Guest Speaker, Photography Presentations, Workshops & Retreats

Fresh inspiration. Practical skills. More reasons to pick up your camera.

Looking for a guest speaker for your camera club, photographic society or photography event? I’d love to help your members see familiar subjects differently and feel more confident exploring their creativity.

I’m Julie Powell, an award-winning photographer and educator based in Melbourne’s south-east. My presentations and workshops bring together creative ideas, practical techniques and the stories behind my images, with plenty of encouragement to have a go.

Whether we’re finding beauty in everyday objects or creating a dramatic portrait, my aim is to leave photographers thinking, “I could try that!”

Photography topics to spark your curiosity

• Still Life Photography: Turn everyday objects into images with mood and meaning through composition, styling and thoughtful lighting.

• Macro Photography: Discover the small details hiding in plain sight, with practical ways to approach light, focus and composition.

• Light Painting with Still Life: Explore how to build an image with light, from setting up your subject to bringing the final photograph together.

• Creative Portrait Photography: Follow an idea from inspiration to finished image, exploring storytelling, styling, posing and lighting.

• Understanding Light: Learn to recognise and shape light for portraits, still life, macro and more.

• Creative Editing: Explore how post-processing, textures and finishing touches can support your photographic vision.

Have a particular theme in mind? Let’s talk about a session tailored to your group.

Presentations and hands-on workshops

Guest speaker presentations
An engaging mix of images, behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice, with time for questions. Available in person or online via Zoom.

Hands-on workshops
Give your members the chance to put ideas into practice, with demonstrations and personal guidance. Sessions can be tailored to your group’s interests, experience and available time.

I’m available across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with interstate visits by arrangement.

Custom Photography Retreats in Australia & New Zealand

Looking to give your group more time to experiment, learn and create together?

I’m available for custom 2, 3 or 4-day photography retreats across Australia and New Zealand, designed in consultation with your club, society or private group.

A retreat can focus on one photographic theme or combine several interests, with a tailored mix of presentations, demonstrations, practical photography and editing sessions. We’ll discuss your group’s experience, goals and proposed location to create a program that gives everyone space to learn and explore.

Retreat packages are priced on application, depending on the duration, location, group size and program requirements.

Let’s plan something creative

Organising a club night, workshop or photography retreat? Get in touch with your preferred dates, location, approximate group size and topics of interest.

Together, we can create an experience that sends your members home with fresh ideas, greater confidence and an itch to get shooting.

Fresh Ideas That Keep Camera Clubs Coming Back

One of the loveliest compliments I receive is an invitation to return. I’ve enjoyed visiting camera clubs and photographic societies, sharing ideas, answering questions and seeing what members create afterwards.

My approach is friendly, practical and encouraging. I share the thinking behind my photographs, including the experiments, decisions and occasional things that didn’t quite go to plan. There’s always something to learn from those!

What can your members expect?

• The stories behind the images: From the first idea to lighting, styling and finishing touches.

• Practical techniques to try: Ideas members can explore at home or bring to their next shoot.

• Room for questions: An opportunity to talk through creative challenges and those “how did you do that?” moments.

• Encouragement to experiment: Helping photographers build confidence and find their own way of creating.

Explore my photography background below, or browse the camera clubs and societies I’ve had the pleasure of presenting to.

Interested in having me visit your group? Get in touch to discuss a presentation, workshop or retreat.

About Julie Powell

I’m a still life and creative portrait photographer, educator and award-winning, published digital artist based in Narre Warren, Victoria.

My photography brings together a love of storytelling, thoughtful lighting and a little imagination. Sometimes that means creating an elaborate portrait; other times, it’s finding something extraordinary in an everyday object.

Alongside my own creative work, I teach through workshops, presentations, retreats, online classes and personal mentoring. I’ve shared my photography with audiences in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and written hundreds of educational articles to help photographers explore their creativity.

What I enjoy most is helping someone move from feeling unsure to saying, “Let’s give it a go.”

Presentations, Guest Speaker & Workshops

• BFOP 2025 (Bright Festival of Photography)

• BFOP 2026 (Bright Festival of Photography)

• Melbourne Camera Club

• Creative Shots Photo Club Mackay (QLD)

• Australian Photographic Society

• Knox Photographic Society

• Preston Camera Club

• Coburg Camera Club

• Waverley Camera Club

• The Basin Community Centre

• Colac Camera Club

• Blue Mountain's Photographic Group (NSW)

• Craigieburn Camera Club

• Casey Camera Club

• Camberwell Camera Club

• Essendon Camera Club

• Frankston Photographic Group

• Berwick Viewfinders Club

• Sale Camera Club

• East Gippsland Photographic Society

• Echuca Moama Camera Club

• Java Jivers Photographic Artists (USA)

• Maroondah Photographic Society

• Gold Coast Photographic Society (QLD)

• Macedon Ranges Photographic Society

• Maryland Photography Society (USA)

• Pakenham Camera Club

• SE Suburbs Photographic Society

• The Visual Story Teller (USA)

• CHIPA (Ballarat)