Heron Island
Turtle Hatchling
PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP
Turtle Hatchling
PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP
An intimate workshop Experience
Designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, this intimate experience with a total of four guests allows for personalised guidance and hands-on instruction
Heron Island - Turtle Hatchling Season
From December to May each year, the sands of the dunes come alive as green turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests and embark on a remarkable journey to the ocean—a race for survival that’s as awe-inspiring as it is fleeting.
I’ll be leading an exclusive workshop for a small group of four, offering a unique opportunity to learn how to capture these incredible moments both on land and underwater. Designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, this intimate experience allows for personalised guidance and hands-on instruction.
17th-22nd March 2025
5 nights / 6 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of the ferry from Gladstone, island accommodation,
breakfast and ocean activities
Shared accommodation - AUD $2,249
Private accommodation - AUD $2,795
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with renowned wildlife photographer Ross Long in the natural wonder of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. My exclusive photography retreat offers you the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of turtle hatchlings making their journey from land to sea. Not only will we witness the incredible spectacle of turtle hatchlings, I will take you to some of my favourite underwater sites on the island, including the turtle cleaning station where there may be upto 20 turtles at one time. With average visibility of 20m and sleeping only meters from the reef, there is no place better to advance your camera skills. This unique experience will teach you how to interact, photograph and film wildlife on land and underwater as well as educate you about the species we encounter and how to edit the photos and videos you've captured.
Expert photography guidance from professional wildlife photographer Ross Long - Obtain all of my creative knowledge that I've gained over the course of my career
Reef and wildlife guide - I has photographed Heron Island across three turtle hatchling seasons and have the knowledge and experience to locate them and photograph them in the best possible way. I also understand the tides, currents, reefs and conditions to get the most of our underwater experience.
Education and awareness from on-site marine biologists - learn all about our marine interactions
Access to prime photography locations at sunrise and sunset
Intimate Group Size of four people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Breakfast, ferry (from Gladstone), reef management charge all included
From December to May each year, the sands of the dunes come alive as green turtle hatchlings emerge from their nests and embark on a remarkable journey to the ocean—a race for survival that’s as awe-inspiring as it is fleeting.
Join professional wildlife photographer Ross Long for an intimate retreat to Heron Island, a world class destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the underwater world. With average visibility of 20m and average water temperatures of 28 degrees, this island retreat is the perfect location to enhance your photography and videography skills.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island offer ideal conditions for snorkellers at all levels. The excellent visibility and various depths means that there is variety for all levels. Don't have an underwater camera? That's okay, I have a range of action cameras that you are welcome to use.
I’ll be leading an exclusive workshop for a small group of four, offering a unique opportunity to learn how to capture these incredible moments both on land and underwater. Designed for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, this intimate experience allows for personalised guidance and hands-on instruction.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, Heron Island offers an unforgettable experience where you will learn, make new friends and encounter moments that will change your life.
This workshop caters for all levels from those with absolutely no experience in the water to those that are avid underwater photographers. Maybe you're an aspiring wildlife photographer and wanting to improve your photography, this photography retreat will provide you with the knowledge to become better equipped and more comfortable at using your camera. Or perhaps you're already comfortable with your camera and just want to improve your skills. Or perhaps you don't even have an underwater camera and want to borrow an acition camera from me to see how it feels to become an underwater photographer.
This immersive experience does not focus only on camera settings. It will provide you with practical mindset and snorkelling techniques to help you anticipate and maintain patience that are essential in capturing breathtaking wildlife photography. You will also learn all about the marine life we encounter. There will be editing sessions too so you can get better at editing your photos and videos.
Any camera or action camera is suitable for this photography retreat. If you do not have an underwater camera, I have a GoPro, Insta 360 and Joby SeaPal for phones that can be borrowed. Included in the trip is snorkel hire. It is recommended however that you bring your own swimwear, wetsuits, rashies or wetsuit tops.
This is what you can expect from my Heron Island Photography Retreat
Turtle Hatchlings
They are the most difficult animal I have photographed. After years of practise, I have mastered the techniques needed.
There are a huge range of animals that we will encounter on Heron Island, this includes a large diversity of ray life including Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Cow Tail Rays, White & Black Tip Reef Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Turtles, Octopus, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks and much much more.
Ross has photographed for Heron Island Resort and been on multiple assignments to Heron Island for various tourist boards. His countless visits has therefore afforded him with local knowledge of the reef. He therefore knows when and where to have the best interactions with different types of wildlife. He understands the tides, currents, light and visibility more than most.
Ross has also photographed the turtle hatchling season three times. He has the experience and knowledge to locate their nests and how best to approach photographing them in order to get powerful photos that not only show their beauty but tell the story of their remarkable journey.
This knowledge will help benefit you in getting the best interactions, in the best conditions which will help you to capture moments that you only dreamt of.
About
Ross Long
Multi-award winning ocean, travel and lifestyle photographer, videographer and writer based in Byron Bay, Australia. I craft stories that evoke wanderlust and inspire audiences to pack up their bags and set out on their own adventure. My imagery seeks to connect audiences with nature and the natural environment.
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included, however, lunch and dinner are the only additional costs which can be bought on the day at the island.
Breakfast is included, however lunch and dinner will need to be purchased from the restaurant on the day. Soft drinks, hot drinks and alcohol is an additional expense.
The accommodation options are either private or shared.
Turtle Room - Private accommodation
Turtle Rooms are located in a garden setting made up of pisonia trees, which come alive when birds are nesting. The comfortable, compact rooms include an en-suite bathroom with shower. With two rooms in
each grouping, all Turtle Rooms are at a convenient ground level and feature a delightful timber deck and outdoor area. Turtle Rooms are close to North Beach.
You can learn more about the Turtle Rooms here
Reef Family Room - Shared Accommodation
Reef Family Rooms are found in 2 locations. Close to the jetty, resort facilities and near the Marine Center. The Reef Family Room interiors are light and comfortable; featuring modern streamlined bathrooms that match the lines of the living room. The stunning living areas face onto the water. They include
an en-suite bathroom with shower. They sleep a maximum of 5 people. Guests will have their own single bed.
You can learn more about the Reef Family Rooms here
Included in the cost of the trip is the ferry that departs from Gladstone Marina. This takes roughly 2.5 hours. It is recommended that you take sea sickness tablets if you know you suffer or if you are not sure if you suffer from it.
There is free long term parking at the ferry terminal.
There are no luggage restrictions.
Snorkel gear is included as part of the experience, however if you have your own I recommend bringing it. Wetsuits are also available to hire at an additional cost. Again, I recommend bringing your own.
Wetsuit, wetsuit top and wetsuit socks
Mask & Fins
Weight belt (also available to hire)
Camera gear (anything from professional gear to action cameras)
Laptop
A comprehensive list of equipment will be sent to you when you book.
This experience is catered for everyone from absolute beginner snorkellers to advanced snorkellers and beginner photographers to advance photographers. The purpose of the group sessions is to learn and experience together. There will be 1:1 sessions as part of the group session and individual 1:1 sessions throughout the trip.
Absolutely not, everyone will still have a fantastic experience in the water with an array of marine life. For those interested, I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for any unforeseen circumstances
The water temperature in March can be up to 30 degrees and average visibility is 20 meters. Although it is warm, we will be doing long sessions in the water and getting in at sunrise and getting out after sunset, therefore it is important to ensure that you have a good wetsuit to keep you warm over this duration.
No, there are no stingers on the southern great barrier reef. However this is not to say it is impossible. In extremely rare cases there could be the possibility. But the chances are extremely low.
Yes, it is important that you bring your own weight belt with weights.