Andrew Slaton Photography Expeditions
New Zealand.
Beyond Imagination.
Journey through a land of towering alpine peaks, ancient rainforests, glacial lakes, and dramatic fiords. An immersive photographic expedition across the extraordinary landscapes of New Zealand's South Island.
Intentionally small groups. Personalized photographic instruction. Extraordinary places.
The Expedition at a Glance
A Journey Beyond
Imagination.
Ten days exploring New Zealand's extraordinary South Island through photography. From your first steps behind a camera to decades of professional experience, this expedition offers personalized instruction designed to help you see more, create more, and grow as a photographer.
When
December 2–11, 2027
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Experience
All Skill Levels Welcome
Instruction
Small Group
Personal Mentorship
The New Zealand Experience
A Land That
Changes How You See.
There are places that reward a photograph. And then there are places that change the photographer.
Chase the Light.
Discover the Extraordinary.
On New Zealand's South Island, the landscape unfolds on an extraordinary scale. Snowcapped peaks rise above turquoise lakes. Ancient rainforests meet mountain valleys. Deep fiords cut through the rugged wilderness of the southwest.
In December, the long days of early summer offer extended opportunities to photograph these remarkable places. From soft morning light across alpine landscapes to the atmosphere of a changing coastal sky, every day brings new creative possibilities.
Our expedition is designed around that sense of possibility. We'll seek out compelling compositions, explore the relationship between light and landscape, and take the time to create photographs that are more than records of where we've been.
Whether you're learning the fundamentals of exposure or refining a well-developed photographic vision, you'll receive individualized instruction throughout the journey.
Come for New Zealand's extraordinary landscapes. Leave with a deeper connection to photography.
The Photographic Opportunities
A World of
Extraordinary Subjects.
New Zealand's South Island offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, from the Southern Alps to the deep fiords of the southwest. Each setting invites a different way of seeing, composing, and creating.
01 / Waterfalls & Motion
The Power
of Moving Water.
In Fiordland, water is everywhere. Cascades spill from towering cliffs, rivers cut through ancient forests, and rain transforms entire mountainsides into a spectacle of movement and atmosphere.
We'll explore how shutter speed, perspective, and changing light can transform moving water into photographs that communicate both energy and tranquility.
Shutter speed, long exposures, filters, and visual storytelling.
02 / Mountains & Glaciers
Sculpted by
Time and Ice.
The Southern Alps rise dramatically above valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Around Aoraki/Mount Cook, snow-covered summits, glacial landforms, and changing mountain weather create extraordinary opportunities for photography.
We'll consider how to communicate the scale of these landscapes, simplify complex mountain scenes, and use light and atmosphere to bring depth to our images.
Composition, exposure control, color, contrast, and scale.
03 / Alpine Lakes & Reflections
Where the World
Stands Still.
From the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to the mountain-framed lakes around Wānaka, New Zealand's alpine waters offer compelling studies in color, symmetry, reflection, and changing light.
These quieter landscapes encourage us to slow down, look beyond the obvious viewpoint, and discover how subtle relationships between foreground, water, and distant mountains can shape an image.
Reflections, visual balance, depth, color, and creative perspective.
04 / Fiords & Wilderness
Where Mountains
Meet the Sea.
Fiordland is one of New Zealand's most dramatic environments. Sheer mountain walls descend toward dark waters, mist drifts through deep valleys, and rapidly changing weather transforms the character of the landscape.
We'll work on compositions that capture the atmosphere and immense scale of these extraordinary places, while learning to respond creatively to unpredictable conditions.
Foreground interest, leading lines, atmosphere, and environmental storytelling.
The landscape provides the inspiration.
Your perspective makes the photograph.
The New Zealand Inspiration Gallery
A Glimpse of
What Awaits.
Discover the extraordinary landscapes that make New Zealand's South Island a photographer's dream. These inspirational images represent the alpine peaks, glacial lakes, waterfalls, forests, and wild fiords we'll seek throughout our expedition.
Gallery images are temporary placeholders for destination photography. Actual photographic opportunities and conditions will vary.
Your Expedition Leader
Meet
Andrew Slaton.
A photographer, storyteller, and lifelong explorer with more than 25 years of professional experience.
For Andrew, photography has always been about more than making beautiful images. It's a way to connect with the natural world, slow down, and discover the extraordinary in places both familiar and far away.
Over more than two decades behind the camera, he's developed a thoughtful, hands-on approach to helping others see more creatively and photograph with greater confidence.
