Testimonials

Please find below testimonials from those who have been on Gary’s tours or workshops (top section) or who have given an opinion of his work (bottom section). Thank you so much for adding your thoughts and if you haven’t already, please add your own testimonial/review using the form at the bottom of the page, takes a minute max:

At workshops/tours:

I have attended photography workshops run by other people and most have left me unsatisfied with the end results. This was certainly not the case for the Astrophotography workshop run by Gary. His expertise of the subject, his great local knowledge and his instruction and attention to each participant will see even the least experienced photographer go home with atleast one amazing photo from the night. Going to Gary’s studio to critique and process the photos a few times during the night made his workshop stand out from any others that I have participated in. Highly recommend anyone to attend his workshop.

— Brett Miller

I attended a one-on-one workshop day with Gary, who is a very talented and passionate photographer with a great eye and a wealth of knowledge about photography (and many other things) who creates amazingly beautiful photos.
I immensely enjoyed my day with Gary and all the things I learned, all the beautiful locations we visited and the lovely chats we shared. Gary was very flexible with how I wanted to go about the day and he was most considerate, patient, polite, sharing and very helpful throughout the entire day. I found him very easy to get along with both on a professional and personal level.
Gary is a wonderful and kindhearted human being and I highly recommend attending one of his workshops.

— Tunde Deal

I paid for my sister to attend an Autumn workshop for her birthday. The results of her day with Gary were amazing it was worth every dollar spent. Gary was more than helpful setting up my gift prior to the booking as I live interstate. Thanks for everything, love looking at his photos too.

— Michelle Griffith

I took the Autumn colours workshop in April, and it was the time when the colours started to peak for the season. Gary was so knowledgeable about the area around Blue mountains and he took us to different spots with wonderful colours. His camera, composition and post production knowledge is commendable and he kept the learning process smooth to make it much easier. He was kind enough to pick up and drop from the train station and also providing lunch/snacks to keep your energy up. Best learning experience and a special mention to his gallery right near a viewpoint!! 🙂 Thank you so much, Gary!

— Saravanan Sankar

I took the Autumn Colours workshop with Gary recently (2022). It was well organised and the flexible schedule meant we got to shoot several locations and avoided the holiday long weekend crowds without difficulty. Perhaps more importantly it was helpful to watch how Gary sees a location and composes his shots, and to watch him editing photos. Thanks, Gary.

— Richard W

Hi Gary I can’t thank you enough for the amazing day I spent with you on Thursday. I was really excited to find that you in particular were doing Aerial Photography Workshops in the Blue Mountains as I have always admired your photographic skills. At the ripe old age of 73 it has been a bit daunting taking on the challenge of mastering my Mavic 2 Pro Drone. It has taken my “Brain Training” to a whole new level! Honestly, I did have high expectations and you certainly didn’t disappoint. I’m now looking at my Drone with great excitement instead of terror 🙂 A huge bonus for me was the “Creative” part of the instruction. This has added a whole new dimension to my approach to the Drone. You were incredibly generous with your knowledge and guidance and I can highly recommend your workshops to any aspiring Drone Pilot no matter what their age.

— Barbara Wall

Having dabbled in Astrophotography with mixed results, the workshop offered the perfect opportunity to have another go with some expert guidance to get to some great results. A thoroughly enjoyable evening run by an expert with fantastic local knowledge willing to share his experience to allow others to take great shots too. All I can add is if you’ve read this far… go ahead and sign up!

— Dave L

I had one day to do some photography during a recent visit to Australia. The Blue Mountains were an obvious choice due to their proximity to Sydney. A friend recommended that I ask Gary to guide me through the park. Gary is exceptionally prompt, gracious, and friendly. We visited many areas of extraordinary beauty. He provided ample, valuable advice on how to best shoot in each location. He is knowledgeable about the area’s geological evolution and biodiversity. During my next visit to Australia, I am definitely returning to the Blue Mountains to do another shoot with Gary. I cannot say enough good things about this experience.

