I recently attended a lap of Sth island New Zealand photography workshop with Scott McCook. It was the most memorable photography tour I have attended and this was my 4th overseas. It was meticulously planned and when changes had to be made it didnt make a difference to the workshop. The locations and helicoptor were amazing. I commend Scott and Paul on your kindness and friendship. I will be attending more of your workshops.
Private trips
Private aerial photography trips, designed around you
Tell me which places in my work you keep coming back to, and I'll build a trip around them: the season, the light, the tides and the aircraft, planned from scratch and guided personally by me.
- When
- March to November
- Length
- Two to fifteen days or more
- Group
- Just you, or up to three guests
- From above
- Drone, helicopter, fixed wing and on the ground
- Included
- Planning, guiding, stays and editing, with your own room always
- Price
- A tailored quote for each trip
How it works
Your trip, start to finish
Private trips have quietly become the heart of what I do. Most of my bookings each year are one on one or small private groups, first across Australia, then New Zealand, and now the United States.
The idea is simple. You tell me what you'd love to photograph, how long you have and how you'd like to fly, and I design a trip entirely around you. No fixed itinerary, no group to keep pace with and no compromise on the light.
Whether it's a focused two or three days over the salt lakes, a week in the Kimberley or a fifteen day journey across half of Western Australia, every trip is planned from scratch and guided personally by me.
- Tell me what draws you
Pick the places from my work that you keep coming back to, or tell me about somewhere new. If you're not sure yet, that's fine too.
- I design the trip
A route built around the season, the tides and how you'd like to fly, with a clear quote that covers everything.
- I take care of the details
Aircraft, pilots, accommodation, vehicles, timing and access, all organised for you through relationships built over many years.
- We go and make images
Just you, or your small group, and me, with one on one guidance in the air and on the ground, plus editing sessions along the way.
Where your vision leads
Follow what moves you
Depending on what drives your creative vision, whether that's colour, pattern, texture or wild open country, these are some of the regions we can explore together. Add the ones that draw you and they'll be waiting in your enquiry below.
Lakes that turn pink, gold and green with the seasons.
Seagrass banks, tidal channels and pink water, flown with the doors off.
Tidal creeks and pindan cliffs around Broome and the Dampier Peninsula.
Rivers of mud that draw new patterns with every tide.
Salt lakes and mine country deep in the interior.
Floodplains and river systems that come alive after the wet.
Glaciers, braided rivers and alpine lakes.
The colour fields of the Great Salt Lake and the desert beyond.
I lead photography workshops for a living, so I don't give glowing reviews lightly. … The man knows his locations cold: the right spots, the right light, the right windows.Matt Payne · Nine day private tour, Western Australia
Kind words
What past guests say
I participated in Scott’s South Island photography workshop in May 2026, and it was an absolutely outstanding experience. Scott possesses an incredible depth of knowledge across aerial, drone, and ground-based photography. Because the group size is kept small, everyone receives plenty of personalised attention in a highly supportive, non-competitive environment. Beyond his technical expertise, Scott is an all-around fantastic guy who ensures everyone feels welcome. I can’t recommend his workshops highly enough—book a spot and you'll be in expert hands!
I just completed Scott's Wheatbelt Salt Lakes workshop. Scott takes you to incredible locations where you get to capture great images, with so much energy and passion. Scott is willing to help and generously shares his knowledge and skills. Scott, your workshop is fabulous; you are an incredible artist with a desire to help your participants in their photography. You provided me with the best experiences for my drone photography. I would highly recommend Scott's workshops to anyone wanting to capture amazing aerial scenery.
I lead photography workshops for a living, so I don’t give glowing reviews lightly. When I say Scott McCook delivered one of the best workshop experiences I’ve had, that means something. My buddy and I spent 9 days with Scott shooting aerial photography across Australia, and he absolutely delivered. The man knows his locations cold: the right spots, the right light, the right windows. That’s the whole game in aerial work, and he had it dialed. Beyond the craft, Scott is genuinely fun to spend time with. Nine days in the field with someone is a real test of character, and he passed easily. Professional, funny, and completely focused on making sure you walk away with images you’re proud of. One moment stood out above the rest: on my way to Australia, I damaged a lens. Before I even had time to stress about it, Scott had sourced and bought me a replacement. That’s not something you do for a client. That’s something you do when you actually care about the experience someone has on your trip. If aerial photography is on your radar, stop deliberating. Book Scott McCook. You won’t regret it.
