Last Sunday, in the dappled shade of the George Tindale Memorial Gardens, a small crowd gathered for our biggest photo walk on Mt Dandenong to date. Not just any crowd—this was our biggest photo walk turnout on record. Nineteen signed up, a few dropped out, a few others just showed up, and when the final headcount was taken, we were looking at around twenty photographers, all eager, all ready, cameras slung over shoulders like trusted companions.
The weather had threatened to ruin it. Extreme fire danger warnings had some folks making the responsible call to stay home. Fair enough. But for those who came, the shade of the gardens kept things cool, the kind of cool that makes you forget the forecast and focus instead on the way the light slides through the trees, how it brushes the petals of the rhododendrons like an artist’s hand.
George Tindale Memorial Gardens is no grand estate—it’s not Versailles. It’s a quiet, meandering place, filled with secret twists, unexpected openings, and more than enough foliage to satisfy even the most botanically-inclined lens. The group fanned out, some sticking together, some wandering off, all drawn to whatever caught their eye—ferns curling in the undergrowth, the soft geometry of flower petals, or the way another photographer, lost in thought, framed their shot. This photo walk on Mt Dandenong had something for everyone.
There were conversations, always. That’s the real magic of these walks. You arrive with a camera and leave with a pocketful of new ideas, a few new social handles, maybe even a friend or two. Even those who typically shoot alone—the lone wolves—found themselves drawn into discussions. This is what happens when you bring creative people together: ideas bounce, inspiration spreads, and suddenly, photography isn’t just a solitary pursuit but a communal one.
As for me? I wrestled with my usual dilemma: shoot or socialize. The camera is always calling, but so is the chance to connect, to crack a few dad jokes, to make sure everyone is having a good time. I did both, as I always do. And while I won’t claim to have made any masterpieces that day, the images in this post are mine, little snapshots of a Sunday well spent.
The best part? The walk didn’t end when the shutters clicked shut. Many of us drifted back to Loop, where the conversations stretched on, deepened, developed (pun intended). This isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about fostering something bigger—a photography community that’s vibrant, welcoming, and growing stronger with each walk. This photo walk on Mt Dandenong was a testament to that.
If you were there, you know. If you weren’t—well, consider this your invitation. Next time, don’t let the FOMO get you. Grab your camera, show up, and be part of something good. Our next photo walk on Mt Dandenong is just around the corner.
From the Loop Community
A few photographers have posted images to their Instagram. I recommend you click through and check them out…