I am inviting you, your camera & your curiousity, to join me in a world that combines the rugged beauty of a top New Zealand destination with the elegant luxury that is Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa.

Let's spend some time together, learning the basics of photography, exploring your own distinct way of seeing and capturing the world, taking time to savour the finer things in life.

Photo Credit: Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, Queenstown

Join me, at one of New Zealand’s premium wineries, staying in luxury accommodation, working to capture our own individual stories, as they unfold; exploring our own particular way of seeing the world, then owning our vision. We will study the rules of photography, and then break the rules we need to break to capture the world our way.

We will take group excursions along the valley to photograph and explore another exquisite venue, as well as a trip to New Zealand’s, recently nominated, ‘Most Beautiful Small Town’, Arrowtown. And I promise, all manner of delights await you there.

My workshops are about so much more than photography. I am inviting you to take a time-out, and renew your body and soul. We will leave time for you to visit the Gibbston Valley Lodge Spa, to head out into the golden landscape on one of the Lodge’s hire bikes. Or, if you really need some time out, simply find a quiet place to walk, to read, or make use of the exquisitely appointed bathroom, with that deep bath, found in each cottage.

These workshops are about small groups of women, taking time out from the world of responsibilities and expectations, to learn all they want to learn about photography, in an incredibly safe, non-critical environment. They are all about you having time to explore your way of seeing and photographing the world while nestled into one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

I prefer to work with smaller groups of women, so you might want to bring together a group of your friends and plan your trip according to dates that work for you.  Plese, get in touch to check your dates, and prices.

I also enjoy working one-on-one.

I have been running these introduction to photography workshops for women, in various European locations, since 2013. Now it’s all about returning to my roots, in a landscape I love, more than any other.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, home of my favourite Pinot Noir, located just out of Queenstown.

See you there.

The photography lessons fluidly led from detailed descriptions to anecdotes and to stories of Genova, Italy. At first, it all seemed a blur of ISO, F-stops and trying to sort out what aperture numbers really meant but then it all came together.

Suddenly I could control the settings on my camera to make the spouts of water long and smooth or stop the action where it felt you could see the drops of water. Just by turning a dial. And it worked. And it made sense. My camera, I am pleased to say, has only been back to the Automatic setting a few times since I’ve returned. I’ve still got so much to learn, but after only a weekend with Di I feel like I am on my way.'

Laura, Client & Blogger, Ciao Amalfi

Included in the fee :

  • Accommodation - 3 nights, on location, at the Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa

  • Transport costs to & from workshop locations.

  • Continental Breakfast Buffet

  • Some lunches & dinners

  • Wifi

  • Hard tail bike hire on location

  • Valet parking

  • Après wine tasting per stay

  • All learning materials and tuition during the workshop.

Not included:

  • All costs (flights and etc) associated with reaching the location.

  • Travel insurance

  • Morning and afternoon teas while out.

  • Alcohol and other beverages.

  • Spa & Beauty treatments at the Gibbston Valley Lodge however you will be welcome to book treatments independently.

To celebrate this first New Zealand photography workshop for women, 3 nights, GST inclusive: $2900

To book or ask for more information, please use the form below.