I can’t recommend Scott McCook’s aerial photography workshop in Western Australia enough! Especially his Shark Bay workshop. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, dependable, and passionate about his craft. Scott’s humor and friendly attitude made the experience both fun and inspiring. He is truly the very best at what he does, and his expertise shines through in his teaching. Whether exploring the breathtaking Shark Bay, the iconic Hutt Lagoon, or the industrial tailings, Scott’s guidance made capturing stunning aerial images an unforgettable experience. If you're looking to elevate your photography from a new perspective, Scott is the ultimate workshop provider.
Scott is an incredible teacher, artist and human. He went out of his way to make sure we visited incredible locations. I was lucky enough to have a 1:1 adventure with him. Intensely long days, lots of driving and insane locations. Scott is so dedicated to his mission to create a safe, inclusive learning environment, with positivity and energy. We had a blast! From being escorted out of the sky by eagles to jumping up and down with excitement at the latest location. 4 days flew bye. Best experience with a brilliant person.
Had the most incredible time exploring Western Australia with Scott. No one knows this area better than he does. Highly recommend touring with him.
I recently attended Scott’s Aerial Art photography class in Sydney and enjoyed the experience immensely. As an avid aerial photographer, I’m always interested in how other professionals plan their shoots and approach their post-production workflows. Scott provided valuable insights on both fronts. Even as an advanced Photoshop user, I found his guidance—particularly his approach to colour separation—exceptionally useful and immediately applicable to my own work. I highly recommend Scott’s class to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of planning, shooting, and editing aerial photography. It’s an excellent learning experience for photographers looking to advance their skills in aerial photographic art.
I just completed Scott's wheat belt tour. It was amazing despite threatening rain at the start. Scott was flexible and changing plans to accommodate the weather. Scott's focus was solely on the participants to ensure that they got the best photos possible. He was generous with advice on techniques, composition and post production. Most of all Scott was friendly and encouraging, and I would defiantly recommend his tours.
I had the best time at Scott's workshop. I was pretty new to the drone and left feeling a lot more confident in it. He took us to some really cool places, I feel like I got to see a lot of Australia most people usually don't get to. He was very knowledgeable and helpful with everything. I hope to join him again in 2027!
Scott is a fantastic mentor and hoist, he gave valuable feedback and we were treated to a magical drone ride.
Just finished an awesome 7 day group workshop of salt lakes and tailing ponds followed by an incredible 4 day private workshop with guru Scott McCook. This man knows his stuff and got us to the places where we got insanely great images. Thoroughly recommend Scott for outstanding aerial photography experiences.
Why a private trip with me
Years in the air, shared with you
I've spent more than a decade scouting remote country from the air, on the ground and on the map, finding locations most photographers will never hear about.
That kind of knowledge can't be found online. It comes from flying the same regions in different seasons, talking to station owners, pilots and locals, and learning when and where the light does something special. On a private trip, all of it goes into your itinerary.
Over the years I've also built close working relationships with the pilots, operators, landholders and lodges that make these trips possible. It means I can often arrange flights, access and timing that simply aren't available to the public, and adjust quickly when the weather or the light changes.
- Shark Bay and Hutt Lagoon
More than 200 hours in the air over the World Heritage area, so I know which tides bring out the patterns and which routes give the best angles in the shortest flying time.
- Broome, Derby and the Kimberley
Many hours over the tidal creeks, mudflats and pindan cliffs of Broome, Derby and parts of the Kimberley, timed around some of the biggest tides in the world.
- The central Wheatbelt
Salt lakes I've watched change colour season after season, many of them rarely photographed from above.
