BFOP 2025 INSTRUCTORS
Say g'day to your ever-growing instructor team!
NEW IN 2025 - EVEN MORE COMING SOON...
Welcome our BFOP virgins! More profiles joining the lineup soon!
Sophie Geraghty is an experienced commercial, lifestyle, and newborn photographer known for her calm, baby-led approach to newborn imagery. With over 20 years of experience and a heartfelt focus on connection and storytelling, Sophie has photographed hundreds of newborns and families in both home and studio settings. Her workshops offer a peaceful, safe space to learn how to create images that are both timeless and real, with a focus on natural light, emotion, and thoughtful composition.
Rick is a Canon Employee with 35 years of experience within the Photographic industry. He has been lucky enough to support the industry in ways that would never have been possible. This has afforded him the opportunity to capture Olympic games, World Cup Soccer, numerous F1 and Aus Open Tennis events. Key to this was learning understanding and setting up remote and robotic cameras in a world set up for TV. He has also been afforded the opportunity to be on the set of Star Wars who were instrumental in bring small abstract characters to life on the screen through 360 deg stills through CGI. These days Rick is focused on providing consumers with experiences in the retail environment building advocacy.
Josh hasn’t got it bio to us yet, so we stole it from his website…
As long as I can remember, I’ve been outside exploring—from the neighborhood as a child to the incredible Australian coastline as a teenager, and the rest of the world as an adult.
Based in Warrnambool, Victoria, I’ve been so privileged to have the Great Ocean Road so close to home. This would be my local playground, and viewing intense storms and iridescent sunsets along the transpiring cliff faces, I knew that all I wanted to do was capture nature’s unbelievable ways.
My entry to photography in 2012 was with an iPhone and a GoPro. Realizing this wasn’t enough to truly capture the beauty in front of me, I moved on to a Nikon D750 in 2014, which really opened up the possibilities of the images I could capture. My addiction grew from there.
Over time, my style evolved as I grew an interest in capturing unique perspectives and natural phenomena such as auroras, bioluminescence, lava, and volcanoes!
In 2018, I became a Nikon School Lecturer, running live workshops and online classes. In 2020, I ticked off a life goal of becoming an Official Nikon Creator, creating content for Nikon Australia.
My other photography passions include weddings, properties, and running workshops around the world.
Julie Powell is a Melbourne-based photographer and creative educator with a deep love for storytelling through images. Specialising in still life, portrait, and conceptual photography, she blends technical skill with artistic flair to create work that feels both timeless and imaginative. With a background in teaching and years behind the camera, Julie now shares her knowledge through workshops, online classes, and one-on-one mentoring, helping photographers of all levels build confidence and find their unique voice. Her approach is hands-on, practical, and always encouraging. Whether working with moody lighting in the studio or crafting delicate compositions from everyday objects, she believes in the power of creativity to inspire and transform. When not shooting or teaching, she’s usually experimenting with new techniques, editing with purpose, or planning her next visual project.
Mieke is a nature-lover, an art-lover and an acclaimed landscape photographer who runs the Alpine Light gallery in Bright with her husband Matt Palmer. She has won the NZIPP Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year title in 2022, 2023, and 2024 and was the Silver Medallist in the Landscape Category of the World Photographic Cup in 2025.
David Dare Parker is a Walkley Award winning photojournalist and NIKON Ambassador. He is featured in the Australian War Memorial book ‘Contact’ – Australian War Photographers and WAR: Degree South.
Projects include coverage of East Timor’s struggle to gain independence and Indonesia’s first steps towards democracy. In January 2002 he was asked to co-ordinate a safety awareness course for Afghan Journalists in Peshawar, Pakistan for the International Federation of Journalists. During April and May of 2003 he was the Official War Photographer for the Australian War Memorial during Operation Falconer in the Middle East, the first time an Official Photographer had been assigned by the AWM since the Korean War. Recent work includes coverage of the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh.
As a film industry production stills photographer, credits include CUnderbelly Razor, Redfern Now, Invisible Boys, The Surfer with Nicolas Cage and Mystery Road Series 2, 3 and 4.
He is one of the original co-founders of Reportage, was a Director of FotoFreo Photographic Festival and a Walkley Advisory Board Member. He is a member of the °SOUTH Photo Co-operative and the SMPSP: The Society of Motion Picture Stills Photographers. He has run photography workshops for Head On Photo Festival, FORM, Country Arts WA and Nikon Australia.
