Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery in North Geelong, Victoria | Arts and entertainment

Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery

Locality: North Geelong, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 4222 8359

Address: 46 Douro Street 3215 North Geelong, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.focalpointdarkroomgallery.com.au

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• Arts and entertainment
• Art gallery
• Camera/photo

25.01.2022 Bonfire. Hay, NSW. 2017.

24.01.2022 Just received a shipment of this lovely film from Fuji. Triple packs are the most cost effective way to buy, only $16.90 per pack (thats only $5.63 per roll). I am here today but as Wednesdays are proving a bit of a dead end, from this week I will be opening the shop on Fridays and Saturdays only, 10am to 5pm. Darkroom and studio are available any day for urgent school folio work or private work, with one person or household at a time permitted. Normal member requirements apply. Focal Point Studio, Darkroom and Gallery 46 Douro St North Geelong. Oh 0427 537 443.

24.01.2022 Dont forget we are open tomorrow from 10am to 5pm and we will be opening our normal hours from next Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Come and grab a bargain, check out the exhibition of animal photography or hire the studio or darkroom. Focal Point is Geelongs photography hub.

24.01.2022 A reminder that our Members Magic exhibition is still on, until 30 August. We have extended it a month because of the renewed COVID19 restrictions in Melbourne. We want to give our Melbourne members and visitors the opportunity to see this excellent exhibition. There are over 100 photos on display from about 20 of our members, including these four (by Drew Ryan, Ian Creek, Susan Tattersall, Lyn Steele and Margaret Metcalfe respectively). Open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. 46 Douro St North Geelong Phone Phone 03 4222 8359 for details.

23.01.2022 Today is your final chance to see our latest exhibition, Masters of Australian Photojournalism. Without question, one of the best exhibitions we have had to date, featuring work from 16 of Australia's leading press and documentary photographers. There are some well-known and award-winning photos, famous faces and historically significant events. This exhibition is a must for anyone with an interest in great photography, especially for photography students. A great way to gain inspiration. The exhibition is open 10am to 5pm today. Entry is only $10 for adults, $8 concession and students 15 and over. Focal Point members are half price. Children under 15 and holders of Carers cards are FREE. Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St North Geelong.

23.01.2022 Congratulations to all the winners of the Walkley Awards, announced last night on a virtual presentation, particularly to the winners of the Nikon-Walkley Press Photography categories. Not surprisingly the fires earlier this year and COVID 19 have featured highly, with the 2020 Press Photographer of the Year and Best News Photography being won by Matthew Abbott. Best Feature/Photo Essay went to Nick Moir for his series "Firestorm", while the Portrait Prize was won by James Brickwood for his photo of Adam Goodes, and Sylvia Liber took out the Community/Regional Prize. We will have the 2020 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition at Focal Point in April next year, and have the 2019 exhibition showing now, Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm. https://www.walkleys.com/abcs-killing-field-wins-the-2020/

22.01.2022 Do you remember going to a concert and NOT seeing everyone holding up their phones, but just enjoying the music and getting into the vibe. Photos of these sorts of events back then were valued because they were relatively rare and were usually taken by professional photographers. At Focal Point we celebrate creative photography and put value back into the photograph. Seeing a great photo as a large print on the wall is so much better than a quick glance on a three-inch screen then swiping up.

22.01.2022 New services coming in 2021.

22.01.2022 Just received in our shop. This book of music photography by #WendyMcDougall is chock full of fantastic photography of Australian and international artists. From famous rock idols to virtually unknown artists, this is a rare glimpse into the music industry, captured over Wendy's illustrious four decades shooting music gigs, concerts, behind-the-scenes, promotional and album cover photos. We have limited stock, but you can grab a copy for $54.95 plus postage from our online shop, or save on postage and pop into the physical shop at 46 Douro St, North Geelong. Wendy will also be one of about a dozen photographers exhibiting some of her work in our fantastic music exhibition, See The Music, in October. Keep an eye out for that one.

