Frequently Asked Questions

Our name, Shutterbug Walkabouts, perfectly reflects what we do and who we do it for. We chose this name by considering key definitions that align with our vision. A ‘shutterbug’ is commonly defined as someone who has a passion for photography. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a shutterbug is “a person who enjoys taking photographs and takes a lot of them, but who is not a professional photographer.” Wikipedia also describes a shutterbug as “an enthusiastic amateur photographer.” In essence, it’s about the joy of capturing images, regardless of whether or not photography is a profession. ‘Walkabout’ is defined as ‘a short period of wandering… as an occasional interruption of regular work' (Merriam-Webster). The idea of wandering and exploring resonates with our approach to photography experiences – inviting you to step away from routine, immerse yourself in nature, and capture moments of beauty along the way.

We offer a range of tours, retreats and tuition sessions in Tasmania, Australia from our based in Hobart, Tasmania's capital city in the south of the state. Most of our same-day experiences either depart from or take place in/near Hobart while our multi-day tours and retreats take you to a variety of breathtaking locations across the island. From rugged coastlines to ancient forests and pristine wilderness, these multi-day experiences provide incredible opportunities for all aspects of nature, landscape, bird and wildlife photography.

Yes, you are required to bring your own camera gear and any lenses you wish to use. Accessories like filters, which are specific to your camera and lens models, should also be brought along, though they are not essential. We believe using and learning your own equipment provides the best chance for continuity in your photography journey. While we do not lend or hire out cameras and lenses, we provide loan tripods at no additional cost. Our ‘What to Bring’ page will guide you in preparing for your experience, and in some cases, a detailed recommended packing list will be included with your booking confirmation.

We invite you to contact us to discuss your individual requirements. Some of our published experiences may be adjusted to accommodate your needs or we will customise an experience specifically tailored to suit you.

Yes, we offer custom experiences and activities for private groups. Get in touch to discuss what you are looking for with us and we will find a way to accommodate your needs.

When your experience includes transport, you will travel in our spacious and stylish 2019 Toyota Kluger SUV (aka Toyota Highlander). This modern, air-conditioned vehicle is fully registered and accredited as a public passenger vehicle with Transport Tasmania. Our vehicle seats up to six passengers plus the driver. For optimum space and comfort, we suggest a maximum of four passengers. However, a group of six can travel, with the 5th and 6th passengers seated in the third row. We recommend the third-row seating for individuals of smaller stature (up to 160 cm or 5’4”) who can comfortably step up through the wide-opening rear passenger doors. Additional information • The 2nd row of seating slides back and forth as needed and has significant legroom at all positions (a little less if the 3rd row is in use for groups of 5 or 6 participants). • The fold-down split of 2nd and 3rd rows of seating is 60:40 The following information is taken from the dimensions of the Toyota Highlander (as found online) and is a guide for your reference only. Exact measurements can be provided by request.

At Shutterbug Walkabouts, we offer a range of nature photography experiences to help you capture unique images, elevate your skills and build your confidence, all within a relaxed and supportive setting.

Absolutely! Our tours, retreats, and tuition sessions are thoughtfully tailored for photo enthusiasts at every stage of their creative or learning journey. Whether you’re just starting out, getting familiar with a new camera, or looking to refine your skills, we offer personalised guidance to help you grow and capture stunning images.

We still provide refreshments during your experience. All other meals, however, will be arranged differently to before - according to the experience booked. When it comes to catering all meals, like full-spread picnic lunches and attentively prepared dinners, there has been a change in this aspect of our offerings. Unfortunately, we no longer cater in the same way that we have had so much success in doing so in the past. Let's shed a little light on why. The reason for this change lies in the increased costs associated with catering meals along with the administrative burden in maintaining the necessary food service permit for our micro-business. As a result, we’ve made adjustments to offer more flexibility while effectively managing costs. This change allows you to choose and pay for meals and refreshments according to your preferences. We’ll recommend our favourite Tasmanian producers to you... the local stores, cafes, and eateries, who are known for their variety of delicious meals, snacks, and refreshments, from whom we purchase from when catering for ourselves. With this change, you now have the freedom to choose and pay for meals and refreshments according to your preferences, giving you greater control over the choices made. Alternatively, depending on your booked experience, the option of dining in at a café or restaurant may be available.