Meet Alex Cearns OAM, the animal photography whiz with a mirrorless camera and a big heart! She’s snapped over 15,000 adorable (and sometimes wild) animals in her studio and has earnt more than 350 awards. But her work goes beyond stunning images; she’s a passionate advocate for rescue and conservation, and she received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to animal charities. When she’s not behind the lens, Alex’s books and speeches inspire humans everywhere – and she’s known for her humour and charisma while teaching! She’s also a brand ambassador for cool tech brands like Tamron and she started The Pet Photography Coach in 2018 to help fellow photographers crush their biz goals. Living with her three rescue dogs (Marshmallow, Gigi, and Fig) in Perth, Alex proves that following your passion can change the lives of animals in need, one photo at a time.
With over 11 years behind the lens, Vueey Le’s photography journey began in high school and has evolved into a career capturing vibrant stories through a cinematic, detail-driven style. Specialising in food, travel, and commercial photography, he blends technical precision with a natural, authentic feel that brings every subject to life.
Vueey has led engaging workshops across Australia, sharing his passion for visual storytelling with photographers of all levels. Career highlights include capturing large-scale festivals, producing immersive food and cocktail photography sessions, and creating imagery that resonates both online and in print.
At the Bright Festival of Photography, Vueey will share hands-on techniques and creative insights to help photographers craft compelling, scroll-stopping imagery. Expect an energetic and inspiring session filled with practical tips, fresh perspectives, and a contagious love for the art of photography.
Victoria McKay is a multi-award winning artist from the Yarra Valley, with over 30 years experience in portraiture. Focusing on the whimsical, ethereal and story-telling within images, Victoria has showcased a number of solo and group exhibitions across the state with notable awards at the Ballarat Foto Biennale and Australian Photographic Prize.
In addition to her photography, Victoria is a mentor to other photographers, a judge for local and National awards such as the Australian Photographic Prize and is also a founding member of The Heart Project, a charity which goes into hospitals at Christmas time and brings joy to the families who can’t go home. She often doubles as a professional reindeer or career elf in this role!
Victoria is passionate about education and the preservation of classic processes, she has been trained in the art of Mordancage and her studio will soon be providing classes in this rare process.
Andy Zakeli’s photographic journey spans over three decades, from learning film processes as a teenager to covering major international events as a press photographer. As a qualified Photography teacher, Andy specializes in both digital and film photography education and brings a light-hearted approach to learning along with a genuine passion and for all things in photography. He uses all brands of camera but has a soft spot for his Nikon F2.
With over thirty years of experience as a freelance photographer, Katie Rivers brings a diverse portfolio to Shutterstop. Based in Berry, she splits her time between Sydney and the NSW South Coast. Katie’s sympathetic and insightful approach has led to diverse and rewarding work base ranging from weddings, events and family portraits to newspapers, major editorials and publications.
Melbourne photographer Penny Stephens is deeply curious about the lives people live. Making pictures has become her way of understanding the world, seeing the human condition up close, and hopefully helping others to understand lives unlike their own. She was embedded with the Australian Defence Forces in Afghanistan for The Age. She’s been a finalist in the Moran Photographic Portrait Prize and has won a United Nations media award for work in the Solomon Islands about climate change. She covered the Covid-19 pandemic inside aged and critical care for Western Health. She now does media work for The Guardian, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald , plus corporate and personal work. Her first solo exhibition ROLLER DOOR; Moorabbin Makers At Work was shown in 2023.
RETURNING IN 2025
Those who dare to come back again and again...
Some call him the Godfather of BFOP but lets give credit where credit is due, this man gave BFOP life way back in 2017 and so Mother BFOP is probably a much more fitting name.\r\n\r\nNick is principally responsible for looking stressed and herding participants in the right direction whilst providing inspiring pep-talks to the BFOP instructor team. When Nick isn’t running festivals he’s out in the wild either photographing motorbikes or falling off them. If you see him at the brewery then he will impart his entire photographic knowledge for the price of a pint of beer. He’s a true inspiration and runs workshops not to be missed!
Matt Krumins’ nature and wildlife photography dives into the depths of the ocean, the remote corners of natural landscapes, and the heights of the sky. His goal is to share the more hidden side of the world, encouraging others to get out there and experience the lesser seen parts of our planet. Over his 20 year career his achievements include photographic ambassadorships presenting across the Asia pacific region, collaboration with government tourism bodies as both a photographer and trainer, as well as taking out the 2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year award in the monochrome category. Since 2016, he has been imparting his photography knowledge and passion through photography workshops held both locally and internationally. His commitment to teaching is evident in the glowing feedback from participants, as he simplifies photography concepts for all levels of photographers.
