PRINGLE BAY WORKSHOP
23-25 February 2024
18-20 October 2024
R7 500 pps*
3-day workshop
Kogel Bay is one of South Africa’s most iconic seascape photographic destinations and lies just next to the hidden seascape gem of Pringle Bay. Making this the perfect workshop for learning the art of long exposure photography.
Just a short drive away from Cape Town lies the small seaside town of Pringle Bay, one of the most untapped and underrated seascape venues in South Africa.
What makes this location so special is the bays unique geographic position that allows for unique seascape photographs to be taken facing north, south, east and west.
The coastline is lined with sharp jagged rocks and battered by the open waters of the Indian Ocean, and this invariably creates dramatic scenes and fantastic photographic opportunities. Pringle Bay forms the base for this workshop from which we will photograph beautiful compositions such as the Hangklip lighthouse, the dramatic rocks of this coastline, and the stunning reflections in the many rock pools of this area.
Heading out from Pringle Bay, we will spend and evening photographing Kogel Bay, one of South Africa’s most iconic seascape venues. This is a perfect spot to photograph sunset against the high Cape mountains that jut out in the sea.
Lastly, we will spend an afternoon photographing the cascading waterfalls of the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. A lush foresty valley tucked just minutes away from our base in Pringle Bay, adding diversity to this already scenic workshop.
The theme of this workshop focuses on long exposure photography, in which we show you the many techniques of capturing those smooth, silky water effects that are so eye-catching. Kyle and Jon are both experts in this form of photography, representing international filter brand NiSi as South African ambassadors. And with demo kits at their disposal, this gives you the opportunity to try these long exposure techniques for yourself with expert guidance.
Jam-packed with exciting excursions and expert advice, this workshop is the perfect photographic weekend getaway.
Group size:
4-6 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, nature, long exposure 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
Expenses of a personal nature
All personal snacks and drinks
Accommodation
Gear We Recommend For This Workshop
CAMERA GEAR
DSLR or mirrorless camera body
Wide angle, mid range and telephoto lenses (16-35mm / 24-70 mm / 70-200mm)
TRIPOD
Leofoto LY-284C + LH-30 Carbon Fiber Kit
FILTERS
NiSi Neutral Density and Polarising Filters
BATTERIES
Hähnel Lithium Ion Batteries
MEMORY CARDS
Delkin Memory Cards
BAGS
ThinkTank Backstory Camerabags
ITINERARY
DAY 1
This is a great workshop if you wish to learn how to use Neutral Density (ND) filters for long exposure photography.
We selected Pringle Bay for this workshop as it has seascape, waterfall and lighthouse locations ideal for mastering long exposure techniques. If you do not have a filter system for your camera we can reccommend systems to you. We will also have demo systems available for for to use if you are unsure and wish to first try the systems out.
Arrival is on Friday afternoon, followed by a sunset seascape session where we will show you how to use the filter systems and the correct settings to achieve different long exposure effects.
Your feet will get wet on this trip so make sure you have aqua shoes. This trip is a lot of fun and one of our favourites due the diversity of compositions ideal for long exposure photography.
Pringle Bay is a small coastal village in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, in South Africa. It is situated at the foot of Hangklip, on the opposite side of False Bay from Cape Point. The town and surrounds are part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The bay is named after Rear-Admiral Thomas Pringle, of the Royal Navy, who commanded the naval station at the Cape in the late 1790s.
Situated between Betty's Bay and Gordon's Bay, many of the houses in the small community are only used as holiday houses by their owners. It is accessed by the R44, which connects it to the N2.
Pringle Bay is well known for the Hangklip (hanging rock) that leans out to sea and marks the eastern end of False Bay. The Hangklip Mountain at 484m above sea level is packed with numerous natural caves, and was once a refuge for bandits and slaves escaping their Dutch masters, hence the mountain cave being named “Drostersgat” - Deserters Cave.
The beach is exposed to the wind, and frequently empty. The village is regarded as one of the safest in the country, naturally being family friendly and is home to a number of restaurants and curio shops which serve locals, holiday-makers and passers-by.
The accommodation features: Luxury Rooms, Inside Fireplace, Braai Area, Wifi, Close to Town
DAY 2
AN early start to the day as we head out to Hangklip Lighthouse before sunrise to capture the light beams.
As the sun rises we will capture stunning lighthouse reflections in the rock pools, as well as the morning light across the waves as they crash and fall over the exquisite rock features in the area.
After our morning of capturing images around Hangklip we will head back for a great breakfast to energise us for the remainder of the day.
After breakfast we will head out to the Leopards Kloof waterfall. This is a stunning valley filled with ancient ferns and multiple waterfalls creating stunning compositions ideal for long exposure photography. The walk is approximately 3km return and relatively flat. For those not able to do the walk you will explore the botanical gardens, capturing amazing reflections in the many pools throughout the gardens.
Early afternoon will be a presentation on long exposure photography and the different ways to use filters to best achieve a desired result.
Following this we will have a local braai and then head out to shoot seascapes and sunset at the iconic Kogel Bay beach.
Kogel Bay is located between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els and borders Clarens Drive, a 20 kilometre scenic route that boasts whale watching opportunities along largely undeveloped parts of the coastline.
It is situated between high mountains, surrounded by indigenous fynbos and a 4 km sandy beach, and forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The high mountains shelter the beach from the strong south-easter winds during summer.
DAY 3
Our last morning will be a seascapes sunrise or big wave shoot depending on the weather.
Following the morning shoot we will have a simple breakfast and say our fond farewells to new friends made, 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.
REAL TESTIMONIALS
Words from Previous Clients
I went on the Pringle Bay workshop with Kyle and Jon. The accommodation was really nice, and the food was excellent. We had a busy weekend which included early morning trips for the sunrise, an afternoon trip to a waterfall, then evening time to photograph the sunset. We even had a nighttime shot of the bioluminescence which was incredible. Then another early sunrise time.
Kyle and Jon researched the location well before time. They were very helpful and knowledgeable about all our camera questions and willing to share.
I know they can't always guarantee the weather but that weekend we couldn't have asked for better.
I highly recommend the workshop with Kyle and Jon, both very accomplished photographers.
Geoff Burgess
The Pringle Bay workshop was my first with Kyle and Jon. Although the focus was long exposure photography, I found the weekend to be a big step up in my photography all around. In particular, I became comfortable with shooting in manual mode. The food and accommodation were great, the shooting venues were great and the company was great. I would thoroughly recommend a workshop with VentureKJ to anyone wanting to grow in their photography skills.
Brian Jones
I attended the seascape workshop in Pringle Bay in 2021 and had a wonderful time learning about shooting seascapes with my fellow attendees. I found it very useful to learn what shutter speeds to use in which situation and also how to focus in low-light situations at sunrise/sunset and also when and how to make use of filters. Additionally, we learned that with just a few basic adjustments in Lightroom, you can make your photographs look even better. I would definitely recommend doing this workshop to take your photography to the next level.