Pro Photography WA South West Weekend

Take a break from the grind and spend a weekend with people who get what you do. The Pro Photography WA Weekender is all about good chats, fresh ideas, and getting inspired.

We’ve lined up two absolute legends—David Dare Parker and Russell Ord—to share their stories, tips, and the real side of working as pro photographers. 

We’ll also have super-chilled, chat sessions to talk business, creativity, staying inspired, and building a sustainable career behind the lens.

It’s a weekend to connect, shoot, share ideas, and be part of WA’s professional photography community. Whether you're just starting out or have years behind you, there’s something here for everyone. Photographers of all kinds are welcome.

The weekend is a mix of enjoyng some downtime in the WA South West, and "spark sessions" designed to get you thinking, speaking, sharing and learning about diverse aspects of working in the industry and running a sustainable business. Highlights include speaker sessions with amazing and intrepid photographers David Dare Parker and Russell Ord; and a biz breakfast round-table chat focusing on sharing ideas and discussing strategies and solutions to successful development of an imaging business.

FEATURED PRESENTERS

David Dare Parker

Join WA‑based Walkley Award–winning photojournalist David Dare Parker, a Nikon Australia Ambassador, as he shares his vast experience documenting global conflict zones and human resilience—from East Timor and the Middle East to the Rohingya crisis. David will lead an immersive session drawing on decades of fieldwork and film‑production stills.

Photojournalism and Film Industry Unit Stills Photography
"Photojournalism is more than taking pictures — it's about telling powerful, truthful stories. In this talk, I'll share experiences from the field that explore how ethics, instincts, and values guide visual reportage. Through real stories and personal insights, I'll reflect on the challenges of capturing the essence of people, places, and moments under pressure, and on how editing and sequencing can transform images into unforgettable narratives.

"I'll also share what it takes to survive in the unpredictable world of on-set Unit stills photography — from earning the trust of actors and crews, to staying invisible in the eye-line, and reading the room when tensions run high. I'll also lift the curtain on the crucial relationships with producers, publicists, and directors, and explain how good stills photography can shape a film's identity. This talk brings to life the atmosphere, challenges, and rewards of life on set - some names will be changed. ;-)"

Russell Ord

Dive into the world of oceanic storytelling with Russell Ord, Margaret River–based surf and lifestyle photographer. From ex‑firefighter turned mentor and international award‑winner, Russell is famed for capturing the raw power and beauty of waves often placing himself in extreme conditions to get the shot.

How missteps, injuries, sliding door moments—and a little luck—shaped how I shoot and see my work.

"From remote surf breaks to crazy adventures, I’ll share the winding journey that led me to photography. It hasn’t been a straight path—there have been plenty of mistakes, injuries, and those sliding door moments that changed everything. I’ll also touch on the Desert Light Foundation and how that’s become a really meaningful part of my work—mentoring young people and giving them a creative outlet through photography."

VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION

The sessions will be spread across a couple of venues and venue locations will be communicated to attendees before that weekend. You will need to organise your own accommodation in Busselton if you are attending the weekend from Perth or regions outside of the WA South West.