Testimonials
From tour guests + workshop participants
I pride myself on the experience given to each and every one of my tour guests, and offer them the tour experience I’d want to receive myself.
“I have just returned from Tasmania where I joined Wanda on her East Coast then West Coast photographic Tours ( work shops ). This was the best trip I have ever been on, learned a lot, great company and we all made the most of every sunrise and sunset at some of the most amazing places most people would never have seen. I am not young but walking was never beyond me, accomodation was excellent. Wanda is an excellent teacher and her enthusiasm for everyone in the group to achieve a very high standard of pictures is infectious. Thanks so much.” (Kevin Dickeson) November 2024
“I’ve done a couple of photography tours with Von and I attended both the east coast and west coast tours of Tasmania with Von just recently. A fabulously organised tour with many bucket list locations. Accommodation was very comfortable and Von was always available for advice when and if needed. Her selfless approach when offering tips and guidance ensured everyone came away with images that you could be proud of. Will definitely travel with her again. Highly recommended.” (Sharon Gallagher) November 2024
“I recently completed the Tasmanian West Coast photo workshop with Wanda Craswell Photography. We photographed a number of scenes including sunrise, sunsets, coastal, and rainforest. Locations included Queenstown, Tarkine, Stanley, and Cradle Mountain. The trip was excellent and very well organised. Wanda has very good knowledge of the locations and is passionate about the photography. Wanda provided very good assistance for techniques, compositions and scene selection. Great value and experiences, many thanks to Wanda and to Mark who drove us around the locations.” (David Jenkins) November 2024
“I joined Von on the West Coast Tasmania tour last week which exceded my expectations in every way.
The pre-tour comms were informative and timely; followed up by the logistics of the week which were seamless. I knew exactly what to expect without being flooded with too much detail.
The week itself was absolutely fantastic. The itinerary was filled with stunning locations and one of a kind shooting opportunities. With such a small group on the tour, you were able to really get to know each other and never feel crowded or drowned out if you wanted to get some advice or help, or access to the best position on location.
Von was always on hand to offer suggestions on composition and technical queries if you wanted it; or if not, just ensuring you had everything you needed. She encouraged you to move outside of your usual shooting habit and try new comps, new angles, new subjects and to use a range of settings. The vibe Von helped create within the group was really lovely - laid back, open and heaps of knowledge sharing which made the week so memorable.
It really felt like with Von's knowledge, we got the best out of every spot, increased our own skills and banked some awesome shots. There was a good balance of different types of locations throughout the week, visiting some really unique towns and of course, spending 2 days at the hero destination of Dove Lake & Cradle Mountain Park.
The accommodation and food were great; which was no mean feat in some of the more remote parts of the island.
I would highly recommend the tour and Von as your excellent guide and would go on another tour with her in a heartbeat. (Rebecca Grant) November 2024
“My daughter and I have just returned from a weekend photography trip with Wanda. It was fabulous.
Wanda curates and organises very practical and inspiring workshops with carefully chosen locations, each providing abundant subject matter. She encourages you to try new ways of exploring creative photography techniques, while consolidating the basic skills, techniques and processes.
She is a delight to work with and quickly becomes a friend. She gives each attendee both ample attention while also giving you space to create and achieve your individual style and workflow.
Workshops can be followed up with her “Instameets” providing consolidation and a chance to continue to connect, learn and explore the joy of photography with her and past attendees.
”
“I can’t thank Wanda Craswell and Rina Sjardin-Thompson enough for the most incredible photography experience in beautiful New Zealand. Selfless guides and such a wealth of knowledge between them. We were introduced to so many stunning photo opportunities and it was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommend!”
“A tour of NZ South Island that felt more like a holiday with friends. Led by 2 amazing photographers with 2 different unique styles meant an abundant amount of new learning was achieved. The places we visited were often quiet and absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to go again one day.”
“I have now been on 3 different sessions with Von, and can say each experience I walk away with knowledge I didn’t have before. She takes her times to answer all your questions. During the last session, I toured with her and a group to Eastern Tasmania. We went to a lot of great spots to get some great photos. It was very well planned out and full on. Not just sunrise and sunset like others tours, but no pressure to be involved in each location. She checked in frequently to make sure we were going good and made attempts to accommodate to the groups needs and wants. She really knows how to give her knowledge without trying to make you change your style. I’ll definitely be going on another tour.”
“I went on the 2022 Tasmania tour and couldn’t recommend this more highly.
Everything is organised for you so you can focus totally on your photography - from the best locations to great accommodation, food and ‘down time’ to explore on your own. Our weather wasn’t great and you’d think that would make a photography tour a bit of a disappointment, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It actually enhanced it, as we learned how to handle difficult conditions and come away from it with amazing photos. And let’s face it...it’s rare to find perfect conditions, so these skills were so valued. Then, when we did get a great sunrise...just magic.
I think what I most valued was the kindness and support, the (requested) individual critique of my work and where I can improve, the company of other (amazing) photographers, and just the access to things I’d never know about if I was travelling alone. Doesn’t matter if you’re extremely experienced or fairly new (I’m the latter, but we had both in our group), she makes it work and you’ll learn so much. Thanks Von for a wonderful week! ”
“I attended a group photography workshop with Von over the recently & highly recommend either taking part in one of her group or private sessions.
This particular workshop was an in depth focus on filters, and the technique on capturing different shots with filters. The great thing was that we were supplied with the filters to use during the session and also shown in detail the hands on way to use them correctly.
Von’s love and wealth of photography knowledge shines through with her friendly and approachable teaching style. I would have no hesitation in referring anyone to one of Von’s workshops because I know that I personally learnt a great deal of useful tips & tricks that I can put into practice when I’m out taking photos.
A huge big thank you Von, I’m so grateful for everything I learnt in the workshop.”
“I discovered Wanda Craswell Photography on Instagram and love her photography. I’ve been following and admiring her photography for some time. I like to think of myself as a hobby photographer, but wanted to improve my skills beyond the auto settings of my camera.
I recently attended her morning photography workshop at Shorncliffe Pier and Wanda was very welcoming. She provided me with great tip and knowledge on camera settings, use of filters and how to compose a great shot. She taught me skills that would have probably taken me months on my own.
If you want to fast track your photography skills I totally recommend Wanda’s workshops. I’ve already booked another upcoming weekend workshop and really looking forward to it.”
“I can’t recommend Wanda highly enough! I’ve just returned from Hervey Bay where I spent the weekend with her learning everything to do with photography. She offers something for everyone, whether you have lots or just a little previous photography experience and she individualizes her course to suit everyone’s needs, making sure that you understand and come away with heaps of new knowledge and experience. We laughed lots, learned lots and made lots of new friends in peaceful, relaxing, beautiful surroundings! Seriously, contact Wanda if you’d like to learn how to take photos like she does, she’s super generous and shares all her knowledge freely in simple terms. Thank you Wanda! ”