Amazing Australia

Photography Exhibition: "Amazing Australia"

I recently traveled to Sydney, Australia, to attend my very first group exhibition launch organized by Photowalk Global Photography Community, in collaboration with Burwood Council Library. I submitted a photo I had taken a few years back from a seaplane, capturing Whitehaven Beach on the way to the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane. Out of 850 submissions, my photo was one of the 47 selected to celebrate ‘Amazing Australia.’

Having never participated in an exhibition before, I was unsure of what to expect. However, I felt a sense of welcome as one of the international photographers involved in this event.

On the day of the exhibition launching event, my heart raced with excitement and nerves. I worried that my digital image might not look as beautiful in print as it did on my computer screen, and I was anxious about missing the chance to meet the organizers and other photographers. But all my apprehensions vanished as I entered the Burwood Council Library, where the exhibition was held. I was greeted by friendly, calming faces, and then I met Mr. Gaanesh Prasad (GP), the organizer who had orchestrated the entire project.

GP's warmth and kindness made me forget that we had just met. It felt as if I had known him for years. Although I had followed him on Instagram and interacted through likes and comments, meeting such a generous soul in person was a privilege that everyone should seize. Interestingly, what I initially thought would be the highlight of my visit—the exhibition—ultimately took a backseat to the wonderful people I met at the Photowalk Global community and the fellow photographers participating in the event. I formed many friendships and even received congratulations from those who heard about my participation afterward.

This experience was truly unique and exactly what I needed for my first exhibition. I feel inspired and motivated, with a renewed sense of confidence in accepting myself as a photographer deserving of future exhibitions.

Thanks to Photowalk Global, I now feel better equipped to face the challenges that may come in my photographic journey, even if they become more difficult and less welcoming.

Photos

There's nothing quite like seeing your work showcased in print. Here are some photos of me with my piece at the inauguration launch event, as well as during a second visit to the exhibition center on another day.

Amazing Australia Photography

Photography Exhoibition

Raffi Bashlian

Raffi Bashlian

Raffi Bashlian

Raffi Bashlian

Summary Clips

I wanted to share a few short videos I captured during the event. The first one features the introduction speech by Gaanesh Prasad. I was recording it on my phone while sitting in the audience when he mentioned me, which completely took me by surprise. It was such a lovely moment, and I wasn’t sure if I should walk to the center of the stage or remain seated. I took a small step forward but quickly returned to my seat, feeling a bit timid. Perhaps in the future, I’ll feel more confident about introducing myself to the group. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.

The second video below is a montage I created from my second visit to the exhibition center, where GP graciously met with me again for a casual chat and to discuss more about the exhibition's background. He was so considerate that he arranged for someone at the library to take a souvenir photo of us together, which he then shared on his Instagram page and on mine as well. You can check out the post here.

I’d like to conclude my blog by extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organizing and contributing to this event, from Mr. GP himself to the library staff and the print production team. Their dedication and passion truly shone through in this project, making it one of the best-curated and presented exhibitions I have ever attended.

Please feel free to like and rate this blog, or share your own exhibition experiences and tips for emerging artists like me in the comments below!