Some stories deserve to be preserved. This is one of them.

Join me for a truly unique, one-off photography masterclass in the beautiful hills of Narbethong, on the edge of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, where we’ll spend the weekend documenting the remarkable bond between Leo, a lifelong Australian bushman, and his treasured mountain Brumby.

This masterclass is about photographing a lifetime of trust between a man and his horse.

Together we’ll create a photographic story that celebrates Australia’s mountain heritage while capturing genuine moments that can never be recreated. 

This workshop is designed to cater for what you would like to learn about portraiture and equine photography.

This masterclass is limited to only eight ladies twin-share. Guaranteed to be a personal, educational and meaningful experience. We will share meals together and stay in the comfort of the beautiful Saladin Lodge together.     

We will all be staying in the stunningly beautiful town of Narbethong in the Yarra Ranges, Victoria at the gorgeous Saladin Lodge. With time spent totally immersed in the Australian bush and this special bushmans story, by the comfort of the wood heaters, on the cosy couches with a glass of wine.

What We’ll Photograph

Throughout the day you’ll have the opportunity to photograph Leo and his Brumby in a variety of beautiful, natural situations, including:

• Quiet portraits of horse and owner together
• Authentic moments leading and handling his horse
• Ridden images amongst the Australian bush
• Beautiful environmental portraits
• Close-up detail photographs of weathered hands, well-loved tack and timeless textures
• Storytelling images that evoke emotion and connection
• The subtle interactions and unspoken communication between a man and his mountain horse.

Rather than rushing from one setup to another, we’ll slow down and learn to recognise the moments that often pass unnoticed…the glance, the touch, the quiet pause, the gentle partnership built over decades.

These are the photographs that stay with us.

What you’ll learn and Skill Level required…

Throughout the masterclass I’ll be sharing how I approach documentary-style portraiture while still creating artistic, emotive images, and show you how to edit them using Photoshop and Lightroom.

Topics will include:

• Seeing and photographing authentic connection
• Storytelling through portraiture
• Using natural light to create mood
• Photographing people and horses together naturally
• Finding meaningful details that complete a visual story
• Composition for emotional impact
• Working with available locations and changing light
• Creating a series of images rather than single photographs

Whether you’re an equine photographer, portrait photographer or simply someone who loves creating images with heart, you’ll leave with new inspiration and a fresh way of seeing.

This masterclass is for everyone. but will take your portrait photography to the next level. Whether you shoot on auto, use one of your camera modes or fully manual, it doesn’t really matter but having an understanding of the camera basics such as the exposure triangle are recommended.

You should also have an understanding of the basics of Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to some degree (this is only relevant if you wish to actively participate in the editing component of the Masterclass. Alternatively, you can just watch and learn)

What’s Included in your workshop

Two nights exclusive accommodation (twin share room stay in large rooms with individual beds. All rooms with En-suites and no bunks) at the beautiful Saladin Lodge in Narbethong, Victoria, Australia. Linen and towells are all supplied.

Photography sessions on site Saturday plus a half day Editing intensive Sunday.

Friday afternoon tea and dinner, Saturday breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included. Sunday breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Alcohol can be purchased on site (No BYO alcohol)

Great company, lots of laughs and just about everything you want to know about creating incredible portrait imagery as well as loads of behind the scenes.

Cost…

$970 per person, twin share, for the full workshop experience. with a $100 non-refundable deposit payable when booking and the balance of $870 payable one week prior to our workshop. (An invoice will be emailed to you)

Dates…

August 21st – 23rd 2026

2 nights with check-in on Friday 2pm, and check-out on Sunday afternoon at 4pm .  Location: Narbethong, Victoria

For full ‘Terms and Conditions’ please click here. If you have any questions about the workshop or would like to know more, please call Louise on 0412 942897.

Masterclasses like this don’t come along often. Leo represents a generation whose stories, skills and quiet connection with the Australian High Country are becoming increasingly rare. This isn’t about photographing a model. It’s about respectfully documenting a life, a partnership and a piece of Australian history.

The images we create together will become more than beautiful photographs, they’ll become part of a story worth preserving.