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.