21.01.2022 Got a good write up in the Geelong Addy today about the Nikon-Walkley exhibition. Now showing, Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm until 30 May. Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St, Nth Geelong. For details see www.focalpointdarkroomgallery.com.au

20.01.2022 We are now a bit easier to find. Just look out for the flags.

20.01.2022 Yes, were open. Its a dreary day outside, so come and check out our excellent exhibition of animal photography.

19.01.2022 1991. Derinallum (Vic) farmer and three-time Australian gliding champion Tony Tabart, soaring over Tocumwal, NSW, in the lead up to the 1991 championships. Original photo printed in our darkroom, which is still open to hire by appointment.

18.01.2022 Dont be a lazy layabout, fly in to Focal Point to celebrate the winter solstice by catching our fabulous exhibition of animal photography. Bring the whole family. It will be worth tweeting about. Ends 5pm today. @ Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery 46 Douro St North Geelong

18.01.2022 Do you shoot 35mm film? Bulk load to save money? We have a few reusable cassettes in metal (with pop off ends) or plastic (screw off ends) for only $1 each. There are also a few with labels at just 50c each. Good, clean felt. Pick up only. Focal Point Darkroom 46 Douro St. North Geelong. No holds.

17.01.2022 Our latest exhibition, showcasing the work from some of our members, is now on until 19 July, Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. Check out our teaser video. https://youtu.be/Plr3BcQH0z8

16.01.2022 Dont forget, we are open today from 10am to 5pm and exercising social distancing guidelines. Film, paper, chemistry, books, used cameras, etc. The darkroom is also open any day by appointment (strict limit on numbers apply). Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery, 46 Douro St North Geelong. 0427 537 443.

16.01.2022 Just a reminder that we will NOT be open this Sunday, Anzac Day.

16.01.2022 Are you thinking of bringing someone to our expansive gallery to see any of our exhibitions, but you are concerned about them being elderly or otherwise might suffer from fatigue strolling around such a large space? Fear not! Not only do we have plenty of comfortable seating dotted around the gallery, but we now also offer this wheelchair for your or their use at no cost. If you would like to take advantage of this new incentive, please call ahead to book, just to make sure n...obody else is is using it when you arrive. All of the photos in our exhibitions are hung at a height to still be comfortably viewed from a seated position. These photos are from our current awesome exhibition, The World Around Us, which is mostly landscapes but includes some street, still life, isolation, close nature and animal photography. (And these gallery shots were taken seated in the wheelchair.) These photos are by Murray White, Jen Fawkes, Charles Pratt, Daren Fawkes, Lyn Steele and myself. They are a small sample of the mo re than 100 photos on display. On until 28 February, Wednesdays to Sunday's, 10am to 5pm. Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St, North Geelong. Open and accessible for everyone. See more

15.01.2022 Last 5 days to catch the 2019 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition. Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December, 10am to 5pm. Entry is only $10 adult and $8 concession. Children under 15 are FREE.

14.01.2022 Two years ago today we took possession of the building that over the next three months would be transformed into Focal Point. It has been a bumpy ride, with the usual first year's growing pains followed by 7 months of closure due to the pandemic. I want to thank the many people who helped us set up the place, especially our nephew Steven Weerden for all the plumbing and Adam Dempsey for all the electrical work, and the many others who helped (too many to name here but your he...lp is greatly appreciated). I also want to thank all our members, customers and supporters, without whom we would not have a business. 2020 has been a very tough year, but with continued support we will get through it and recover, so we can continue to support local photographers and provide world-class photography exhibitions in Geelong. With sincere thanks from the Watto family. See more

14.01.2022 Just a small sample of the 100+ photos in our exhibition The World Around Us, which opens tomorrow, Friday 5 Feb. Although mostly landscape photography, there are also some terrific examples of street photography, still life, industrial lands cape and more. Open 10am to 5pm Wednesdays to Sunday's until 28 February.

