Photographic Group

The Friends Photographic Group (the Group) has been running since 2011. It brings together people interested in photographing the natural world. The emphasis is on capturing images of native plants, birds, animals and fungi, especially those encountered in the Australian National Botanic Gardens (the Gardens). The Group is respectful, friendly and supportive. The more experienced photographers readily share their knowledge and experience with other members. This happens through individual mentoring and workshops. Meetings of the Group are always informal and fun.

• Regular meetings of the Group are usually held on the last Friday of the month from 10 am to 12 noon (see Calendar for details). Each meeting typically includes a talk by an expert on a topic of general interest to the group, as well as ‘show and tell’ where members may choose to share some of their recent photos and the stories behind them.
• The ‘Illuminate’ annual photography exhibition provides an opportunity for Group members to display and offer for sale their photos in the ANBG Visitor Information Centre Gallery. Members also provide merchandise such as calendars for sale. Sales help support the operation of the Gardens.
• Every year the Group supports production of the ANBG Calendar that is sold through the Gardens Botanical Bookshop. 
• ‘Cameras and Café’ photo walks in the Gardens are held monthly, led by one or more of the Group’s more experienced photographers, before retiring to Pollen Cafe for refreshments. 
• Members regularly submit photos taken in the Gardens for use by staff in promotional materials and on social media, helping to improve community awareness of the Gardens and the natural world in general.
•  The Group helps the Friends of the Gardens hold an Annual Students’ Photographic Competition. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the value and beauty of the Gardens and to share that beauty with other visitors.

Committee

The operation of the Group is made possible by a committee of elected members that typically meets once a month. The committee convenes Working Groups to support key activities such as the annual ‘Illuminate’ exhibition and the production of the Gardens Calendar. The current Committee comprises the following members: 

• Phil Green (Convenor)
• Paul Bainton (Membership Secretary)
• Stephen Hunter (Publicity Officer)
• Ron Cawthron, Simon Slater, Wendy Shelton and Kevin Gale (General Members)