By Parker McKenzie
The Hills Photographic Society has launched its inaugural exhibition at the Hills Hub in Emerald.
Entry to the major exhibition is free and it is being held from Wednesday 9 March to Saturday 16 April 10am until 3pm, with a number of door prizes available to the public.
The showcase of members’ diverse photography features landscapes, portraits, abstract images and compositions.
Society President Allan Pan said the exhibition was the first they’d been able to run.
“We’re really growing, we’re getting a lot of new members and some really talented and capable photographers,” he said.
“We’re also getting a range of ages now. Whereas before, there were more retirees but now, we’re starting to get a lot younger people.”
The Hills Photographic Society meets at the Emerald Hills Hub on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, with monthly competitions being held for members.
Secretary Paul Bianco said the Hills Photographic Society was founded after a different photography competition at the PAVE Festival.
“In 2016, we advertised a meeting to anybody interested in forming a club and we had 40 odd people come that night,” he said.
“We had 20 odd people join that night and it’s just developed since then.”
The Society also runs a number of workshops on photography, post-production and editing.
Judge David Norris, who was tasked with picking the winning photograph, said selecting one image from the collection was difficult.
“I would have liked to honour several images for special mention but there is only one winner in this exhibition,” he said.
“A large number of images were of a high standard and in the print medium shows great in not only capture but post-processing as well.”
Mr Norris said the winning image — number 46 Arum Lilly —was a “wonderful soft image with beautifully handled light and processing techniques.”
“The soft whites contrasted with the rich blacks make for a simple image but eye-catching.” he said.
The Hills Hub is located at 402 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald. More information about the society can be found at www.hillsphotographicsociety.org.au