We don’t impose a maximum age limit, as long as you are reasonably fit, mobile, and healthy. Majority of our guests are aged 30-75 years of age with some younger or older because it's all about the leisurely paced practical learning experience they desire, not about the age they are. Children aged 12-17 years are welcome on private experiences when accompanied and supervised by a parent or adult guardian and engaged with the slower pace photography aspect of the experience. Younger participants may find the experience and activities less suitable.

We handle your privacy with great care. For detailed information on how we protect and manage your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

The best time for photography in Tasmania depends on the type of scenery or subjects you’re interested in, such as wildlife, birds, landscapes, night sky etc. Tasmania offers diverse photographic opportunities throughout the year, with each season bringing its own unique characteristics. We offer photography tuition, tours and retreats year-round to help you capture the seasonal splendour of Tasmania. Feel free to contact us for personalised advice on the ideal time based on your photographic interests.

The cost of our tours and tuition sessions varies depending on the experience, duration, inclusions and number of participants. Please refer to the specific experience page on our website for detailed pricing information.

Your guide/tutor will be one of the owners of Shutterbug Walkabouts. This means you benefit from a personalised approach, a wealth of diverse expertise and a genuine commitment to ensuring your success. Coreena is the primary experience host, guide and tutor on Photography Days Out and Women's Photography Escapes. When booking a Private Photography Tuition session, you can opt for either Coreena or Roy as your tutor, subject to availability. If you are unsure, get in touch with us and we'll help you work work it all out. Here is how Coreena and Roy stand out and how they can help you on your photography journey… Coreena is a seasoned photographer who brings an experiential approach to learning photography. She encourages active engagement with the environment and provides clear, concise explanations of techniques, making the learning process both immersive and enlightening. By blending practical experimentation with valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t and why, participants gain a deeper understanding of photography in a supportive and enriching setting. Roy is an extraordinarily skilled photographer known for his approachable and effective mentoring style. With exceptional technical expertise and fluency in the language of photography, he excels at interpreting and simplifying complex concepts. By breaking down intricate ideas into clear and actionable guidance, Roy creates an engaging and accessible learning experience. His encouraging approach enables participants to confidently master each technique without the overwhelm often associated with learning new skills.

Absolutely. We’re happy to adjust the start and finish times to suit your interests and intentions, and ensure your experience is as enriching and rewarding as possible. Bear in mind, your request is subject to our availability and if it involves an extension of the duration or additional inclusions, additional costs may apply.

If you cancel your booking, our cancellation policy will apply. Depending on when you cancel, a refund may or may not be available. Our cancellation and refund policies are outlined in full in our standard terms and conditions.

Absolutely. For privately guided experiences, we welcome guests who want to share and enjoy the experience with you. Itineraries and activities will be adapted to suit both you and your travel companion. Coreena and Roy are very knowledgeable about topics beyond photography and often share their knowledge and insights about many and varied topics. This includes Tasmania's natural environment, birds, wildlife, history, culture and much more. Please note that group tours, retreats, and workshops are designed with photography participation in mind and are intended only for photographers.

We aim to provide you with all the information you need in each experience description and before you travel. Additional costs associated with your experience may apply, such as • Optional activities and entry fees: If you choose an optional activities or to visit an attraction that is not included in the experienced booked, additional fees may apply. • Meals and snacks: While some tours and retreats may include meals, others might require you to cover the cost of your own food and beverages. • Accommodation: For multi-day tours and retreats, accommodation costs may be separate from the base experience fee, depending on the experience and/or package selected. • Transport: Depending on the experience booked, associated transport may already be included. If not, optional return transfers for an additional fee may be available. If you have any questions surrounding the experience you wish to book, please send us a message.

Yes, we can, and this is something we consider to be a very important aspect of your experience. To help us out though, we ask that you let us know in advance of any food intolerances, allergies or dietary preferences allowing us to ensure meal and refreshement options will be available for you. In rare circumstances, we may ask you to provide detailed information relating to your individual needs - this is purely to ensure we have a full understanding and thus avoid any misunderstandings.

The inclusions for each experience vary depending on what you book. For details on what’s included, please refer to the experience description on our website prior to booking and on your booking confirmation after booking. Some experiences may also come with optional extras.

