A CREATIVE GATHERING
GLENORCHY NZ
APRIL 5-8 2027
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
THE IDEA BEHIND
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE
They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
And we reckon the same goes for creativity.
Where There’s Smoke isn’t just your average workshop experience - it’s a creative reset and a community-driven experience designed to leave you inspired and fired up for what’s next.
We know firsthand how easy it is for the flames to get a little low, but as long as there’s something burning underneath – a little curiosity, a little recklessness, the desire to make something different – then we’re here to throw some fuel on it.
There’s a certain energy when you bring together the right people in one place. Together, we’ll learn, create, make mistakes, and discover what happens when you put a bunch of like-minded photographers in the same space.
So, join us in Glenorchy for an epic 3-ish days of conversation, film practicals, sunset sessions, good food, and some questionable campfire stories… along with some seriously talented humans who have come to speak from all over the world.
OUR GUESTS
We have a group of industry legends lined up to hang out, speak, inspire, run workshops and lead breakout sessions. Coming all the way down here was a pretty big ask, but each of them said “abso-fucking-lutely” without a second thought.
From the streets of Edinburgh, to the FIND Lab in Utah, and both the east and west coast of Aussie – Simon, Jonathan, Dane and Melissa have a wealth of experience and a heck of a lot to share. We’re beyond stoked to have them on board.
JONATHAN CANLAS
Jonathan is a pioneering force in modern film photography, based in Utah. Shooting pure film 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 see, think,and shoot differently through film.
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’s genuine curiosity, connection and heart is palpable in her body of work.
DANE TUCKER
Dane is a Sydney based photographer who prioritises presence over performance. His work combines truly cinematic aesthetics, emotional storytelling and the nostalgia of 35mm and medium-format film — with the ambition of making people look effortlessly and iconically themselves.
SIMON HIRD
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. His curiosity extends well beyond the surface, and into the quiet moments and little details that make a story worth telling.
THE DETAILS
Where There’s Smoke is an all-inclusive camp experience from the moment you arrive in Queenstown, with no surprise costs along the way (except booze, that’s on you). Just one flat price for everyone, split between now and February 1st, or all at once if you’re feeling flush.
Ticket sales are final and any monies paid are non-refundable, however tickets are transferable should things change and you’re no longer able to attend.
Tickets are $3600 NZD including GST, with four equal payment installments available as outlined below…
Deposit – $900
December 1st – $900
January 1st – $900
February 1st – $900
WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect good conversation, fresh perspectives, hands-on creative exploration and plenty of opportunities to make images in the incredible surroundings of Glenorchy. It’s a chance to step away from the usual, get out with your camera, follow your curiosity and see what unfolds.
There’ll be plenty of time to make, explore, experiment and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful with a bunch of creatives who love photography just as much as you do.
We’ll hear and learn from our epic line up of speakers, but it goes without saying that the talks are only part of it - just as important is the time spent together in-between.
Most importantly 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.
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.
WHEN & WHERE
Arrive midday Monday 5th April ‘27
Depart midday Thursday 8th April ‘27
Our home for Where There’s Smoke will be the award winning Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp. Situated just 40mins outside of Queenstown by Lake Wakatipu, this is definitely not your average mountain accommodation. We can’t wait to share all of what “Base Camp” has to offer with you.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS IN GLENORCHY
A creative escape surrounded by some of Aotearoa's most inspiring landscapes
LUXURY ALPINE-STYLE SHARED ACCOMMODATION
A relaxed, intimate, home base chosen specifically for connection, conversation and mountaineering vibes
FOUR KICK-ASS INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS
Expect raw, unfiltered insights and open conversations designed to go deeper, not wider.
HANDS-ON PRACTICALS & CREATIVE SESSIONS
Opportunities to experiment, get creative, make mistakes and think differently about your own photography
EPIC LOCATIONS
Get out into the landscape and put ideas into practice with Glenorchy as your backdrop
NIGHTS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
Evening debriefs and candid convos around the glow of the fire
EXTRA GOODIES
Exclusive discounts from our sponsors, Where There’s Smoke paraphernalia, plus so much more…
SIGN ME UP!
You’re picking up what we’re putting down? Heck yeah! Where There’s Smoke is an intimate gathering, and is limited to 18 spaces. To secure your spot, simply tap the big REGISTER NOW button below, submit your deposit and key contact info, and we’ll be in touch with more details.
