About

I have been interested in photography from an age of about 10.
First camera:- Kodak Starlight.
During teens purchased a Nikonos underwater camera while being interested in SCUBA diving. After giving up going underwater, decided to concentrate on photography as a main pastime.

Joined the Melbourne Camera Club (MCC) in 1975. Elected to committee in Late 1970’s and served two years as Vice-President.
Seconded to the Victorian Association of Photographic Societies (VAPS) in 1985
to assist in the running of the National Photographic Exhibition run jointly by the
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) in conjunction with VAPS.

Took on position of Chairman of this Exhibition (RASV/VAPS) in 1988 and ran the Exhibition until 1996.

During this time established a “Junior Category” for Primary and Secondary schools and introduced Landscape and Experimental Categories into the Exhibition.
Was instrumental in obtaining the sponsorship for the Exhibition – through “Michael’s Camera and Video”.

With VAPS, organised and ran the Interclub Photographic Competition between all camera clubs in the state of Victoria from 1987 to 1998. Also, organised the state entry into a National Camera Club Exhibition between the Australian states and territories.
Became President of VAPS in 1993 until 1994.

Also was invited to join the Committee of The Victorian International Exhibition of Photography (VIGEX) in Geelong. This is the only International Photographic Exhibition in Victoria. It is the only Exhibition where Victorian photographers can compare their work with the work from overseas.
The Exhibition is displayed biennially at the Geelong Art Gallery and was then also displayed in the National Gallery in St Kilda Rd.

Moved to Phillip Island in 1993 – resigned as a member of the MCC and joined Warragul Camera Club.
Together with another photographer (Joan Williams) established the Phillip Island Camera Club in 1994.
Ran three successful charity photographic auctions – two for the Autistic Society of Victoria at the Rosanna Camera Club and another on Phillip Island for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Victoria in conjunction with the
Phillip Island Inner Wheel Club and Phillip Island Rotary Club.
The sale of Photographs in these events earned in excess of $8000.

Have entered most Australian National and International Exhibitions
and also into several overseas International Exhibitions.
Have been successful in having many photographs accepted in them.
Travelled to Africa in 2005 visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Photographs from this
trip were the basis of my only sole exhibition of prints in 2006 at The Red Lion Gallery on Phillip Island.

I have also exhibited photographs with other photographers in several small exhibitions.

I now work solely in Digital Photography, but did have my own darkroom for Black and White, Colour Negative and Cibachrome developing and printing.

Have worked semi professionally as a wedding photographer and have had several
photographs published in books and magazines.

Awards
The VAPS Meritorious Service Award in 1991,
The State Service Award of the VAPS (SSVAPS) in 1995 and
The Service Award from The Australian Photographic Society (SSAPS) in 1997.
All were for the service to “Amateur Photography”

Robert McKay SSAPS SSVAPS