winter moon
Winter in Australia
© copyright Len Metcalf 2025
Len is taking a break between tours doing one of his great loves, skiing in the snowy mountains. He sent me these lovely images from the last couple of days which I am very happy to share with you. I definitely wish I was up there making snow angels instead of suffering the Sydney rain!
Check out Len’s walking and skiing adventures planned for next year:
https://lenmetcalf.com/walk-with-len
adrian ford
© Adrian Ford 2025
Adrian Ford is a local Australian photographer and is the last of our featured artists whose work appears in Volume 5 issue 3 of Len’s Journal.
Adrian uses monochrome photography to abstract his subject, in this case architecture and the urban environment. We are excited to feature his alluring images, with their sharp tonal contrasts that make a familiar place dark and mysterious.
To see more of Adrian’s work:
https://adrianfordphotography.com
To begin receiving future issues of Len’s Journal:
walking the Great Ocean Road
© Len Metcalf 2025
So, you may have seen that Len was out with Peter Eastway running their Great Ocean Road photography workshop, but you may not know that Len also took the opportunity to walk it!
Len is an experienced outdoor instructor who loves bushwalking, so he jumped at the opportunity to take his son for an extended walk along this spectacular coastline. They enjoyed a week of walking and camping (and avoiding snakes!). It was a beautiful reset for Len between workshops and tours during this busy time.
© Len Metcalf 2025
© Len Metcalf 2025
© Len Metcalf 2025
abstract workshop
©Len Metcalf 2025, Vincentia
Abstract photography is alluring. The colours, shapes, blur, all combine to evoke a mysteriousness that is wonderful to behold, but deceptively difficult to achieve. Len is fascinated by the abstract and can often be seen subtly moving his camera to create unique images.
If you’ve been wondering how it’s done, and why moving your own camera about doesn’t seem to be working, then consider joining us this coming October to discover some effective techniques, tips and tricks!
Abstract Workshop
Sunday 19th - Friday 24th October 2025
Bateman’s Bay, NSW, Australia
©Len Metcalf 2025, Myall Lakes
Len has teamed up with Shirley Steel and together they have been running their Abstract Workshop for many years. Constantly reviewing and refining their own practice, they bring you a workshop filled with daily presentations, practical sessions and plenty of time in the field to put it all in to practice. There will be time for processing, discussing your work and an opportunity to print and work towards sharing an exhibition of your workshop photos on the last day.
© Shirley Steel 2025
Held over five days, this year, we are heading to fabulous Bateman’s Bay where there are lots of opportunities to explore some great locations with your camera. There will be lots of time to explore and develop your abstract photography with the help of Len and Shirley.
If you would like more than five days, there is an option to extend until 30th October for some extra time exploring abstract photography with Len.
The Abstract Workshop is by far the most popular of Len’s workshops, so don’t miss out, the link for more information and to book is below:
🔗 Book Your Spot for the Abstract Workshop
We hope to see you there!
catia montagna
© Catia Montagna 2025
Our next issue of Len’s Journal in the pipeline is Volume 5 issue 3 and our next featured photographic artist is Italian-based Catia Montagna.
Catia’s series of work is unique and compelling. With her macro lens, Catia delves into the weave of the work she photographs and explores the action of the weave and unseen labour required in the creation of these textiles. She invites us to contemplate far more than the resulting commodity we take for granted. A captivating series of work that we are honoured to feature in the journal.
To begin receiving future issues of Lens Journal:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
To see more of Catia Montagna’s work:
merging memories
© Shirley Steel 2025
I am very excited to be passing on details of Shirley Steel’s upcoming exhibition Merging Memories, along with artist Cheryl Wetsi.
When: 24-29 July 2025
Where: Palangi Gallery, Surry Hills
More information: https://gallery.palangi.com.au/project/merging-memories
Shirley is a fun, playful photographer who explores her environment with sensitivity and an open mind. Some of you will know her love of abstract imagery from Len’s yearly Abstract Workshop where Shirley teaches her craft along with Len.
Pushing her photography to the fullest, Shirley has a beautiful selection of images on display and it is well worth heading to have a look if you are in Sydney.
tara workman
© Tara Workman 2025
US based photographer Tara Workman is the next of our featured artists whose work appears in Volume 5 issue 3 of Len’s Journal.
