About us
Welcome! This group is for enthusiast photographers who want to:
a) meet other enthusiast photographers
b) explore Melbourne and surrounds
c) practice their photography
We are not a techie group. It's not about the size of your lens but about the joy of photography, spending time with other photographers, learning from each other. You can work in film, digital, mirrorless, smart phone. We've even had somebody come along with a sketch-pad and pencil once.
These outings are free and run by a stellar group of organisers on their free time. Venue entry fees (where applicable) are paid by you, and coffee & cake (or beers, as the case may be) which we often do after the outing is over.
You can share your photos - to give and receive feedback - on the Meetup event page. Each other’s photos represent a great opportunity for learning, particularly in relation to lighting, technique and composition.
To help ensure we operate in a safe and inclusive manner we ask all members and guests to abide by the following guidelines
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing
Melbourne Walk and Shoot T-shirts
If you are interested in getting a t shirt with our logo (Trish G kindly designed a number of logos and the hosts and organisers voted on it), you can easily order one on Cafe Press. Instructions to create your t shirt with our logo is on the google doc link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YH7gTcRDdpHbH4gr69zFZyl5C7ozh9EL3HKOLbFzyQI/edit
There is no profit involved - just an opportunity to have this t shirt. This t-shirt suggestion came from some members.
Join & come along!
All ages welcome.
Regards,
The Organiser Team - MWSG
Upcoming events
5

Street Photography Ethics and Fitzroy Photowalk
Smiths Cakes, 297 Smith Street Fitzroy, Melbourne, AUWe will start our Photowalk in Fitzroy with a coffee and selection of sweet and savoury treats at Smiths Cakes, and the opportunity for an informal and respectful discussion on street photography and ethics. The discussion part is optional, members are welcome to arrive for the beginning of Photowalk at 11.45am if preferred.
Melbourne Walk and Shoot has run street photography specific events for a number of years, but never had the opportunity to talk about the moral and ethical decisions we all need to make when practising this art form that is street photography. So it's an opportunity to discuss street photography beyond what is legally permitted, to open it up to how we try to work with respect and accountability while dealing with issues such as privacy, power dynamics, exploitation and cultural sensitivities. This will be a discussion that is general in nature, but it would be great if people wish to outline how they developed their own sense of personal ethics and artistic boundaries!
We expect widely differing experiences and opinions in the discussion, but hope it will be a learning experience for all.
Please keep in mind that this is purely a discussion and not a set of rules on Street Photography by the Melbourne Walk and Shoot Group.
Schedule
10.00am - Part 1 - Meet at Smiths Cakes for an informal discussion on Street Photography and ethics (optional). Order downstairs and we will have group table upstairs.
11.45am - Part 2 - Start of the Photowalk - meet outside Smiths Cakes.
11.45- 12.30 Walk along Smith Street towards Gertrude Street.12.30pm Pitstop at Fatto a Mano Bakery, 228 Gertrude Street. Chance to grab a coffee or savoury takeaway snack such as pastries, sausage roll, small pizza to refuel for walk ahead!
12.30 - 1.15 pm Bakery and walk along Gertrude Street towards Brunswick Street.1.15 pm- 2.00pm Walk along Brunswick Street to finish up at Rose Street.
2.00 pm Event concludes
We look forward to having you join us for this event.
Cathrin and Ananda
' I love street photography but it's probably evil'. Ben Luu, 2024
Discussion Resources
In regards to our street photography ethics discussion, it will be useful for members to do a little light reading prior!
Here are a few resources that are helpful.Arts Law Centre of Australia- Street Photographers Rights Info Sheet
Whilst we are focusing on ethics in discussion, it's helpful to have grounding on the legal aspects first.Peta Pixel
Six Ethical Considerations When Doing Street Photography by Polly RyanThe Michigan Daily
The Questionable Ethics of Street Photography by Ben Luu
www.michigandaily.com52 attendees
Newport Lake Reserve & Cherry Lake
Cherry Lake, Millers Road, Altona, AUTo help ensure we operate in a safe and inclusive manner we ask all members and guests to abide by the following guidelines
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Tlklt2nqT-B8RnDaxvmZv8vsGXy3w8rVpiArNf_-f8/edit?usp=sharing
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We have made some changes to this event and will begin with Cherry Lake at sunrise, followed by breakfast and then move on to Newport Reserve for more photography. Given this is a weather dependent event, please check this page the day before the event in the event we need to postpone due to poor weather forecast.If you are interested in attending only Newport Reserve and breakfast, you can join us at either 8am for breakfast or 9.30am at Newport Reserve. Otherwise we will see you at Cherry Lake at 7.30am.
Join us for a relaxed photography walk at Cherry Lake and Newport Lake Reserve on Saturday 10 October (weather permitting), We will start off with sunrise photography at Cherry Lake, followed by breakfast at a local café (details to be advised). We will then explore
Newport Lake Reserve after breakfast and this reserve offers a variety of photographic opportunities, from tranquil lake reflections and walking trails to abundant birdlife including ducks, swans, cormorants, pelicans and smaller native birds often found throughout the reserve. The surrounding bushland and open water also provide excellent landscape and nature photography opportunities.
Cherry Lake offers a different atmosphere, with wide open wetlands, boardwalks, expansive skies and additional opportunities for bird and landscape photography — particularly suited to those interested in wildlife, reflections and winter light.
Newport Lake Reserve is easily accessible by car or public transport. The nearest train station is Newport Station, approximately a 1.5km walk to the reserve.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and your favourite lens for nature and landscape photography.
Looking forward to a great day of photography, conversation and coffee with fellow enthusiasts!DRAFT SCHEDULE
6:15 AM – Sunrise Photography at Cherry Lake
Meet at Cherry Lake Reserve (Entrance via Fresno Street, Altona) for an introduction and briefing.
We'll begin the day capturing the early morning light at Cherry Lake Reserve. The reserve features a scenic 3.5 km walking circuit which takes visitors around the western and northern sections of the lake. Along the way, photographers can explore a variety of landscapes, including the area's fascinating salt marsh habitats, which support a diverse range of water birds and other wildlife.
Photographic opportunities:
· Sunrise landscapes and reflections
· Water birds and wildlife
· Wetland and salt marsh environments
· Nature and environmental photography
7.50AM - re group at the entrance to drive to breakfast venue
8:00 AM – Breakfast & Social Catch-Up
Location: Pier 71
71 Pier St, Altona
https://www.pier71.com.au/
A chance to relax enjoy breakfast with fellow photographers before heading to our second location.
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9:30 AM – Nature Photography Walk at Newport Lake Reserve.
Meet at Newport Lake Reserve (Entrance via Mason Street, Newport)
Our second session will take place at the picturesque Newport Lake Reserve. The reserve offers several self-guided nature trail loops totalling approximately 2 km, which takes around 40 minutes to complete. The trails wind through dense stands of eucalyptus and acacia trees, providing excellent opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
The reserve is home to more than 200 plant species and nearly 165 recorded bird species, including Black Swans, wrens, herons, and many other native birds.
Photographic opportunities:
· Bird and wildlife photography
· Native flora and macro photography
· Landscapes and lake reflections
· Environmental and nature photography11.00PM - Event Ends
What to Bring
· Camera and lenses suitable for landscapes and wildlife
· Fully charged batteries and spare memory cards
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Weather-appropriate clothing
· Water bottle
· Tripod and ND filters (optional, but recommended for sunrise photography)We look forward to a relaxed day of photography, nature, and good company while exploring two of Melbourne's beautiful western suburbs reserves.
Catherine and Rowan
20 attendees
Past events
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