— Dr. Peter Toth, USA

I attended Gary’s Autumn Colours Workshop recently and really enjoyed my day. While I’ve visited the mountains for autumn colour before, thanks to Gary I’ll now know where to go in future, and more importantly have a lot more skill in taking photos of the scenery. I learnt a lot about composition and processing. Gary was a great guide and the small group size means there is plenty of time for everyone.

— Sue Crowe

Just recently attended Gary’s Autumn Colour workshop in the Blue Mountains. I can’t recommend this enough. Garý knowledge of the Blue Mountains aera is second to none. Also getting to see all the secret places that you would never find by yourself was also a great experience. This is a workshop for all levels of photography. If you are a newbie Gary will guide you through composition and camera settings. Theres even a handout sheet to take with you describing the places we visited.

— John Heath

I did the weekend landscape photography course recently with my sister in law. It was an amazing two days and we learnt so much, too much to include everything here. It was incredible to spent time with such an experienced photographer. He was so patient with us and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the surrounding areas. even though the weather wasn’t cooperating at times, he went above and beyond in providing us with different photographic opportunities which we loved. He has inspired us both. I can’t recommend him anymore highly. Incredible value for money and such a gift to spend time with someone so skilled. Make the time time for yourself and do it!!!

— Alicia

I just wrapped up a weekend with Gary’s Hidden Blue Mountains workshop and wow it exceeded all my expectations! Gary’s knowledge of the local area is unsurpassed, and he definitely took us to hidden parts of the greater Blue Mountains that are not readily accessed and that have been seldom photographed.
His hospitality and guidance was fantastic and we all had a great time exploring unique landscapes.
I can’t wait to join him for another trip to discover even more of this amazing part of Australia.

— Paul Mock

Recently completed the overnight Astrophotography workshop. Gary was not only knowledgeable and helpful, he showed flexibility in the workshop structure both before and during the night, as the weather wasn’t going to play the game initially. Gary passed on information and techniques in a friendly, easy to understand manner and was both mindful and attentive to the various skill levels within the group and adjusted his mentoring style to suit. After the workshop, Gary was more than happy to field follow up questions via email and offered some valuable guidance once we went into post production. His assistance didn’t stop once we finished the workshop. Thanks Gary, the Mt Victoria area is beautiful and I appreciate the opportunity to capture a small part of it.

— Dan Dwiar

Gary’s expertise is evident in his photographs, and he has encyclopaedic knowledge of the Blue Mountains region. But the first focus of his attention on our landscape photography workshop was getting to know the participants, our skills, and what we were interested in creating aesthetically with our photography. His ability to meet and expand our experience and knowledge is what makes this weekend workshop tick. It was also a great way to get to know this very special part of the world. The weather wasn’t particularly kind to us, but it didn’t matter – what’s bad weather for one photo situation is good for another, and Gary cleverly adapted to the conditions. I learned a lot, gained a new perspective on my fledgling photography skills, had a great weekend, and came away with some fantastic shots. Gary, thank you so much for the experience.

— Paul – Intro to Landscape Weekend

I highly recommend Gary and his wonderful “Hidden Blue Mountains” Workshop. Gary gave us heaps of options to choose from and took us to some spectacular places I had no idea existed.
Thank you Gary for your guidance, your willingness to change plans as the weather dictated and your hospitality. i look forward to going on another workshop adventure with you in the future.

— Anne Baker

I recently chose Gary to take me and my photography partner on a customised photography excursion of the upper Blue Mountains. I was familiar with all the tourist locations and wanted local knowledge and expertise to get some great, well composed shots of the Blue Mountains.
Gary customised the day for us, and guided us safely to locations that were slightly off the tourist beaten track.
Gary was organised, very knowledgeable about the area and able to suggest a wide variety of locations. He was flexible and very helpful in helping us achieve our goals for the day. He has a wealth of technical knowledge about cameras, and image processing that he was happy to share with us, and was generous with his advice and shared images of the day.
We both had a great day out and now are inspired to visit his list of special locations to return to when we next visit the Blue Mountains. Thank you Gary.

