs and textures of Kalbarri’s rugged landscape.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner and informal Q&A.
Day 3: Final Flights & Departure
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise flight session, focusing on refining compositions and capturing the lagoon from new perspectives.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast and final image review.
- 11:00 AM: Workshop wrap up, Q&A, and farewell.
- 12:00 PM: Checkout and departures.
What You’ll Gain
- Hands on drone photography experience in one of Western Australia’s most unique locations.
- Expert guidance on composition, flight planning, and post processing.
- A deeper understanding of creative workflows and how to develop a distinctive aerial style.
- Networking and camaraderie with like minded photographers.
This workshop is designed to be a mix of adventure, education, and creativity. Whether you’re looking to refine your aerial photography skills or gain new inspiration, this three day experience will provide you with the tools and knowledge to take your drone photography to the next level.
If you’re keen to join, get in touch and secure your spot! If you’ like to check out any more of my workshops please head over to here
Alternatively if you’d like to learn more about Hutt Lagoon then visit this link here
Before you come
What it's really like
- Weather: cool mornings and warm, settled days, with a few flies around
- Flights timed around the light and the tides, so the plan can change from morning to afternoon at short notice
- Doors off on every flight, so you shoot from a whole open doorway, not through a window
- Evening image reviews and editing sessions
- Comfortable hotels in town between flights
- Comfortable clothes for the outdoors. Nothing formal needed
- One or two camera bodies, so you're not changing lenses in the air
- A 24-70mm and a 70-200mm (or similar) cover nearly everything
- A wrist or neck strap for every camera. Nothing loose in a doors off aircraft
- Plenty of memory card space and fully charged batteries for each flight
- A warm windproof layer, beanie and light gloves. It's cold up there with the doors off, even in the tropics
- Sunglasses with a strap, or a pair that sits firmly
- A small camera bag that fits at your feet on the flights
- A laptop with Lightroom for the evening sessions
- Your drone, batteries and spares for the ground sessions, if the trip includes them
- Hats, scarves or anything that could blow out of the aircraft
- Large camera backpacks on the flights. They stay in the vehicle
- Tripods on the flights
- Lens hoods and filters on the flights, as the wind catches them
Cancellations and travel insurance
More than 90 days before the workshop: full refund, less a change fee of AUD $500 (about USD $330).
Between 90 and 30 days before: I'll move you to a future workshop with a credit for what you've paid, less the change fee. Credits are valid for 12 months.
Within 30 days: payments can't be refunded, as it's very hard to fill a place at short notice. If something genuinely unexpected happens, I'll always do my best to work something out with you.
If I need to cancel: whether it's minimum numbers, weather, aircraft or anything else outside my control, I'll try to reschedule first. Otherwise you can choose a full refund or a credit to another workshop.
Travel insurance is essential. Please arrange cover for cancellation, medical and evacuation from remote areas, and ideally your camera gear too. World Nomads covers travellers from over 100 countries, and guests from the US can also compare plans on Squaremouth.
Good to know
Common questions
How long are the flights?
It varies by trip, but usually around one to two hours each. The flight plan is in the itinerary.
Will I get motion sick?
Most people are completely fine. If you're prone to it, take something beforehand and keep breakfast light.
Which lenses work best up there?
A 24-70mm and a 70-200mm will cover almost everything. Go much wider and you'll start catching the skids or the wing in your shots.
What's it like shooting with the doors off?
Loud, windy and unforgettable. You're harnessed in the whole time and everything is strapped to you. One tip: dress warmer than you think you'll need. Even in the tropics it gets cold up there with the door off.
Is there a weight limit for the aircraft?
The pilots need passenger weights to keep everything balanced and safe, so I'll ask you privately when we chat. It stays strictly between you, me and the pilot.
How does booking work?
Just fill in the enquiry form on the workshop page. I'll get back to you, normally within 24 hours, with the booking details, payment information and terms. Your place is confirmed once your deposit is paid.
Do I need aerial experience?
Not at all. As long as you know your way around your camera, I'll guide you through the rest. Shooting from the air feels a little unusual at first, but most people are comfortable by the end of the first flight.
What happens if the weather grounds a flight?
It's part of aerial photography. I build some flexibility into every itinerary and do everything I can to reschedule flights within the trip. The full details are in the terms and conditions.
How confident do I need to be with my drone?
You'll want to be comfortable taking off and landing from uneven ground and flying in a light breeze. If you're still building confidence, a few practice sessions before the trip make a real difference.
When should I arrive?
I recommend arriving the day before we start. Flights can run late, and it means you'll be fresh on day one. I'll send through the meeting point and time before the trip.
How much luggage can I bring?
Usually one medium sized bag for clothes and a second, smaller bag for your camera gear. Soft bags or a well designed hard case are both fine. We play a bit of suitcase Jenga each day, which is all part of the fun.
Will I have my own room?
Yes. Everyone has their own room on all group and private workshops, unless you'd like to share. The accommodation for each trip is listed on its page.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included in the price, so everyone pays for their own. On group workshops we usually eat together, which is one of the best parts of the trip, but if you'd like a quiet night to yourself that's completely fine.
Will I have phone coverage?
Most of the places we visit have phone coverage, with the occasional blank spot, usually while we're travelling between locations. From 2027 my expedition vehicles have Starlink on board as well, so staying in touch is easy.
Can my partner come along?
Often, yes. It depends on the trip and the seats in the aircraft, so just mention it when you get in touch and we'll work something out.
What if I'd rather do something private?
If the dates don't suit, or you'd like a trip built entirely around you, I also run private tours for one to three people. Have a look at my availability calendar and get in touch.