I am suddenly finding myself with some free time in late November and early December and was thinking of doing a photo workshop. All US based ones that are any good will already be filled up (speak up if you know otherwise), so I was thinking of going south... way south, to New Zealand. However, I can't seem to find anything organized by real photographers, other than the PODAS event: http://www.phaseone.com/PODAS-workshops?workshop=2012-New-Zealand
That has a couple of downsides.
(1) Steep price - I neither need nor want 5-star accommodations. In fact I would rather hike 20 miles to camp some place out of the way rather than sleep at a 5-star Hilton with a bunch of over-weight middle aged men who have all the latest gear but little desire to walk more than 0.5 miles.
(2) Phase One centered. I drive a Nikon and the last thing I want is to go to a new location with new gear. Thanks but no thanks.
If I can't find something pre-organized I am tempted to try to hire a guide to take me some place wild. Can anyone recommend an outfilt that they have had good luck with? My window is rather narrow, either November or December.
Jackie and Ian Rankin seem to be well respected, but I haven't been to any of their workshops/tours. On my wishlist though. QCCP Photography from memory.
They're based down the bottom of the South Island (where a lot of the great scenery is). No idea if there's anything being run in Dec or if there's space.
Otherwise, I'm not a lot of use, sorry. I'm somewhat familiar with the Otago region though, and some of the South Island, if you have other questions.
Thank you so much. The Rankins do not have anything for Nov-Dec, but Kah Kit Yoong does, but is wait list only. Given the late date it is unlikely that something opens but I will try.
If all else fails and you still want to come to The Land of the Long White Cloud, and are happy to go it alone, Milford and the South Island West Coast would give you a 5 course meal in landscapes and more to photograph.
There is a hiking track through Milford and another in the Nelson area I believe.
Milford can be wet though, just bear that in mind in regards to keeping gear dry.