— Lisa Owens

I have attended photography workshops run by other people and most have left me unsatisfied with the end results. This was certainly not the case for the Astrophotography workshop run by Gary. His expertise of the subject, his great local knowledge and his instruction and attention to each participant will see even the least experienced photographer go home with atleast one amazing photo from the night. Going to Gary’s studio to critique and process the photos a few times during the night made his workshop stand out from any others that I have participated in. Highly recommend anyone to attend his workshop.

— Brett Miller

I recently attended the starry night astro photography workshop and it was incredible! Gary’s knowledge of photography, the nights sky and post processing lead to some amazing photos that you can be proud of. Not only was the workshop lots of fun, full of beautiful Blue Mountains locations, Gary also tailored the workshop to our interests. I can’t wait to attend my next workshop. Thank you Gary.

— Jodie Morrison

Did the astrophotography workshop with Gary. Went to places I didn’t think about, and the wealth of knowledge regarding the Blue Mountains make Gary the perfect guide. Learnt one very important message from the course regarding astrophotography – the foreground is as important as the night sky. The enthusiasm of Gary is sure to inspire you. I can thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who loves photography. I will book more courses in the future.

— Jeffrey Brew

I did a photography workshop with Gary and learned lots from spending time with him. What I learned about composition and editing I have been able to apply to my portrait work. The lessons are universal. Also Spending time in the blue mountains in autumn was beautiful way to spend a day out. Thanks Gary.

— L & D Photography

I had a great time in early August on the Hidden Blue Mountains workshop with Julien, Peter and Gary Hayes. The Gardens of Stone was amazing and Gary’s photographic knowledge is immense. From angles to leading lines, processing, he knows how to convey it to you also, thanks again and catch up sometime.

— Peter Hickey – Hidden Blue Mtns

I attended the weekend workshop on waterfalls in the Blue Mountains and, let me tell you, the experience was about more than just photography. Gary’s impressive knowledge of the area and storytelling as a whole means that the technical aspects that you learn have a context and a purpose. The workshop will improving your own photography and appreciation of the area and leave you wanting to head back out to try your new-found skills as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to book a workshop with Gary… I’m already planning the next one!

— Gregg Savage

Gary’s Autumn Workshop was fantastic. The whole day was extremely well organised and nothing was too much trouble. With Gary’s knowledge of photography combined with his knowledge of the local area his workshops are a must. Highly recommended.

— Scott Lambert

I’d like to thank Gary for taking me to some of the lesser known photography locations in the Blue Mountains. Gary’s knowledge of the area is astounding as is his passion and knowledge for photography. I’d highly recommend anyone attend one of Gary’s workshops.

— Shane Arrold

I am writing to say how much we all enjoyed your presentation last night at the Upper Blue Mountains Camera Club. We’ve had some very positive comments so far and are very grateful that you came along. Having presenters of your calibre and enthusiasm certainly opens eyes and stimulates interest in the members. You covered so many areas in your chat – all of them interesting, but the take home message( for me at least), was just how hard you work to get the images you need, and how many bases you cover in marketing your work, to make a living from photography. It’s impressive and quite amazing.

— Alan Daniel – President UBMCC

Had a great time on the Starry Night, Astrophotography workshop. Gary was very helpful and knew the area well which gave us great opportunities to capture the night skies. Thanks Gary, I can thoroughly recommend this workshop, learnt lots had fun and all very reasonable.

— Jenny Davidson

Gary’s Photgraphy workshops are great! Not to mention the landscape photography he does.

— Chris Cater

I just wanted to say how much everyone enjoyed your gig as the guest judge last night. It really did go down well.
The feedback so far is all very positive with a few emails already today giving the thumbs up. Well done, and thank you for making the time to come along.

— Alan Daniel – President UBMCC

Took the Astro course with Gary. Weather wasn’t that hot due to clouds but Gary put the miles in to find the best vantage points for the conditions. Very knowledgeable and happy to pass it on.

— Jason Bunce

Spent the day with Gary in a small group, improving my drone skills for both video and stills. Very hands-on, plenty of content, well-organised and covered a lot of ground (literally) in a day without ever feeling rushed. Gary knows his stuff, happy to get technical as well as accommodating and encouraging less confident users. It’s a great way to spend the day in a beautiful part of the world.

