Chasing Otways Waterfalls
Cascades, ferns and soft rainforest light
"Step into the lush rainforests of Victoria's Otways and capture the magic of cascading water, mossy ferns and soft natural light."
Sunday, February 15
A 4-hour journey into the Otways rainforest
Step into the lush rainforests of Victoria's stunning Otways and capture the magic of cascading water, mossy ferns, and soft natural light.
In this 4-hour workshop you'll learn how to master long exposures, nail composition, and use a polariser to enhance colour and reflections, perfecting exposure, depth, and creative techniques like abstracts and intimate landscapes to bring your waterfall images to life.
A few focused hours, a big leap forward
A waterfall photographer's playground
Cascades, mossy ferns and soft rainforest light, endless opportunities for powerful images.
Master long exposures
Learn to smooth flowing water and use a polariser to bring colour and reflections to life.
Small group, real guidance
A relaxed group size means personal, over-the-shoulder help at every fall.
The Otways at its rainforest best
Join me for a focused 4-hour session deep in the Otways rainforest, where cascading waterfalls, mossy ferns and soft natural light create endless opportunities for powerful photography. Every part of the session is hands-on, so you leave with magical waterfall images and the skills to capture them anywhere.
The techniques I'll teach you
Each session is built around teaching, not just shooting. This is exactly what we work through together among the falls.
Mastering long exposures
Blur flowing water to silk while keeping rocks and ferns sharp, dialling shutter speed to each fall.
Using a polariser
Cut glare off wet rock and leaves and deepen forest greens, learning when and how far to rotate.
Nailing exposure & dynamic range
Handle tricky rainforest light, bracketing to hold detail from deep shadows to bright sky.
Composition in the forest
Find order in a busy scene with leading lines, framing and balance for clean, intentional images.
Abstracts & intimate landscapes
Look closer at detail, texture and movement for creative frames beyond the obvious wide shot.
Exactly what’s included
Included
- A 4-hour guided rainforest photography session
- Hands-on, in-the-field tuition with Josh Beames
- All locations planned around the best light
- Long-exposure and polariser coaching
- Composition and creative-technique guidance
Not included
- Your camera, tripod, filters and lenses
- Transport to and from the Otways
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Just bring your camera, a tripod and a polariser if you have one, and turn up ready to shoot.
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 foundational settings to long exposures, polariser technique and forest composition, all in a few focused hours. My goal is to help you leave with magical waterfall images 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 on every waterfall and forest scene from here on.
Foundations
- Reading and nailing exposure in any light
- Shooting with confidence in manual
- Composition and storytelling in the forest
- Managing dynamic range under canopy
Field craft
- Long exposures for silky water
- Using a polariser for colour and glare
- Tripod technique and sharp focus
- Abstracts and intimate landscapes
Editing & finishing
- A simple, repeatable editing workflow
- Processing greens and forest tones
- Blending exposures when needed
- Finishing images you're proud of
A taste of what you’ll capture
Your spot on this session
A 4-hour session deep in the Otways rainforest, mastering long exposures, composition and polariser technique among cascading waterfalls and mossy ferns.
Chasing Otways Waterfalls Photography Workshop
A 4-hour session deep in the Otways rainforest, mastering long exposures, composition and polariser technique among cascading waterfalls and mossy ferns.
- A 4-hour guided rainforest session
- Hands-on waterfall photography tuition
- Long exposure 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
What experience level is this session for?
All levels are welcome. You'll get guidance pitched to where you are, whether you're new to long exposures or refining your technique.
Do I need a tripod and filters?
A tripod is essential for the long exposures. A polariser and ND filter are very helpful too, if you don't have them, get in touch and we'll talk you through options.
How much walking is involved?
Easy to moderate walking on forest tracks to reach the falls, with a few short sections over uneven ground.
How do I book?
Spaces are limited and fill quickly. Reach out for the next available date and we'll walk you through booking.
