Samuel Markham NZ Landscape Photography Workshop

There are many operators out there who run photography workshops, some are lot better than others. If you're lucky, there are experiences that can genuinely change the way you see the world. A workshop with Samuel Markham falls firmly into the latter.

Now, if you're considering attending one of Sam's workshops, stop wondering whether it's worth it. It is.

I've known Sam since I met him at the 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the year exhibition and despite having no relationship prior to that night, he made me comfortable and encouraged me to reach out if I had queries and questions, and so I did, somewhere along the way I've been able to call him a mate and a mentor. When he asked if I was interested in joining him in NZ to see what it's all about I figured it'd be an experience to learn from one of the in Australia (proven not claimed), and I'm glad I did.

I've spent countless hours behind a camera over the years, photographed some extraordinary places, met incredible photographers, and been fortunate enough to receive recognition for my work. Yet I still walked away from Sam's workshop with a notebook full of ideas, and a few memory cards full of images that I never would have captured on my own, and perhaps most importantly, a renewed excitement for photography itself. Now did I do my best work? Probably not, I was in awe of the places and barely pulled my tripod out. I did have a lot of fun with the very new Laowa 10mm 2.8 though, not optically superior to my RF 15-35 2.8L, but it's worth having (will review that someday soon). I digress.

What makes Sam different isn't simply that he's an exceptional landscape photographer. There are plenty of photographers who can create beautiful images. What separates him is his ability to teach why an image works, not just how to copy it, and how to build your layers.

Every decision has purpose. Why this lens? Why this composition? Why wait another twenty minutes? Why stand three metres to the left instead of where everyone else is shooting? He breaks down photography into understandable pieces without ever making it feel complicated.

One of the things I appreciated most was that there was never any ego. No gatekeeping. No mystery. Sam genuinely wants everyone around him to succeed, whether you're a workshop participant or even a stranger in his inbox. He shares techniques, thought processes, camera settings, editing approaches, location knowledge and creative ideas with complete openness. If asking questions is how you learn, you'll never feel like you're asking too many.

But the workshop isn't just about technical skills.

It's about learning to slow down.

It's about understanding weather, light and atmosphere instead of chasing postcard locations.

It's about recognising that sometimes the best photograph isn't the obvious one that everybody else is taking.

It's about storytelling.

Perhaps the biggest lesson is that photography isn't always about pressing the shutter. Some of the most valuable moments happen standing beside Sam discussing why today's conditions aren't right—or why waiting another ten minutes could completely transform a scene. Those conversations fundamentally change the way you approach photography long after the workshop finishes.

Then there are the locations.

Sam doesn't simply take you somewhere beautiful and hope for the best. Every location has been carefully considered. He understands how changing weather, tides, seasons and light influence each place, giving participants the greatest opportunity to create meaningful images rather than simply ticking destinations off a list.

And when conditions inevitably don't go to plan? That's where experience shines. Instead of forcing a disappointing shoot, Sam adapts. Alternative locations appear. Different compositions emerge. New opportunities are found. It becomes a masterclass in thinking creatively rather than relying on luck. In fact, this winter workshop in NZ we received a 1 in 10-year storm - (according to some media), places were evacuated, roads shut for landslides, huge snowfall and trees blown over. Sam kept us shooting. Sure, low cloud took away some of our best light, but that's photography, we control what we can.

The atmosphere throughout the workshop is equally memorable.

You're surrounded by people who all share the same passion. Beginners, experienced photographers and professionals alike quickly become mates, sharing laughs over early alarms, questionable weather forecasts, muddy boots and the endless search for "just one more shot before we leave." Those friendships often continue well after everyone heads home.

Another thing that impressed me was the fact Sam keeps the size of his workshop small and intimate, 4 people usually, in this case (plus me). It allows for long stretches of personal tutelage, regularly. How some "Other Operators" charge more, have double the participant's travelling over less days and locations surprises me. Those people would be lucky to get 10mins a day with their workshop host and I can't see the value in it. With Sam, you do get a real value.

What also impressed me was Sam's keenness to teach. It doesn't matter whether you're learning the exposure triangle for the first time or fine-tuning advanced compositions. He meets every participant where they are. Nobody gets left behind, nobody feels embarrassed to ask questions, and everybody leaves a better photographer than when they arrived.

Most importantly, Sam encourages you to develop your own style.

He doesn't create clones.

He teaches you to think independently, to trust your own vision, and to create photographs that reflect who you are rather than simply replicating somebody else's portfolio. That's a rare quality in an educator.

When the workshop ends, you'll certainly have great photographs. But you'll also leave with something far more valuable. Greater confidence. A sharper eye for light. A deeper understanding of composition. New friendships. Countless stories. And an entirely different way of looking at the landscape.

Photography is often described as learning to see. Samuel Markham has an extraordinary ability to help people do exactly that.

If you're sitting on the fence about booking one of his workshops, my advice is simple: go.

The locations will fade into memories. The photographs will find their place on your walls or in your portfolio. But the lessons, inspiration and confidence you'll gain will influence every image you create for years to come.

Some workshops teach you how to use a camera.

Samuel Markham's workshops teach you how to become a photographer.

If it interests you, I recommend you see what he has coming up on the link below!

Landscape Photography Workshops Australia | Small Groups — Samuel Markham Photography

Now, f you'll excuse me, I've got nearly a terabyte of images to sift through :)

Be Lucky,

Dave.