His expeditions are intentionally personal. Rather than teaching everyone the same lesson, Andrew works with each guest at their own level—whether they're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to refine an established photographic style.
My goal isn't to help you take the same photograph I would. It's to help you create the photograph only you can see.
All Levels Welcome.
No intimidation, no expectations of expertise. From complete beginners to experienced photographers, everyone has a place on the expedition.
Personal Instruction.
Small groups mean meaningful one-on-one guidance, tailored to your interests, abilities, and creative goals.
Experience First.
Great photographs matter. So does the journey itself. Expect time to explore, connect, and truly experience the places we visit.
The Expedition Itinerary
Ten Days.
A World Apart.
From our first moments on New Zealand's South Island to the final frames of the journey, every chapter offers an opportunity to explore remarkable landscapes, develop new skills, and see the world through a different lens.
Chapter One
Welcome to
Aotearoa.
Our expedition begins with introductions, a look ahead at the journey, and time to settle into the rhythm of traveling and photographing together on New Zealand's spectacular South Island.
We'll discuss individual photographic goals, prepare for the days ahead, and begin exploring the remarkable relationship between mountains, water, and light.
Chapter Two
The Language
of Mountains & Light.
The Southern Alps provide a remarkable setting for exploring scale, composition, and the changing character of alpine light. Towering peaks, broad valleys, and glacial landscapes invite both grand compositions and more intimate studies.
We'll explore how to build compelling mountain images, work with atmospheric conditions, and recognize the visual relationships that bring depth and balance to a photograph.
Chapter Three
Still Waters.
Endless Possibilities.
New Zealand's alpine lakes offer a different photographic challenge: discovering the beauty of reflection, color, and subtle changes in light. Turquoise waters, mountain silhouettes, and atmospheric skies provide endless opportunities for creativity.
As we explore these landscapes, we'll practice simplifying complex scenes, finding strong foregrounds, and creating images that convey both the intimacy and immense scale of the South Island.
Chapter Four
Into the
Wild Fiordland.
The dramatic wilderness of Fiordland offers an entirely different mood. Sheer mountains, deep waters, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls create a landscape of extraordinary atmosphere and natural beauty.
These days are about experimentation and creative confidence. We'll work with changing weather, discover compelling perspectives, and refine the techniques that speak most strongly to each photographer.
Chapter Five
The Final Frames.
A Lasting Perspective.
As our expedition draws to a close, we'll make the most of our remaining photographic opportunities and reflect on the creative discoveries made along the way.
Our journey concludes on December 11, with new photographs, new friendships, and a renewed way of seeing the world.
Ready to experience New Zealand
through a different lens?
Everything You Need to Know
The Details.
The Possibilities.
An extraordinary photographic journey begins with thoughtful preparation. Here's what to know as you consider joining us on New Zealand's remarkable South Island.
What to Expect.
Personalized Photography Instruction
Hands-on guidance throughout the expedition, tailored to your individual abilities, interests, and photographic goals.
A Small-Group Experience
A more personal approach to photographic travel, with opportunities for individual attention, conversation, and creative exploration.
Varied Photographic Opportunities
We'll seek compelling landscapes and conditions, with an emphasis on the Southern Alps, glacial lakes, mountain scenery, waterfalls, and the dramatic fiords for which New Zealand's South Island is renowned.
Flexibility Around the Light
December's long summer days provide opportunities to work with beautiful morning and evening light. Our daily approach will account for weather, accessibility, and changing photographic conditions.
Preparing for New Zealand.
Photography Equipment
Bring a camera you're comfortable using—or ready to learn. A tripod is strongly recommended for landscape and long-exposure work. A detailed packing guide will help you prepare.
Weather & Clothing
South Island weather can change quickly, even in early summer. Waterproof outer layers, warm insulating clothing, and sturdy footwear are important for comfort, particularly in alpine and coastal environments.
Physical Activity
Expect time outdoors on uneven, potentially wet or slippery terrain. Walking distances and difficulty will depend on the finalized route and photographic stops. Contact us to discuss accessibility needs.
Travel Arrangements
Final arrival instructions, meeting arrangements, and travel recommendations will be provided with the confirmed expedition details. Please coordinate your flights with us before purchasing nonrefundable tickets.
The Experience
You Don't Need to Be an Expert. Just Curious.
Perhaps you're learning to move beyond automatic camera settings. Perhaps you've been photographing for decades and want to see familiar subjects in new ways.
