
Alfred Nicholas Gardens
Colour, texture and tranquillity
"Step into a world of colour, texture and tranquillity at the stunning Alfred Nicholas Gardens, lush forests, lakes and the iconic boathouse."
Coming soon
A 3-hour session among lakes and ferns
Step into a world of colour, texture, and tranquillity at the stunning Alfred Nicholas Gardens.
In this 3-hour workshop you'll learn to work with natural light, compose balanced images, control exposure, and master reflections with a polariser. We'll also explore creative techniques like shooting abstracts, layering depth, and creating sharp focus throughout your frame, all surrounded by lush forests, lakes, and the iconic boathouse.
A few focused hours, a big leap forward
Colour, texture and calm
Lush forests, lakes and the iconic boathouse make every direction a composition.
Work with beautiful light
Soft, filtered garden light is perfect for learning reflections, depth and mood.
Small group, real guidance
A relaxed group size means personal, over-the-shoulder help throughout the gardens.
A garden full of colour and calm
Join me for a focused 3-hour session among the lakes, ferns and iconic boathouse of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens. Surrounded by colour, texture and soft natural light, you'll get hands-on guidance the whole way, so you leave with beautiful, balanced images and the skills to capture scenes like these anywhere.
The techniques I'll teach you
Each session is built around teaching, not just shooting. This is exactly what we work through together in the gardens.
Working with natural light
Read soft, filtered garden light for mood, shooting shade, backlight and dapple without losing detail.
Reflections & the polariser
Use the lakes and iconic boathouse for mirror reflections, with a polariser to control glare.
Composing balanced images
Arrange ferns, water and the boathouse into clean, balanced frames using symmetry and lines.
Controlling exposure
Hold detail across bright sky and shaded foliage, learning when to bracket for even, rich tones.
Depth, focus & abstracts
Layer foreground to background for depth, master sharp focus, and explore abstract texture and colour.
Exactly what’s included
Included
- A 3-hour guided garden photography session
- Hands-on, in-the-field tuition with Josh Beames
- All locations planned around the best light
- Reflection and natural-light coaching
- Composition and creative-technique guidance
Not included
- Your camera, tripod, polariser and lenses
- Transport to and from the gardens
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Just bring your camera and a tripod, and turn up ready to shoot, I'll take care of the rest.
Shooting responsibly
Every workshop runs within the rules of the places we visit. I hold the permits each location needs, we pay landowner and access fees where they apply, and wherever a destination requires a local guide, we travel with one. Local guides know the land, the weather and the people who live there, and they make the trip better for all of us. We stay on marked paths, respect private land and closures, and leave every location as we found it, so it’s still there for the next photographer.

Hey, I'm Josh Beames
As an Australian landscape photographer supported by Nikon, I've had the privilege of capturing breathtaking locations around the world including Europe, North America, Asia, and some of the most dramatic regions across Australia.
I teach photography workshops globally each year and I'm passionate about helping photographers build confidence and skill in the field. These short sessions are a relaxed, hands-on way to sharpen specific techniques close to home.
We'll cover everything from working with natural light to reflections, balanced composition and creative depth, all in a few focused hours. My goal is to help you leave with beautiful images of the gardens and skills you'll use on every shoot.
Skills that outlast the session
This isn't just a session for your hard drive. Every shot is a lesson, so you leave with techniques you'll use across gardens, forests and intimate landscapes.
Foundations
- Reading and working with natural light
- Shooting with confidence in manual
- Composition and balance in busy scenes
- Managing dynamic range
Field craft
- Reflections and polariser technique
- Layering depth and sharp focus
- Slower shutter work on water
- Abstracts and creative perspectives
Editing & finishing
- A simple, repeatable editing workflow
- Processing colour and contrast
- Bringing out texture and detail
- Finishing images you're proud of
A taste of what you’ll capture

Your spot on this session
A 3-hour session among the lakes, ferns and iconic boathouse of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, working with natural light, reflections and creative composition.
Alfred Nicholas Gardens Photography Workshop
A 3-hour session among the lakes, ferns and iconic boathouse of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens, working with natural light, reflections and creative composition.
- A 3-hour guided garden session
- Hands-on natural-light tuition
- Reflection and polariser coaching
- Composition and creative technique guidance
- Small-group, personalised instruction
Permits held, access fees paid, and local guides wherever a destination calls for one.
Frequently asked questions
When does this session run?
Dates are coming soon. Register your interest and we'll let you know the moment the next date is confirmed.
What experience level is it for?
All levels are welcome. You'll get guidance pitched to where you are, from camera basics to refining your composition.
Do I need a tripod?
A tripod and a polariser are recommended for reflections and slower shutter work. If you don't have them, get in touch and we'll talk you through options.
How do I register my interest?
Just reach out and we'll add you to the list, you'll be the first to hear when a date opens.

