TWO DAY TOUR

This safari takes us up to the Wollemi wilderness for a two day photographic smorgasbord. A mixture of iconic landscape, widely contrasting natural environments with rich flora and fauna opportunities and early industrial archeology buried in the bush, provide a range of challenges for the keen photographer. Our four wheel drive gives us access to " land that time forgot " gorges, dizzying vistas, aboriginal cave painting and charming waterways...................more info go here Wilderness adventure

THREE DAY TOUR

Two nights away gives three days to explore in whatever direction you would like. You can of course leave it to us, every photo-safari we put together operates on the idea that our clients want to come back with intense experiences and rewarding images. In this the wilderness and country areas within 4wd touring distance of Sydney are amazing, you can experience glow-worm tunnels, deep 'land that time forgot' canyons, unspoilt goldrush villages, wild rivers in even wilder places, spectacular landscapes, elemental coastlines...you name it we know about it and the best times to be there. Adventure awaits

FOUR DAY TOUR

A four day and three night adventure is a opportunity to gain a real immersion in the unique quality of this ancient continent. Lets have a chat about what you want to see and do and we can give you Wilderness soul-food !

OUTBACK TOURS

A opportunity of a lifetime, yes a tired old cliche, but this is it. Rains that have not been seen in a generation have broken possibly the worst drought on record. Go and see the bird breeding colonies, the blooming desert, the explosion in marsupial numbers. This ten day tour takes you to the real 'outback'. Yep we go beyond the fabled 'black stump' and take in a wide swath of inland Australia . Wildlife Adventure

SYDNEY SPECIAL

This three hour tour will get you to the right place at the right time to get the right shot. Martin has photographed all of Sydneys signature images repeatedly in all conditions of weather and light. You may be a local or a traveller, maybe you want the unique view or the famous iconic shot. Martin has shot every angle of this city from land, air and water. Pick up/ drop off anywhere in the Cbd/environs and it only costs from $50 p/person. Timing is of the essence in photography, why waste your precious time. GO HERE TO FIND OUT MORE or Contact Martin on 0418165056 or martin@touchlightlytours.com

A photo-safari delivering signature locations and personal tuition, taking your photography to the next level.

From the Sydney Special to the Outback Pilgrimage with a professional photographer guide

Authentic experiences of Australia's rich heritage, great images to go home with.

Go to here for the dates of our next wilderness weekend tour or contact us to set up your personalised tour.

summer time and the touring is easy

Exploring, photographing and immersing yourself in timeless wilderness both dramatic and intimate, walking the streets of original gold-rush villages, calming your soul besides tranquil lakes, pristine estuaries, wild rivers and dramatic ocean beaches. Unlike other tours we are licensed to operate in over 10 National Parks and Reserves in NSW from the wilds of the southern Deau to the heights of the world heritage Barrington Tops and out to the far western Warrumbungles.

Martin your host and guide is a widely published professional photographer of more than twenty years standing and has had many years of bushcraft experience of every variety of Australian landscape. He spent ten years living, working and hunting with the Aboriginal people of the Top End. Among other roles he has worked as a location scout and intercultural Aboriginal liaison for the film industry, these experiences feed his determination to get under the skin of this ancient continent. The worlds oldest, continuous culture gives us our credo the ancient Aboriginal proverb "touch the earth lightly".

This is a small group safari tour, which can be highly individualised to suit your fitness level and interests. Up to four clients will go into places that only 4wd can venture. Signature locations are selected for their variety, authenticity and visual enchantment. We avoid the usual tourist claptrap and maximise the possibilities for bringing home rewarding images.

At night we tell tales around the campfire, maybe Martin plays a bit of didgeridoo. Listen to the profound heartbeat of this ancient land, fall asleep, snug and secure in your own tent or traditional bush-mans swag Drift off as the dying campfire flickers on the trees, wake with the possums snuffle as the moon sails between the branches overhead, laze at sunrise as bird calls resonate in the gathering light. We catch that light right 'there' because we wake up on location ready to get the mornings golden hour.

Everybody who owns a camera of any sort Point'n'Shoot, DSLR, Medium Format, whatever you use, your goal is to take better pictures. This is true of both the amateur and the professional. Whatever stage you are at, these tours are all about giving you the opportunity to take your personal vision to the next level. As much tuition and guidance as you need is available to help you get the shots you want. Martin teaches photography to students of all levels at his regular workshops with Foto Riesel. Both technical and aesthetic aspects of the craft are covered with the aim to develop your personal vision.

NSW Transport 4WD Tour Operator Licence GS6350 - NPWS EcoPass Licence - 10/632

for more images and information about Martin

www.martinvanderwal.com

Under The Great Southern Sky

How, why and where do we camp? You have a choice bring your own hiking tent and sleeping rig or take advantage of the swags we can provide. Personally I camp (lightly) - no laborious setting up and taking down - just roll out and roll up the swags (double or single - your choice). For those who don't know it the 'swag' is the traditional way of camping in Australia. The humble swag however has come a long way since that Swag-Man went a ''Waltzing-Matilda'' by a Billabong. Today's swag has all the best characteristics of the old swag - sleeping in the fresh air - under the sky - touching the earth, but with the security of insect and weather proofing plus a comfortable mattress and snug blankets. In our experience, people of all ages who have enjoyed a night in a swag, find it very hard to go back to staying in a room or a tent. Do it with a Swagger !

bellycan

Touched by Light

Todays camera and software solutions mean a well exposed and focused image is the norm. More people (and I hope you are one of them) are thinking, how can I develop my personal style ? You want your images to stand out from the crowd, to reflect your personal way of seeing. Working day in, day out, behind the lens for demanding clients the professional photographer gets a chance to develop and extend skills on both a technical and aesthetic level. These skills are at your disposal, please be aware that I will not impose my way of doing things or seeing things, the goal is always for each individual to find and develop a personal way of seeing. I am a great believer in getting into the 'zone', the heightened state of awareness from which the best images flow. The tours not only give us a wide range of image making possibilities but also give us a chance to get into the 'zone' and let the good things happen.. This is my idea of fun, I hope it is yours too. See my work at www.martinvanderwal.com . You will notice that my commercial life has been mainly spent working in the built environment and design areas. I also teach these skills at a regular workshop at 'Foto Riesel'. My counter-point to the rush and bustle of 'the big smoke' has always been getting back to the bush and indulging my passion for landscape and nature photography. I hope you can join me on this visually infinite playing field, with new discoveries and challenges around every corner.