The karst peaks around Guilin are world famous and will no doubt provide much inspiration for the participants. These steep limestone crags rise out of almost flat countryside, mostly rice paddies, in vast numbers allowing for creative compositions with an exotic air. The peaks look great in clear air but are equally impressive when cloaked in mist and soft light. The workshop will be enhanced by a strong local knowledge of the area allowing the group to visit locations not known to regular visitors.

The karst peaks are not the only attraction in this area and the workshop is able to cater for diverse photographic interests.
The Li River runs through Guilin and Yangshuo. Many tourists take the famous cruise along this section to see the karst peaks and river life from the purpose built craft. Others come to see the traditional style of fishing; not with line or net but with trained cormorants. The workshop will also spend time by this delightful waterway though with more than snapshots in mind.

The Guangxi Spring workshop will also visit the rice terraces at Longsheng, staying in the Zhuang village of Ping'an. Many of the local people in this valley belong to the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities and follow a traditional way of life only recently altered by tourism. These two groups have their own characteristics which can become worthwhile subject matter for those with special interests such as portraiture or documentary-style images.

Yangshuo and Ping'an both offer a wealth of rural scenes. The workshop is scheduled to visit an abandoned village, beautiful bridges and a bustling local market  though plans are flexible and Nick will adapt the program according to the group's tastes and local conditions and opportunities.Nick Rains won the Australian Geographic magazine's Photographer of the Year award back in 2002. He was recognised as an AIPP Master Photographer in 2006 and now also runs his own specialist magazine - Better Digital Camera.

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