— Barrie Seppings

Gary was kind enough to show me some great photography spots in the Blue Mountains. He was very friendly and keen to talk about photography and good photo locations. I also found his Blue Mountains Photography Hotspots guide very useful for my own excursions and planning.

— Maciek Gornisiewicz

On behalf of the Blue Mountains Photography Group, and myself in particular, I would like to thank you once again for your wonderful presentation to our club earlier in the year. I found it most enlightening to get an insight to your techniques for capturing such beautiful images and I am sure other members of our club did as well.

— Anne Baker – Blue Mtns Photography Group

While visiting the Blue Mountains, I found Gary’s Blue Mountains Photography Hotspots guide to be invaluable. Using the grading system (on difficulty of accessibility) I was easily able to find some stunning locations. I’ve been a big fan of Gary’s work for some time and was delighted to have the opportunity to meet up for a last-minute photo tour. Despite being arranged at short notice, I found Gary to be very accommodating as well as both friendly and highly professional. His knowledge of the local area is extremely impressive, particularly away from the main tourist areas (off the beaten track). Thanks to Gary’s assistance, I have come away from The Blue Mountains with a collection of photos that I am very pleased with. I hope to visit again one day and *highly* recommend booking a tour with Gary. You will not be disappointed.

— Damian Davis

I arranged the hidden Blue Mountain photography workshop for my hubby’s suprise birthday gift. It was a fantastic experience for him to chill out and do something different away from his workaholic lifestyle. He felt so energetic with all the hiking and wonderful sites visited and of course, photos he never knew he could take himself. Gary was so inspiring and full of knowledge. We highly recommend this workshop for those who want to do something fun and to explore the Blue Mountains from a different perspective.

— Cindy W

Thank you for the great weekend – we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot in the process.

— Gonzalo and Lynn Alfaro

Thank you so much for your great work with the night sky photography workshops. The feedback has been very positive.

— Sabrina Roesner – BMCC Exhibitions Manager

I’ve been on a few of Gary’s workshops, and I’ve always both enjoyed them and been able to take away some valuable new skills that have benefited my photography. Great sessions.

— Wayne Jeff

Thank you so much for making it an amazing day. I hope to book a similar experience in the future.

— Lynette Bester

I am most grateful for Gary’s time, and photography passion for the Blue Mountains, that he so generously shared with us. Gary has been an excellent tour leader, informative, down to earth, and so knowledgeable about the secret insights of each location that he has explored for so many years. As a result I walked away with images that I would not have been able to get on my own for sure. Even though I’m far away in California, I’m looking forward to take an other tour with you soon.

— Klaus von Schwanebach

Gary has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the mountains. Showed us the most amazing places to capture the best of this area in the perfect light.. Gary was a delight as our guide, friendly and knowledgeable. I was very happy with the photography that I captured and I would highly recommend attending Gary’s workshops. Gary has a great knowledge of the Mountains and knows the best places to photograph it’s beauty away from the tourist trail.. I will definitely be returning and doing one of Gary’s Workshops this year… thanks to Gary, I will return….

— Lesa Corrine

I did the Waterfalls Workshop last Friday and had a fantastic day. Gary was very patient, a great tutor and he knows where the best photo ops are. Would highly recommend and will be back for some of his other workshops.

— Julianne

I attended one of Gary’s photography workshops earlier this year. Gary is not only a talented photographer, but also an excellent teacher who is able to impart his deep knowledge in an entertaining and friendly way. Recommended!

— Colin Chang

As photographer:

Outstanding. You are inspiring others with your talented work, valuable insights and generous spirit. Thank you!

— James Crook 2017

Gary seems to be able to always catch that perfect sunset or sunrise so words cannot describe how appreciative I am to be able to see our beautiful Australian landscape through his eyes and camera.

— Deloraine Miller 2018

Your sensitive and succinct images of my beloved upper Blue Mountains brings me great joy.

