Boulia’s infamous outback self-taught photographer Ann Britton will showcase her photography in an exhibition at the Pakenham Cultural Centre, in the Victoria district of Gippsland next month.
The exhibition titled visit outback Queensland via my lens will start on February 15 and run until April 15.
According to Ann, who has held numerous exhibitions in Queensland over time, this exhibition consists of 30 favourites showcasing her life at Goodwood Station, Boulia.
“I have narrowed it down from recent 70 favourites taken in the past 12 months, and all photographs will be printed and framed when I get to Victoria.
“I chose to hold an interstate exhibition as when I opened my studio Ann Britton Photography, here in Boulia during last year, the majority of visitors were Victorians,” Ann said.
During the exhibition Ann will be doing floor talks, and will speak to locals of her life on an outback cattle station, and of what motivates her as a photographer.
Ann moved to the bush at the age of 15 years, and taught herself photography skills.
She says her camera is her best friend, and the beauty of her outback life is her first love, and she has been sharing her work for more than 30 years.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t take a photograph, and I am able to share a small part of what the outback life is really like,” she said.
“The word drought is just a word to most city folk, and whenever you see a dust storm captured on film you can actually feel the dirt blowing around you, and on you.
“Then, there is the excitement when rain has fallen elsewhere and water starts to flow through dry river beds, and you can see the trees soaking up the precious water.”
“I really enjoy the challenge of trying to capture the amazing colours of the country and the skies as I see them with my own eyes in their natural glory.
“I don’t use any coloured filters or digital programs, and my cropping is minimal.
Ann began using her photography skills more broadly to tell her story as part of her move onto social media four years ago.
Since then she’s attracted widespread acclaim for her collection of astonishing outback photographs and blog, in which she poignantly describes her life with husband and ‘boss man’ Rick, children Thomas and Claire, and her much-loved Red Heeler, Junior.
Ann rose to national prominence in October 2013, with a blog entry titled A Perfect Storm, which captured the public’s attention by her moving piece about the devastating effects of the live cattle export ban of 2011.