Snacks... yes. We provide refreshments during your experience like tea, coffee, fresh fruit and light snacks. All other meals are arranged according to the experience booked. Picnic lunches are recommended which may be purchased at a cafe or eatery en route or in the areas travelled, with options to dine-in if preferred. Alternatively, you may like to arrange a BYO picnic for which we'll supply a cooler bag, ice bricks, plates, cups, cutlery etc. We’ll be sure to recommend our favourite Tasmanian producers and suppliers which are known for their variety of delicious meals, snacks and refreshments. Our recommendations will include the local stores, cafes and eateries from whom we make frequent purchases for ourselves (ie. tried, tested and endorsed by us). For guests who travelled with us earlier than 2024 Please be aware that we no longer cater in the same way that we have had so much success in doing so in the past. When it comes to catering all meals, like full-spread picnic lunches and attentively prepared breakfasts and dinners, there has been a change in this aspect of our offerings. Essentially, the reason for this change lies in the increased costs associated with catering meals along with the administrative burden of maintaining the necessary food service permit for our micro-business. As a result, we’ve made adjustments to offer more flexibility while effectively managing costs. This change allows you to choose and pay for meals and refreshments according to your preferences. With this change, you now have the freedom to choose and pay for meals and refreshments according to your preferences, giving you greater control over the choices made.

Let us share our expertise to help you choose. Simply arrange a free 20-minute insight call by video or phone, and we’ll guide you in selecting the experience that aligns with your interests and intentions. Alternatively, we can exchange thoughts by email if that’s more convenient for you.

Not at all! We cater to photo enthusiasts at all skill levels. Whether you’re just beginning your photography journey, getting familiar with a new camera, or looking to enhance your existing skills, our tours, retreats, and tuition sessions are designed to accommodate and support your growth. We provide personalised guidance and instruction to ensure you have a fulfilling and enriching experience, no matter where you are in your photography journey.

We can offer flexible payment options for certain tours and retreats. Please contact us to discuss your options.

Yes, changes to your booking are possible with sufficient notice. Please note that some fees or cost differences may apply. For more details, refer to our standard terms and conditions

All payments are made in Australian Dollars (AUD) through our secure online payment portal on our website. Most major credit cards are accepted. Payments in AUD may also be processed via Direct Deposit or Bank Transfer (Australian bank accounts only). Our account details will be provided separately. Your full payment must be received in our account prior to the booked date. Please allow 3-5 days for processing. If you plan to make an international bank transfer, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. If you prefer to pay via PayPal, please get in touch. Note that a nominal additional fee may apply.

Special offers and discounts are available from time to time and are generally announced in our newsletter, exclusively for subscribers. Join us ‘In the Picture’ to be among the first to hear about these deals as they become available.

Refunds depend on the timing of the cancellation. Please refer to our refund policy in our standard terms and condtions for full details

Full payment or a nominated deposit may be requested at the time of booking. For some experiences, we may need to confirm our availability first; in such cases, payment will be requested upon confirming your booking and is due within 7 days of our confirmation. For further details, please refer to our payment policy as outlined in our standard terms and conditions.

You can book directly through our website or contact us for assistance in selecting an experience that aligns with your interests and intentions.

If you change or cancel your booking, our standard terms and condtions will apply. Changing your booking may incur a fee consistent with the changes made. As for cancelling, depending on when you cancel, a refund may or may not be available. Our amendment and cancellation policy is outlined in full in our standard terms and conditions.

Our ‘What to Bring’ page will guide you in preparing for your experience, while in some cases, a detailed recommended packing list will be sent to you separately. Importantly, you will need your own camera and lenses, along with any other accessories you wish to use, like filters which are particular to your camera or lens models. When it comes to tripods and monopods, bring yours if you own one, or use one of our loan tripods during your experience when/as required. We understand the challenges of travelling with camera gear and are here to determine which lenses and accessories will be most beneficial for your experience. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your gear and ensure you’re well-prepared.

This is perfectly OK. We know changes occur. We just ask that you update us as soon as you can. This is especially important if the change is pertinent to where we are to meet you, new information about mobility or dietary needs, or maybe you have upgraded or purchased a new camera.

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers both all aspects of your trip, including any activities you might participate in, and sufficient coverage for the value of your photography gear. Travel insurance can offer coverage for unforseen events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage or travel disruptions. Some experiences may involve travel to remote locations, while others may be impacted by variable weather conditions, so having insurance can provide you with valuable protection and peace of mind. Furthermore, please note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to your photography gear or any other personal belongings. Ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage for your equipment is a prudent step.

