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Julian Rocks Leopard Shark and Manta Ray Workshop

Julian Rocks Leopard Shark and Manta Ray Workshop

Regular price $495.00
Regular price Sale price $495.00
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The Experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with ocean photographer Ross Long in the breathtaking coastal paradise of Byron Bay, Australia. My Leopard Shark & Manta Ray Photography Workshop invites you to explore Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks, one of Australia’s most extraordinary marine sanctuaries. 

Located just 2.5 kilometres off Byron Bay, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve sits where the warm tropical waters of the Coral Sea meet the cooler southern currents, creating one of the most biodiverse dive sites in the country. More than 500 marine species have been recorded here, from graceful manta rays and leopard sharks to turtles, rays, reef fish and even migrating humpback whales passing by in winter.

Every summer, leopard sharks and manta rays migrate south from the Great Barrier Reef to gather around the rocky bommies of Julian Rocks. This convergence of life is unlike anywhere else, mantas can be seen circling shallow cleaning stations, performing elegant underwater acrobatics, while leopard sharks rest peacefully on the sandy bottom below, their long tails weaving gently in the current.

Nguthungulli is one of the world's largest aggregation sites for leopard sharks. 

Join me in the heart of this thriving ecosystem to photograph, learn, and connect deeply with the ocean.

Nguthungulli is more than a dive site, it’s a reminder of how alive and interconnected our seas truly are and you get to be a part of it. 

Dates available: 07/03/2026

Duration: 9 hours (see itinerary below)

Departure Location: Brunswick Heads (20 minutes north of Byron Bay) 

Inclusive of double boat session to

Nguthungulli (4-5 hours in the water), lunch, refreshments, group education sessions, 1:1 education session, editing workshop and equipment hire 

Just 2 spots available 

Education in the field 

This hands-on workshop is designed to teach you how to interact, photograph, and film some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures: leopard sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles, all in their natural environment. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the incredible marine life we encounter through educational insights and in-water guidance.

We’ll begin the day early with a 90-minute photography and videography tuition session, where I’ll share essential techniques, camera settings, and ethical approaches to marine life interactions. From there, we’ll board the boat and head out to Nguthungulli / Julian Rocks, one of Australia’s most diverse and awe-inspiring marine reserves.

You’ll spend four to five hours in the water, split into two dedicated sessions. The first session focuses on mastering wide-angle compositions, achieving smooth underwater video footage, and refining your approach to natural-light photography. Afterward, we’ll regroup on the boat for refreshments and an open Q&A, giving you the chance to review your shots, discuss techniques, and prepare for the next dive.

During the second session, I’ll work closely with you one-on-one to help you advance your skills, build confidence in the water, and capture the kind of imagery that tells powerful ocean stories.

The Benefits

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 - Ross has photographed Julian Rocks more than any other dive site - this is his local and he understands the tides, currents, reefs and conditions

Education and awareness from marine naturalists - learn all about our marine interactions from marine expert Ross Long and Glenn Saunders

Contribute to marine science - you have the opportunity to photograph and tag manta rays and leopard sharks. If you identify an unrecorded animal, you have the opportunity to name it. 

Access to prime photography locations with WildByron 

Intimate Group Size of twelve people - arrive as strangers, leave as family

What You'll Learn: You'll learn expert techniques from Ross Long himself, an award winning wildlife photographer with a deep passion for marine life. From mastering composition and lighting to understanding wildlife behaviour, Ross will guide you every step of the way to ensure you capture images you've always dreamt of capturing. 

Why This Experience is Unique: Unlike traditional photography workshops, our photography-focused excursions are designed specifically for aspiring photographers who want to hone their skills while experiencing the beauty of nature up close. We will be onboard with Wild Byron who have been running snorkelling tours for over ten years. Skipper Glen is unmatched when it comes to safety and experience. 

Why Ross Long is the Best Person to Teach: Ross Long is an award winning wildlife photographer. in 2023 & 2024 he was a winner and finalist in numerous photography competition including the Sony Alpha Awards and the Ocean Photographer of the Year. Ross is a self taught photographer who believes that the art of photography is best learnt by being in the field. Ross Long is renowned for his ability to capture stunning images that evoke emotion and inspire change. His passion for conservation and dedication to educating others make him the perfect mentor for aspiring photographers looking to make a meaningful impact through their art.

The Schedule: 
6:00am -
Meet at Brunswick Heads for pre-dive education session where we will run through photography techniques, dive etiquette and marine interactions. 
7:00am
- Gear-up and prepare to head out to Nguthungulli Julian Rocks 
7:15am - Depart to Nguthungulli Julian Rocks where we will do our first water session  snorkel and photograph in the water 
10:30am - Return to the boat for refreshments and a Q&A session 
11:00am - Jump back into the water where I will commence 1:1 sessions
1:30pm - Arrive back at Brunswick Heads & Lunch 
2:00pm - Editing Workshop 
3:30pm - Session Close

Cost 

Workshop cost is AUD $495

-

Don't miss your chance to join Ross Long on this extraordinary journey of discovery and creativity. Book your spot on my Leopard Shark & Manta Ray Photography Workshop and let the beauty of

 

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks inspire your photography like never before. Limited to 10 guests. 

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Testimonials

A preset pack that actually works. I've been trying to get these colours for so long.

Jordan H

Cairns, Aus

I'm so grateful for the video that's included to help walk me through your editing process

Danny G

Sydney, AUS

These presets actually helped me overcome that feeling of not knowing where to start. They made my images so much better.

Kris P

Los Angeles, CA

I couldn't be happier with the quality of my print. The image and framing was top notch! Thanks!

Tim S.

Sydney, AUS

I have brought my love for turtles indoors with one of Ross's beautiful framed prints of a turtle from Heron Island.

Sammie H.

Gold Coast, AUS

I love the details I received with my print. The story of how the image was captured and the certificate of authenticity made it feel like I have a collector's item.

Dom G.

Byron Bay, AUS

Really happy with my prints. Easy, no fuss, good quality and ready to be hung straight from unpacking.

Sam B.

Gold Coast, AUS

This was the perfect gift and showed up in no time at all. Thanks!

Gordon B.

Sydney, AUS

A preset pack that actually works. I've been trying to get these colours for so long.

Jordan H

Cairns, Aus

I'm so grateful for the video that's included to help walk me through your editing process

Danny G

Sydney, AUS

These presets actually helped me overcome that feeling of not knowing where to start. They made my images so much better.

Kris P

Los Angeles, CA

I couldn't be happier with the quality of my print. The image and framing was top notch! Thanks!

Tim S.

Sydney, AUS

I have brought my love for turtles indoors with one of Ross's beautiful framed prints of a turtle from Heron Island.

Sammie H.

Gold Coast, AUS

I love the details I received with my print. The story of how the image was captured and the certificate of authenticity made it feel like I have a collector's item.

Dom G.

Byron Bay, AUS

Really happy with my prints. Easy, no fuss, good quality and ready to be hung straight from unpacking.

Sam B.

Gold Coast, AUS

This was the perfect gift and showed up in no time at all. Thanks!

Gordon B.

Sydney, AUS