Women's Photography Workshop NSW
I'm so excited to announce The Shutter Sisterhood's Newcastle Photography Workshop Weekend from 23-25 October 2026. The Shutter Sisterhood is a women's photography community based in Port Macquarie, with members right across the Mid North Coast of NSW, and everyone is welcome to join us for this adventure. This weekend is designed for complete beginners through to experienced photographers who simply want a fun girls' weekend away with a whole lot of photography and good food thrown in.
Whether you've just purchased your first camera, shoot on your phone, have completed one of my Get Off Auto photography classes or have been photographing for years, you'll fit right in.
A Hands-On Practical Photography Sessions (No Boring Classroom Vibes Here)
This isn't a workshop where you'll sit in a boardroom all day taking notes. This is a practical, interactive photography workshop where we'll be out exploring Newcastle together with cameras in hand. Over the weekend we'll photograph beaches, ocean baths, colourful murals, hidden bars, laneways, beautiful old architecture, local restaurants and all the little moments that make Newcastle such an incredible city. A reasonable amount of fitness is required as we will be doing lots of walking and exploring on foot.
Throughout the weekend I'll be there helping you build confidence behind the camera, improve your photography skills and answer any questions you have.
For experienced photographers, I'm an open book all weekend too. Happy to chat all things photography, editing, business, workflow, food (always happy to chat food) or camera gear.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the weekend we'll focus on practical photography skills you can immediately use.
Topics include:
✔ Storytelling photography
✔ Street photography
✔ Travel photography
✔ Camera confidence and settings
✔ Natural light photography
✔ Composition techniques
✔ Creating stronger, more intentional photographs
✔ Creative movement photography
The goal is to come home feeling inspired and more confident with your camera with new friends.
Learn to find new ways to create interesting travel and street photography images.
Weekend Highlights
Friday
• Check into Newcastle and settle into your hotel of choice (note accomodation is not included in price)
• Optional Camera Confidence Session with Kris (4:30pm-6:00pm) in the courtyard at The Lucky Hotel. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a refresher. Ask Kris anything you're struggling with and learn how to confidently use Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority before the weekend adventures begin.
• Weekend officially starts at 6:30pm in The Lucky Hotel courtyard. We will all meet up and everyone will receive your Shutter Sisterhood Weekend Survival Kit (an array of both useful and useless stuff, expect a laugh).
• Group dinner at one of Newcastle's hidden foodie gems.
Saturday
Saturday is our big photography day. Bring comfy shoes as we will be doing lots walking and exploring.
We'll start with a sunrise photography session at Newcastle Ocean Baths before spending the day exploring the city together.
You'll take part in:
• An interactive Street Photography Workshop
• A guided Travel Photography Workshop
• Axe throwing - optional but you know Kris is bloody keen as mustard. It's very on brand for The Hood, sounds gangster and its walking distance...
• Dinner at Light Years Restaurant a Newcastle foodie institution
• Newcastle After Dark Photography Adventure - some may call this a pub crawl. We prefer to call it a night photography adventure shoot with delicious props. Bring your camera or not...
Sunday
Those keen for more photography can shoot the sunrise and Newcastle waking up while others enjoy a slow morning.
We'll finish with breakfast together on Darby Street in Cooks Hill at a Newy foodie haven before saying goodbye at 10am leaving you plenty of time to continue to explore the city before heading home to Port Macquarie feeling recharged and inspired.
Why Women Love The Shutter Sisterhood
The Shutter Sisterhood was created because traditional camera clubs can sometimes feel intimidating and let's face it boring as batshit. We do not consider ourselves a women's camera club we are simply 'The Hood' a gangster community of supportive women who happen to like photography. We do things differently.
No judgement.
No silly questions.
No pressure.
No competition.
Just supportive women encouraging each other to pick up their cameras and have some fun.
The Hood believes Cocktails & Camera's go hand in hand.
What's Included
✔ Camera Confidence Session
✔ Sunrise Photography Session
✔ Interactive Street Photography Workshop
✔ Guided Travel Photography Workshop
✔ Newcastle After Dark Photography Adventure
✔ Photography mentoring from Kris all weekend
✔ Shutter Sisterhood Weekend Survival Kit
What's Not Included?
Accommodation, meals, drinks and transport are not included. We recommend staying at The Lucky Hotel in Newcastle (book direct and they throw in a free bottle of vino), however you're welcome to stay wherever suits your budget. Keeping these costs separate gives everyone the flexibility to enjoy the weekend in a way that suits them. I'll also connect everyone via WhatsApp so participants can organise car pooling.
Investment
Early Bird Price: $649
Available until 30 June 2026.
Secure your place and receive the discounted price with a $100 deposit due now and the balance due within 30 days.
Standard Price: $799
Available from 1 July 2026 payable upfront.
Numbers are intentionally capped to keep this Hood adventure small, supportive and personal.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
Plans change, I get it. Cancellations made before 23 September 2026 will receive a full refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made on or after 23 September 2026 (within 30 days of the workshop) are non-refundable due to the planning involved, however you are welcome to transfer your booking to another participant.
In the unlikely event that the workshop does not proceed, all monies paid will be refunded in full. Travel insurance is recommended for all participants attending the Newcastle weekend.
Come For The Photography. Stay For The Friendship. Blame Kris For The Margaritas!!!
If you're looking for a women's photography workshop in NSW, a fun girls' weekend away from Port Macquarie or the Mid North Coast, or simply an excuse to do something for yourself, this is your sign.
Leave with new photography skills, more confidence behind the camera, loads of beautiful images and a whole bunch of women cheering you on.
Kris x
Chief Organiser of Questionable Hood Adventures
To secure your place, simply pay a $100 deposit. Email info@kristenshawphotography.com.au for payment details.
Its a promise the food will be this good!