Capture Cairns Tours - Photography Lessons with a twist

Explore FNQCairnsKurandaGreat Barrier Reef

Nov 6

Have you ever wondered how your camera ‘really’ works?

Ever wondered whether pressing any of those ‘other’ buttons will make a difference to your shots?

And have you ever wondered how some people get their photos to look just that ‘little’ bit better than everybody else?

Capture Cairns Tours - Skyrails Canopy Glider @adventuremumma.jpg

Well wonder no longer! With Capture Cairns it’s now possible to enjoy a top-notched photography class in a drop-dead gorgeous tropical location that doesn’t actually feel like a lesson…..

Capture Cairns is an exciting new service offered by Calypso Productions and its Photography Tours easily exceeded my expectations. Sure the locations help but it was their attention to detail, the Hot Photo Tips they shared whilst on the tour and the sense of comradeship from the other photographers that had me buzzing all day – PLUS I ended up with a load of photos that really were above and beyond your normal holiday snaps.

Reef & Rainforest Photography Tour

Location: Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island - Capture Cairns @adventuremumma.jpg

As difficult as it is to take a BAD photo of a tropical island you can always learn from the pros. It’s only a short 45 minute boat ride from Cairns before you arrive at Fitzroy Island and become surrounded by reef, rainforest, and sparkling coral beaches. This destination worked for me in a big way because there were plenty of things for my kids to do whilst I channelled my inner Peter Lik.

(Click HERE to read my BlogPost "6 Reasons why Families will love this Tropical Island).

Quick course on how to operate an Underwater Camera

It’s hard to not get excited when you land on Fitzroy Island

And it’s not just about above water shots on this Photo Tour – during the boat ride you get a quick course on how to operate your ‘underwater’ camera (which is included in the Photo Shoot) along with some extra tips on how to ‘nail’ that special shot.

When we arrived at the island I’m not sure who was more enthusiastic – us or Cheree, our Photo Pro for the day. “OMG!! Look over there. Are you seeing the colours?” Cheree gushed with enthusiasm. It was enough to get us all pulling out our cameras and shooting off a some quick snaps on our walk down the jetty.

Everywhere we looked was a photographer’s dream

Fitzroy Island is truly picturesque!

Our first ‘official’ stop was the Turtle Rehabilition Centre and during our brief 10 minute walk Cheree was already imparting some great photo tips. A word of warning though – don’t be expecting to sit back and soak up all those HOT Tips and information. You WILL be put on the spot and MADE to take some photos as well.

The good news is it’s not overly hard to take a good shot at this tropical location. The fun part about it is that your guide’s enthusiasm for your photo’s will often excel your own. Plus with all the hot shooting tips that are being shared throughout the day your pics just seem to get better and better.

Tank time at the Turtle Rehab Centre

Up close and personal with the turtles at the Rehab Centre

But back to the turtle rehab centre. This is where you can first trial your underwater camera. It’s a great place to get some ‘to die for’ close-ups of the turtles as they literally ‘bump’ into your camera as they swim around their recovery tank. You also get some great insights into a very dedicated team of helpers that rescue turtles found sick on the Great Barrier Reef.

Another good thing about this tour is that you do get time to chill at your own pace too. It wasn’t a case of being dragged from one location to another and ‘ordered’ to shoot photos. Throughout the day we got time to wander off, explore, eat, relax and chill on our own until the next ‘catch-up’, when we’d venture off together on another adventure.

**Lots to see and do on the Rainforest Walk to Nudey Beach**

Over lunch, a few more HOT Tips were shared with us before we set off on a 45 minute rainforest exploration that lead to Nudey Beach. Hanging out with a crowd of camera enthusiasts certainly rubs off. Armed with her underwater camera my 8 year old happily explored the track shooting all sorts of interesting subjects.

“Oh Wow! That’s Amazing” glowed Cheree and it certainly worked a treat. Charlie took some awesome pics and didn’t once complain about the length of the track or make her usual comment ‘Are we There Yet??’

At Nudey Beach, armed with our cameras and snorkelling gear we plunged into the shallow waters and shot to our hearts content. Again with our Photo Pro Cheree checking in occasionally to see how we were going.