With a passion for capturing the most intimate of moments, Kym creates decadent, respectful imagery that embraces the full spectrum of sexuality and gender. Her belief that sexuality and identity should be celebrated rather than hidden inspired her to create artworks that elevate the erotic image. Through exploring sensuality in various forms, her projects delve into one of the more vulnerable and raw representations of human connection.
Denis Smith takes his light painting seriously—but not too seriously. He believes this incredible form of photography can expand the mind, loosen things up, and reconnect us to joy. Rule of thirds? How about the rule of fun! Denis has taken his passion for learning online, creating an epic YouTube channel full of tips for beginners and light painting legends alike.\r\n\r\nNow studying to develop his art therapy practice, Denis weaves positive mental health outcomes into everything he teaches. His workshops aren’t just about making magic with light—they’re a safe, uplifting space to connect, reflect, and play. Love, light, and laughs are the mantra.
Most people would call me a photographer. Although I think of myself as more of an explorer, an observer, a hype man, and an archivist for moments of goodness, meaning and purpose (But yeah, I’m also a photographer.) Photography has taught me to see the world without a camera. To slow down, pay attention to detail, and be present – I use this gift to capture the most meaningful experiences in life.
Meet Michael Marlborough, the maestro of fine art photography with over 30 years behind the lens. Once a natural light devotee, he now thrives in the studio, where he commands light and shadow like a conductor with a baton—only with more strobes and fewer tuxedos.
Michael first gained acclaim in the Fine Art Nude genre, creating striking, emotive work that blends precision with playfulness. These days, his camera still captures truth and beauty, just without the sunburn and mosquitoes of outdoor shoots.
His studio is a creative haven where expressions are honest, lighting is everything, and every image tells a story. With a sharp eye, dry wit, and unrelenting attention to detail, Michael turns every shoot into something memorable—and just a little bit magical.
Whether you’re after classic elegance or something bold and unexpected, Michael delivers photography that makes people look twice… and then lean in closer.
Brendan is a very experienced photographer who specialises in Landscapes and SeaScapes. He has been a part of the Australian Photographic industry since 1994 and has been running workshops and photo tours for 25 years.\r\nBrendan calls the Victorian coastal town of Ocean Grove home where he has operated Ocean Grove Camera & Photo – a business serving the photographic community since 2013 and where he sells his landscape photography. Brendan prides himself on his ability to teach photography to everyone from beginners to enthusiasts regardless of their equipment or level of experience. “I have been incredibly lucky to be able to make photography my life’s passion and my career. Photography for me should be fun, inspiring and engaging.” Brendan is also one half of The Down South Photo Show – AUstralia’s favourite photography podcast.
Eric Peng is the Founder & Managing Director of EP Group, a leading Australian boutique media, events and marketing firm. Eric has been Professional Photographer and Creative Director for over a decade and joined Sony as a Digital Imaging Advocate in 2019.
Specialising in event, commercial, portrait and wedding photography, Eric has photographed for some of the best global brands as well as private. He enjoys the wedding, event and documentary side of photography, explaining that it is incredibly technically challenging often with low light and fast moving motion.
In teaching, Eric has presented as the trainer for Sony at retail and professional events. Eric’s commercial portfolio has works for brands in a wide range of industries – including Ferrari, Sony, FILA Australia, Red Bull, Porsche and more. Discover more at www.epgroup.co
Ian Tan
Cosplay Photography
I’ve been a photographer for many years shooting landscapes, weddings, portraits and events. My love of pop culture and using my camera to tell stories is why I’m passionate about cosplay photography. I’ve had the privilege of working with many incredible people in the cosplay community, both cosplayers and photographers, some of whom have become my closest friends. I believe photography is a lifelong journey and I’m always learning with every shoot. When I’m not shooting, you’ll usually find me at my computer editing my images. If you’d like to view my work, you can find me on Instagram: @guitarpug
Meet Craig Wetjen – The Man Behind the Camera oh and flash (and the Shed!)\r\nBorn in the USA and proudly Aussie for over 26 years, Craig Wetjen is a multi-award-winning photographer, bestselling author, and all-around creative dude! He kicked off his career shooting sports in Connecticut (even worked with NASA!), then jumped into the deep end of Aussie life—pioneering digital photography at RMIT back in the mid ’90s.\r\nCraig’s passion? Capturing real people with heart and soul. His bestselling book Men and Their Sheds, featured on The Project and Manspace TV, is a powerful celebration of men’s mental health, especillay photography, and the sacred space of a good ol’ shed.\r\nWith 38 years behind the camera, Craig’s all about quality, creativity, light and good photography. He’s taught at top institutions, runs a photography company and also runs fun, hands-on workshops for photographers of all levels.\r\nWant unforgettable photos or to level up your photography game? Craig’s your guy!
