- From above
- Drone
(Drone Focused, Rustic Wheatbelt Adventure) [SOLD OUT March 2025] This is now June 2026 bookings
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.
Workshop Ethos:
Welcome to our 2026 Wheatbelt Aerial Workshops! This experience is all about exploring the unique salt lake landscapes of Western Australia’s wheatbelt. These salt lakes, nestled between farmlands and along country roads, are a distinctive feature of the region and offer exceptional opportunities for drone photography. Over four days, we’ll explore the artistic techniques that Scott uses in his photography while also covering both the fundamentals and more advanced skills, tailored to suit your individual experience level.
While this workshop is rustic and full of character, it won’t be a luxury experience like some of our other workshops around Australia. Be ready for an authentic adventure experiencing the wheatbelt and taking in the vast farmlands that make up this beautiful region, packed with charm and side road explorations. This workshop is designed for those who love adventure, creativity, and learning in an intimate, hands on setting. We’ll be traveling together in a mini- van, staying in rustic outback accommodation, and dining at local spots to fully immerse ourselves in the region.
The salt lakes are scattered throughout the Wheatbelt, surrounded by vast wheat fields that provide a beautiful backdrop to these colorful features. The lakes are especially captivating from the air, where the varied hues and textures of the salt flats contrast dramatically with the earth tones of the farmland. The quiet and remote nature of these locations allows us to focus on capturing these stunning features without the distraction of crowds, making it a perfect environment for creativity and learning.
Key Features of the Workshop:
- Drone Focused Learning: This workshop is entirely dedicated to drone photography, providing you with the opportunity to master your drone skills in various Please note that having your own drone is a requirement for this workshop.
- Intimate Group Size: With a group size capped at 5 participants, this workshop offers a highly personalized experience. Each participant will receive one on one guidance and support throughout the workshop.
- Image Debriefs and Breakdown Sessions: Every evening, we’ll gather in our rustic accommodation for image breakdowns and I will provide individual feedback and guidance to help you get the most out of your aerial shots.
- Rustic Outback Accommodation: Embrace the outback lifestyle with our rustic accommodation in the Experience the charm of the Australian countryside while enjoying all the necessary comforts for a productive workshop.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and dinners are included to keep us fuelled for our adventures. Lunch will be on the go, wherever we end up, allowing flexibility and spontaneity in our daily plans.
Travel Information:
We will be traveling in a comfortable 12 seater minivan, ensuring there is plenty of room for all participants and their equipment. The maximum travel time on the first day will be around 3 hours as we head to our initial location. After that, our trips will be shorter, with only short skips and jumps between workshop locations. Fortunately, the area we’re exploring is quite compact relative to typical Western Australia road trips, allowing us to maximize our photography time and minimize lengthy drives.
I have a full itinerary available, if you would like to book or want more details just get in touch and I’ll get back to you with more information.
For any further details just contact Scott at scott@scottjon.com.au or call 0447744005.
I’m looking forward to exploring the Wheatbelt and capturing stunning drone images with you!
Check out my other 2026 workshops to see where else we’ll be heading in 2026.
Please read our full terms and conditions here
Before you come
What it's really like
- Weather: cold mornings and mild days, with a few flies around
- Early starts for first light and late finishes for sunset, with a rest in the middle of the day
- A fair bit of driving between lakes on quiet country roads and gravel tracks, with plenty of unplanned stops
- Flying from road verges, lake edges and dirt tracks
- Breakfast and dinner together most days, reviewing the day's images and planning tomorrow
- Simple, comfortable accommodation in small country towns
- No two trips look the same. Water levels and colours change every season
- Comfortable clothes for the outdoors. Nothing formal needed
- A Mavic 3 or Mavic 4 class drone (smaller drones struggle in the Wheatbelt wind)
- Your drone batteries (at least four) and your charger
- Spare propellers, at least two full sets
- ND filters, if you use them
- Plenty of memory cards, and a way to back up each night
- A laptop with Lightroom for our evening sessions
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Closed shoes you don't mind getting salty and muddy
- Your tripod, unless you'd like to do some ground shots
- A fixed schedule. We move with the light, the wind and the water
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
Can I hire a drone?
Yes. I have DJI Mavic 4 Pros available to hire for the trip for a small fee. Just mention it when you get in touch.
How do I keep my batteries charged?
Just bring your drone and camera batteries and your charger. Every expedition vehicle has up to 3000Wh of power on board, so we can keep everything charged on the road without heading back to base.
What if it's too windy to fly?
The Wheatbelt can get breezy. I plan the route with a few sheltered options, and when a calm window comes along we make the most of it.
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.