WHERE
THERE’S
SMOKE
A CREATIVE GATHERING
APRIL 5-8 2027
GLENORCHY NZ
OK, WHAT THE F*CK IS WHERE THERE’S SMOKE?
We’re gathering photographers for an intimate creative camp in our tucked-away corner of the South Island. For three-ish days, we’ll shoot the shit, play with cameras, fail upward, learn some new things along the way.
Think of it as a creative potluck – bring a little something,Think of it as a creative potluck – bring a little something, take home a little something, and be open to everything.
We’ve curated an epic 3-ish days of conversation, food,film practicals, sunset sessions, and have brought in some incredible talent, experience and perspective from around the world.
Let’s see what sort of magic comes out the other end.
GUESTS
We have a crew of industry legends lined up to hang out, inspire, shoot the shit, run a few talks, lead breakout sessions, have some one-on-ones, and run creative shoots. It’s a pretty big ask, but each of them said “abso-fucking-lutely” without blinking, and we still can’t quite believe it.
Jonathan is a pioneering force in modern film photography. Shooting film only since waaaay back, he founded The FIND Lab and Film Is Not Dead, Film School Road Trip, and has spent decades teaching photographers around the world to shoot, see and think differently through film.
Jonathan Canlas
Melissa Mills
Melissa is a documentary wedding photographer from Perth, known for honest, artful storytelling and an instinct for the real moments in between.
Rooted in her Italian family and the warmth she brings to everyone she meets, Melissa photographs with genuine curiosity, connection and heart.
Dane Tucker
Dane is a photographer and creative director who believes wedding photography should prioritise presence over performance.
His work combines cinematic aesthetics, emotional storytelling and the nostalgia of 35mm and medium-format film — with the occasional ambition of making people look iconic at the same time.
Simon brings an eye shaped by outdoor, travel and editorial photography to his wedding work, blending digital and film to make images that feel honest, effortless and properly alive.Based in Edinburgh, his curiosity extends well beyond weddings — from landscapes and food to the quiet moments and little details that make a story worth telling.
Simon Hird
THE EXPERIENCE
A creative gathering for photographers to slow down, connect and be inspired.
Expect good conversation, fresh perspectives, hands-on creative exploration and plenty of opportunities to make images in the incredible surroundings of Glenorchy. A chance to step away from the usual, get out with your camera, follow your curiosity and see what unfolds.
Most of all, this is about coming together as photographers. Sharing stories and ideas, learning from one another, sparking new ways of thinking and finding inspiration in each other’s work and approach.
There’ll be plenty of time to make, explore, experiment and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful with a bunch of good people who love photography as much as you do.
Just good energy, good people, incredible surroundings, and a few days to get inspired, make some photographs and have a bloody good time along the way.
