The Milky Way set behind Hanging Rock and the enchanting fungi of Sanatorium Lake are just some of the subjects that have been captured by members of the Macedon Ranges Photographic Society. Oscar Parry goes behind the lens to talk those passionate about capturing the world as they see it.
Founded in 1983, the Macedon Ranges Photographic Society has provided competitions, photography skills, and a sense of community for local photographers for over 40 years.
Now with about 67 members – varied in age and gender – society president Jeni Marinier said that local photographers join for myriad reasons.
“In the rural areas, we’re more spread out. And a lot of us are on large properties so you don’t really have your neighbours to chat to … it is really nice to have that opportunity to get together with people and share the experience,” Ms Marinier said.
“I think a lot of people who join are looking for that social aspect but also learning with something that they enjoy,” she said.
“It’s just rewarding. Seeing your images in print … up on a wall or up on display is very fulfilling.”
Members enter their photography into the society’s judged competitions and are given the opportunity to enter external competitions – with a major one being the annual Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Interclub Competition.
The society hosts four themed competitions each year with an accompanying open category, with this year’s topics being water, macro, double exposure, and flora or fauna.
Ms Marinier said that the association provides members technical and practical sessions relating to the upcoming competitions, along with general meetings covering photography tips and image critiquing.
Outside of this, members have the opportunity to attend weekend photography getaways – with past trips including Lake Tyrrell and Mungo National Park.
As a hobby, Ms Marinier said that photography can serve both as a way of recording moments and creating art.
“I think capturing a moment in time or an expression on someone’s face is priceless and very rewarding,” she said.
“Your holiday snaps can become beautiful works of art that you’re proud to hang on your wall … they’re not just happy snaps on your phone anymore. And then you can turn your work into gifts … like calendars or cards.”
She said that part of the joy is not realising how good your photo is until you see the colours and details on a larger screen.
“You can surprise yourself. My [husband] and I went to the [Halls Gap Zoo] back in October, and I was walking around with my camera, and there was a peacock with his tail up – absolutely beautiful. I just snapped away, didn’t really think much of it, until I came home and put one shot up on the computer and went ‘oh my God,’” she said.
“I was absolutely amazed at what I’d caught … you really don’t know what you’ve got until you get home. It can be quite a surprise, or it can be disappointing – I’ve had that before!”
Fortunately for the photographers of the group, the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury is full of photogenic locations.
Ms Marinier said attractive Macedon Ranges sites include the historic buildings of Malmsbury and Kyneton and local gardens in bloom during spring, and Sunbury highlights include Spavin Lake and The Nook.
“Golden hour in summer would be beautiful on a lot of those buildings … it’s getting the lighting right, [the] time of day,” she said.
“Summer can be very harsh, I’m looking outside now and it’s bright, bright sunshine. People say ‘you’ve got a good day for photography’ – it’s actually the opposite. You’ve got to pick and choose your times in summer.”
Along with the joys of creating appealing photographs, Ms Marinier said that another key aspect of being a society member is the opportunity to present your work.
“In 2022, we did an exhibition called Magnificent Macedon Ranges, and then in 2023–24 … we did another one called Ranges in Focus, and the members had to photograph the area,” she said.
“It was interesting to see what [members] came back with … just how they view the Ranges … everyone sees things differently through their lens.”
With the rise in quality of phone cameras, Ms Marinier said that it is “encouraging” to see a continued interest in DSLR and traditional cameras – but keen phone photographers are still welcome to join as members.
“It’s the image, not the camera.”
After recently relocating to Jubilee Hall in Macedon, the society has expanded its capacity for members and has more space to present works.
Details: macedon-ranges-photography.org.au