Jenn’s photography journey kicked off in her high school darkroom, where she fell in love with the magic of black-and-white film. Fast forward 16 years, and she’s been making her mark at Canon Australia ever since — picking up multiple San-Ji Awards, Canon’s top honours, along the way.
An adventurous spirit at heart, Jenn combines her two great loves: travel and photography. From remote landscapes to bustling city streets, she’s always chasing the next stunning shot — and she loves nothing more than sharing her stories (and tips!) with fellow photography enthusiasts.
Jenn’s passion for teaching is as strong as her passion for capturing beautiful moments. Her energy is contagious, and she brings a spark to every training session, event, or chat with the Canon community. With a wealth of knowledge in photography, post-production, and all things Canon gear, Jenn’s never far from her next adventure — camera in hand, family in tow, and always ready to snap that perfect frame.
Hey, Louise Sedgman here… Equine, Pet and People portrait photographer and photography educator. You know what they say about working with kids and animals, yep, well, that’s me! I love nothing more than capturing horses, pets and their people, as well as creating beautiful fine art printed photos.
I totally get that portraiture isn’t for everyone but let me tell you, there isn’t much that’s more rewarding than seeing someone light up with emotion, seeing their photos for the first time. My second greatest joy is helping others learn how to create imagery they love. Come join me and dabble in the world of portraiture, I challenge you to try it 🙂
xx Louise
Karl Ludik
Food / Wedding
Karl is a six time BFOP vet and the ex-Olympus Professional Photography Manager, a tragic golfer, always-injured long distance runner, keen chef and consumer of whatever he plates up for the camera. He has learned from the best by working with the best photographers Australia has delivered up. His many online courses have been consumed by hundreds of Olympus devotees over the years and, in his new role as content creator and National Trainer for Groupe SEB, the world’s largest cookware and homeware company, he is able to combine his two passions, food and photography, in his workday. He loves sharing stories, food and experiences.
Adrian is a Melbourne-based amateur photographer driven by curiosity—and a slightly unhealthy amount of time spent wandering the city’s laneways, backstreets, and forgotten corners where the magic tends to hide. What began as a casual hobby quickly spiralled into an all-consuming passion. Entirely self-taught, Adrian honed his craft the old-fashioned way: by walking, watching, and occasionally pressing the shutter at just the right moment.\r\nHe’s all about finding beauty—and a bit of humour—in the everyday: shadows, fleeting glances, quiet moments that most people overlook.\r\nWhile Adrian has picked up awards both locally and internationally, he’s not in it for the accolades. For him, it’s all about the joy of the streets and capturing something that makes people pause… even mid-scroll.
“There are some portraits that simply say what we look like, and there’s some that say who we are.”
So remarked a photographer and Judge of Keren’s work.
Keren is an accomplished photographer and visual artist who creates masterful photographic portraits. She finds a unique way of telling her subject’s story and makes the experience a collaborative, enjoyable and meaningful one.
Keren’s creativity extends to the design and fabrication of costumes and sets. Utilizing her industry recognised postproduction skills Keren moulds her inspirational work from concept to completion.
Known for her expertise, distinctive style and empathetic approach, Keren is sought after by advertising agencies, financial institutions, corporations, the care sector, theatre groups and performers. Clients include TBWA, Medibank Private, ANZ bank, RACV, Yooralla.
Keren has exhibited around Australia in a variety of indoor and outdoor galleries. Fortyfivedownstairs-Melbourne, The Outside Gallery-Newport, Head On Photo Festival-Sydney, Freemantle International Portrait Prize Exhibition.
Keren, a lecturer for over 12 years has an inspirational teaching style which encourages her students’ growth in their own artistic practise.
She regularly presents workshops and artist talks sharing her knowledge and passion with the photographic community.
Keren is currently offering classes and workshops in photography and postproduction.