We monitor weather conditions closely and adjust our itineraries and activities to ensure you still have a rewarding photography experience. Some of the best shots can happen in unexpected weather! All experiences proceed in most weather unless it is considered unsafe to do so or access is limited due to road or track closures. If we find ourselves in such circumstances, we will contact you to discuss our recommendations. Any change to the activities are always considered to ensure your safety and comfort and the quality of your overall experience. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for more detailed information.

Yes, while cancellations are rare, they can occur due to factors such as weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or if the minimum number of participants for small group workshops or retreats is not met. If we need to cancel your booking, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide options such as rescheduling, selecting an alternative experience, or receiving a refund, as outlined in our standard terms and conditions.​⬤

We monitor weather conditions closely and adjust our itineraries and activities to ensure you still have a rewarding photography experience. Some of the best shots can happen in unexpected weather! All experiences proceed in most weather unless it is considered unsafe to do so or access is limited due to road or track closures. If we find ourselves in such circumstances, we will contact you to discuss our recommendations. Any change to the activities are always considered to ensure your safety and comfort and the quality of your overall experience. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for more detailed information.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all our guests. We follow all local guidelines and provide briefings throughout each experience, including (especially) before setting off for a photo shoot.

Absolutely, we are here to assist you. All activities are designed to be experiential. Our tutors and guides are available to provide guidance on camera settings and techniques as needed. Whether you need help adjusting your settings or have questions about your gear, we’ll offer personalised support to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Your tutor or guide will be one of the founders and owners of Shutterbug Walkabouts, Coreena Vieth or Roy Vieth. Each brings their own expertise to our offerings. Coreena Vieth is our Principal Photography Tutor and Experience Guide. Coreena is driven by her passion for photography and extensive experience in leading extraordinary nature-based tours throughout Australia. She aims to inspire you to capture the breathtaking beauty of Tasmania and shared her insights and lessons from years of guiding and her own photography journey. Roy Vieth is our Photography Technical Specialist & Tutor. Roy focuses on providing private photography tuition to help you build on your existing knowledge, whether you’re a beginner or refining your existing skills. He especially caters to those with an interest in the technical aspects of photography and how the camera works. You can learn more about Coreena and Roy on our About page. If you have any specific preferences or requirements, please let us know, and we’ll match you with the guide best suited to you.

We aim to provide you with all the information you need in each experience description and before you travel. Your booking confirmation will outline what's included with your booked experience. Any variation to this may incur additional costs. Additional costs that may apply: • Optional activities and entry fees: If you choose an optional activities or to visit an attraction that is not included in the experienced booked, additional fees may apply. • Meals and snacks: While some tours and retreats may include meals, others might require you to cover the cost of your own food and beverages. • Accommodation: For multi-day tours and retreats, accommodation costs may be separate from the base experience fee, depending on the experience and/or package selected. • Transport: Depending on the experience booked, associated transport may be included. If not, optional return transfers for an additional fee may be available. Additional transport, like ferries, may incur an additional fee. If you have any questions surrounding the experience you wish to book, please send us a message.

Our priority is to assist you with your photography as much or as little as you desire. While your tutor or guide may take a few photos for demonstative purposes, or of you engaging in photography, they will only do so with your permission. Some of our guests enjoy a 'shoot together' experience, which will be discussed separately and only pursued with your agreement. Any photos taken of you will be shared with you and may also be used in our promotional activities. It’s your experience, and you have the option to decline if you prefer that your guide does not take any photos at all.

If you need to leave your experience early, we will do our best to accommodate your situation. However, please note that no refunds will be provided for any unused portions of the experience. For specific details and any potential adjustments, please refer to our standard terms and conditions.

For privately guided experiences, you will receive personalised, one-on-one instruction throughout. The entire experience is tailored to your needs, with ample time dedicated to individual feedback, skill development, and enhancing your photography techniques. On our small group retreat experiences, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of group tutorials and one-on-one guidance to help you grow and refine your photography skills. Each participant receives ample personalised attention, with individual feedback and dedicated time for skill development.

When your experience includes transport, you will travel in our spacious and stylish 2019 Toyota Kluger SUV. This modern, air-conditioned vehicle is fully registered and accredited as a passenger vehicle with Transport Tasmania. Our vehicle seats up to six passengers plus the driver. For optimum space and comfort, we suggest a maximum of four passengers. However, a group of six can travel, with the 5th and 6th passengers seated in the third row. We recommend the third-row seating for individuals of smaller stature (up to 160 cm or 5’4”) who can comfortably step up through the wide opening rear passenger doors.

