IT’S been a photo bonanza in Freo recently.
Hot on the heels of the Perth Amateur Photographers exhibition at Kidogo Arthouse, the SHOTS Photo Exhibition is opening this weekend (November 14) at Moores Art Space.
It’s another diverse affair with about 100 snaps by 20 WA photographers covering everything from creative fine art and wildlife to people and stunning landscapes.
SHOTS chair Galina Romalis says the exhibition features a number of aerial shots, with drone photography becoming increasingly popular in recent years.
“It’s really becoming bolder and more abstract,” Romalis says.
“It’s not usually a landscape anymore—aerial photography is all about abstract shapes and colours.”
Another interesting style featured in the exhibition is intentional camera movement, often giving photographs an enigmatic blur.
“It’s referred to as pictorialism or impressionism in photography,” Romalis says.
“Photography has developed in such a way that now it can be as arty as the photographer wants.”
There’s a mix of experience on show, ranging from first-time exhibitors to established names like Richard Goodwin, Rebecca Harrison and Irma Ferreira.
The majority are from Greater Perth, but there are also folk from further afield, including Neil Webb from Norseman.
“His photo of wildflowers is absolutely beautiful,” Romalis says.
Romalis knows a thing or two about photography—her stunning shot of a glacial lake in New Zealand won Best Print Award at the Perth National Photographic Exhibition, and is part of this year’s SHOTS exhibition.
The Herald had to ask—what’s her take on the use of AI in photography?
“I go with the rules of the West Australian Photographic Federation,” she says.
“AI is allowed to remove a spot, for example, but it’s not allowed to generate part of the photo.”
Because the vast majority of photographers in the exhibition are established names known to organisers, vetting images for AI is not a major issue, notes Romalis.
“AI and its use in photography is a very active topic within our photography club and the others,” she says.
“The questions you’re asking are exactly the same kinds of questions we’re asking, and trying to come up with suitable rules that cover it is a real challenge.”
A lot of digital photos undergo post-processing in Photoshop, with photographers tweaking settings like colours, contrast and brightness.
So to some extent, computer-assisted tinkering with photos has been going on for many years, although creating them from scratch using AI is a different ballgame.
Now in its 10th year, the biennial SHOTS exhibition was founded by Rick Bawden, who wanted to give local photographers an opportunity to showcase their work in a public gallery.
But after the 2024 exhibition, the original organisers decided to take a step back, so an incorporated association was formed with committee members from photography clubs across Perth.
Romalis, a member of the Northern Exposure Photographers Group, offered to step into the breach and organise this year’s event.
“Luckily I’ve got a great committee to work with, and a team of volunteers whose help is invaluable during the weeks leading up to and during the exhibition,” she says.
SHOTS has always been held at Moores Art Space, on Henry Street, in the heart of Fremantle.
“The Fremantle Arts Centre has been very kind in allowing us to use the exhibition space and to actually assist with the installation as well,” Romalis says.
SHOTS Photo Exhibition is on until November 29. For details see wfac.org.au.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK