LeanneNelson

I’ve always loved reading about and looking at beautiful photographs of Australia. I love seeing it for myself even more. Earlier this year I decided to combine these loves and try my hand at photographing and writing about it myself. Being a bit of a research nut, I looked to my good friend Google for some more specific information.

One of the first sites that Google suggested was the Australian Travel Writing & Photography group on Redbubble. I hadn’t heard of Redbubble before, so I had no idea what to expect.

After an initial look through, I couldn’t believe my luck. This group seemed to be exactly what I was searching for. Not one to leave a stone unturned, I checked out the other Google suggestions, but kept going back to Australian Travel Writing & Photography. Although not as large as some of the other resources, the images were just beautiful and the members seemed to share a common passion. So I joined.

As a virtual newbie to both photography and writing for anyone other than myself I was initially pretty nervous about participating. However, the members soon made me feel very comfortable, with their supportive comments and helpful advice. Many of the members are published and are quite willing to share their expertise – invaluable assistance for someone like me. They’ve answered my (possibly) silly questions and guided me along in the few short months I’ve been a member. I’ve even had a buzz out of seeing my work featured a couple of times.

I’ve been writing a personal blog for about a year and have come across a number of good writing and photography resources already. However, none of them focused specifically on travel writing and photography, and certainly none had the community behind them that Australian Travel Writing & Photography has. I particularly enjoy learning from other’s comments and work. Added to that, my list of places to visit keeps growing and growing as they introduce me to more and more of Australia.

Within a few weeks of joining, I came to realise just how hard the group host, Darren Stones, works to foster this wonderful community and to develop opportunities for its members. His encouragement, liaison and expertise have played a very large part in the success of the group. A major coup by Darren has been securing a number of sponsors for the group, including Greg Barton, editor of Australian Traveller magazine.

Buoyed by the support of the group, I decided to have a good crack at the inaugural Australian Traveller Travel Writing & Photography challenge held recently. The opportunity to be published in a major magazine isn’t one that comes along often to new writers so early on.

I picked my topic, researched, wrote and rewrote. I scoured my photo library for suitable shots. Then I edited everything again. And probably again – I’m not sure, I lost count! Finally I was happy with what I had. I shut my eyes and pressed the submit button.

Yesterday, I received the most exciting news I’ve had in a very long time. I’d won the challenge! My story and photos will be published in Australian Traveller magazine. I haven’t stopped smiling. I’m sure their distribution will spike from me buying copies for all my friends and family.

I can’t thank Greg enough for giving me this opportunity (and for the wonderful feedback), Darren for organising it all and the group members for sharing their knowledge. I’d also like to congratulate the other participants. I know it can be a nerve-wracking experience putting your writing out there for everyone to see, but it was a pleasure to read all your work. Well done especially to Sonia and John.

With the work that Darren’s doing and the continued passion of the Australian Travel Writing & Photography members, I can see this group flourishing. I’m so grateful to be a part of it.