Lighting is the “paint” we use to create our photographs, so in this presentation we look at all the critical aspects of using light: Colour, intensity and direction, as well as the use of artificial light, reflectors and how to use these tools to best effect.

Tonight we discuss the many advanced shooting techniques that can assist your creativity as well as some advanced processing steps that can help you refine your personal style and expand your skillset.

Tonight we shine a spotlight on the process of evaluation both our own and other people’s photographs. We will discuss the essential skills of visual communication, understanding what the subject of the photograph is meant to be and how to assess whether the photographer has achieved their intention with the photograph.

Tonight we offer our members the opportunity to make a presentation on any photographic topic of their choice. Members may opt to show some of their work, or raise a question for discussion. Members could also opt to present a mini portfolio of their work.

Lightroom and Camera RAW have had major improvements in the options for making selections and performing selective adjustments to photos. Here we explain and demonstrate how to get the most out of the tools available. Most of these tools have similar uses in other software.

Join our member Jon Higlett as he takes us through how he plans and creates his outstanding portraits. This presentation will be a great primer for our Challenge on March 5th.

Join us for a fun and informative night where we look at a series of famous photographs and dissect why they are famous and how the photographer created them.

Tonight we hold our annual AGM and election of officeholders for 2026. The night will be followed by a selection of short presentations by our members. Members may elect to give a presentation on a photographic topic of their choice, show their work or raise a question for discussion.

Tonight we are pleased to welcome Sydney based photographer Samantha Ohlsen who will discuss her approach to landscape photography and lessons learnt over years of photographing landscapes in general and the Great Ocean Road in particular. Samantha has produced a book called “A Photographer’s Guide: The Great Ocean Road & Otways”. Further information can be found on Samantha’s website: https://www.samanthaohlsenphotography.com.au/gor-otways-book/

Tonight we have a discussion about the use and control of movement in photography including topics such as subject matter, lens choice, shutter speed and intentional camera movement (ICM). We will demonstrate how to freeze or create movement using different techniques.

Tonight’s discussion is based around architectural photography including topics such as equipment, lighting, perspective, interior/exterior, details, reflections. Including people and permissions.

Tonight we explore the mysteries of long exposure, loosly defined as any exposure that requires camera support. The presentation will include discussion of what makes a long exposure, suitable subject matter, equipment, filters and exposure techniques.

In this presentation we will discuss how to get the best out of close up and macro photography. Topics include details of equipment, subject matter, depth of field, focus stacking and lighting – type, direction, quality and levels.

In this presentation we will demystify the use of flash as a tool in photography. Many people have a flash unit but don’t use it because of poor results. In this presentation we will discuss topics including when to use flash, types of flash, guide numbers, flash as a main light, flash as a fill light, flash with daylight, multiple flash and flash modifiers.

Tonight we offer our members the opportunity to make a presentation on any photographic topic of their choice. Members may opt to show some of their work or raise a question for discussion. In previous years this night has been very successful, with a variety of presentations and topics raised.

There are about 100 tools in Lightroom and Camera Raw for processing colour. In this presentation we will look into some advanced ways to control and enhance colour, including using Colour fill, Selective Colour, refining Colour Balance and using Lookup tables (LUTS).

Tonight we discuss and demonstrate special effects techniques using plug-ins for both Photoshop and Lightroom. Filters such as NIK, Topaz and ON1 will be discussed with examples. We will also include some Photoshop techniques including the Orton Effect, the Adamski effect and Cyanotypes

We commence the new year with a discussion about creating monochrome photographs either as black and white or toned single colour. The presentation will include topics such as suitable subject matter, lighting, brightness and contrast and processing methods.

Combining photographs with sound makes for a compelling experience, where much more can be achieved than with a single or group of photographs. In this presentation we show how to put together an effective audio visual and avoid the many pitfalls. Presenter TBA

NOTE: THE DATE FOR THIS PRESENTATION HAS CHANGED. Earlier in the year in our presentation on March 21st, we covered the topic of working with layers. In this presentation we demonstrate how to make composite photographs by combining subject matter from two or more of your photographs. Presented by Jim Crew.

Tonight we welcome special guest Dex Dijkstra to present and discuss the use of monochrome iphone street photography. Douwe (Dex) is a senior graphic designer based in Sydney and has been photographing since the age of 12, originally in his homeland of The Netherlands. To see more of his work, visit www.douwedijkstra.net

Tonight we have a video presentation by the renowned photographer and educator, David DuChemin. David has a unique way of seeing and understanding photographs and in this presentation he explains how to think and see photographs in a more creative way..

In this presentation we will cover topics including: HDR; multiple exposure; focus stacking and intentional camera movement. Presented by Jim Crew and Michael Smyth

Our cameras are fantastic at recording what is in front of them, but mostly we want to emphasise certain parts and de-emphasise other elements. We may also want to add dimensionality to flat looking objects. All of this is done with the tools of dodging and burning. We demonstrate how to do this effectively in Lightroom and Photoshop. Presented by Jim Crew and Michael Smyth

Ever thought about making a photo book but been daunted by the process? Our presenters walk through a foolproof way to make a stunning photo book that won’t break the bank. We will cover topics including: subject; layout; compositing techniques and choosing a printer. Presented by Jim Crew and Michael Smyth.

This night enables our members to present a short talk or discussion about any topic of their choice, as long as it is photography related. Members may elect to show a panel of their work, or raise a topic for group discussion. This is your chance to contribute your knowledge to the other members.

Continuing our Essential Skills series, tonight we concentrate on mastering the use of layers in either Photoshop or Affinity. Once you have understood layers and how they allow non destructive editing of your photos, you will have the skills to undertake almost any advanced photo editing, including composites. An important night not to be missed, even if you think you know all about layers.

A lecture and discussion about the essential aspects of Raw file processing, which is the most important part of taking your captured data and turning it into a viewable image. Presented by Jim Crew and Michael Smyth

We commence our 2024 program with a presentation and discussion led by Michael Smyth. In this presentation we discuss the most important questions you should ask yourself before you press the shutter. Don’t miss this important session that will continue our theme of “Essential Skills” into 2024.

Tonight we welcome international award winning photographer Ignacio Palacios who will take us through his journey in photography and show examples of his stunning landscape photography. A very special night, not to be missed. Ignacio’s work can be viewed HERE…