OMG, I’ve been so lucky on my photographic journey, such a diverse career, I’ve shot sailing in the Bahamas, food & Wine books, interiors for architects, super yachts, Mt Bike racing, celebrity portraits, packhorse trips in the high country, outback tours on the canning stock route & snuck in a 20 year stint shooting ski resorts here and in Europe…Oh yeah and put on a heaps of exhibitions and had my own gallery, it’s been exciting and a blast:)
Vicki Bell is a versatile and contemporary Melbourne-based freelance portrait photographer with an extensive 30-year career. As a passionate educator, Vicki holds a bachelor’s degree in education (art and craft) and a Certificate IV in training and assessment. Her professional and creative expertise has been recognised through numerous awards, judging appointments, and frequent invitations to present to diverse groups about her practice and career.
Vicki continues to manage her professional career while teaching at Collarts in Collingwood. She remains deeply curious and engaged in her personal work, focusing on themes of childhood and adolescence. Her exploration highlights the significance of safe spaces and organic environments away from technology. With an unwavering drive to educate, evolve, and experiment, Vicki immerses herself in all aspects of her creative life, ready to embrace the future of photography and image-making.
Karen Alsop of Story Art is a visionary photographic artist. Her work bridges imagination and reality to tell deeply human stories. She’s best known for her creative photo compositing and digital storytelling, as well as being the founder of The Heart Project and Christmas Wish. These initiatives have brought comfort, joy, and dignity to thousands of children and families through imaginative portraiture in hospitals and palliative care.
Her latest body of work, ‘Deep Dive’, delves into raw, personal territory. It’s a visual and narrative exploration of healing and reclaiming truth. This deeply reflective project marks a new chapter in Karen’s storytelling, as she integrates photography, words, and tactile art forms to express trauma and its transformative power.
Karen’s Story Art Gallery, housed within a restored Melbourne W5 tram, is an immersive space where her storytelling comes to life. Inside, her signature photographic art is woven together with sound, movement, and touch. Each visual piece is paired with audio-visual narratives, handcrafted wild clay ceramics, natural glazes, historic materials, and augmented reality. Every piece is a multi-sensory experience, designed not just to be seen, but felt, heard, and remembered.
A sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor, Karen shares her journey to inspire others to create art with purpose—art that heals, challenges, and connects.
Hi, I’m Anne, the heart and lens behind White Shutter Photography. I was born and raised in Germany and have called Australia home for the past 18 years. What drives me isn’t just the aesthetics of a wedding; it’s also the people and their stories. My approach to wedding photography is rooted in capturing natural, romantic, and soulful moments that reflect the unique stories of each couple.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, I extend my passion for photography globally, documenting love stories across South East Asia and Europe every year. I believe in an organic approach, valuing genuine emotions and the intricate details that make each wedding day memorable and unique.
When I’m not behind the lens, you can find me at home in the beautiful Macedon Ranges with my daughter River and our many furry and feathered friends. We live on an equestrian property where I do my best to grow veggies (with varying levels of success) and try to convince our reluctant chickens to lay some eggs.
Through my workshops, I aim to impart the art of storytelling, the nuanced dynamics of wedding photography and to empower attendees to capture heartfelt moments.
Christopher Hopkins is a freelance photojournalist based in Melbourne. His intention – to bring human rights issues to the forefront of public awareness – is to ‘use photography to show intimate commonalities despite our differences, to create empathy and inspire a different, more benevolent way of thinking’. Chris divides his time between his long-term project work and commissioned assignments for major media outlets internationally such as The Guardian, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, The Observer, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, NRC Handelsblad and Getty Images. He is the recipient of three Walkley Awards, a two-time National Photographic Portrait Prize Finalist and in 2025 was the winner of the Pictures of the Year International (POYi) World Understanding Award for his work in Uganda.\r\nHe has also earned honours and commendations from Festival della Fotografia Etica (Ita), United Nations Media Awards, Amnesty International Media Awards, Melbourne Press Club, and the Australian Photography Awards. \r\nChris does not usually refer to himself in the third person.