Originally from Barbados, Tara has a minimalist approach, beautifully realised in her series where she ponders the passage of time and the fleeting moments of life.
To see more of Tara’s work:
https://www.taraworkmanphoto.com
To begin receiving future issues of Lens Journal:
Tassie adventures
Sunrise on the dunes. Photograph copyright © David Radcliff 2025
Len is currently away exploring Tasmania, leading a small group photography tour.
I asked Len, what has been the highlight of the trip, so far? Tassie is a photographer’s haven, so it was no surprise that he came back saying, ‘there hasn’t been a dud day yet’.
Stormy weather, Macquarie harbour, Tasmania. Photograph copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
They have been adventuring around Straun and have been up the Franklin River. They have encountered gorgeous mist and light on the Gordon River. The snow at Cradle Mountain made that location particularly special. It sounds like each day has been amazing and it’s not over yet!
Impressive rivers, Tasmania. Photograph copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
We would love to know if there is somewhere that you’re keen to visit on a tour with Len. Reply and let us know! If we have enough interest in a location, we can schedule it in :)
View current offerings here: https://lenmetcalf.com/photography-workshops-and-tours
sara nash
© Sara Nash 2025
Volume 5 issue 3 of Len’s Journal is shaping up to be another fantastic issue if our first featured artist is anything to go by.
Sara Nash is an Australian photographer who creates visual masterpieces as she explores the rawness of human experience, particularly trauma and resilience. We are thrilled to include her series Neurodiversity, cleverly portrayed by floating, ethereal jellyfish.
To begin receiving future issues of Lens Journal:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
To see more of Sara Nash’s work:
BTS Tasmania Tour
Len Metcalf braving the elements in Tassie!
Len’s Tasmania Photography Tour is underway. Is it a bit chilly? Yes! Is it fun? Absolutely!
Len really loves these longer tours, where there is a chance to spend a few days in each spot. They are an amazing opportunity to make the most of it. So far the group have been out exploring the Coles Bay area, taking in the beautiful views around the bay.
Coles Bay, Tasmania. Photograph copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
Coles Bay, Tasmania. Photograph copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
If you are thinking ahead to next year, Len has two longer photography tours scheduled in to Western Australia and the Flinders Ranges. View what’s open for bookings here: https://lenmetcalf.com/photography-workshops-and-tours
Len’s Journal - volume 5 issue 3
Cover of Lens Journal Volume 5 Issue 3
Our next issue of Len’s Journal features this mysterious image. It is one of Len’s beautiful waratah images, a hint at his series for this issue which is due for publication this August.
Len loves photographing our native flowers, spending time in nature and hiking to areas where these majestic flowers bloom. His collection of waratah images are a lovely way to get to know this wonderful flower and why it is the icon of New South Wales.
We are excited to announce that the next issue of Lens Journal is coming out soon, featuring not only Len’s waratahs, but also the remarkable work of four talented guest photographers. As always, we will introduce you to each of our featured artists over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for some incredible work to come.
In the meantime, we hope you are still enjoying the last issue.
To subscribe, please visit:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
If you already subscribe, thank you! You need do nothing but wait for your next issue to be delivered.
Photograph copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
neville thorogood
© Neville Thorogood 2025
We would like to extend our appreciation to Neville Thorogood, who is another incredible photographer who was invited to participate in Lens Journal Vol 5 Iss 2.
One of the first memories Neville remembers most is growing up in the outskirts of Sydney
with native bushland to explore, his time was taken up building cubby houses
where he would gather all sorts of things to be studied later. From these humble
beginnings his eyes were opened to how he could see the world in many ways.
Lands of mystery and intrigue.
His work in Lens Journal explores how
global warming is evident in the Northern Lands and its immediate
impact is to be witnessed everywhere. His many visits to these
lands (Iceland and Greenland), have allowed him to capture the
changing landscape and document the Emerging Land before the
ice disappears.
To begin receiving future issues of Lens Journal:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
To see more of Neville Thorogood’s work:
Great Ocean Road
©Len Metcalf 2025
A photograph from Len’s previous studies of Victoria, showing his signature style in capturing the timeless beauty of the region.