— Liz Stewart 2018

Gary has an eye for the dramatic and this translates into the most majestic photos of the Blue Mountains and Gardens of Stone area. He is an ambassador for our area and shares his love of it world wide. His photos are inspiring and stunning.

— Sharon Lee Lewis 2018

A truly wonderful gallery. Gary is a fabulous photographer with amazing knowledge of the area being a local, and a nice guy to boot. His photos are next to none in capturing the beauty and wonder of The Blue Mountains, and beyond.

— Kerri-Ann Farr

In time Gary will be seen as the most prolific Blue Mountains photographer ever and stoked to call him a mate. I really love that he has shown me the Mountains in a way that i will always love it

— Mark Jessop 2018

You see heaven in your photos

— Glynis Anne Faucett

Beautiful inspiring photos that show the Blue Mountains in all their glory but also hidden aspects, makes me always want to be there that moment when I see one your photos.

— Zoe Scott-King 2018

I highly commend you for being so generous and offering such a thorough and awesome article to the public!! That’s a lot of hard work you put in there!

— Seng Ung

Love your photos, in your work l see a beautiful person with a lot of inner peace.

— Loretta

So beautiful! Take it from a watercolour artist, you are an artist!!! Keep ’em coming.

— Vivienne Burnett 2017

Authentic, inspiring images that reflect a intimate respect and knowledge for the Blue Mountain region.

— Nodd Owen 2018

Gary’s images of the Blue Mountains speak directly to my heart and soul. His spiritual connection to the land is conveyed in every image he captures as a messenger of the heart of this earth. Thank you Gary for wowing me every time with a heart opening moment of pure love!

— Helen Nicholas

Visited your gallery on Saturday morning with my wife Mary – impressive collection of shots and very inspiring on numerous fronts. Currently considering joining your workshops and also to tee up some private shoots with three of my close mates in exploring some parts of the Blue Mountains with you. Photos on Facebook doesn’t do justice of the quality of the stuff you capture. Well done and good luck with the gallery.

— John Van Put

I find the most beautiful photographs taken of a place tend to be those captured by the photographer who not only sees the colour and beauty of the landscape but is also able to feel it’s majesty and energy. Gary Hayes shows he has a deep passion for his beloved Blue Mountains and each of his photographic images portray emotion and feeling by making use of subtle light and shade created by some of the most dramatic sunrises and sunsets to touch the rugged cliffs and ridges of one of my favourite places in Australia.

— Michelle Taylor 2018

There’s a Spiritual quality to his photos. I may sense this because I grew up in the Blue Mountains and I’ve been to Narrow Neck during my younger years. This photo brings back so many memories

— Claudia Koelndorfer 2017

Your works to capture the full magic of the Blue Mountains, transports us to a world of wonder.

— Eileen Haley 2018

Great little gallery with exquisite prints. Gary is a great person to have a chat with and a very knowledgeable and talented photographer as well. Being a photographer myself, I have greatly admired his work for a while and on visiting, simply had to get one of his limited edition prints which is now hanging on my wall! A must see!

— Karan Varshnei

Gary’s photography captures the moods, grandeur and mystery of the Blie Mountains. I grew up in the mountains, came back to get married and regularly visit my parents in Blackheath. I haven’t discovered another photographer that captures my mountains. “The Event” proudly hangs on our wall in Central Queensland, a cooling reminder of the beauty of the backdrop to our wedding at George Phillips Lookout … our special event. The mountains are so special to me and you’re the only photographer who captures them as I see them.

— Rachel Buteaux 2018

Love your photography. Its very inspiring. Just want to visit those places. Thanks

— Mal Keeley 2018

I love to see Gary’s photos on FB. He never ceases to amaze me with the way he captures the essence of the stunning landscapes in the Blue Mountains. Just when I think I have seen the best photo yet, he posts another even better one. Thanks Gary for sharing your talent so freely.

— Linda

Your photos of the Blue Mountains take me to my happy place. I love your perception and I especially love your mono photography. It truly show the awe and wonder of a spectacular sight.

