The Experience
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort - New Moon Peak Manta Ray 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 June to September each year, manta rays return to call Lady Elliot Island home. Around the new moon, their behaviour intensifies. You may witness graceful mating chains, powerful surface feeding, and the mesmerising sight of mantas hovering effortlessly above cleaning stations.
I will be leading an exclusive workshop for a small group of just ten 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: 12th-17th July 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
• Sunrise and sunset 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 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
• 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 $3,495 shared or $4,395 exclusive
Garden Units: AUD $4,095 shared or $4,995 exclusive
Reef Units: AUD $4,395 shared or $5,395 exclusive
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 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 and 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:
We will all meet on Lady Elliot Island where we will be inducted and check in to our accommodation. We will then spend some time getting to know each other by exploring the island getting you familiar with the itinerary for the week and the island itself. It's then time for our first lesson in the water. After experiencing turtles, dolphins, manta rays and any other species we are lucky to encounter, we will then discuss our interactions and review our photos over an incredible buffet lunch.
The rest of the week will follow a similar schedule of in water learning. I believe the best way to learn is by doing, so this workshop focusses more on being amongst nature rather than being in the classroom.
What People Say - Read the Reviews
'Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun. Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting. I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired. I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.' - Eden Huigens
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!' - Johanna Renwick
'12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day' -Chailyn Macfarlane
Is this for you?
This workshop is catered for people at various stages of their underwater journey. From seasoned photographers comfortable with free diving down to depths of 15-20m to those that are just starting out. Guests will be split into groups based on their experience. Just because you can't freedive doesn't mean you won't see anything. Guests that are new to their underwater journey can spend time in the lagoon and in the shallow side of the Western Reefs. You'll be able to swim with turtles, sharks, rays and more. On our private charter, we will look for surface feeding mantas so you get the chance to swim with manta rays. For those of you comfortable with freediving, you will have the chance to see mantas at cleaning stations, leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom, various shark species from tigers to whalers and a range of other species.
Cost & Accommodation Type
The workshop cost will vary based on the accommodation type that you book. There are three types of accommodation available and they are available as either shared or exclusive. The accommodation types are as follows:
Eco Cabins (sleeps up to 4)
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.
$3,495 shared or $4,395 exclusive
$1,000 deposit required on booking with remaining balance due eight weeks before the workshop commencement date.
Garden Units (sleeps up to 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.
$4,095 shared or $4,995 exclusive
$1,000 deposit required on booking with remaining balance due eight weeks before the workshop commencement date.
For more information on the accommodation type, please refer to Lady Elliot Island's website here
Reef Units (sleeps up to 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.
$4,395 shared or $5,395 exclusive
$1,000 deposit required on booking with remaining balance due eight weeks before the 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.
