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

Wings & Wild Things of Banyule: Wildlife & Bird Photography
Banyule Flats Reserve, Somerset Dr, Viewbank, AUWEATHER DEPENDENCY & UPDATES This event is strictly weather dependent. Please check the event page on Friday 18/9 for a final update on conditions and confirmation.
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Join us for a wildlife and bird photography session at Banyule Flats Reserve, a 46.47-hectare haven famous for inspiring Heidelberg School artists. Home to over 153 bird species alongside kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and wallabies, it’s an ideal spot to capture the vibrant nature along the Yarra River and Banyule Swamp.Schedule
8.30am - Meet at Banyule Flats Reserve Car Park (off Somerset Drive, Viewbank) googlemap link (TBC the trail route)
11.30am - Meet for Brunch - location TBC
12.30pm - Meetup endsWhat to Bring:
- Your camera and lens (a telephoto lens is highly recommended, and a wider lens can be useful for habitat shots)
- Tripod (optional but can be helpful for stability, especially with longer lenses)
- Comfortable and quiet walking shoes suitable for varied terrain
- Water and snacks
- Appropriate clothing for the weather and potentially muddy conditions
- Your respect for nature and a keen eye for detail!
Target Birds (we may or may not find):
Ducks & Grebes: Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Musk Duck, and Hoary-headed / Australasian Grebes.
Kingfishers: Sacred Kingfisher and Azure Kingfisher
Parrots & Honeyeaters: Red-rumped Parrot, Australian King-Parrot, Eastern & Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow & Musk Lorikeets, Gang-gang Cockatoo.Important Notes:
- We will prioritise the well-being of all wildlife and maintain a respectful distance at all times.
- Please be mindful of noise and movement to avoid disturbing potential subjects.
By signing up and attending this event, you and your guest agree to the above disclosures and the MEETUP GUIDELINES
Annie and Andrew
35 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
17 attendees
Past events
566


