*Brought to you by the South Australian Photographic Association
Annette Kirby from the Whyalla Camera Club shares her story of how a simple retirement gift (a voucher for her first camera), quickly grew into a life‑changing journey of creativity, travel and achievement. From taking her first photos on automatic settings to joining photography courses and the Whyalla Camera Club, Annette’s experience shows how curiosity, courage and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors.
Annette Kirby with camera in hand.
When I retired in 2010 after 30 years in the Public Service, my colleagues asked me what I would like as a farewell gift. I asked for a voucher for a camera shop, as I was planning to buy my first camera so I could capture photos on my travels. In 2011, my husband and I travelled to Canada and Alaska and for the whole 8 weeks I had the camera on Auto. No idea what the words in the photo manual meant… I’m not technical! What I did establish is that I understood composition and I loved taking photos.
Annette Kirby.
By 2012 I decided that I had better seek help to understand the technical aspects of taking photos, so I paid for some courses, went off auto and bravely sought support from friends with technical expertise.
In 2014 I joined the Whyalla Camera Club. I made friends and love the support we give each other. We have local photography outings, lots of coffee mornings and once a year we go with our partners to somewhere in South Australia for 3 to 4 days. Each month we have a photography competition, and our photos receive feedback from external judges. The feedback and subsequent discussions all lead to us producing better photos.
Red Capped Robin - taken in Flinders Ranges.
I can proudly say I have a photo “addiction” – costly, but mostly safe. I am living proof that I’m living for my passion not my pension! I have upgraded my cameras and lenses many times. My husband and I have travelled to over 50 countries and extensively throughout Australia. My camera has captured those trips and the books I made from the photos provide lifelong memories. I also love to look back and see how far I have developed as a photographer. From initial travel record photos to now receiving awards in local, state, national and international competitions. I’m especially proud, as I had never picked up a camera until I retired.
A good photograph tells a story and captures the imagination of viewers who haven’t experienced the travel or other experiences that I have enjoyed. Such photographs shine a light on the subject matter and give insight into the landscape, building, people etc. This is one of the real joys and satisfaction of photography for me.
Thinking - a small Snow Monkey taken in Japan.
Low Cloud - taken in South Island New Zealand.
Photography has provided opportunities that I never dreamt about, and all this has occurred in my retirement. My husband isn’t interested in taking photographs and encouraged me to go on small group photography trips where you receive support from the photography guide and meet amazing people. With some trepidation, I did and have met people from all over the world. I have been on small group photography tours to Kenya twice, Botswana, Alaska, New Zealand, Japan and in Australia to Shark Bay, Broome and Derby, Kakadu and Arnhem Land, Lady Elliott Island and twice to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre. I have a travel buddy who I meet 6 years ago on a trip to Kakadu, and we love photographing places in the world that many people haven’t been to. The culture differences, food, landscapes, seascapes and wildlife all add to the amazing experiences. The photos I take on these trips are often excellent and allow me to enter local, state, national and international competitions.
Aerial - tree like patterns Kati Thanda Lake Eyre.
I had my first experience in Kenya with aerial photography. This involves flying in a small plane with the door off or in a helicopter without doors, so you can take photos. I just love these experiences and the photos you can capture give a very different perspective of our natural world. Sounds scary but it is amazing.
With a range of quality competition level photos, rather than just record photos of travels, I started entering national and international competitions and had many surprises. My photos received medals and acceptances. In February 2022 I was in the top ten for my aerial photographs in the Australian Photographer of the Year competition. My photos were published in the magazine Australian Photography. In February 2023 I was ranked 4th in the Australian Photographer of the Year.
In 2020 I was awarded distinction level of Proficiency PPSA with the Photographic Society of America. In 2024, through the Australian Photographic Society I was awarded the level of GMAPS – Grand Masters Australian Photographic Society.
In 2025 I entered the International Wildlife Comedy Awards and was a finalist. Over 30,000 photos were entered so this was a great honour. The photo, entitled “Go Away”, was taken of a Stellar’s Sea Eagle warning other eagles not to come and take its fish.
‘Go Away’ - taken in Japan of a Stellar's Sea Eagle.
I am delighted to have a website, which keeps evolving, to share my photos with family and friends from across the globe. My website: http://www.annettekirbyphotography.com (external site) features photos, predominately of the natural environment and wildlife, taken in Australia, Kenya, Iceland, Alaska, Botswana, New Zealand and Japan. Not all are exhibition/competition quality, but I’ve chosen to share them, as I wanted to promote the environment and the creatures, big and small that live in it.
Dripping water after drink - taken in Botswana.
Impalas stirring up dust - taken in Botswana.
Having photos provides memories, keeps the brain active as you learn new techniques, keeps you active and, when you start taking photos, you see detail/features/light/shade in the environment that only photographers notice. I would have never dreamt that the purchase of my first camera when I retired would provide such an exciting, fun filled life with new friends and world-wide experiences and success in world wide competitions.
I encourage retirees to take photos, either on your phone or camera and join a camera club. A good idea is to make contact with a club and arrange to meet a member/s over a coffee prior to going to any events. This makes the first club event less intimidating because you know at least one familiar face.
I hope my story and the photos in this article or on my website bring back memories of places you have visited or provide dreams for places you would like to visit and/or wildlife you would love to see. Join a club, be inspired, keep learning, be active and enjoy life in your retirement.
Annette Kirby
GMAPS, PPSA
About the South Australian Photographic Association
The South Australian Photographic Federation (SAPF) plays an important role in fostering social connection, creativity, and lifelong learning for older South Australians by supporting photography and local camera clubs across the State. These clubs provide welcoming spaces for people of all skill levels to explore photography, develop new techniques, and connect with others. Through regular meetings, competitions, workshops, and outings, members are encouraged to stay mentally active, express their creativity, and build meaningful social networks. Find a club near you by visiting: www.sapf.org.au/affiliatedclubs (external site)
This year, the SAPF is presenting and sponsoring a new Through the Lens category: Our State! To find out more about this year’s Through the Lens competition, visit: Through the Lens