The networking opportunities were fantastic and I got a lot of ideas about what’s going on in camera stores around the world. Suffice it to say I’m really excited about some of the improvements I’m going to make at Fitzgeralds. The educational sessions were brilliant! I featured briefly in a YouTube video taken at the event.

Check out the review and you’ll be able to tell PMA 2010 was a great experience. I made it back to Perth in time for one of my favourite events of the year, FotoFreo 2010. We’ve been busy printing for the core exhibitions and the fringe events, too. It’s been absolutely mental getting everything ready but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I look forward to seeing you out there. I’m taking in as many of the events as I can.

FotoFreo 2010 is being held from 20 March -18 April featuring the work of local and international photographers. Every two years, FotoFreo exhibitions are held around Fremantle, Perth and even Rottnest Island turning WA into a hotspot for photography enthusiasts.

The event consists of core exhibitions, discussion panels, exhibition floor talks by the photographers, and workshops designed to appeal to professional and amateur photographers alike. Two major award-winning photographs will be on display - The Nikon_Walklley Press Award Photo 2009 (Australia) and The World Press Photo of the Year 2008 (USA). Nearly 100 exhibitions by independent photographers will also be on display as part of the popular FotoFreo Fringe Festival 2010.

Fitzgerald Photo Imaging has been heavily involved in printing many of the photos and some of our favourite photographers are going to be exhibiting. The FotoFreo website has a complete list of all the events and exhibitions.

All we’re thinking about this week is FotoFreo and we have good reason. Fitzgerald Photo Imaging is sponsoring four of the events including:

Known particularly for his use of colour and unbridled spirit, Bruno Barbey brings an international flair to a photography career spanning more than 40 years.

Peter Adams is running an all-day workshop - The Street Wise Project: 10 steps to producing a successful exhibition and book. Peter’s expertise in photography and graphic design make him a natural to lead people through this important project. His lecturing experience ensures you’ll receive an informative and valuable day of learning.

If you think your photo is good enough to enter into APPA, bring it along and have it judged. Purchase your print entries online. Prints must be matted although window mounts are not necessary, no glass or frames.

Sarah Brown and Yolanda Stapleton, two lomographers living in west coast cities on different continents, developed this joint exhibition. Taking a photograph at the same time of the day, the two women communicate between Western Australia and California via photography.

Man-made structures are often colonised by marine life as evidenced by this unusual exhibition produced by the WA Underwater Photographic Society.

Specially commissioned by FotoFreo, award-winning photojournalist David Dare Parker explores six of Fremantle´ social clubs. An important of the community’s history, the clubs are facing an ageing membership and eventual closure. The project culminates in a limited edition book launching during FotoFreo 2010.

Dutch photographer Annet van der Voort explores the transformation of flowers, especially tulips, in order to use them in various states of decay. Referring to her studio as a floral laboratory, Annet produced the images using only a scanner, forgoing the camera altogether. Interested in the transition from birth to death, this exhibition provides insight into driving forces in her work.

East Timor voted for independence in 1999 after more than 25 years of Indonesian rule. The road to freedom has been difficult with many Timorese people suffering hardships found only in the most undeveloped nations. This exhibit explores the years following the vote through the lenses of 10 men and women who have been witness to the country´s struggles.

The Fringe Festival attached to FotoFreo is a terrific chance for independent photographers to exhibit their work and participate in this exciting community event. Fitzgerald Photo Imaging is supporting the following exhibitions:

• Stewart Allen
• Diane Bartlett
• Freo Art Students
• Catlin Harrison
• Carla Steele
• Marion Treasure
• Amy Vinicombe & Emilie Saubestre
• April Ward
• Lauren Waye
• Peter Zuvela
• SueLyn Moyle
• Rae Threnoworth

• Karen Djordjevic
• David Woolley
• Cyrus Cornut
• Rebecca Lee
• Rhiannon Newton
• Emiliano Roia
• Yolanda Stapleton & Sarah Brown
• Christine Tomas
• Gitte Eyres &Wendy Thorn
• Engelique Franz
• Rebecca Dagnall
• Cherina Hadley
• Tracey Mortimer

Christian Fletcher and Nick Rains lead an intensive weekend of photography and inspiration at the luxurious Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania. Due to the exclusive nature of this workshop, expressions of interest are being taken.