The Experience
Heron Island - Turtle Hatchling Season
Join me on a fully immersive 6 day photography and storytelling adventure designed to transform the way you see, shoot and share the natural world. From December to April 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.
I’ll be leading an exclusive workshop for a small group of six, 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.
Details
Dates: 1st-6th February 2027 - 5 nights / 6 days
Location: Heron Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef (departing Gladstone Marina, QLD) Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusions:
Travel & Accommodation
• Return ferry transfers from Gladstone
• 5 nights accommodation in Beachside Room (private and shared options available)
• Buffet breakfast daily
• Two course dinner each evening
• Environmental Management Reef Charge
Ocean & Wildlife Experiences
• Full snorkel equipment hire
• Guided snorkelling sessions with in water tuition
• Turtle hatchling and nesting access during peak season
• Sunrise and sunset guided wildlife sessions
• Island and reef ecology interpretation sessions
• Island activities, talks and Research Center tour
Education & Mentorship
This is where your experience separates from other workshops & expeditions:
• Welcome orientation and intention setting session
• Underwater photography fundamentals
• Action camera mastery session
• Introduction to freediving and underwater movement techniques
• Advanced underwater techniques and composition
• Mastering natural light
• Artificial Light Masterclass: Strobes and Video lights
• Storytelling for conservation and emotional impact
• Exposure mastery and manual shooting confidence
• Lightroom editing masterclass
• Video editing workflow for short form and long form
• Social media strategy for wildlife creators
• Ethical wildlife interaction principles
• Daily image review and personalised feedback
• Small group mentorship with Ross
Creative Assets & Resources
• Exclusive 2027 Heron Island Workshop T-Shirt
• Professional video and photo package from the week
• Digital education workbook
• Editing presets designed for ocean photography
• Access to Digital E-learning products
• Pre workshop Q&A
• Packing and camera setup guide
• Post workshop online group mentoring session
• Private alumni community access
• Certificate of completion
• Early access to future workshops
• Loyalty pricing for returning guests
• Optional underwater camera hire
Cost:
Shared accommodation (two people) - AUD $2,995
Private accommodation - AUD $3,595
Deposit:
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
Education in the field
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 workshop 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.
Who is This For?
This workshop is designed for aspiring and experienced photographers who are passionate about honing their skills in a small, intimate setting. It’s perfect for those who value personalised guidance and wish to deepen their connection with nature while respecting its delicate balance. With a maximum of six participants, this experience ensures minimal environmental impact, particularly in preserving the fragile journey of turtle hatchlings. Whether you’re looking to improve your technical abilities or capture meaningful, nature-inspired stories, this workshop offers the perfect blend of education, creativity, and environmental mindfulness.
The split of the workshop will be between on land photographing and underwater. Each evening will be spent photographing on land when the turtle hatchlings emerge and the mornings will be split between hatchlings and underwater sunrise sessions.
This is the perfect opportunity to get your first experience of photographing underwater if you haven't yet. I will have action cameras that you can use if you do not yet have your own.
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 Heron Island across three turtle hatchling seasons and have the knowledge and experience to locate them and photograph them in the best possible way. Ross also understands 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 six people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Accommodation, ferry, meals are included
About
What You'll Learn: During this immersive experience, 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 the perfect shot.
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. It is all about learning in the field and not in a classroom. You will learn by practising and having me there to help guide you as you photograph.
Why Ross Long is the Best Person to Teach: Ross Long is an award winning wildlife photographer. Over the last few years, Ross was a winner and finalist in numerous photography competitions 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.
Cost & Accommodation Type
There are two types of accommodation options to suit each budget: shared or private.
Reef Family Room (up to two guests, one queen bed, two single beds, desk, fridge, kettle and balcony) - AUD $3,195 Total cost
Reef Room (sole use, queen bed with desk, fridge, kettle, balcony etc) - AUD $3,595
All accommodation is situated on the beachfront. You will be footsteps from turtle nests, turtle hatchlings the beach and nearby reef.
A $1,000 deposit is required to secure your spot on booking. The remaining balance is due eight weeks before the workshop commencement date.
Don't miss your chance to join Ross Long on this extraordinary journey of discovery and creativity. Book your spot on my Heron Island Turtle Hatchling Photography Workshop today and let the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef inspire your photography like never before. limited to four people.
