I have been visiting the Bellarine Peninsula for as long as I can remember. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of summers spent in Ocean Grove with my family.  We loved exploring the nearby coastal towns including Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. Point Londsdale holds a special place in my heart- there is a sense of mystery and atmosphere that I have always been drawn too. To this day one of my favourite things to do is sit by the Point Lonsdale pier or the lighthouse and watch the ships come and go through the rip- a quiet and special tradition I share with my Pop. Point Lonsdale is not just a special place to visit but it is also one of my favourite places to photograph. No matter how many times I return, each visit feels unique, offering something new and beautiful to capture. Spending time by the ocean and being immersed in nature is what first sparked my passion in photography. Photography has always been a personal hobby of mine and a self-taught skill. After starting my own family, I found myself picking up my camera more often to take portraits of my children, which reignited my creative spark. In 2023, I completed a Certificate III in Visual Arts (Photography) through Oxygen College to continue developing my craft. Completing this certificate confirmed my passion for capturing landscapes and nature through photography. I feel most present and inspired when I am behind the lens and immersed in the natural world. While I have not launched my own photography Instagram or website yet, it is a goal I am actively working towards. Most recently, I contribute seasonal images to the Friends of The Ballarat Botanical Gardens (FBBG) newsletter called the ‘Wellingtonia’. This has been a small but meaningful way to share my love of photography with the Ballarat community. In present time, I love taking my kids along the Bellarine to share with them the places that have shaped my own childhood and to see them begin to make their own memories. In recent years, we have spent time walking along the Queenscliff pier, admiring all the incredible artwork on display. It is a real privilege to now be part of that creative space with sharing my own artwork in a place that holds great personal significance and captures one of my favourite places in the world.