Wildlife Photography Workshop at Lightning Swamp Bushland

Wildlife Photography Workshop: Lightning Swamp, Noranda Hosted by ARKD After the success of our Herdsman Lake workshop, we’re heading to one of Perth’s best-kept pockets of bushland. Lightning Swamp is a 71-hectare remnant of banksia woodland, heath and seasonal wetland in Noranda. It shows what the Swan Coastal Plain looked like before the suburbs arrived, and it’s full of subjects for a wildlife photographer. What we’ll be looking for Birds: Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos feeding in the banksias, plus waterbirds around the swamps. Bush birds uncommon in smaller reserves, like Red-capped Robin, Western Thornbill and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, are also possible. Frogs and smaller subjects: the wetlands support at least seven frog species. Spring wildflowers and insects are good for macro work. What you’ll learn Finding and approaching wildlife ethically, without stressing it Camera settings and technique for birds in bushland light Fieldcraft: reading habitat, positioning, and patience Composition and storytelling for conservation-focused images Hands-on guidance from me in the field, whatever your camera Details Date: 15/11/2026 Time: 0800–1000 Meeting point: Lightning Park Recreational Center Car Park Duration: 2 hours, mostly easy walking on flat, sandy ground Group size: limited to 20 so everyone gets one-on-one time Skill level: beginners to intermediate welcome What to bring Camera and any telephoto or macro lenses you have Spare batteries and cards Water, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes Clean footwear, as parts of the reserve are closed because of dieback About your host

I’m Dyllan, a Perth wildlife and conservation photographer and filmmaker, and the founder of ARKD. I’m working on the 101 Creatures project, photographing 101 of WA’s often-overlooked species, and I manage a camera store, so I’m happy to talk gear too. A portion of ARKD’s print and book sales supports wildlife rescue. Wildlife is unpredictable, so I can’t promise specific sightings. We’ll go where the conditions give us the best chance. If the weather is unsafe we’ll reschedule.