14.01.2022 Heres a taste of what we have on offer. Pop in and have a look for yourself. See you soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iiTLbtT1k0

14.01.2022 I took the a opportunity yesterday afternoon to do some printing in the darkroom. Our darkroom is open by appointment. One of our recent visitors declared it the best darkroom he has ever worked in. Come and see for yourself.

13.01.2022 https://www.michaelwest.com.au/copywrong-nine-sells-photoj/ The above link is to a story on the sale by Nine Entertainment group of thousands of photographs that it doesn't own the rites to. It is very important for all photographers to read. While the alleged actions of the Fairfax group are reprehensible, I have to ask why the photographer would continue to supply them with so many photos when they were regularly breaching his Copyright. If you have an issue with someone, ...whether a customer or not, using your photos without your permission or not in accordance with any agreement you have with them, then you should take action against them immediately. To learn more about the Copyright Act and what rites you have when your Copyright has been breached, contact the Australian Copyright Council. www.copyright.org.au In Australia you do not have to register for Copyright. Copyright exists automatically on every single photo you take. I have a lot of experience dealing with organisations breaching Copyright and am happy to chat with anyone about it (but for proper legal advice speak to ACC or a Copyright specialist lawyer). See more

13.01.2022 A reminder that entries for our landscape exhibition, The World Around Us, are closing on Friday 21 August. See attached flyer for details. All photographers are welcome; amateur and professional. This was one of our most popular exhibitions last year.... Exhibition on 4 September to 4 October 2020. Contact us today for details.

13.01.2022 Not surprisingly, we will now be closed this weekend and next Wednesday. However, I will be doing some film processing, so if you have any urgent work let me know and we will work out how I can get it from you.

13.01.2022 Only one week left to see our fabulous exhibition of animal photography, featuring the work of 15 local photographers. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. 46 Douro St, North Geelong, Vic. 3215. Ph: 03 4222 8359 for details.

13.01.2022 I forgot to mention this the other day. A great write up in the Geelong Independent on Friday last week. Photo of me by Phil Nitchie. Photo of fire and fleeing kangaroo was winner of Best News Photography, by 2020 Australian Press Photographer of the Year Matthew Abbott. Exhibition showing at Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St, Nth Geelong, Wednesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm until May 30.

12.01.2022 This incredible series of photos of the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque massacre, by renowned Age photographer Jason South, is just a small part of the 100+ photos in the 2019 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition now showing at Focal Point Gallery. 46 Douro St, Nth Geelong. Wednesdays to Sunday's 10am to 5pm.

12.01.2022 Big news today. We have been selected as a finalist in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards. Thanks to Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine for the nomination. Next step is a site visit, but with COVID19 restrictions this will be done via a Zoom call. This will be fun as I have only used Zoom once before. Anyway, wish me luck.... #gbea2020

12.01.2022 2019 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Exhibition now showing at Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St, Nth Geelong. Wednesdays to Sunday's 10am to 5pm.

11.01.2022 Look what just landed. Back in 2018 when Fuji announced it was ending production of its famous Neopan Acros 100 film there was global outcry from film photographers. Many people considered that the best 100 ISO B&W film on the market. So they brought it back, as Acros 100 II and we have just had a shipment. However, it is now at a significant price premium. This is possibly due to the reduced market, possibly due to the fact it is made in the UK (no details available but pro...bably made by Harman/Ilford, as they have made special emulsions for other brands before, including Fuji, but apparently this is not just a rebranded Ilford film). So, is it worth $10 per roll more than Ilford FP4? I guess that is up to you. I will put a roll of this to the test over the next week or two and compare with FP4. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, you might want to come in and grab a roll to try for yourself. We currently only have 35mm but should have the 120 in another week or so. See more

10.01.2022 Its a cold and miserable day in Geelong. A perfect day to be working in a nice, warm, heated darkroom. Most of the darkroom is ready and waiting for you. Just give me 30 minutes notice and I can have it completely ready. Ditch those COVID blues and get printing. Call 0427 537 443 to book now. @ Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery 46 Douro St. North Geelong.

