If you are looking for a photographic getaway that offers a diverse range of shooting opportunities, then this is the workshop for you.
This workshop explores some of the many hidden treasures along this stretch of the Western Cape, from the rolling hills and backroads of the Overberg farmlands to the rugged coastline around De Kelders.
De Kelders, renowned for its brilliant whale-watching viewpoints, plays host to a long stretch of jagged cliffs and rocks that interact mesmerisingly with the ocean below. As the ocean water swirls in and amongst these rock faces, it creates a motion that is perfect for dramatic seascape shots and practicing the art form that is long exposure photography. Coupled with a sunset on the horizon, this location is a perfect place to get wonderful photographs.
Just inland from De Kelders lies the Overberg farmland region, bright yellow and green during the spring season this workshop is set in. Jon and Kyle have spent years meandering around the backroads of this area, locating some truly amazing compositions. The rolling hills that interchange between canola and wheat fields interact playfully with the shadows of the clouds above, providing incredible depth and contrast to images taken along these routes. Scattered around the sweeping valleys we will find lovely points of interest, like the many characterful wind pumps, so iconic to these farm regions; tree lines that jut out of the textured fields; and farm animals, birds and wildlife that make this region such a rich tapestry of natural wonders. And coupled with the stormy weather this region is known to produce, this area always provides fruitful photography sessions.
With our accommodation set initially on the waters edge at De Kelders and then in the scenic mountains, we will be perfectly positioned to capture this region at its best. As we travel this area Jon and Kyle will offer their expert advice on photographic settings, compositions, and the best light for each location.
This workshop is loaded with amazing locations and adventures that will have you inspired and excited in your photographic journey.
Group size:
6-8 people. Non-photographers / partners / spouses are also welcome at a reduced rate.
This workshop caters for beginners and advanced shooters. However, we do recommend photographers are familiar with their camera settings and layout and are comfortable shooting in manual mode. If you are unsure about your skill level or gear please feel free to contact us and ask any questions.
What's included:
Seascapes, landscape, nature photography
Amazing accommodation
ALL Breakfasts & Dinners
Two professional photographers
Photographic assistance for the duration of the tour, including composition, best times to capture the light and help with correct gear settings
Post-processing assistance and presentations
What's excluded:
Travel to locations - you will need to drive in your own vehicle (includes driving on dirt roads)
Expenses of a personal nature
All personal snacks and drinks
Accommodation
De Kelders: 49 on Cliff
Greyton: De Oude Pastorie
Price is per person sharing (pps*)
(single supplement extra 50%)
ITINERARY
De Kelders
DAY 1
Arrival and meet-and-greet at our seaside villa in De kelders. We will head out for a sunset shoot along the stunning rock features showing you the best locations to capture those amazing seascapes. Neutral density (ND) filters are highly recommended for this workshop. If you are unsure please send us a message and we will help you with any questions you have.
After shooting sunset we will head back for an amazing home cooked meal.
De Kelders (or Die Kelders; Afrikaans: "the caves") is a coastal village in the Overberg District Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa. Located 19 km south-west of Stanford, between Gans Bay and Hermanus. Afrikaans for ‘the cellars’, the name is derived from caves in sandstone cliffs there. De Kelders is also an excellent whale watching location.
De Kelders
DAY 2
Sunrise seascape photography session where will show you the best settings to achieve different water motion effects.
Following sunrise we will have a full breakfast which won't leave you hungry.
After breakfast you will have some free time and in the afternoon we will have a presentation on seascape photography and compositions.
The afternoon will involve a walk along the rocky outcrops to scout compositions for sunsets shoot.
Sunset we will capture seascapes along the iconic cliff faces of De Kelders.
After the sunset shoot we will head back for a local braai with amazing salads and garlic bread.
Overberg
DAY 3
An early morning as we head out into the Overberg region to capture the first light over the rollin canola and wheat fields. If we are lucky we may get some low fog which is prevalent at this time of year.
After our morning shoot we will have breakfast at a local farm cafe in the region and then make our way to our next accommodation on a lake in the mountains that surround the Overberg. This will be the perfect staging ground for our adventures in to the Overberg region.
After check-in we will have an editing workshop at the accommodation where we will assist you with editing your images captured so far.
The afternoon will see us head out again for that golden light over the yellow and green fields and maybe the occasional pair of blue cranes.
We will return for a home cooked meal in the peaceful mountains.
Overberg is a region in South Africa to the east of Cape Town beyond the Hottentots-Holland mountains. It lies along the Western Cape Province's south coast between the Cape Peninsula and the region known as the Garden Route in the east. The boundaries of the Overberg are the Hottentots-Holland mountains in the West; the Riviersonderend Mountains, part of the Cape Fold Belt, in the North; the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the South and the Breede River in the East.
The area has always been considered as the breadbasket of the Cape and is largely given to grain farming — mainly wheat. The wheat fields are a major breeding ground for South Africa's national bird, the blue crane. Another important crop in the Overberg is fruit, with the Elgin Valley producing about 60 percent of the total annual apple crop of about 819 000 tonnes (2012 data).
Nestled in the Overberg, one can find the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (recognised and registered with UNESCO) populated with a large diversity of flowering plants not found anywhere else in the fynbos biome.
The major towns are Hermanus, Caledon, Bredasdorp, Grabouw and Swellendam and the region includes Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. The landscape is dominated by gently to moderately undulating hills enclosed by mountains and the ocean.
The name, derived from Over 't Berg, means "over the (Hottentots-Holland) mountain" and is a reference to the region's location relative to Cape Town.
Overberg
DAY 4
Sunrise in the Overberg as first light catches the fields. We will visit some compositions that we have scouted over the years around the Overberg.
We will head back for a full breakfast followed by some free time to explore and relax on the farm. Early afternoon we will assist you with any editing you may need help with followed by a braai.
We will head out for a sunset shoot in the area.
Overberg
DAY 5
Our last morning will be sunrise shoot over the dam on the farm capturing the first light and mountain reflections.
This will be followed by a simple breakfast and farewells as we say goodbye to new friends until the next adventure with VentureKJ.
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is required one month prior to the commencement of the workshop. Cancellation 30 days prior to the workshop is 100% refund, 15-30 days a 50% refund, 15 days or less 0% refund.
This workshop has been planned to coincide with the best possible photographic conditions for its intended purpose. These conditions however cannot be guaranteed.
Our workshops are hosted in outdoor environments where conditions cannot always be predicted and where terrain can pose hazardous risks.
By choosing to join this or any of the workshops or events hosted by VentureKJ these risks must be accepted by the attendee, and Kyle and Jon accept no responsibility or liability for injury or loss of any nature. On acceptance of participation in this workshop you will be required to sign a liability waiver/s.