- The Goldfields and the interior
Probably more time than anyone I know photographing the mine sites, tailings ponds and salt lakes of the Goldfields and the interior, where so many of my abstract works begin.
Signature journeys
Two of my favourite long routes
Fifteen days, two guests, and some of the most remote country in Western Australia. Both can be shaped around you, or used as a starting point for something entirely your own.
The Grand Tour
Perth to the Kimberley coast, by way of salt lakes, Shark Bay and the Coral Coast, finishing in Broome.
Ask about The Grand Tour
The Long Way Round
Through the interior, from the Goldfields to the Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle, finishing in Broome. Can be shortened to around ten days.
Ask about The Long Way RoundThe Grand Tour, stop by stop
Perth to Broome, about 15 days, up to two guests. The full length of the Western Australian coast from above, timed around the tides and the light.
- The Wheatbelt salt lakesWe start inland, photographing salt lakes that shift from white and pink to deep red, before heading north to the coast.
- Hutt Lagoon and Shark BayThe famous pink lagoon, then the seagrass banks, tidal channels and red dunes of the Shark Bay World Heritage area.
- Ningaloo and ExmouthTurquoise reef, white beaches and the rugged gorges of the Cape Range.
- Point Samson and the Pilbara coastIron red country meeting the ocean, with mangroves, salt works and tidal flats full of colour.
- Broome, the Dampier Peninsula and One Arm PointCable Beach, red pindan cliffs and some of the biggest tides in the world.
- Derby and King SoundVast tidal rivers and mudflats that create extraordinary tree like patterns from above, before we finish back in Broome.
The Long Way Round, stop by stop
Perth to Broome through the interior, about 15 days, up to two guests. Can be shortened to around ten days by starting from Kalgoorlie or Broome.
- Kalgoorlie and the GoldfieldsThe Super Pit, tailings ponds and mine infrastructure that make striking industrial abstracts, plus the vast salt lakes around Lake Lefroy and Kambalda.
- The Bungle BunglesThe beehive domes of Purnululu National Park, best seen from a doors off helicopter in the early light.
- Lake Argyle and KununurraOne of Australia's largest freshwater lakes, with islands, inlets and the farmland of the Ord River below.
- Wyndham and the Cambridge GulfHuge braided river mouths and tidal flats where five rivers meet the sea.
- BroomeWe finish on the coast, with the option of extending into the Dampier Peninsula and Derby.
Both journeys can be shortened, extended or combined with other regions, and every day is adjusted to the weather and the light as we go.
From above
How you'll fly
Every trip can combine whichever platforms suit you and the locations.
- Doors off helicopter
The most flexible way to shoot from the air, with the freedom to hover, circle and chase the light. Ideal for the Kimberley, Shark Bay and the South Island.
- Doors off Cessna
A wonderful way to cover large distances and see the scale of places like Shark Bay and the salt lake systems, often at a lower cost per hour.
- Drones
Perfect for slowing down, refining compositions and working a location in detail. Bring your own, or ask me about hiring a DJI Mavic 4 Pro for the trip.
- On the ground
Sunrise and sunset sessions, landscape work and the chance to experience these places up close.
New to aerial photography? That's absolutely fine. Many private guests are flying doors off for the first time, and I'll walk you through everything from settings to safety before we go up.
On the road
How the days run
No two days are quite the same, because the light, the tides and the weather set the schedule. A typical day looks something like this.
- First lightOut early
Early starts for the soft light, whether that's a flight, a drone launch or a location on the ground.
- Through the dayTravel and scouting
Moving between locations, scouting and timing flights to the tides, with time to rest and look back over your images.
- Late lightBack out
The last of the light is often the best of the day, so we're back in the air or on location for it.
- EveningsEdit and recharge
Editing sessions when you want them and your own room every night. The expedition vehicles carry up to 3000Wh of power, with Starlink on board from 2027.
Scott Jon · Calendar
Availability
Private bespoke tours and group workshops at a glance. Open dates are available for custom expeditions.
