Sunrise Photography Meetup - Merewether Ocean Baths
Sunrise Photography Meetup
Join us for an unforgettable morning of Sunrise Photography at one of Newcastle’s most iconic coastal locations — Merewether Ocean Baths.
With its historic ocean pools, geometric lines, tidal movement, and expansive ocean outlook, Merewether provides a stunning setting to capture the soft colours, textures, and atmosphere of first light.
As the sun rises over the Pacific, you’ll learn how to read the subtle changes in early-morning light, compose with intention using strong structural elements, and create images that reflect the calm mood unique to sunrise by the sea. This relaxed, hands-on session blends practical instruction with creative exploration in one of the region’s most photographed coastal environments.
You’ll learn how to:
Work with pre-sunrise and early golden-hour light for soft tones and atmosphere
Compose scenes using leading lines, repetition, reflections, and architectural forms
Adjust exposure and white balance to preserve delicate colour and highlight detail
Use graduated filters or exposure bracketing to balance sky, water, and foreground
Refine timing and technique to capture the moment as light spills across the baths
Apply creative long-exposure techniques to smooth water and enhance mood
This is a relaxed, hands-on session ideal for photographers who want to build confidence working with low light, subtle colour, and coastal compositions—while enjoying the quiet beauty of Merewether at dawn.
Your instructor, a professional photographer with years of experience, will guide you every step of the way. You’ll practice on location and receive personal feedback to help you grow in confidence and skill.
✨ No specialist equipment required — just bring your camera, a tripod (if you have one), and a sense of adventure.
📸 Limited spots available to ensure personalised guidance. Book early to secure your place!
What You’ll Learn
- How to work with pre-sunrise and early golden-hour light to capture soft colour and atmosphere
- Techniques for composing strong images using leading lines, repetition, reflections, and architectural forms
- How to manage exposure and white balance in high-contrast coastal scenes
- When and how to use graduated filters or exposure bracketing to balance sky, water, and foreground
- Timing and positioning to capture the moment first light reaches the pools
- Creative long-exposure techniques to smooth water and enhance mood
What’s Included
- Guided on-location instruction at Merewether Ocean Baths
- Practical demonstrations and hands-on shooting guidance
- Personalised feedback on composition, exposure, and technique
- Tips on reading light, tide, and conditions for ocean pool photography
- A relaxed, supportive learning environment with limited group size
Gear Needed
- Camera with manual or semi-manual exposure control (DSLR or mirrorless).
- A Memory Card with plenty of Space
- Tripod – essential for sharp long exposures.
- Lenses: a wide-angle for landscapes; a telephoto or zoom for distant details.
- Filters: ND or graduated filters (optional but recommended).
- Remote shutter release or timer function to reduce camera shake.
- Fully charged batteries, spare memory cards, and weather-appropriate clothing for coastal conditions.
- Weather-appropriate clothing, footwear for coastal conditions and water.
Why Join Our Workshops?
Hands-On Experience
Dive into practical sessions that boost your skills and build confidence with every click.
Expert Guidance
Learn from experienced photographers who are eager to share their insights and techniques.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with fellow creatives and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the workshops.
Grow Your Portfolio
Enhance your photographic portfolio with captivating projects you’ll undertake during the sessions.
About Your Instructor
Christopher continues to share his knowledge and love for photography as the founder of The Crafted Image Academy.
Through workshops, photo walks, and classes in Port Stephens, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley, and elsewhere around Australia, he helps photographers of all levels build confidence, master techniques, and develop their own creative voice.
First and foremost, Christopher’s passion lies in creating images that use light and environment to capture mood and tell a story. His dedication is not only to making art but also to teaching others how to craft photographs that inspire emotion and enrich the viewer’s life.
General Workshop Questions
Have more questions about CIA workshops? These answers cover the things photographers most often ask.
Yes — many of our workshops are designed specifically for beginners, while others are aimed at photographers who already have some experience.
The Crafted Image Academy uses a clear learning pathway to help photographers build confidence step by step, from foundations and beginner classes through to more advanced and specialist workshops.
Each workshop page explains who the session is best suited for, so you can choose the right fit for your current level.
Please bring your camera, a fully charged battery, memory cards, and any lenses you have available.
A notebook can also be helpful for jotting down tips and ideas during the session.
If you have specific accessories you would like to use, feel free to bring them along. Any workshop-specific equipment recommendations are listed above under “Gear You’ll Need.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their own camera and equipment wherever possible.
In some workshops, basic shared gear such as tripods or filters may be available to demonstrate techniques, but this will vary depending on the session.
If you are unsure what to bring, or whether your current gear will be suitable, feel free to get in touch before booking.
Workshop lengths vary depending on the topic and format.
Most short workshops run for around 2 to 3 hours, while some sessions may run longer depending on the location, learning objectives, or shooting conditions.
You’ll find the duration listed clearly on each individual workshop page.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own cameras and gear to workshops. However, we can provide some basic equipment for those who may not have access to their own. Just let us know your needs beforehand, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Photography often involves working with changing weather and light, and in many cases the session can still go ahead safely and successfully.
If conditions are likely to make the workshop unsafe or significantly reduce the planned learning experience, you will be notified as early as possible.
Where a workshop cannot proceed, you will be offered the option to rebook for a future session or receive a voucher, depending on the circumstances.
If you need to cancel your booking, please refer to the cancellation terms listed at the time of booking, as these may vary depending on the workshop or booking platform.
If you have any questions about your booking, or an unexpected situation arises, please get in touch and we will do our best to assist.
Yes. Feedback is an important part of learning, and many workshops include opportunities for participants to ask questions, review images, and receive guidance during the session.
The focus is always on supportive, practical feedback that helps you better understand your camera, your technique, and your photographic choices.
Yes — private tutoring is available for photographers who would like more personalised guidance.
These sessions can be tailored to your experience level, interests, and learning goals, whether you want help with camera skills, composition, editing, or a particular area of photography.
If you are interested in private tuition, please get in touch to discuss availability.
At The Crafted Image Academy, workshops are structured around our CIA Learning Ladder, designed to help photographers progress step by step.
Workshops range from Photography Foundations and Beginner Classes, through to Beyond the Basics developmental workshops, and Advanced Photography and Specialist Experiences exploring more advanced techniques and creative approaches.
Each workshop focuses on hands-on photography in real environments, helping participants build both technical confidence and creative understanding.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there is always a clear next step in your photographic journey.
Booking is simple. Just visit the workshop page, select the session you would like to attend, and follow the booking prompts.
Once your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with the relevant details.
If you have any difficulty during the booking process, feel free to get in touch.
We currently accept Visa and MasterCard through our secure online booking system.
If you need help with payment, or have a question before booking, please feel free to contact us.
Of course. If you have any questions about a workshop, your equipment, or which session may be right for you, please feel free to get in touch.
We’re always happy to help you choose the most suitable next step in your photography.