Either way, this expedition is designed to meet you where you are. The objective isn't for everyone to return with the same photographs. It's for each person to grow in their own creative direction.
Your New Zealand adventure
starts with a conversation.
Join the Expedition
New Zealand Is Calling.
Will You Answer?
Ten days exploring the extraordinary landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, developing your photographic vision, and sharing the journey with fellow creatives.
Per participant · Double-occupancy lodging
Designed for photographers of all experience levels, this immersive expedition combines individualized instruction with extraordinary landscapes and a thoughtfully paced small-group experience.
A $4,500 deposit is required to secure a place, subject to the published booking terms. The remaining balance is $5,000 per participant.
Secure Your
Place in New Zealand.
Ready to commit? Your deposit begins the reservation process. Prefer to talk first? Schedule a personal expedition consultation.
Applied toward the $9,500 total expedition price.
Your deposit secures your place once your reservation and payment have been accepted.
Questions about the itinerary, experience level, or travel? Let's talk before you book.
You can also reach me at workshops@andrewslatonphoto.com
What's Included
- 10 days of photography instruction
- 9 nights of double-occupancy lodging
- Ground transportation during the workshop
- Applicable park and location entry fees
- Pre-expedition preparation session
- Personalized welcome and packing materials
- Water and snacks
- Photography feedback and post-processing guidance
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from New Zealand
- Meals unless specifically included
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and purchases
- Optional activities outside the itinerary
- Single-occupancy supplement, if requested and available
Lodging is based on double occupancy. Reservations are subject to the published booking, cancellation, and refund policies. Please review those terms before submitting a deposit.
Good Questions. Thoughtful Answers.
Before You
Go Beyond.
Everything you need to feel confident about joining us on this extraordinary New Zealand photographic journey.
Do I need to be an experienced photographer?
Absolutely not. This expedition welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced photographers.
Our small-group format allows instruction to be tailored to your experience level. If you're just getting started, we'll build a strong foundation. If you've been photographing for years, we'll focus on refining your vision and technique.
What photography equipment should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera, a versatile lens, and a sturdy tripod make an excellent starting point. A wide-angle lens is useful for the South Island's expansive mountain landscapes, while a telephoto lens can help isolate distant peaks, wildlife, and intimate details.
Neutral-density filters, extra batteries, memory cards, and rain protection are also useful. We'll provide more detailed equipment recommendations before the expedition.
How physically demanding is the expedition?
Expect time outdoors, walking on uneven surfaces, and photographing in changing weather. Some locations may involve rocky, muddy, or slippery terrain.
The final route will determine exact walking distances and difficulty. If you have mobility concerns or specific physical requirements, please discuss them with us before booking.
What is the weather like in New Zealand in December?
December marks the beginning of summer in New Zealand. Longer days offer wonderful opportunities for landscape photography, but conditions vary considerably across the South Island.
Alpine areas can be cool and windy, while Fiordland is known for frequent rain. Waterproof outerwear, insulating layers, sun protection, and sturdy footwear are recommended. We'll provide a suggested packing list before departure.
Is lodging included in the workshop price?
Yes. Nine nights of lodging are included in the $9,500 expedition price, based on double occupancy.
If you'd prefer a private room, ask about single-occupancy availability and any additional cost before booking.
Are flights, meals, and transportation included?
Ground transportation during the workshop is included. International airfare is not. Meals are generally the participant's responsibility unless specifically identified as included.
We recommend confirming your arrival and departure plans with us before purchasing nonrefundable airfare.
What is the group size?
This expedition is designed as a small-group photographic experience, allowing for meaningful personal instruction and the camaraderie of traveling with fellow photographers.
Final group size and minimum enrollment requirements will be communicated before reservations are confirmed.
How do I reserve my place?
The expedition price is $9,500 per participant, with a $4,500 deposit required to reserve your place.
The remaining balance is $5,000. Online deposit checkout is being prepared. In the meantime, you can schedule a personal consultation to discuss availability and booking arrangements.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Reservations are subject to the expedition's published booking, cancellation, and refund policies.
Please review those terms before submitting a deposit. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to help protect against covered unexpected circumstances.
Can I bring a spouse or travel companion?
If you're hoping to travel with a spouse, partner, or companion who may not be as interested in photography, please get in touch before booking.
We'll discuss the expedition's structure and whether it would be a suitable experience for both of you. All participation and pricing arrangements must be confirmed in advance.
Your Adventure Begins Here
Still Have Questions?
Let's talk about New Zealand, your photography, and what you'd like to experience.
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