Overview

Edge of the Outback: Photography in Australia is a three-week summer program exploring the Australian outback landscape through photography. Although you cant choose to focus on traditional photgraphy, digital photography will be the emphasis of the course. The course is designed to develop the students' visual thinking related to the media investigated within a regional Australian context. Workshops and a major 6-day field trip into the OUtback will provide the platform for exploration of imagery based on the region's ancient landscape and sociological layering created by pre and past colonial influences. A local Aboriginal guide will accompany the field trip to assist in the transition into the cultural specifics of space and place. The participants will exhibit their work in a major regional art gallery at the conclusion of the program and have the opportunity to sell their work.

This program was recently featured in Photo District News (PDN), an award-winning print and online monthly photography magazine. Read the full article here. 

Important Note: Students do NOT need to bring their own camera and camera equipment. However, if personal equipment is preferred individuals are welcome to bring their own.

See for yourself what makes this program so unique - view a short documentary below that follows summer 2010 students on this program.

Location

Mildura

The main portion of the proram is based in Mildura. The city is located on the Murray River in Victoria's northwest region. It is at the center of an extensive agricultural and irrigated horticultural region encompassing Victoria, South Australia,and New South Wales. You will fly into Melbourne and then travel by train and bus to Mildura - it is approximately a six hour trip. 

Outback

You will take part in a 5-day field trip into the outback visiting a wide variety of landscapes and scenic scenes ideal for photography. Most students find the field trip is the highlight of the program. A local aboriginal guide leads the group into "sacred sites" that most tourists and even local Australians will never have the opportunity to visit. You will visit the 'Ghost Town' of Silverton, which was the filming site of the Mad Max films. This eclectic town provides great shots, as there are buildings, old homesteads, a church, and old cars that have been effected by the red dirt of Australia. You'll have the opportunity to explore the town and take many photos.

You will also visit Mungo National Park, take part in a sunset shoot at the Walls of China, visit Mutawintje National Park and the Mutawintje Gorge, along with a sunset shoot at Spilt Rock.
 

You will participate in hikes during the program. If you have concerns, please contact the coordinator for more information.

Academic Focus

During the program experts in the photographic field will instruct and coach your skills in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices. Students will also participate in workshops on SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed, and tripods. You will have access to the Mac and PC computer labs during your time in Mildura, as well as photography equipment if needed.

Course Structure

• Concepts in photography, black and white printing with alternative photographic practices, and keeping a journal 
• A welcome from several important community leaders
• Discussion of SLR camera operation and maintenance, aperture and depth of field, shutter speed and movement, exposure control, film speed and tripods
• Artist talk with professional photographers
• Darkroom and computer lab work time
• 5-day field trip to Broken Hill - includes walks through Mungo National Park and other local environments as well as time within Indigenous communities
• Gallery exhibition where students will display their best work and have the opportunity to sell to the public

Assessment 

Students will be assessed in the following areas:

Photographic Folio – 60%

A photographic folio comprising

• four colour prints (40% weighting)
• two B&W prints (20% weighting)

Support Projects – 40%

Allied work will comprise

• a Visual Journal (20% weighting)
• contribution to a La Trobe webpage and EOTO Blog post (10% weighting)
• work selection, presentation and exhibition (10%).

Credit 

Upon successful completion of the course students will receive a transcript from La Trobe University for the equivalent of 3-4 U.S. credits.

Program Highlights

• All equipment provided and no experience is needed
• See a beautiful part of Australia most students and tourists never see
• Field trips to pristine national parks and significant areas of Aboriginal culture 
• Final exhibition of your work in a regional art gallery
• Practice your photo skills with industry experts
• Available as a stand-alone course or as an add on to a semester or year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji

• See for yourself what makes this program so unique - read blog posts from each student on the 2011 program

Who Should Apply

Open to anyone with an interest in photography of at least sophomore standing — Maybe of particular interest to photography and visual arts majors, avid amateurs or those wanting to develop their photography skills.

Video from the 2011 program:

Accommodations

You will stay at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program.

You will spend your first night and last night in Melbourne, Australia at the Hotel Victoria. The hotel is located in the heart of Melbourne. When you arrive you will take part in Melbourne city tours, orientation activities and much more. You will be housed in twin or triple share dorm rooms with your fellow photography students. Bathroom facilities will be shared and a communal kitchen will be available.

During your stay in Mildura, you will be housed at backpackers facilities. You will stay in dorm style facilities with fellow photography students attending the 3 week course. No other guests will stay there while you are there, providing a safe and clean experience.  A shuttle will pick you up every morning for the start of class time and drop you off at the end of the day. A communal kitchen facility is included and you will be walking distance to shops, restaurants, grocery shops and very close to the Central Business District.

During the field trip portion of the program accommodations include good quality, budget-style resort/lodges or backpacker accommodations. 

You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag and travel pillow for the program.

You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice. All housing fees are included in the Program Fees.

Group Flights

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This ensures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however GlobaLinks Learning Abroad seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.  

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Featured Scholarships For All GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Students 

Photo Slideshow and Video

Watch a slideshow of photos taken by our talented alumni documenting the Edge of the Outback: Photography in Australia program.

(To see who took the photo, click to go to full screen mode and then click "Show Info")

Will Fortanbary, a 2011 alum of the program, created this recap video. Enjoy!

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, lectures, host university administrative fees, offical transcript, excursions, culturally significant excursions, all domestic travel within Australia, accommodations, some meals*, health insurance, ISIC Basic card, field trips, and photography equipment. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, housing placements, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.

* Included meals: food on the 5-day Outback field trip is provided where commercial supplies are not available; welcome dinner in Mildura with Australian chef, Stephan di Pietro. All other meals are the responsibility of individual participants. Plan to budget approximately $300-$400 USD for remaining meals.

**International airfare, most meals, personal expenses and excursions are not included in the program fees.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants studying in Australia and New Zealand. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia and Western Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.