This session isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional.

The information below is here to help you understand the landscape, the flow of the day, and the way we work, so you can make a grounded decision about whether this experience is right for you.
It is quite length but the most important part in your decision to join us...

Hanging Rock Storyteller Session

Blue Mountains · 17 February

This storytelling session takes place at Hanging Rock in the Blue Mountains and is designed as a slow, immersive experience rooted in landscape, presence, and narrative.

Before reading further, I strongly recommend watching this short video by Amber and Benny. It offers a clear and honest overview of the hike, the landscape, and the location so you can visualise what we’re stepping into:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGJLWbl5ShE

As they mention, the hike itself is relatively easy and not overly technical. In practice, this means plenty of time to settle in, talk, and move through the landscape without rushing.

Ahead of the session, Mark and I will be hiking and scouting Hanging Rock thoroughly. Every part of the experience will be walked, timed, and felt by us first.

How the Day Will Unfold

We work closely with light, safety, and weather. The chosen time line is SUNSET. The final plan will be confirmed closer to the date once conditions are clear.

Sunset Adventure

4:00pm  -  Meet and unpack cars PIN

4:30pm  -  Hike starts

5:45pm. -  Arrive at Hanging Rock

6:00pm -  Photographing ceremony (letters to read), elements, portraits, and creative work

WE HAVE 2 HOURS TO PLAY  - Hanging Rock couple imagery (only if agreed)

Hanging Rock imagery for attendees (only if agreed)

7:59pm  -  Sunset

8:10pm  - Blue Hour on or off Hanging Rock - with lanterns (only if agreed)

8:30pm - Hike back (night conditions)

10:00pm - Arrive back at car park

This is where the light, mood, emotion and scale truly come together.


Total time is approximately 5-6 hours of walking, shooting, and conversation.
Please allow a full day for this session, both physically and creatively.  Walking time is your chance to ask me 'anything!'. I am an open book! 



What We Will Be Photographing

This experience focuses on full narrative storytelling from beginning to end.

You will witness and photograph the story as it naturally unfolds, including:

The couple arriving and unpacking the car

The hike in

Getting ready on location

Quiet, intimate moments

The ceremony and shared letters

Creative portraits

The walk back

Nothing is rushed or staged. The intention is to layer real moments into a complete, honest story.

There is ample time for conversation throughout the experience. This space is open for questions around photography, business, creativity, burnout, pricing, editing, or anything else that feels relevant.



Safety and Expectations

Hanging Rock is visually and mentally intimidating, and it’s important to acknowledge that openly.

There is no expectation that you participate in anything you are not comfortable with.
Safety comes first at all times.

This experience is guided, not forced. If conditions are not right, or something does not feel safe, we pivot. You are welcome to opt out of any part of the experience at any time.  All attendees receive a full brief.



A Note on Imagery and Composites

There is a strong chance we will create a composite image, using techniques that existed long before AI.

This means:

No one, including the couple, is required to walk unsafe or intimidating sections

The couple is real

The location is real

The light is real

Scale and lighting are considered carefully to maintain authenticity

Final images are real and story-driven, not AI-generated. On the day, we will talk openly about process, ethics, and expectations so you fully understand how and why this approach is used.



Respecting the Land

We are guests on this land.

Please ensure you:

Stay on designated tracks

Follow NSW National Parks instructions

Respect wildlife and vegetation

Pack out everything you bring in



Please do not:

Fly drones without a permit - drones are actually not allowed.

Move or damage rocks or plants

Leave anything behind

Wander off alone

If you intend to bring a drone, you must have a valid permit from NSW National Parks.
Apply here:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-and-heritage/care-for-parks/drones-in-parks




What to Bring

Essentials

Camera and lenses

Headlamp or torch

Warm layers (early mornings are cool)

Good hiking shoes

Water and snacks

Basic first aid kit

Fully charged phone

Optional but Encouraged

GoPro

Drone (with permit)

Video gear

A phone holder or camera-mounted rig for hands-free behind-the-scenes footage

We encourage capturing photo, video, and behind-the-scenes storytelling so you can build meaningful content from this experience afterward.

FULL LIST HERE

Weather

Mid-February in the Blue Mountains typically brings warm days and cooler mornings, though conditions can change quickly. Final timing, weather updates, and confirmations will be shared closer to the date.

At the end of this experience, you will be able to say:
Yeah, I did that.

Very few photographers have access to real imagery and real stories like this. Even fewer approach adventure elopements with care, respect, and narrative at the centre.

This experience is designed to be challenging, grounding, exciting, and deeply memorable.

I cannot wait to share it with you.

Carissa
Feel free to email me direct at hello@elkanfir.com or phone 0402 067 060