The Experience
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort - Turtle Mating Season
Join me for a fully immersive six day photography and storytelling adventure designed to transform the way you see, shoot, and share the natural world.
From October to November, the Southern Great Barrier Reef transforms into a hub of activity as turtle mating season begins. Large adult turtles aggregate in the reef waters, with males chasing females in an extraordinary display of courtship. Alongside three species of sea turtle, guests may also encounter manta rays, dolphins, rays and an abundance of other marine life throughout the workshop.
I will be leading an exclusive workshop for a group of ten to twelve participants, creating space for genuine connection, personalised guidance, and hands on learning. Together, we will spend our days in the water and our evenings refining your craft, learning how to capture these extraordinary moments both underwater and above the surface.
This experience is designed for those who want more than just beautiful images. It is for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, greater confidence in their creative voice, and the skills to tell meaningful stories through their work.
Details
Dates: 31st October - 5th November 2026 - 5 nights / 6 days
Location: Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef
Inclusions:
Travel & Accommodation
• Return flights from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg (option to upgrade to fly from the Gold Coast or Brisbane)
• 5 nights accommodation in a variety of accommodation options to suit each budget
• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Environmental Management Reef Charge
Ocean & Wildlife Experiences
• Full snorkel equipment hire
• Guided snorkelling sessions with in water tuition
• Private boat expedition
• Guided wildlife sessions
• Island and reef ecology interpretation sessions
• Island activities, talks and island 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 snorkelling 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 video
• Social media strategy for wildlife creators
• Ethical wildlife interaction principles
• Daily image review and personalised feedback
• Small group mentorship with Ross
Creative Assets & Resources
• Professional video and photo package from the week
• 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
• Early access to future workshops
• Loyalty pricing for returning guests
• Optional underwater camera hire
Cost:
Eco Cabins: AUD $3,895 shared or $4,795 exclusive
Garden Units: AUD $4,595 shared or $5,495 exclusive
Reef Units: AUD $4,795 shared or $5,795 exclusive
Deposit:
AUD $1,000 non-refundable 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 retreat offers you the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of manta rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins, coral reef and tropical fish species in the crystal clear waters of this island paradise. 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 underwater as well as educate you about the marine species we encounter and how to edit the photos and videos you've captured.
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 Lady Elliot Island more than any other destination - I understand the tides, currents, reefs and conditions
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 ten people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation and flights (from Bundaberg/Hervey Bay) included
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. in 2023 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.
Cost & Accommodation Type
The workshop cost will vary based on the accommodation type that you book. There are three types of accommodation and they are available as either shared or exclusive. The accommodation types are as follows:
Eco Cabins (sleeps upto 4 guests)
Situated within 20 to 30 meters walk from the Lagoon, LEI recently upgraded Eco Cabins have solid walls, louvres for maximum air flow and a large front glass sliding door. The Eco Cabins sleep up to 3 adults. Lighting and power points are available in every cabin as well as a ceiling fan. The deck is furnished with two chairs for added relaxation. Guests enjoy a shared or private room with access to shared bathroom facilities, including showers and toilets, conveniently located nearby.
$3,895 shared
$1,000 non-refundable deposit required on booking with remaining balance due 6 weeks before workshop commencement date.
Garden Units (sleeps upto 2)
Situated within 20 to 30 meters walk from the Lagoon, the Garden Units are arranged in blocks of three, offering either a queen bed or a combination of a queen and bunk-style beds. Each unit features polished timber floors, ensuite bathrooms and a balcony set amongst the resort gardens to make the most of the resort views. The units are fan cooled and have a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
$4,595 shared or $5,495 exclusive
$1,000 non-refundable deposit required on booking with remaining balance due 6 weeks before workshop commencement date.
Reef Units (sleeps upto 2)
The Reef Units are located approximately 10 meters from the beautiful coral cay Lagoon, the Reef Units are the closest resort rooms to the Beachfront Dining Room. Arranged in blocks of three, they are ideal for couples or families, configured with a queen and bunk-style beds. Each unit features polished timber floors, ensuite bathrooms and a balcony to make the most of the island surrounds. The units are fan cooled and have a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
$4,795 shared or $5,795 exclusive
$1,000 non-refundable deposit required on booking with remaining balance due 6 weeks before workshop commencement date.
For more information on the accommodation type, please refer to Lady Elliot Island's website here
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Don't miss your chance to join Ross Long on this extraordinary journey of discovery and creativity. Book your spot on our Lady Elliot Island Photography Workshop today and let the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef inspire your photography like never before. limited to ten people.