If you arrive late for your experience, we will do our best to accommodate your situation. However, please note that no refunds will be provided for any unused portions of the experience. For more information, please refer to our standard terms and conditions.

Yes, we offer follow-up support, including feedback on your images and additional learning resources to continue improving your skills.

Absolutely! We love seeing the photographs our guests create during their experiences. You can share your images with us on social media or via our image upload form. Image critique is only provided if requested.

Yes, you can share the photos you take during your experience with us. Please use our image upload form to send your images and check the box if you’d like to request a critique.

We do not offer equipment rental. However, we do provide loan tripods and a few small accessories for you to use during your experience (at no additional cost).

Filters are not essential, but they can be beneficial depending on your photography interests and intentions. The use of filters can enhance your photography, particularly for long exposures, managing reflections, or controlling light. However, you can still achieve great results without them. If you have any questions about filters and which types might be useful for your experience, feel free to get in touch for our insights.

Yes, it will be suitable. We believe that photography is for everyone, regardless of experience level or the camera gear you own. Whether you have a compact camera or more advanced equipment, we are here to help you make the most of your photography experience.

The best lens to bring is the one you use most often on your camera. With so many lenses available, it’s important to choose the one you’re most familiar with and comfortable using. This will help you maximise your experience and ensure you’re able to capture the best images. If you have a couple of lenses you frequently use, or want to gain more shooting experience with, bringing those can also be beneficial, depending on the type of photography you plan to focus on during your experience.

Yes, you are required to bring your own camera gear and any lenses you wish to use. Accessories like filters, which are specific to your camera and lens models, should also be brought along, though they are not essential. We believe using and learning your own equipment provides the best chance for continuity in your photography journey. While we do not lend or hire out cameras and lenses, we provide loan tripods at no additional cost. Our ‘What to Bring’ page will guide you in preparing for your experience, and in some cases, a detailed recommended packing list will be included with your booking confirmation.

If you own a tripod or monopod, and you can bring it with you, please bring it along on your experience. A tripod is especially useful for shooting close-up/macro, waterfalls, and low-light/night scenes. A monopod can be handy, although not essential, for bird and wildlife photography, and may even double as a walking pole. If you don't own a tripod or monopod, or not able to travel with yours, you are welcome to borrow one from us during your photography experience, without any additional fee. If you’ve never used a tripod or monopod before, this is a great opportunity to try it out – it might even be simpler than you think!

Yes, all itineraries include ‘time at leisure,’ which is perfect for uploading, reviewing, and processing your images. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to receive further insights from your tutor or guide on image processing, including workflow and editing techniques, to enhance your skills.

We devote a lot of time to researching accommodation options for our multi-day tours and retreats. We even stay at selected places before proceeding with any tour bookings. Using a set of criteria and trusting our intuition, we continually update our knowledge of what’s available. This ensures we can offer a range of options with excellent feedback. The style of accommodation we typically book is boutique and photographer-friendly. It may include self-contained houses, cosy cabins, small hotels, or hosted bed and breakfasts. We also give you a say in the decision to ensure the accommodation aligns with your preferences. Our goal is to provide comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere where you can relax after a fulfilling day of photography. Many of the places we select are in scenic locations, enhancing both your stay and your photography journey. If you have specific requests or preferences, let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

We plan our itineraries in advance, but our daily photo shoots and activities are adapted to make the most of the light, weather and varied photography opportunities, so nothing is set in stone. We much prefer to assess the day's conditions and change the agenda to suit to maximise your photo opportunities. Some days start early with a sunrise shoot, while other days may be focused on twilight, sunset, or night photography. We also make sure you have time at leisure to relax, take a nap, read a book, go for a walk, or review and process your photos. Depending on the itinerary, we may offer complementary experiences or activities to further enrich your travel and photography journey.

A lens with a focal length of 200mm or greater is an advantage mainly because it can often be difficult to get close to birds in their natural habitat. However, learning the camera settings and techniques for bird photography will get you started, so it's not essential to have all the 'perfect' gear. When covering topics related to bird photography, you'll spend most of the time experimenting with settings and techniques for bird photography using your camera and lens combo that you have now. It will also help you decide if bird photography is for you and whether investing in a new lens for this genre of photography is worth the investment.