By Alesha Capone
Hoppers Crossing man Bernie Flaherty enjoys using his camera to capture the beauty of nature.
Mr Flaherty said he had always liked photography, but that he had become more interested in the art after retiring, thanks to his friend Richard Johnston, who had encouraged his interest in the subject after they met through a Wyndham-based cycling group.
Mr Flaherty, who is also leader of the photography group at the U3A in Werribee, said he liked taking photos of subjects such as the animals at Werribee Open Range Zoo, Bungey’s Hole and Cobbledicks Ford.
He has also taken photos of champion racehorse Winx and other thoroughbreds exercising on the beach in Altona; an Eastern Osprey at the K Road cliffs; and a swan and cygnets in a Point Cook lagoon.
“I like getting out and taking photos of natural things and landscapes, and we also get up early and take photos of sunrises,” Mr Flaherty said.
“Nature often provides such a lovely backdrop to photograph.”
Another one of Mr Flaherty’s pictures, showcasing the beach shacks at Campbells Cove in Werribee South, won a prize last year in an annual photo competition run by the Grange Community Centre in Hoppers Crossing.
The centre will hold the competition again this year, with the theme “Wyndham Pride”. Entries to the competition close Friday, August 2 at 5pm. First prize: $500, second prize $300, third prize $150, People’s Choice award $200. See www.grangecommunity.org.au to enter.