The Great Ocean Road Tour is officially underway, and Len Metcalf is currently traversing the stunning coastlines of Victoria with a fantastic group of photographers, including Peter Eastway. With cameras in hand, they are capturing the rugged beauty of the Twelve Apostles, dramatic cliffs, and everything this iconic route has to offer.
What's Happening on Tour?
Len and his group are already diving deep into the creative process of landscape photography, focusing on the finer details of composition, lighting, and getting the perfect shot in the ever-changing coastal weather. As always, Len’s hands-on approach is helping participants explore the art of storytelling through their lenses while soaking in some of Australia’s most photogenic landscapes.
Join Len in Tasmania – Upcoming Tours
If you’ve been thinking about joining Len on tour, there are still opportunities to catch up with him on his next adventures. The Tasmania Tour is coming up in July—an incredible chance to explore the wild landscapes of Tasmania with Len’s expert guidance.
Upcoming tours:
Tasmania Tour: July 6–17, 2025
Tarkine Tour: July 21–28, 2025
Don’t miss out on the chance to learn and capture the beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness or explore more of Australia’s pristine landscapes with Len. These tours are limited in size to ensure a personal, hands-on experience, so spaces fill up fast!
🔗 Book Your Spot for the Tasmania Tour & More
Stay tuned for more updates from the Great Ocean Road Tour, and we hope to see you soon on one of our upcoming adventures!
Wanda Skonieczny
© Sanctuaries by Wanda Skonieczny 2025
We are proud to introduce another guest photographer in Lens Journal Vol 5issue 2, French photographer Wanda Skonieczny.
A weaver of images, Wanda prints her images on tissue, and drapes folds and and sews these transparent layers to create her final artwork.
Like Len, Wanda creates portraits of trees and in her work in Lens Journal, she invites you to slow
down, imposing a pause in a unique relationship with time, seeking to connect humanity with the
living.
Her collaboration in Lens Journal is remarkable and we encourage you to explore her work further at:
https://wanda-skonieczny.fr/en/home
To subscribe to future copies of Lens Journal:
this is your sign
© Len Metcalf 2022
As Len begins preparing for heading down the coast to begin the workshops and tours in the cooler regions of Australia, we’d like to remind you that there are still some last minute spots available.
Its not too late to attend:
The Great Ocean Road Workshop with Peter Eastway between 22-26 June.
Tasmania Tour - 06-17 July.
Tarkine Tour 21-28 July.
The Abstract Workshop - 19-24 October.
If you’ve been thinking of joining, but haven’t yet booked, this is your sign to jump on board - spaces are limited. See you on Tour!!!
douwe dijkstra
Photograph copyright © Douwe Dijkstra 2025
As a guest photographer of volume 5 issue 2 of Lens Journal, Douwe Dijkstra creates engaging imagery full of beautiful light, unusual compositions, dynamic angles, strong lines, graphic shapes, dramatic shadows, stark contrast, candid moments and striking silhouettes.
We are grateful and proud for this artist’s work to be featured in Lens Journal.
To see more of Douwe Dijkstra’s work visit https://www.monochromevisions.net/
And to subscribe to Lens Journal:
lens presets
© Len Metcalf 2025 (sepia preset)
Len's personal sepia, and black and white Lightroom presets are now on sale! Originally priced at $45, you can grab them for just $19.95 AUD. These presets are specifically designed for Lightroom Classic CC and are the very ones that Len uses to create his breathtaking images.
Len Metcalf’s Sepia Lightroom CC Presets
Each package includes over 50 sepia monochrome presets, each crafted to enhance your artistic vision. In addition, you'll find Len’s Standard Sepia Preset, along with a Tone Only Preset that allows you to add the unique Sepia Lens Tone to any black and white image.
Len Metcalf’s Monochrome Lightroom Classic CC Presets offer a vast array of over 50 options designed to help you create stunning digital black and white images. These presets are compatible with all current versions of Lightroom Classic CC. However, please note that they do not work with older versions of Lightroom.
Among these presets, the standout choice for Len is the “Black and White Lens - The Standard Len Metcalf Preset.” This foundational preset sets the stage for Len's edits. From this starting point, he often adjusts the tone curve and makes other fine-tuning adjustments to achieve the desired final look. Typically, a few tweaks to the tone curve are sufficient to create an image that embodies his artistic vision.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your photography with Len's expertly developed presets at an unbeatable price!
© Len Metcalf 2025 (B & W preset)