By Casey Neill
MOVING to the Dandenongs 12 months ago breathed new life into Kathie Thomas’ passion for photography.
Her enthusiasm recently saw her picture of Puffing Billy on the Selby trestle bridge included in the 2011 Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group calendar.
“My camera comes with me everywhere,” he said.
“I’m always snapping photos.”
The nod has further inspired the 53-year-old to pursue the craft.
“I’ve got a bit more confidence now,” she said.
Judges whittled down more than 230 entries from 90 local photographers to the 13 that appear in their second annual calendar showcasing the Dandenong Ranges’ beauty.
It will be distributed to customers and shareholders.
Bank group chairman Peter Marke was surprised and happy with the high level of interest from both amateur and professional photographers.
He said the winning shots were of a very high standard and perfectly captured the region’s diversity.
Ms Thomas said Puffing Billy was the first thing that came to mind when she thought about images that represented the Dandenongs.
It was her first time entering a photographic competition and she was elated to win a space in the calendar. “Being picked as August makes it even more special because my two daughters were born in August,” she said.
The Knox Photographic Society member now plans to enter more competitions and is already thinking ahead to next year’s calendar.
Ms Thomas has been keen on photography since her teens but stepped up her commitment two years ago when her husband bought her a camera.
She runs a business from home so spends most of her day inside.
“The camera made me get out,” she said.
“It’s become an obsession. It’s a healthy obsession.”
She enjoys the exercise, fresh air, seeing new things and a sense of satisfaction.
“Being able to capture something I’ve seen and reproduce for others what I’ve seen,” she said. “I just think this area is a photographer’s paradise.”