Bruce Moyle is an internationally acclaimed commercial and fine art photographer based in Launceston, Tasmania. In addition to his photographic expertise, Bruce is also an accomplished cinematographer whose work spans major global platforms and brands. He has created impactful visual content for Facebook, National Broadband Network (NBN), VISA, Regional Arts Australia, HBO, Netflix, and numerous local and national brands. Currently, he is collaborating with the University of Tasmania to produce world-class educational materials for healthcare.\r\n \r\nBruce’s photography has been featured in a wide range of publications, including Frankie, Scoop (WA), Vertigo Comics, Gestalt Comics, DC Comics, The Examiner (Fairfax – Tasmania), ABC, Radio Australia, Daily Mail UK, Huffington Post (Italy), RTZ (German TV), Design Tasmania, Grand Designs Australia, and Jam Factory South Australia, among others.\r\n \r\nHe was recognised as a finalist for Australian Professional Portrait Photographer of the Year at the Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) in both 2018 and 2019. His portrait series Imperfect Perfect earned the highest score at APPA 2018 with a remarkable 97 out of 100, and won a $10,000 prize at the Portrait Conference in Australia. His work has also been finalist in multiple categories every year at Australian Photographic Prize and shortlisted for Sierra creative awards in 2024. He proudly represented Australia at the World Photographic Cup in 2023. In 2025, he was a speaker and workshop presenter for New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) in Christchurch. His work has been exhibited at prestigious international events, including the International Photography Awards in New York and the Trierenberg Super Circuit in Austria (now defunct), further solidifying his reputation as a leader in both photography and cinematography.
Harriet Tarbuck is an educator, business owner, commercial photographer, curator and a photographic artist and living in Naarm \/ Melbourne. Harriet is a Co-Founder behind Photo Collective, an organisation dedicated to finding meaning and knowledge through photography, and a Co-host of When Harri met Sally – A Photography Podcast. When Harriet isn’t teaching at Photography Studies College in Melbourne, she spends her time fostering inclusive and diverse photography centred engagement projects that bring community together.
Emily is an optimist, unashamed hugger and believes life is too short for bad coffee. She’s a lover of the outdoors, nature and camping. A retired rock-climber, she is now and ultra-marathon endurance trail runner; which she will happily talk about for hours if you give her half a chance. There’s almost nothing Emily hasn’t photographed throughout her 25 plus years in the industry, beginning her career in newspapers, experiencing the grit and aroma of film, darkrooms and photojournalism through to the transition into digital and instant uploads. Nowadays, alongside contracting her photography skills as an event portrait photographer, she continues to run her own business which has evolved from photographing families to working with small business in creating rebranding images and content, while returning to her first love of photojournalism, specifically in the adventure and endurance sport realm. Curiosity and authenticity are her main drivers both personally and in her career, which guarantees a wonderful array of adventures and connection along the way.
Glynn Lavender, owner of Creative Photo Workshops is well known both in Australia and the USA for his 35+ year involvement in the photo industry.
Glynn is former President of the Digital Imaging Marketing Association and Territorial Vice President for the Photo Marketing Association.
Specializing in photography tours and with nearly a thousand Workshops under his belt Glynn’s experience shines through at every event and he willingly shares everything – there are no ‘trade secrets’.
Glynn’s ability to share his knowledge and empower Workshop and tour attendees to reach their goals is well known and many working professional photographers consider Glynn their mentor and part of the reason for their success.
Glynn leads international photography tours and training events to countries such as Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Vietnam and photography workshops in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Glynn is a gifted public speaker who enjoys sharing his knowledge through dynamic, engaging presentations and has presented at conferences and events in Australia and the United States.
Since 2014 I have had my business photographing weddings and elopements worldwide in my own unique alternative way. Last year I shifted Barefoot & Bearded to be photographing weddings strictly only on film and analog cameras. I have chosen to really take a step back to simplicity and challenge myself through the original and beautiful form of film.
What makes me different? Well, I’ve always been drawn to breaking away from the ordinary. Weddings, to me, should be portrayed in a way that goes beyond the typical, clichéd shots. I want each image to truly reflect the uniqueness of every couple, steering clear of any overused wedding photo cliches. After all, every relationship is special, so their photographs should be too.
Over the last year though I have shifted my focus to not just be on weddings, but push more of my personal and artistic projects. I am heavily inspired by the 60-70s street photography mostly based around New York during those decades.
Through the creative lenses of Fred Herzog, Bruce Gilden, Stephen Shore and many more, my flavour of street and documentary photography has been shaped and influenced by these lords of the lens.