10.01.2022 This is a really interesting video about the importance of a single photo. If you ever wondered what goes into analysing a good photo, this is a good example. I love the line, "this might sound like a load of bullshit but it isnt." This is the short of "money shot" every professional photographer dreams about, that very rarely comes about. It is such a simple shot, but it was exactly the right photo in the right format and at just the right time. The one mistake that the presenter in this video makes is saying it was from a negative. It was actually shot on transparency film (also known as reversal film or slide film). If anyone is interested, the film this was shot on, Fuji Velvia 100 (RVP) is still available in 120 format, and we have plenty for sale at Focal Point. https://www.youtube.com/watch

10.01.2022 I just watched this very interesting Youtube video. I know it wont be to everyones liking and many digital shooters wont agree with some of the sentiments, but it is not anti-digital - just pro-film. If you want to shoot film, shoot it. Dont get hung up on technology. Shoot it because you like it and because the experience is so different. When I started watching this film I thought, OMG, its half an hour long, and this guys just going to rant about how film is better t...han than digital. Well, not only does he not do that, he makes a really good case for shooting film professionally. If you want to shoot film professionally do it, but make the right choices and shoot it the way we used to shoot it. And if you want to learn to process and print black-and-white film, then we can help with that. If you want to work in a darkroom and dont have the space at your studio, we have what you need. If you need to shoot in a studio and dont have space in your office, we can help there too. If you want to just come in and see what we have and how we can help you in your professional photography life, feel free to drop in. I am more than happy to show you through the place and ask how can we help you achieve the results you are after? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOdRj8o557k See more

10.01.2022 Well, it has happened. Due to the latest COVID restrictions, Focal Point is now closed (again) for at least six weeks. Hopefully we can get back to some sense of normality after that. The below video gives more info and a teaser for the Nikon-Walkley exhibition, which we are now planning for November-December. We can still sell film and do B&W film processing. Contact us for details. https://youtu.be/OeiHiuTXWNE

09.01.2022 Tomorrow is your last chance to grab a Christmas gift for the photographer in your life or just to share some great photography with someone you like, love or admire. Books, calendars, film, darkroom and photography supplies. You can also get a membership, pre-pay darkroom time, or if stuck for ideas how about a gift voucher? Focal Point Studio, Darkroom & Gallery. 46 Douro St North Geelong. 10am to 5pm.

09.01.2022 Heres a link to Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarines new welcome back campaign. We here at Focal Point are open as well, with a great exhibition. See you soon! https://www.youtube.com/watch

08.01.2022 We are currently opening the shop on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, for anyone needing film or darkroom supplies, urgent black-and-white film processing or some great photography books to help through the latest restrictions. The darkroom is also available any day for use by one person or household group at a time. If you have important work to get done, such as for your student folio, then we are here to help. Normal hygiene and social distancing rules apply and masks need to be worn in the public areas of the shop. I will also be here tomorrow, Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For any urgent film processing call me on 0427537443 to arrange contact-free drop off and pickup.

06.01.2022 Melbourne city. 1994. When an attempt to replicate a famous photo of sheep in front of Flinders St Station, by David Johns, went awry it took over an hour to muster the sheep back to the truck. This photo was taken in Little Lonsdale St. The photo was not published because the editor said it was no good because you couldnt see the stockmans face. The photo won the 1994 Royal Melbourne Show Press Award for "Best Show Photograph (Unpublished)"

06.01.2022 Thinking of doing some B&W printing in the darkroom? This is our latest addition, just delivered yesterday. A superb Omega condensor enlarger with super-sharp S...chneider 135mm lens. Ideal for 5" x 4" negs. This is just one of 20 enlargers we have available to hire. The darkroom is open every day. Number restrictions apply. #bnwprinting #darkroomphotography #filmphotography #darkroomprinting #darkroomprint See more

04.01.2022 What Goes Up... Wangaratta Rodeo, 1994. The bull named Chainsaw lived up to his reputation of being unridable.

