Bird Photography Workshop
Sunday 11th October 2026
Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan
https://events.humanitix.com/bird-photography-workshop-october-2026
Discover the art of bird photography in one of Sydney's best locations for photographing Australian birdlife.
Join Glenn Smith Photography for a half-day Bird Photography Workshop at the beautiful Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan. Designed specifically for beginner bird photographers, this workshop will help you gain confidence with your camera while learning the techniques needed to consistently capture sharper, more engaging images of birds in their natural environment.
Whether you're photographing colourful parrots, tiny fairy-wrens or birds in flight, success comes from understanding not only your camera but also the behaviour of your subject. Throughout the morning, Glenn shares practical techniques developed over many years of photographing Australia's native birdlife and teaching photography workshops at the Gardens since 2016.
The morning begins in the classroom where we'll cover the essential camera settings and techniques before heading into the Gardens to put everything into practice with personal guidance throughout the walk. We'll finish back in the classroom with a wrap-up session and an opportunity to ask questions.
During the workshop you'll learn:
• How to achieve sharp, well-exposed bird photographs
• Understanding Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO for bird photography
• Camera settings for perched birds and birds in flight
• Long lens techniques for improved sharpness
• Better composition and background selection
• Positioning yourself for more natural images
• Reading bird behaviour and anticipating action
• An introduction to photographing birds in flight, including panning techniques and choosing shutter speeds for freezing action or creating a sense of movement
• Making the most of modern mirrorless cameras, including Eye Detection Autofocus, exposure preview and an introduction to Pre-Capture technology
• Ethical bird photography techniques that allow you to photograph wildlife responsibly without causing unnecessary disturbance
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is ideal for photographers who:
• Own a DSLR or Mirrorless camera
• Are new to bird photography
• Want to move beyond Auto mode
• Struggle to consistently achieve sharp bird photographs
• Enjoy photographing Australian wildlife
• Want to build confidence using longer telephoto lenses
No previous bird photography experience is necessary.
What might we photograph?
The Australian Botanic Gardens is home to an incredible variety of native birdlife. While wildlife is never predictable and sightings can never be guaranteed, species regularly photographed include:
• Superb Fairy-wrens
• Eastern Spinebills
• Rainbow Lorikeets
• Eastern Rosellas
• Willie Wagtails
• Grey Fantails
• Spotted and Striated Pardalotes
• King Parrots
• Kookaburras
• Bell Miners
• Olive-backed Orioles
• Tawny Frogmouths
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
…and, if we're lucky, perhaps even a Brown Goshawk or Pacific Baza.
Every workshop is different, making each visit a unique photographic experience.
Recommended Equipment
• DSLR or Mirrorless camera
• Telephoto lens (200mm or longer recommended)
• Fully charged battery (plus a spare if possible)
• Empty memory card
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Long pants
• Hat
• Drinking water
Workshop Details
📅 Date: Sunday 11th October 2026
🕗 Time: 8:15am – 1:00pm
📍 Location: Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan
Each participant receives a comprehensive set of workshop notes to take home.
Numbers are limited to 12 participants to ensure everyone receives plenty of individual guidance during the practical session.
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to proceed.
Book early to secure your place.
https://events.humanitix.com/bird-photography-workshop-october-2026
Chasing Waterfalls with Glenn Smith 2027
Darwin to Broome
14 Night Package
from $13,990 / per person twin share
This special 13-night cruise package offers a hands-on photography experience in one of Australia’s most untouched landscapes. With only 21 guests, enjoy an intimate setting to refine your skills with Glenn Smith. while capturing the Kimberley’s waterfalls, wildlife, and coastline in peak post-wet season splendour. Far away from the crowds in nature’s untouched masterpiece.
What’s Included:
- Flight from Darwin to Kununurra (or $250pp flight credit)
- Overnight Lake Argyle experience
- 13-night Kimberley cruise aboard Discovery One
- Exclusive photography workshops with Glenn Smith
- Exceptional dining & multiple daily excursions
- Transfer to accommodation in Broome
Experience magnificent Lake Argyle with an overnight lake side stay and sunset tour. Then board Discovery One and explore Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls, Raft Point, Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent River, Hunter River, King George River and the Berkely River. Visiting Aboriginal art sites, spotting wildlife and swimming in beautiful creeks and waterfalls are all part of our daily excursions.
About Glenn Smith
Glenn Smith is an Australian photographer known for his humble, approachable style and his ability to make photography accessible to all, presenting workshops that blend technical skill with creative connection to the natural world.
Through Glenn Smith Photography, he runs workshops, offers fine art prints, and delivers talks for photography clubs, bird observer groups, and botanic garden communities. In March 2026, Glenn will also be a guest speaker at the BirdLife Photography Biennial Conference in Canberra, sharing his insights on bird and nature photography.
On this cruise, Glenn will guide you through his practical, heartfelt approach to photography, helping you connect deeply with the Kimberley’s wild beauty and bring home images that tell a story.
Bookings here.
https://discoveryone.com.au/cruise/chasing-waterfalls-with-glenn-smith-2027/
Kimberley Highlights with Glenn Smith 2027
Broome to Broome
6 Night Package
Step aboard Discovery One for a week of exploration along the South West Kimberley coast, including Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef.
This special 6-night cruise package offers a hands-on photography experience in one of Australia’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Your experience ends with a scenic flight from Cygnet Bay, around Cape Leveque and down the coast of the Dampier Peninsula to Broome.
With only 21 guests, enjoy an intimate setting to refine your skills with Glenn Smith. while capturing the incredible Kimberley scenery, wildlife, and coastline. Far away from the crowds in nature’s untouched masterpiece.
Exclusive to August 2027
What’s Included:
- Tranfer from your Broome accommodation.
- 6-night Kimberley cruise aboard Discovery One
- Exclusive photography workshops with Glenn Smith
- Exceptional dining & multiple daily excursions
- Scenic flight from Cygnet Bay, around Cape Leveque and down the coast of the Dampier Peninsula to Broome.
- Transfer to accommodation in Broome
Come on board Discovery One and explore Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls, Raft Point, Montgomery Reef and more, while creating photographic memories to last a lifetime. Spotting wildlife and swimming in beautiful creeks and waterfalls are all part of our daily excursions.
About Glenn Smith
Glenn Smith is an Australian photographer known for his humble, approachable style and his ability to make photography accessible to all, presenting workshops that blend technical skill with creative connection to the natural world.
Through Glenn Smith Photography, he runs workshops, offers fine art prints, and delivers talks for photography clubs, bird observer groups, and botanic garden communities.
On this cruise, Glenn will guide you through his practical, heartfelt approach to photography, helping you connect deeply with the Kimberley’s wild beauty and bring home images that tell a story.
Kimberley Highlights – Photography Edition
15 August – 21 August 2027 (Broome to Broome)
https://discoveryone.com.au/cruises-2026/kimberley-highlights-with-glenn-smith/