Sherbrooke Forest Outing – Macro and Closeup SIG

Leanne Poole

The next Macro and Close-up outing will be on Sunday 24th May 2026. The plan is:

  • 10am – Meet at O’Donohue Picnic Ground – Sherbrooke Lodge Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
  • 12 noon – For those who can stay a little longer, reconvene at the Picnic Ground, BYO own chair, lunch box and Thermos.

It is our intention to focus on photographing fungi. Thanks to Mike and Elaine who did a bit of a reconnaissance for us and advise that the fungi is easily accessible from the O’Donohue Track.

There are toilet facilities at O’Donohue Picnic Ground.

Carpooling is encouraged as parking could be limited.

All are welcome to attend, whatever your experience level or whether you are photographing fungi or not. A macro lens is not necessary either, you can even try your mobile phone

Emerald Lake outing – Wednesday 13th May 2026

John Crawford

Our May outing is for those who enjoy experimenting and exploring. Emerald lake offers many things – 2 lakes, maybe Autumn leaves, reflections, bridges, ducks and a station with a glimpse of puffing Billy which should be coming through about 11.00 a.m.

Where: Emerald Lake – take Wellington Road to the very top and then turn right, go through the town of Emerald and at the next round about follow the signs
When: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: Meet at 10 a.m in lower car park by the lake.
Later at noon we will meet at the Railway café which is on site near the station.

Note: parking is $2 for two hours, or $8 for 2 hours or more. Note that payment is by card only.

BRING any lens you want to use plus extras for experimenting with and a sun hat.

Astrophotography 101 – Thursday 26th March 2026

Jenny Hartman

We have two upcoming workshops on night photography, first up will be an introduction presented by club members Belinda Kerr and Fiona Jones:

Topic: Astrophotography 101
Presenters: Belinda Kerr, Fiona Jones
Date: Thursday 26th March 2026
Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Venue: Lounge, Mount Waverley Community Centre

Learn the fundamentals of astrophotography in this beginner-friendly workshop designed to help you confidently capture the night sky, Milky Way and Aurora.

The workshop will cover:

  • Understanding essential gear and ideal camera/lens setup for night photography
  • Simple, proven camera settings for Milky Way and Aurora photography
  • Manual focus techniques to achieve sharp stars every time
  • Planning tools and apps to prepare for successful night shoots

There will be both theoretical and applied components, with several hands-on indoor activities Cameras and tripods are required.

The second workshop will be on Saturday 18th April 2026 at a rural location.

Colour Theory workshop with Paul Robinson

Jenny Hartman

Our next workshop will cover Colour Theory Basics, Colour and Composition, Still Life Backgrounds and Interactions. There will be both theoretical and applied components. Cameras are not required.

Presenter: Paul Robinson
Date: Saturday 21st March 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Craft Room, Mount Waverley Community Centre (across from the Main Hall)
Co-payment: $10 made via TryBooking, see email for link

This will be a great session and another piece in the big jigsaw of photography skills.

March 2026 “Street photography (monochrome)” results

Stephen Edmonds

Judge: Craig Wetjen

Set Subject EDI

Joanne Rowley - Modern Tradition
Intermediate: Joanne Rowley – Modern Tradition

Stephen Jude - Just out walking
Advanced: Stephen Jude – Just out walking

Open EDI

Ross Eddington - Just Lion around
Intermediate: Ross Eddington – Just Lion around

Jill Shaw - Decimated
Advanced: Jill Shaw – Decimated

Open Print

Joanne Rowley - East Asiatic Company
Intermediate: Joanne Rowley – East Asiatic Company

Alan Bennett - Osprey lookout
Advanced: Alan Bennett – Osprey lookout

Set Subject definition:

This Is a non-formalized genre of photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions and other associated settings. Images can often be ironic or emotionally detached from subject matter, focusing instead on a particular context or detail. Framing and timing are key aspects of the craft, with the aim of creating images at a decisive or poignant moment. (APJA)

Dahlia Farm Outing – Macro and Closeup SIG

Leanne Poole

The next Macro and Close-up outing will be on Friday March 6th 2026.

The plan is:

  • 7:30am – Visit the Dahlia Farm of Pam Albutt (president of the Dahlia Society of Vic)
  • 10:30 – Cranbourne Botanic Gardens – meet in the café at 10:30 with optional lunch after we photograph

All are welcome to attend either, or both venues, whether you are photographing macro or not.

If you know that you will be attending the Dahlia farm, please RSVP via email.

Natural Light Portraiture in the field

Jenny Hartman

As an extension of our workshop last year, Keith Costello taught us about managing light for effective portraiture in outdoor settings, including using shade, reflectors and dappled light as well as general posing and posing to utilise light. We worked in groups with the three models and could see an improvement in our images as the session progressed.

Sim Chong - Through the leaves Nihal Basnayake - Nihal Basnayake image 2 Steve Hilton - Georgina 1 Elaine Whitton - End of day

More images can be viewed in our Natural Light Portraits gallery.