January’s photo walk through Olinda was a sizzling start to the year – literally and figuratively. A vibrant mix of fresh faces and familiar friends gathered at Loop Art & Photo Space to kick off 2025 with a stroll through Olinda and into the stunning Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. The simple goal was to get together over some coffee & cameras in the lush gardens in our beautiful mountain village. Goal achieved.
While there wasn’t a strict theme, the day’s unspoken thread was clear: community, creativity, and a collective love for the being outdoors with cameras. From beginners to professionals, it was an all-inclusive party. Just the way we like it.
Our walk began on the local streets of Olinda (including a stop at Ranges Cafe) before heading into the botanical gardens. With fire danger ratings teetering at “extreme” (thankfully, not catastrophic), we were relieved to find the gardens open and the friendly staff waiting to greet us. By 10 a.m., we had entered a lush, green escape from the summer sun, sticking to shaded paths and soaking in the tranquility.
We made our way down to the lake, where reflections danced on the water’s surface, tempting photographers to test the bounds of their dynamic range. From there, we took the path through the new Cloud Garden, a dreamy addition to the gardens that’s sure to make anyone’s Instagram feed shine. Finally, we looped back via the award-winning Chelsea Garden display—a compact yet dazzling showcase of horticultural brilliance.
The day’s heat might’ve slowed our pace, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. Shade became our best friend on this photo walk through Olinda, and water bottles were clutched like precious relics. Before heading out, I made a last-minute call to crank up the aircon back at Loop, and let me tell you, returning to a cool sanctuary was like walking into heaven’s waiting room. Cold drinks from ETCH Sparkling sealed the deal, offering refreshing, sparkling & non-alcoholic joy after the hot trek.
As always, the photo walk was about more than just photos. It’s the laughter over dad jokes (guilty), the shared “aha” moments when some new method clicks, and the deepening Loop community that makes this all more worthwhile. I’ve said it before, and I’ll no doubt keep saying it, this isn’t just about the photographs, but the community we’re building – one walk, one photo, one connection at a time. I genuinely love that you’re here. Thank you.
Missed this one? Don’t worry—we’re back at it on February 2nd at 9 a.m. Join us for another round of good times, great company, and maybe a little magic. Details here:
