Meet Your
Professional Photographer
Rich Wagner is a highly skilled digital photographer. His images hang in public corporations and private foundations from San Diego to Boston and in homes from the Americas to the Far East. Years of experience have made him a master at teaching just about anyone with any kind of camera how to take better pictures. Rich will share his expertise in composition and editing, as well as pointers on selling locally to fund your vacations.
"Rich came to the workshop with his own expertise and because of his journey, he had a unique understanding of our needs. He was the perfect man for the job."
Nancy Cappo
“I attended many sessions with Rich Wagner and, for a beginner getting started, I found his sessions very helpful. He’s very knowledgeable, interesting, explains clearly, and kept my interest at all times.”
Leslie Sponberg
Past Photo Workshop Testimonials
“The workshop was well done in every way and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to photographers (even hobbyist and amateurs). I will definitely be interested in taking other AWAI workshops.”
Pam Spivey
“Great experience – both in learning photography and seeing a new place in a different way.”
Cathy Metzinger
“The workshop was fun. I learned a lot … I met interesting people and I became excited about trying to make money from photography. The workshop is an excellent value and provides information that is difficult to acquire in other ways.”
Susan Hoffman
“It’s so hands-on with simple learning techniques. Great people and all instructors are so nice. I didn’t realize I would love it so much and I can’t wait until the next one!”
Pamela S.
"I am always amazed at how adept you are at making others feel valuable! Thanks so much for all that you did to make us feel welcome, as if we were with old-time friends! As I mentioned to you at the workshop, I thought everything went so smoothly, and I know when that happens, lots of work has to be done beforehand! I could hear and feel the excitement from those in attendance throughout the workshop. The expertise shared with us will make all our lives so much richer!."
Lily Torrez
“You certainly made a good impression on this first-time attendee. You should be proud of the organization you have built in a few short years. You have a great staff and that reflects very well on them and you. The guest speakers you assemble also testify to the strength of your organization and you personally. But what contributes to that apparent ease is your, your staff's, and your speakers' ability to have fun. And you are genuinely nice people. All that put together makes learning so much easier for all of us attendees.”
Bill S. |
Escape to
Sydney & Melbourne, Australia
this Winter
and Bask in the Sun while you Photograph Australia’s
Two Biggest Cities …
All the While Mastering the Simple
Photography Skills that Will Help You
Sell Your Photos and Get Paid to Travel
Over Five Sunny, Adventure-Filled Days:
- Learn from professional photographer Rich Wagner the techniques he uses to shoot pictures that sell for $200 - $500 – and even more …
- Get HANDS-ON PRACTICE applying your new skills – while you explore Australia’s two largest cities
- Photograph the opera house, the harbor, the beach, “the Rocks” neighborhood, and Sydney Harbour with PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Rich Wagner at your heel …
- Find out the little-known techniques photographers use to TAKE PHOTOS THAT SELL while you travel …
- EXPLORE SYDNEY in a way you never would as a typical tourist, and catch the Australia Day (January 26th) celebration (like the 4th of July in the U.S.) parade and photograph the fireworks over the harbor …
- Get to know MELBOURNE, Australia’s second-largest city, voted the “most livable” city in the country …
- And much more …

If you're intrigued by the prestige of seeing your photos in magazines … if you long for a career or sideline that lets you travel whenever you like and wherever you please …
And if you're ready to enjoy a truly unique getaway this winter … then this is, hands down, the best place to begin your adventure.
Join us in Australia January 24 – January 29 (depart the U.S. January 22) and immerse yourself in not only the pursuit of jaw-dropping photos you can sell … but in soaking up the sun and taking in the sights, culture, and cuisine that energetic Sydney and quirky Melbourne have to offer… and maybe even add on a side trip to see nature-rich Phillip Island and the rolling hills of Mornington Peninsula.
Meet Us in Sydney and Learn
Professional Photography Tricks
in the Company of Like-Minded Friends
Picture yourself in Sydney, Australia -- one of the most energetic, culture-rich, and distinctively photogenic cities in the world. You can’t mistake the famous shell-shaped domes of the Sydney Opera House, perching on the edge of the blue harbor, or the arching semi-circle of the Harbour Bridge, minutes from world-famous beaches.
As one of only eight attendees in this photo excursion, you'll see the sites in Australia’s two largest cities, all in the company of like-minded people sharing a similar goal – to improve their photography and have fun.
You’ll start in Los Angeles, flying over to Sydney with the group, or you can get to Sydney on your own and meet us there.
Don't have any photography experience? No problem.
With your professional photographer Rich Wagner by your side, you’ll understand what to do in tricky light situations and how to take control of your camera settings. He’ll point you in the right direction, show you what sells best, and make sure you walk away with photos you’re proud of -- and can sell time and again to help pay for your trip.

The Schedule
Depart on an overnight flight to Sydney on January 22nd. Bring your pillow and get ready to cross the International Date Line for arrival on January 24th.
On your first day, you’ll meet Rich Wagner in the hotel lobby for a welcome lunch (on us) where he’ll give you a few photo pointers to get you started in the right direction before heading out on the town to take photos.
You’ll spend the next two days in Sydney, sampling the world-class culture and cuisine and learning all about how to take saleable photos.
You’ll tour the Sydney Opera house, enjoy the view from the Harbour Bridge, take ferry rides through the sparkling blue harbor, explore the colorful cafes, bars, and shop the markets of "The Rocks" in Old Sydney, photograph the skyline at sunrise …
And you’ll also get a rare treat …
You’ll be there on January 26, Australia Day. It’s the big, country-wide celebration like the 4th of July in the U.S., and you’ll get to photograph the spectacular fireworks over the Harbour during the big bash.
On January 27, you’ll fly with the group to Melbourne (just an hour and a half away by plane) to tour what the London Times calls “Australia’s quirkiest city.”
You’ll spend your last day polishing up your new photo skills in Melbourne and relaxing with your new friends at a farewell dinner, dining with magnificent views of the city -- on us.
And don’t forget, you’ll be taking home postcard-perfect photos to show all your friends how much fun you had.
On January 29, you can fly back home, or extend your stay with us in Australia on an optional two day excursion to Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula. (You can read more about this below.)
Activity Level
High activity. A good portion of this workshop will be spent out-and-about on foot sight-seeing in Sydney and Melbourne. You should pack some comfortable walking shoes for this trip.
January is summertime in Australia, so it’ll be a great escape away from the northern winter … but it can get hot, so you’ll also want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothes.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites. This workshop is for people of all skill levels and experience and the photography concepts discussed are doable by anyone.
Dates
January 22 – January 29
Photography Expedition in Sydney, Australia
January 22 – January 29, 2010
Where: We’ll be spending our time in Sydney and Melbourne, and there will be an optional two day add-on excursion to nearby Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula as well.
Your Registration Fee Includes:
- Hotel accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne (Five nights in total)
- Round-trip airfare from Sydney to Melbourne
- Photo instruction with professional photographer, Rich Wagner
- Five days of sight seeing in Sydney and Melbourne
- Tickets to tour Sydney’s Opera house, museums, parks, harbour cruises, and more …
- Your own See Sydney and Beyond Smartvisit Card, which gets you into all the major sights and onto busses, subway, and ferries for free and discounts on restaurants and bars around town …
- Hands-on practice taking photos of world-class cities, people, and sights
- A welcome lunch to meet and converse with your fellow attendees on your first day in Sydney as well as a farewell dinner on the last night in Melbourne
Note: Schedule, speakers, and locations are subject to change.
Your Registration Does NOT Include:
- Meals not listed on this flyer
- Equipment – you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g., memory cards, tripod, etc.)
- Airfare and airport transfers from the U.S. to Sydney. Roundtrip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney starts at $850 (subject to change).
- Australian visa fees (approx. $35 for U.S. citizens)
(Attendance is limited to 8 people.)
PRICE: $3,649 per person*
Early Bird Price: $3,349
Other discounts may apply, here …
Loyalty Club Member Price: $2,649
Note: Prices above do not include your round-trip airfare to and from Los Angeles and are based on double occupancy at the hotel. If you are traveling alone, a single supplement fee ($350) is due when you register. If you wish to share a room with another participant, we will try to find a roommate for you. We can't, however, guarantee a match. If a roommate is available, we will issue you a credit. If not, you'll have paid the single-supplement fee.
P.S. We’ll also be doing an optional two-day add-on excursion to Phillip Island and Mornington Penninsula January 29th and 30th! You can read the all the details below.
Optional Add-on Excursion
to Phillip Island & Mornington Peninsula
Stay with us after Melbourne and skip down to Phillip Island on January 29 to see the world renown 19-inch-tall Fairy Penguins, and photograph the Koalas, farm and marine life on the Southern coast.
Then on the 30th head to nearby Mornington Peninsula, with its rolling vineyards and spectacular views of the coastline, and enjoy a full day of wine tasting and photographing in the Australian wine country.
Add-On Excursion Price: $1,100
Price includes: Transportation from Melbourne to Phillip Island and Mornington Penninsula, all airport transfers, two nights hotel accommodation, entrance into Phillip Island Park including extreme penguin viewing experience and full day wine tour with lunch in Mornington Penninsula.
NOTE: You may qualify for additional discounts on The Australia Photography Expedition if you’ve purchased certain AWAI products over the last 12 months.
To register now or find out if you qualify for an additional discount, please click below or call us toll-free at (866) 415-1425 or (202) 370-6459 Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Eastern Time. Payment plans are available by phone or by email at: lori@thephotographerslife.com
Cancellation Policy: The Australia Photography Expedition is non-refundable. If, however, you are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be happy to apply your payment toward a future workshop, minus a $200 processing fee. If you cancel due to medical reasons that are covered by your purchased travel-insurance policy, we will advise the insurance company that your travel and conference fees are non-refundable.
This workshop is for digital cameras only. You're welcome to shoot in film if you like, but due to time and space we will only focus on the digital medium of photography and the publications that buy digital photographs. Point-and-shoot digital cameras are welcomed (and encouraged for first-time snappers).
See what these travelers had to say about our other photography expeditions this past year …
“I loved this workshop. Lots of excellent information, and easy to understand. And I can put it to use immediately! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” – Lyrae Perry
“It’s a total experience -- lots of learning, lots of socializing, extremely professionally done. You don’t let us down in any area.” –Viki Hildreth
“You can learn a lot about many aspects of photography and writing and have fun and feel encouraged, also meet kindred souls.” – C. Meredith
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