Adam is a landscape and nature photographer who thrives in the vast, open spaces of the Australian outback, where red dirt, expansive skies, and wild places provide endless inspiration. With 20 years behind the lens, he’s dabbled in just about every genre but always comes back to the power of a well-timed landscape and the magic of great light.\r\n\r\nThese days, Adam spends most of his time running photography workshops across Australia (and occasionally further afield), helping others capture the kinds of moments that get under your skin and stay with you. Whether it’s chasing wildflowers, shooting under moonless skies, or simply enjoying a yarn over a tripod, Adam’s all about community, connection, and learning by doing.\r\n\r\nHe also runs a gallery and creative space in Broken Hill, where the coffee’s always on and the walls are filled with prints that tell a story.
Based in Omeo, my family and I moved up to the High Country from Melbourne back in 2017 seeking a quieter life away from the stress and noise of the city. From the moment we arrived I have been in complete awe of this stunning region and have spent the entire time immersed in the landscape with my camera looking for ways to capture its unique beauty.\r\nLike most landscape and nature photographer’s I initially began photographing wide sweeping scenes trying to capture its vastness however I soon found myself gravitating towards a more intimate style of work that felt more rewarding personally and also helped me tell a much deeper story.
Jo has lived and worked on four continents and accumulated a wealth of visual, emotional and life-defining experiences which have all combined to create a fresh, vibrant and refreshingly natural look to her photography. Jo’s images have won multiple awards and have been featured internationally. She loves wildlife and the beauty of nature and light, she has a great eye for composition and colour and her fabulous (and sometimes outrageous) personality helps put you at ease and ensures you will have a great experience
Aaron Walker once ran away with the circus—now he brings that energy to photography. Based in Melbourne, he’s a photographer and educator who takes lighting seriously, but not himself. His festival workshops offer a practical, down-to-earth approach to studio and location lighting, combining clear technical guidance with hands-on shooting that keeps things engaging and useful.
Originally from London, Aaron spent a decade touring as an aerial acrobat before moving behind the camera. He later studied graphic design and photography, and now works across the arts and commercial sectors, creating portraits, campaigns and event coverage for performers, organisations and brands.
Aaron’s sessions are designed to demystify lighting without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re working with colour in the studio or balancing light outdoors, you’ll leave with practical skills and a few laughs along the way.
Dani Webb
Educator / Film
Dani Webb is passionate about photography and a bit of a gear geek. She is also a proud business owner with Camera House. As part of her role with Camera House, she teaches workshops and classes for her customers. This ain’t her first BFOP rodeo either! \r\n\r\nHaving worked as a professional photographer for many years, she has experience shooting many styles of photography. \r\n\r\nHer love of shooting wildlife and being in remote places has evolved over the years and she has become an accomplished ‘bird nerd’ – capturing some amazing images of birds in all shapes and sizes.\r\n\r\nIf you have questions about your gear or settings – just ask Dani…
A veteran of the photographic industry, Aaron has been the with Olympus\/OM SYSTEM team for 20 years and the product and education specialist for the last seven with a keen focus on macro, bird, motorsport and self-portraiture…
I would consider my style to be dreamy, a healing experience, realistic, full of love and laughter, highlighting womens empowerment, highlighting self love, sometimes whimsical, sometimes raw & bohemian.
I am inspired by what it means to be woman. What it means to be human. What it means to be connected with a higher power than myself. I am inspired by love, emotions of all kinds, releasing and acknowledging past hardships and present. I am inspired by the little things, the minor details. By nature, and all its perfect imperfections. Relating nature with us as people, seeing the energies that flow between us all. I am inspired by travel photographers, telling stories. Im inspired by what it truly means to be in the present moment. Challenging my beliefs.
In 2013, Jean-Pierre majored in Commercial Photography at Photography Study College based in Melbourne. Embracing the photographic industry, Jean-Pierre has succeeded to bring his work to a professional standard. A member of the Australia Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) for the last 10 years, Jean-Pierre has been able to work in different fields such as event-sport photography, photojournalism, commercial photography, food photography, real estate photography, weddings & landscapes. In 2014, Jean-Pierre moved to Bright in High Country Victoria, the perfect place in Australia for photographers. Finding slowly his place in this great new community, Jean-Pierre is currently working with local businesses, the Alpine Shire and he is still following his passion for sport and cycling collaborating often with Cycling Victoria and Cycling Australia. In 2018, Jean- Pierre started to share his photography knowledge through workshops to help people to have a better understanding of their cameras and photography. Jean-Pierre always brings the best in his photography making to the people and companies he works with, and he is always kind to communicate his passion to others.