- Private bespoke
- Group workshop
- On hold
- Off-season, not touring
- Open
Private bespoke tours
Years of groundwork, shared with you
Over the years I've spent a lot of time working in the remote Goldfields, the salt lakes, Shark Bay, the Pilbara and the Kimberley. On a bespoke tour I share that knowledge with you, from locations that are rarely shot to well known places seen from a completely unique perspective.
These tours are about the access and the knowledge I share with you. Being in the right spot at the right time with the right gear can take years of work, and a bespoke tour cuts most of that out for you.
They're one on one, or a small private group of two or three at most. With so few people we can stay flexible and move quickly when the conditions line up, instead of working to a fixed group schedule.
Every trip starts with a conversation about what you'd love to photograph and how you like to work. I then plan the route around the things that make or break a shoot, like when the salt lakes are holding colour or when the tides drop low enough to expose the patterns on the mudflats. I look after all the logistics, so your time goes into the photography, whether that's from a helicopter, a Cessna or a drone launched off a remote dirt track.
- Where
- The Goldfields, salt lakes, Shark Bay, the Pilbara and the Kimberley, plus New Zealand and parts of the US
- From above
- Helicopter, Cessna and drone
- Group size
- One on one, or up to three people
- Length
- Usually 5 to 15 days
Tell me where you'd love to fly and roughly when. I'll come back to you personally.
Planning
When to go and what it costs
Private trips run from early March to the end of November, in Western Australia, New Zealand and the United States. December to February is my off season, so I don't run any trips over those months.
Within that window there's plenty to choose from. Custom trips across Western Australia, the South Island, Utah, Arizona and California can each be timed around the best light and conditions, so we can find the right time of year for wherever you'd love to go.
Because every trip is different, pricing is tailored to your plans. The biggest factors are the length of the trip, the amount of flying and the mix of aircraft. Flights can be included up front or added along the way when the conditions are right, so you're never paying for time in the air that the weather won't reward. Once I know a little about what you'd like to do, I'll send you an itinerary and a clear quote, with no obligation.
Cancellations and travel insurance
More than 90 days before your trip: 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 trip 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 the time 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 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 trip.
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.
Questions
Things people ask
Anything else, just ask. I'm happy to talk it through.
How does booking work?
Send me your ideas using the form on this page. I'll come back to you, normally within 24 hours, with suggestions and a few questions. Once we've settled on a plan, I'll send an itinerary and quote. A deposit confirms your dates, and the balance is invoiced 90 days before the trip.
How far ahead should I book?
The earlier the better, especially for the Kimberley and Shark Bay between May and September, as aircraft and accommodation book out. That said, I can sometimes put a trip together at shorter notice, so it's always worth asking.
What's included?
Your itinerary, guiding (with as much tuition as you'd like), accommodation, ground transport during the trip and editing sessions. Aerial flights can be included from the start or added as we go, depending on the conditions on the day. Meals and your travel to the starting point aren't included. Your quote will list everything clearly.
Can I bring my partner or a friend?
Of course. Partners who don’t photograph are very welcome, and a couple of photography friends can join to share the trip. I'll tailor the plan and quote to suit.
Do I need to be an experienced photographer?
Not at all. I've guided complete beginners and working professionals. If you'd like to learn, I'll shape the guidance around where you are now and where you'd like to go. If you already know your craft, I'll get you to the right locations in the right light and keep everything else running smoothly.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you combine Australia with New Zealand or the USA?
Yes, though most guests focus on one region at a time to make the most of the light and the flying. Tell me what you have in mind and I'll suggest the best way to do it.
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.
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.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included in the price, so everyone pays for their own. Your quote will list exactly what is and isn't covered.
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.
Do you work with other workshop operators?
Yes. I regularly design and run custom expeditions for other photography workshop operators, acting as the local fixer in these regions. For these, groups of up to six participants plus drivers can be arranged. Get in touch and we can talk through what you have in mind.
Plan my private trip
Tell me what draws you
Pick the places from my work that caught your eye and tell me a little about the trip you're imagining. There's no commitment at this stage. I'll get back to you personally, normally within 24 hours, with ideas, dates and a tailored quote.
Prefer Instagram? Message me @scottjonphotography