Can I have your opinions please on a proposed "Photographer's Special Event"

[OzzieTraveller]

G'day all

As I have posted a number of times in the past, you are aware that I run digital photography training workshops throughout eastern Australia. All well and good

I have been approached by a major resort near some world famous caves to craft some "photographer's activites" for them ~ it would be run twice a year in Autumn & Spring for best weather etc. It would involve daytime & night-time photography; above ground & underground and include local flora, fauna & wildlife. As part of the activity, photographers would be taken to places not open to the public and given plenty of opportunity to get images not possible by regular visitors

It appears that many visitors tell them that "they didn't realise there was so much to photograph" - so the idea for a special photographer's event

Q-1 - does this sort of event interest you: would you be keen [forget the dollars] to become part of a "mad keen photographer's event"?
Q-2 - would you prefer 2-days or 3-days ?
Q-3 - how much would you expect a 'very good event' to cost ?
a) $500
b) $1000
ps- a normal visitor doing normal tours seems to pay about $150 to 200

Feel free to PM me for more information

Regards, Phil

[Rattus79]

I was once asked a similar question by one of queenslands major far north tourist attractions, it never went anywhere due to the large number of kilometers between us and a lack of funding. Allow me to try and answer a couple of your questions:

1) Events like this are driven by 2 things - 1 is location Eg The Story Bridge Climb has a photographic climb and is a pure photographic experience. Second is the name. Eg Ken Duncan's photographic trips. (that's my ultimate job the *^Censored&$!)

2) Number of days - depends purely upon location. Taking the story bridge as example, a couple of hours will do.

3) a VERY Good event by a brand name photograper goes to the order of $500+ (plus travel expenses)

feel free to send me some more info and I can possibly give a more informed opinion.

[ricktas]

I would say you need to find out the demographic of this visiting the caves. No use charging $1000.00 if most of the visitors are pensioners on day trips etc. Without knowing the type of people that are the regular visitors and the ones wanting to photograph more, you are just stabbing in the dark re a $$ figure.

[Warus]

My thoughts....

If you are running 2 workshops a year dedicated to improving photographers skills you are not aiming to grab the people who are doing tours from the resort who are tourists. As a tourist I wouldn't have much interest in a $1000 event.
As a photographer that had this aimed directly at me that I see benefit in gaining and polishing skills, access to areas not normally permitted and just a generally gaining knowledge and shared experiences with others who share my passion.

If this is the intention of the resort ie to bolster accom bookings during a slow period by looking for a niche then I think it may do well if targeted towards that market. If it's to add an additional element to the standard tourists day just to be a bit different then I'm not sure that will fly at the costs you mentioned. Then again if this is the Emirates resort in the Wolgan valley the clientele probably burn more than that lighting their cigars.

[zollo]

$500 for a two day special event sounds ok
$1000 for two days is smoking crackpipe unless you've got Ansel Adams doing one on one's with you
3 days is too long ie. time off work etc

these are just my opinions

[danny]

I have been in a few caves. Usually on school excursions (I'm a teacher). Every time I am in one I think it would be great to be there with no kids and lots of time + a tripod. I think there would definitely be a market.... but how much I'm not sure. Personally I wouldn't spend anywhere near the money you were talking, however to be honest this is only my opinion and it would probably be different to a lot of other more enthusiastic members out there.

Cheers
Danny

[farmer_rob]

What is the selling point? Is it that the photographer customer can get photos from spots others can't (cash for access)? Or is it more a workshop with special access? (Or a workshop on photographing "hard to photograph" subjects?)

I think that paying cash for access limits a) the price that can be charged, and b) the target market. I'd pay more for a workshop-style activity - with image reviews and guidance/assistance to get the best from the subject. Also, i think that would attract a wider audience than just the access.

Price - i'd have to consider the whole package cost - accommodation, travel etc. ( and partner costs). $1000 for 3 days (accom + workshop) seems reasonable.


Regards,
Rob

[Redgum]

As an example The South Africans regularly run (4 x per year) a specialised 14 day photographic tour for $14,000 (doesn't include airfares), maximum of seven people, truck, camp setup. That takes in around five sites, depending on weather, and includes professional instruction. Google SA photographic safari's. Don't think caves would have the same attraction (unlike Vietnam).
Mind you, cave photographic excursions have/are done in central South Australia but you have to do a week boot camp (physical) before you start.

[steved200]

I agree with Danny, if the caves are exclusive access for the photo group only then I would be interested, two days is probably too much though, and $500 is a big ask, but possible

[Analog6]

My 3 day landscaope Workshop in NZ cost $1000 odd, plus accommodation. It was worth every cent as the two pros conducting it, Mike Langford & Jackie Ranken, really knew their 'onions' and had superb local knowledge as well. Their web page is here.

[OzzieTraveller]

Thankyou Odille

This is very much along the lines that the organisers are thinking about
Q- how many students were working alongside you?

Regards, Phil

[Roosta]

G Day Phil,
Mate, when I started out, I went along to an organised shoot, on a local Poith beach that was run via a very good Camera Shop here. They had a couple of touring Pro's, They provided some gear (Mainly different brand UWA's and Flash units + remotes) for the shoot, aimed at mainly the Two main camera brands. The idea was an introduction to flash basics, using some pro lighting gear and models. They advised the settings and placed the models in different positions and used the studio lights to gain different effects. I found it worth while, but with limited knowledge at the time, it did open my eyes to exposure and settings(Still trying to get it right. LOL) so it was worth it.

Second main event was with Darren Jew, This was run by the same Camera shop in Poith (Who incidentally now have their own studio and school from the work drummed up & charge upwards of $400.00 for the privilege) It was held at the Poith Zoo, and included Canon sponsorship. My main attraction to this was firstly Darren, but a near enough to first, was the gear Canon where bringing. I got to use the latest 1D bodies with all myriads of lenses available for the day. Darren provided exposure hints and tips, focus and metering hints and tips, and at the end, some workflow with LR and PS.

Both the schools/outings had a limited number of people about 15 from memory, and for me personally, very well worth it.

I guess what I'm getting at is this, I you have a captive market and a big pull, it's an easy sell. I personally would love some quality time inside caves like Danny mentioned, as long as the right equipment was available and the teacher was up to speed with the techniques, and the numbers where kept reasonable. As Rick mentioned, you'll need to work the calculator to see what is a decent charge, can you get some backing from a Camera Brand or Lighting supplier or Shop? these are things that will help draw people.

As Redgum has mentioned, with all those years of experience there, The SA is a given, Manufactures make bloody big chunks of glass to suit markets like these, and with wildlife abound, it sells itself. It mightn't suit everyone's budget, but neither does flying first class with a major airline, but it attracts the people that can afford it. Needs/wants.

Shoot plug HERE This is the place that setup the shoots I attended.