Ken Duncan's travel photography fundamentals for beginners

Four brilliant lessons in travel photography from the legendary Australian landscape photographer Ken Duncan

Everyone’s a photographer these days, but only one man can claim the honour of starting the travel-photography-as-art movement: one Ken Duncan AM.

Often referred to as ‘that landscape photographer’ (and occasionally recognised as Midnight Oil’s main snapper), Ken has shot some 200,000 wall-worthy images, so he’s probably the guy to thank for the pretty field of sunflowers hanging in your dentist’s waiting room. (Never mind the Order of Australia, countless international exhibitions, worldwide fan base or presidential admirers.)

Having set up and conquered the world’s fine-art photography industry, he’s now sharing his extensive knowledge base with anyone who cares to attend his photography workshop on NSW’s Central Coast. At the end of our four-day adventure we’d learnt a bagful of new tricks (and gotten to know a very interesting guy). Here are our favourite pearls of wisdom.

1. Break the rules

It doesn’t take long to work out that Duncan isn’t much of a stickler for rules (his entire career came about as a result of ignoring people who said ‘no’ to him, after all).

“It was a visit to New York in the early ’80s that started me," he muses. “They had fashion photography over there happening in a big way, but when I came back to Australia, photography wasn’t being treated as an art form. I decided to set up a gallery showcasing my images." These days, his portfolio of landscapes is hailed as Australia’s best (and most extensive), and his prints sell across the world.

But breaking the rules is how you get the best images, he adds. “Once I had a woman come to one of my exhibitions with a doctorate in photography, and she was telling me how surprised she was that one of the photos ‘worked’, even though it wasn’t one-third sky, two-thirds foreground," he says. (She had no idea who she was talking to, so he responded: “Lucky this guy didn’t know the rules then.")

His best piece of photography (and life) advice? Screw the technical matters – chase the fleeting moments.

2. Follow your gut

Photography might now be considered an art form (“yes, they call it fine art photography now," Duncan says with amusement. “What’s that?"), but he reckons it’s all about instinct. During the workshop, you’re encouraged to traverse rocky outcrops, scramble up muddy slopes and get metres from stampeding horses or rushing waterfalls – whatever you feel it’ll take to get a good shot.

On a wider level, he tells us that he once felt compelled to put together an entire book shooting American landscapes (called America Wide: In God We Trust), which ended up being gifted to President George W. Bush by then-PM John Howard on September 10, 2011. The very next day was that fateful September 11. Months later, President Bush would write Duncan a letter saying, “Ken, at a time when I had to make some very heavy decisions over my nation, I’d like to thank you for this book, because I’m reminded how blessed our nation is."

The weirdest thing? Duncan says he had no idea why he felt so compelled to create that book – it was entirely an instinct thing.

3. Eat breakfast later

Landscape photography is all about the right light, so even though you’ll be staying in a lovely hotel, don’t expect to get any lie-ins. The best light begins well before sunrise and usually floods the scene five to 10 minutes after the sun has risen, so you’ll be up nice and early. Eventually you’ll be happy about the 4am alarm, though – “everything in the foreground lights up, and you get beautiful pastel colours in your shots that way," Ken enthuses. You also won’t get your shadow in the shot if you’re up early enough.

4. It’s not what you think

You don’t have a huge amount of time to spend yarning at the pub during Duncan’s workshop, but he does extrapolate enthusiastically on the benefits of chatting to strangers when travelling, for the local secrets it invariably results in. “That’s how I found out about the Glasshouse Rocks at Narooma [on NSW’s South Coast]," he says.

“They are as good as the 12 Apostles, but you can get down on the beach with them. They’re an icon in the making." You heard it here first…

Ken’s next ‘Coastal Exposure’ photography workshop is on 15–19 May, 2015. See kenduncan.com

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

Ken Duncan’s travel photography fundamentals for beginners