- From above
- 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.
Scott Jon Shark Bay (High End) Aerial Photography Workshop Itinerary (Please note this is just a summary below, for a detailed itinerary click book now or contact scott)
Workshop Ethos :
Over the past decade, I have both led and participated in numerous photography workshops with some of the leading photographers in the field. These experiences have shaped the unique approach we offer in our 2026 Shark Bay aerial workshop. Forget about classrooms and large groups sitting at desks for hours on end. This workshop is about adventure, education, and creativity in a relaxed natural environment.
Our focus is on sharing my in depth knowledge of Shark Bay from the air. You will learn how I plan my aerial shots and dive deep into my creative workflow during the editing process. This hands on approach allows me to dedicate ample time to each participant, ensuring that everyone receives the individual attention they need, no bouncing around to 10 people at desks with some missing out. Every participant will have the opportunity to pick my brain, regardless of their skill level.
Key Features of the Workshop:
- Intimate Group Size: We’ve capped the group at 4 participants. This means more personalized attention and a custom experience. It’s like a VIP pass to my photography brain.
- Daily Debriefs and Image Reviews: Every day includes hours of debriefing and image review. We’ll kick off with a quick group session, followed by one on one time where you can ask all your burning questions in a relaxed setting. The best part? Seeing the amazing shots we captured each day loaded up and ready to edit.
- Flexible and Open Schedule: While we’ve got a plan, it’s flexible enough to cater to your creative needs on a personal basis, including time to go and explore at your own pace or join me on a little adventure.
Before you go Breakfast:
- Breakfast is included, but (there’s always a but) if you want to avoid turning your big breakfast into an uninvited aerial participant, I suggest a very light snack on the mornings we shoot. We’ll have a proper breakfast when we return, even while we edit and review. Your stomach, and everyone else, will thank you.
Lunch and Dinners:
- Lunch and dinners are not included, but don’t worry, I’ve scheduled plenty of time for you to eat. I’ll always be around to enjoy lunch or dinner with you and talk shop, but you’re also welcome to have some alone time. The choice is yours, no pressure!
Monkey Mia Amenities:
- Monkey Mia has everything you need right on site, which is great because we’re about 20 minutes out of town. There’s a small grocery shop, two restaurants, and all the supplies you’ll need for our stay. For casual meals, the Monkey Bar is fantastic. The Boughshed is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it’s a great place to relax. We’ll be frequent visitors there, trust me.
Accommodation:
- You’ll be staying in the Monkey Mia Beach Villas or, if you’re sharing, the Beach Villa Apartments. This is the best way to experience Monkey Mia. You’ll be right on the beach with just a seagull and some bush between you and the water. It’s an experience in itself!
- Monkey Mia is packed full of activities, if you have down time, you’ll always have something to do or not to do, sit back on the beach and soak in some sun or come join me for a drive around the lagoons!
Transport
- Scott will provide daily drives to the airport and back, and his trusty 4WD will be available for small trips and supply runs. Shark Bay is wonderfully remote, it’s almost an hour’s drive off the main highway just to reach Denham, and then we’re another 15 to 20 minutes beyond that at Monkey Mia.
- If you’re coming from interstate, hire cars are available in Denham or Geraldton. Just a heads up, the kangaroos sometimes like to play chicken with cars, so drive carefully! If you need to be picked up from somewhere, just let me know. I’m happy to help. We’ll figure it out together and make sure you get where you need to be, no kangaroo wrangling required! Akvile my partner and assistant will be onsite to assist at all times with transport and other needs.
Additional Notes:
- Food: Breakfast is included, lunch and dinner are not included. Monkey Mia offers two main restaurants and pubs on the premises, with additional dining options available in Denham, approximately 20 minutes drive away.
- Transport: Transport to and from the small airport is available with Scott Jon each morning and evening if needed. Everything you need is on site at Monkey Mia. Scott is also available to assist with small errands or provide transportation using his vehicle when required.
- Flights or Transport: Transport to Shark Bay, including flights from Perth or Interstate is
not included in the workshop fee.
- Flights: Each flight session will be approximately 2 hours in total, including ground preparation, flying, and disembarking. Please dress comfortably and be prepared for varying weather conditions. All Cessna flights are included. (actual flight time will be 60 to 80 minutes per day)
- Sunset Cruise: The Aristocat 2 sunset cruise is a relaxed, scenic experience with drinks and snacks provided. Enjoy the stunning views of Shark Bay as the sun sets.
- 4WD Tour: The 4WD tour with Shark Bay Coastal Tours offers an immersive experience of the Francois Peron National Park, featuring the Big Lagoon and other coastal highlights.
*****For any further details or inquiries, please contact Scott at scott@scottjon.com.au or call on 0447744005******
Looking forward to capturing stunning aerial images with you!
Please view our full terms and conditions here
Before you come
What it's really like
- 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.
What past guests say
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aerial Workshop Shark Bay
Enquire now
If you'd like to book, just fill in the form and I'll get back to you, normally within 24 hours, to finish your booking.