Elevate your photography skills on Scott Portelli’s aerial safari and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre Basin from above. Capture breathtaking aerial shots of this vast landscape, the world’s largest internally draining river systems. Spanning 1.2 million km2. Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) is a wonderland for anyone who wants to explore the Australian skies. During the day, we soar above the basin, and at night, Ari Rex will reveal his secrets in astrophotography under the Milky Way.
Hosts
Join Scott Portelli & Ari Rex, both award-winning photographers, for this 7 day workshop. Scott is well known for his wildlife, nature and aerial photography, and has photographed Australian landscapes extensively from the air. Ari is best known for his visual storytelling in landscape and astrophotography, a master of the night sky. They will both be on hand to help you get the best results.
Scott Portelli
Scott Portelli is an international award winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, the underwater environment and wild places.
Some of his recent accolades include:
Wildlife photographer of the year (single capture) at the Australian Photographic Prize 2024
Winner in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 & 2024.
Highly commended at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the year in London in both 2016 & 2022
Winner of Diversity Portfolio in HIPA Awards 2023
1st Place Winner as part of a team representing Australia at the World Photographic Cup 2021.
Winner at the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 in the ‘Other Animals’ category.
Ari Rex
Embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of astrophotography alongside Ari Rex, an esteemed luminary in both the realms of nature photography and astrophotography.
Renowned as the Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020 and the recipient of the prestigious Astrophotography award at the International Photography Awards IPA in 2019, Ari’s accolades further extend to securing first place in the landscape category at APPA 2021 for his remarkable work in the “Manmade” division. Ari’s profound expertise and acclaimed achievements form the cornerstone of this transformative workshop.
Under his expert tutelage, you’ll delve into the intricate art of capturing the ethereal splendor of the cosmos, crafting images that evoke profound wonder and admiration. Elevate your nocturnal photography prowess to unparalleled heights as you join us on this extraordinary expedition.
Cost
$12,950 AUD
Deposit $1500 AUD (Non Refundable)
Dates:
- 25th of April – 2nd of May 2025 – Limited spaces
- 20th of June – 27th of June 2025 – Limited spaces
Duration:
7 Days, 6 Nights
Group Size
Maximum 5 people
Itinerary (Sample)
- Day 1 – Transfer from Coober Pedy (approximately 2 hr drive). Arrive at William Creek, unpack, meet for dinner at 6pm – briefing and prepare cameras for aerial safari
- Day 2 – Morning flight over Lake Eyre, Springs/North Warburton creek (1) Lunchtime preparation session, Lake Eyre 4WD sunset session/Astrophotography/Milky Way session
- Day 3 – Morning flight over Lake Eyre South (2), Lunchtime editing session, Evening Astrophotography/Milky Way session
- Day 4 – Morning flight to Lake Eyre, Madigan Gulf (3), Evening Astrophotography/Milky Way session
- Day 5 – Lunchtime Editing session, afternoon flight over Painted Hills afternoon (4)
- Day 6 – Editing Day (Flight alternate day if weather conditions change) afternoon 4WD sunset session. Farewell dinner.
- Day 7 – Depart – Transfer to Coober Pedy
**Please note: all flights are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Note: The itinerary outlined above serves as a flexible framework, and we may need to make adjustments to better suit our needs and preferences. If you haven’t yet explored Lightroom Classic and are interested in trying it out, I recommend downloading the trial full version few days before the workshop. For those who already have it installed, please consider updating Lightroom Classic and Photoshop to the latest versions to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest features and information. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the workshop. Equipment hire is also available upon request, subject to availability
Location
6 nights/7 Days in William Creek
Start: Coober Pedy – William Creek
Finish: William Creek – Coober Pedy
Program (sample only)
Full program to be provided upon booking
6:45am Early morning flight (first light 6:45am)
9:00am Breakfast (William Creek Hotel)
11:00am Morning Preparation session
12:30pm Lunch(William Creek Hotel)
4:00pm Sunset/Milkyway workshop session (Outback Location)
10:00pm return to accommodation/sleep
NOTE: these times are subject to change in order to optimise the best weather conditions for our photography workshop sessions.
Maps
Accommodation
Ensuite cabin options for single, double or twin.
*Single supplement applies.
What to bring (full checklist will be sent prior to the trip)
- Equipment – Camera, tripod, camera harness or straps for plane
- Clothing – warm clothes, wind proof, gloves, neck buff, beanie, sunglasses
- Fly nets, Mosquito repellent, water bottles
Inclusions
- 4 x flights ranging from 1.5 – 2.5hrs each day
- 2 x 4WD photo sessions to Lake Eyre and outback locations
- 3 x Astrophotography workshop sessions with Ari Rex
- 3 x editing sessions (Astrophotography – LRC, PS – Blending foregrounds and sky)
- All meals at the famous William Creek Hotel
- Transfers from Coober Pedy to William Creek
Exclusions
- Domestic and international flights
- Alcoholic & other beverages
- Additional activities
- Travel insurance
Useful Links
SA detailed Map views – https://location.sa.gov.au/viewer/
Water Levels Lake Eyre – https://www.lakeeyreyc.com/Status/latest.html
Important Information
Contact Us if you’d like to join this adventure.
Please review our Terms & Conditions and Cancellation policy.
Download Liability Waiver
Download Booking Information Form