— Kerri-Ann Farr 2018

I really think these are the best pieces of work I have ever come across and as I was born in the Lithgow area and went to school there every time I see your work I really do miss the scenery as I don’t get to see it much any more and it makes me Home Sick! Thank you Gary for such an adventure down memory lane and bringing the memories back to life! Great Work keep it up!

— Stephen Smith 2018

I have been following Gary for years and am always in awe of Gary’s work.I doubt whether you will find a more seasoned,hardworking landscape photographer anywhere.A man with RAW talent across a few artistic platforms ,with his willingness to share makes him an outstanding individual in my book.We are blessed to have him reside in the Blue Mountains.

— Richy Norman

I look forward to Gary’s daily photograph on FB because he captures magnificent views of places I know and love. Often I can share them with family and friends. Sometimes he posts photos of other places, too, which are also beautiful, but I do prefer his Mountains and Sydney shots. His photos seem to capture the essence of the spot.

— Robyne Ridge

As someone who has worked in many outdoors locations in the Blue Mountains for the past few years, I thought I knew the Mtns well. However, since coming across Gary’s work and subsequently being inspired to advance my own photography journey, I have realised how little I really knew. I’m talking about the little things that often go unnoticed. Gary’s dedication and talent captures our beautiful mountains in the most special way.

— Dal Atkinson

Gary, you have a special eye for photography they have depth, contrast, greatness, you make us feel that we are standing in a lookout with the Blue Mountains in front of us. Thank you for sharing your photographs with us.

— Norma Bonora 2018

Gary captures the mystery and essence of the Blue Mountains.

— Andrea 2018

Talented photographer and educator. Gary constantly explores lesser known areas of the Blue Mountains so knows a multitude of locations. Highly recommend his workshops, approachable and explains complex concepts in an understandable manner. A photographer that takes photos with his heart as well as his eyes.

— Lauren Hook 2018

Your work means the world to me! I lived and lived in Blackheath for many years and now your talented photography captures the moods of the mountains and I can still enjoy the view.

— Suzanne Ellis 2018

Gary’s photography captures the moods, grandeur and mystery of the Blie Mountains. I grew up in the mountains, came back to get married and regularly visit my parents in Blackheath. I haven’t discovered another photographer that captures my mountains. “The Event” proudly hangs on our wall in Central Queensland, a cooling reminder of the beauty of the backdrop to our wedding at George Phillips Lookout … our special event. The mountains are so special to me and you’re the only photographer who captures them as I see them.

— Rachel Buteaux 2018

Talented photographer and educator. Gary constantly explores lesser known areas of the Blue Mountains so knows a multitude of locations. Highly recommend his workshops, approachable and explains complex concepts in an understandable manner. A photographer that takes photos with his heart as well as his eyes.

— Lauren Hook 2018

A definite fan of Gary’s Facebook page. Love his portrayal of the beautiful Blue Mountains. I have recently renovated, and have a wall that I think needs a Gary photo.

— Rosemary Mann 2018

I love how your photos of the Blue Mountains captures her in all her splendour and moods.

— Linda Ferguson 2018

Breathtaking & peaceful & wow!

— Darlette O’Brien 2018

Inspires me to get out an take more photos, though not nearly as well!

— Neal Anderson 2018

Your photos and comments are inspiring

— Isabel Costabile 2017

Gary’s photography skills give me a point of reference to aspire to. His subtle use of black and white and colour shows me new ways to change the mood of a scene, purely by the addition of colour or lack thereof.

— Peter Holland 2018

Thanks for inspiring me Gary

— Troy Hovenden 2016

There’s a Spiritual quality to his photos. I may sense this because I grew up in the Blue Mountains and I’ve been to Narrow Neck during my younger years. This photo brings back so many memories

— Claudia Koelndorfer 2017

Beautiful images of the majestic Blue mountains

— John Heywood 2018

Gary’s images are without doubt outstandingly beautiful to look at. But further to that, personally, they serve to encourage me in my own passion, provide valuable visual information about the effective use of light in an image and the mastery of great composition. I one day hope to meet Gary, whom i consider to be one my greatest unofficial mentors. Until then… thanks Gary, i look forward to being introduced to the Blue Mountains by you one day soon!

— Chris Steed