Taking photos at Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island

Snorkelling at Nudey Beach

Taking photos underwater at Fitzroy Island was loads of fun

And Yes! Charlie took a Heap of photos, again surprisingly good for an 8 year old. I think it helped listening in to all of Cheree's hot tips. In fact, Cheree managed to channel the inner artist in all of us and really spurred us on to try new stuff, new angles and new ways of looking at the light and our subjects without making it feel like we were all on a day long lecture tour.

Ultimately it was fun to be surrounded by like minded individuals that were enthusiastic about bringing home some photos that were ‘frameable’ and beyond and above the normal hundred’s of happy snaps that you often take. Another plus for me was it was nice not to be hassled by my family to ‘hurry up’ whenever I found a great subject to photograph - even Charlie was happy to give me a break that day.

If you’re keen to take your Photo skills to the next level then you NEED to take one of these Cairns tours (plus you get to spend all day on a Tropical Island)Keen?? Then Click HERE to learn more - Reef & Rainforest Photography Tour.

Rainforest & Kuranda Photography Tour

Location: Skyrail & Kuranda

**It was fun taking photos from Skyrail’s Canopy Glider**

Rather than write another blurb on my latest Capture Cairns Photo Tour adventure I thought I’d let my Photo’s do the talking…..

Skyrail Gondola selfie time

Diamond View on Skyrail gives you another angle of the rainforest

Cruising on the Skyrail Gondola’s are lots of fun for the photographer at heart

Cheree had some great tips to share on our Photo Tour

The stand out points on the Rainforest and Kuranda Photography Tour would have to be the opportunity to take photos from Skyrail’s Canopy Glider – a MUST for any one who wants to get breathtaking shots of World Heritage rainforest.

Our camera’s were always at the ready during the tour

Such a gorgeous view of the World Heritage Rainforest below

Everywhere you looked seemed to present another photo opportunity

You can get the BEST photos from Skyrail’s Canopy Glider

**“Can you see the crocodile from here?” asks Evan the Ranger**

The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a classic spot to try out all your photo skills on a subject that rarely stays still for very long. Trust me there were a lot of shots that ended up on the cutting room floor here. “Delete. Delete. Delete” were the words on most people’s lips. Thankfully a few of mine turned out ;) .

Cheree poses for the Best Animal Selfie yet!!

The entrance to the Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda

The Cairns Birdwing was a favourite butterfly to shoot

It was a photographer’s paradise at the Butterfly Sanctuary

You had to be patient to capture the Ulysses Butterfly with its wings open

WE got time to chill on our way back to Cairns via the Kuranda Railway

Your journey home on the Kuranda Railway is very scenic

The view is always changing out the window of the Kuranda Railway

Living it up on the Kuranda Railway Gold Class Carriage- a nice way to end the day

Keen to do this Photo Tour?? Then Click HERE to learn more - Rainforest & Kuranda Photography Tour.

Sunrise at the Beaches Photography Tour

Location 3: Palm Cove

**Are you keen to capture a tropical sunrise?**

It’s YOUR Chance to FILL this spot!!

I’m seeking a photo enthusiast who is keen enough to get up at 5am, rub shoulders with other photographers, learn some new skills from a Photo Pro and take some creative shots.

The hitch???

You’ll need to fill in the blank spots – I need a review of this tour and some photos shared via my Blog so others can get an insight into your experiences…..

Interested??

Just ADD your name to the comments section below, SHARE this post with your friends and for EXTRA points let us know on Adventure Mumma's Facebook Page why you should be part of this photo tour…… (if you want to keep up-to-date with further offers remember to LIKE both Facebook Pages - Adventure Mumma and Capture Cairns).

The Winner has been announced!! Congratulations to Jess at Are We There Yet who will receive complimentary underwater camera Hire when she travels to the Great Barrier Reef next.

Good Things to Know:

This Photography tour is available as a One on One basis only or as a Group Booking - please contact Calypso Productions direct to check availability
There’s an option to rent camera equipment and lenses
Bring sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses and a water bottle
You’ll receive some photography notes and a souvenir USB with Photo tips and tricks
Snorkelling equipment is included on the Fitzroy Island Photo Tour
Pack a telephoto lens in for your Kuranda Butterfly tour if you have one
Bright colours work best if you'd like to attract butterflies
The Gold Class return on Kuranda Scenic Railway is an optional extra

Are you a keen photographer? Do any of these Photo tours appeal to you? What would be your pick of the bunch?

I received my tours complimentary BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are my own.

If you would like more Info regarding Capture Cairns Photography Tours click HERE!