04.01.2022 Opening tomorrow, Friday 26 June, is our first exhibition showcasing work from our members. No theme, but a fantastic quality and eclectic range of work, from film and digital, landscapes, portraits, news, still life, altered reality and more. Many of the photos have won awards nationally and internationally. 102 photos on display from over 20 photographers. One of our best exhibitions yet. Gallery hours 10am to 5pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery 46 Douro St North Geelong Phone 03 4222 8359 for details. #photoexhibition #photographyexhibition #bnwportrait #colourphotography #bnwphotography #filmphotography #didgitalphoto #geelongphoto #geelongevents #geelongphotography @ Focal Point Darkroom & Gallery

04.01.2022 Only two days left to see our exhibition of animal photography. Closes Sunday at 5pm.Focal Point Gallery, 46 Douro St North Geelong.

03.01.2022 Last two days to catch this fantastic exhibition showcasing the best Australian press photography from 2019. Open today and tomorrow (24 December) 10am to 5pm. 46 Douro St North Geelong. https://youtu.be/jo1As-pzvJM

03.01.2022 Okay Geelong film photographers. We have just received a new shipment of Ilfords budget film brand Kentmere 100 ISO and 400 ISO black-and-white films. An older emulsion type, equivalent to Ilford 100 Pan film these offer an affordable option with great results. If you need to process and print, our darkroom is still open under some social distancing restrictions. We can also teach you how to process and print. Affordable rates. Come and grab some film for your next isolation project, while we are still open. (It is probably only a matter of time before Geelong and the rest of Victoria go back to Stage 3 restrictions.) We also have a great range of Ilford bnw films and Fuji colour negative and transparency films.

02.01.2022 Entries for our first Members exhibition close next Friday and we would really like to see more people be part of it and showcase your work. We support local photographers, across all genres of photography, film or digital, and we are asking for your support of this exhibition. You must be a member of Focal Point to enter this exhibition. Entry is only $20 per photo and there is no limit on the number or size of photos to enter. This is a great opportunity to showcase your ...work to a wider audience at an affordable price. If you wish to sell the photos, then you get 100% of sale price. Thats right, we will be taking no commission on sales (after all, you are paying to exhibit, why should we get paid twice?) There is also a Peoples Choice Award, with the winner receiving a $200 voucher for Focal Point merchandise or services. Entries close on Friday 19 June and entries must be in-hand by Sunday 21 June. As usual, all members will have free entry to view the exhibition. Cheers, Watto.

01.01.2022 Dont forget we are reopening tomorrow, Wednesday 3 June, and then back to our normal hours, Wed to Sun 10am to 5pm. Our exhibition Animal Kingdoms, featuring work by 13 photographers is still on until 21 June. Focal Point Darkroom &Gallery, 46 Douro St North Geelong.

01.01.2022 2011. Port Melbourne. Early morning view from the deck of the Spirit of Tasmania. Surf life saving crew returning after early morning training.

01.01.2022 Dont forget we are open tomorrow so you can grab film or darkroom requirements for your urgent iso projects. The darkroom is also open any day, for one person or household at a time, on any day. We just need a day or two warning. If you have any special requirements, you can call us on 03 4222 8359 or mobile 0427 537 443.

01.01.2022 Ooh, lookie. Weve just had a small order from Ilford. Come in and grab some of the new Ortho Plus 80 ISO which is ideal for bnw landscape work with its sensitivity to blue and green. Or try the SFX 200 film which if shot through a deep red filter gives almost infra-red effects, making skies almost black and trees and foliage almost white. I might give some of this a run next week. And fantastic news for all darkroom fans, we have a small amount of the new 5th generation Multigrade paper, Multigrade RC Deluxe. Very limited stock. We are open tomorrow, Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Darkroom.open any day by appointment.