The Ballarat Photography Group held its annual awards last week in what was a night of celebration and recognition of the work of its members.
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Previously known as the Ballarat YMCA Camera Group, the club changed its name in October last year and has been in operation for more than 50 years.
Club president Trevor Parry said the awards night offered a chance to learn from one another and from the constructive criticism of the judge.
A major award winner was one of the club’s newest members Steve Demeye.
He won the EDI and small print categories, along with the biggest award of the night – The Shield.
“I’m a keen landscape photographer, but I also like cityscapes, seascapes and architecture,” Mr Demeye said.
“There are some nice technical aspects in architecture and there are lots of different moods in a city like Ballarat, where you can have rain one day and sunny the next.
“Lake Wendouree is also a brilliant source of subject material. You can go back there time and time again and still get some interesting and different perspectives.”
But it happened to be a portrait and not a landscape that won Mr Demeye the Small Print of the Year, in which he captured a friend with his son.
“I enjoyed the challenge of portraiture because it was something that I don’t normally do,” he said.
Judy Johnson bought her first camera at the age of eight after saving her pocket money. She has been a member of the club for 48 years and also has an interest in landscapes.
“I love the outdoors, but I also like the idea of being able to take it home and hang it in my kitchen,” she said.
Already a multiple award winner, Ms Johnson won the Large Print of the Year award for a landscape image of Western Australia’s Bungle Bungle Range. It captured striking colours and the light bouncing off the walls.
“You’ve got to have an eye for that and try make something of it with the camera,” Ms Johnson said.
“You need to be in the right place at the right time and know that at each end of the day there is about half an hour of brilliant light – and sometimes it is just click and then it is gone. You always have to be ready.”
Leo Fletcher was the winner of the club award designed to encourage new members. He followed in the footsteps of his wife who had previously won the award.
“I have always been behind the camera and happy capturing anything that moves, but especially bird life which is quick,” he said.
“The judge was very constructive in her comments and I learnt a lot that will help improve my photography.”
Members of the photography group meet on the second Tuesday of the month. New members are always welcome. For more information ring Anne Earnshaw on 5332 7515.