LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Local photographer takes on top job

The Southern Argus readers may know of Grant Petras as the photographer who snaps shots of local sport and community events for the publication.

But now, The Argus is turning the camera around for a change, after he recently accepted the top job in the state for fostering and encouraging amateur photography.

Last week, Mr Petras was promoted from Vice-President to President of the South Australian Photographic Federation, the umbrella organisation of 33 affiliated clubs and groups, including in Goolwa, Murray Bridge, Strathalbyn and Adelaide Hills.

The federation provides support and advice to clubs which host meetings, competitions, exhibitions, field trips and social outings.

Mr Petras is passionate about supporting people to find a creative and social outlet, many of whom are retirees who have rediscovered their love for photography.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say how grateful they are for the existence of the clubs, that it’s given them something,” he said.

“When you retire, it can be such a challenging time.

“You go from being very busy, your day is structured… when you retire, that all stops.”

Feeling a “bit lost”, he said many start casting around looking for a new hobby with some finding photography.

“That sort of thing has given retired people, in particular, a new lease on life,” Mr Petras said.

The Hindmarsh Island resident encourages anyone to try out local camera clubs, from those who just want a social outing, to others who want a serious pathway in the artform and to participate in competitions, such as the annual Southern Districts Six-Way Competition held between local clubs.

“There are no expectations, you can do as much or as little as you want,” Mr Petras said.

“For the person who wants to push their photography to the limit, camera clubs provide a pathway.

“For the person who wants to have a look at some nice work, that’s there as well.

“For the bloke who wants to take a few shots and look at others work, you can do that.”

After photography piqued his interest as a teenager, Mr Petras has gone on to take a range of photos, including for magazines, books and newspapers, including The Southern Argus for the past six months, and landscape shots.

“If the bug bites you hard, you’re never quite satisfied with what you do,” he said.

“You always think you can do it a little bit better.”

To view some of Mr Petras’s work, visit: (scenicrimphotography.com).

For more information on the South Australian Photographic Federation and local camera clubs, visit: (www.sapf.org.au).