The Space Between
Image of a Large Format Camera belonging to Tim Parkin (On Landscape Magazine) at The Lakes District, England. Tim flew Len over to the UK to present at his conference, “Meeting of the Minds”. Lens presentation was titled, “The Space Between”.
© Len Metcalf 2016
If you wish to Learn from Len, get EXCITED!!
Tour season is coming and time is running out to secure your place at one of Lens Workshops or Tours available for 2025. If you wish to book one of the remaining opportunities to Learn from Len this year, details can be found via the links below:
MAY
Monochrome Lens - 3 & 4 May (online with Len)
https://lenmetcalf.com/monochrome-lens
JULY
Tasmania Tour 6-17July
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/tasmania-photography-tour
Tarkine Tour 21-28 July
https://lenmetcalf.com/photography-workshops-and-tours
OCTOBER
The Abstract Workshop 19-24 October
Portrait of a Tulip
© 2025 Len Metcalf. All rights reserved.
On Tuesday evening I accompanied Len, who invited to be a guest speaker at Easts Photography Club in Bondi.
The group will be going on an upcoming excursion to the Blue mountains to photograph flowers, so Len shared his passionate wisdom with the group about how to beautifully capture a flower.
Len stated that he considers taking a photo of a flower, is not unlike taking a portrait of a person - both demanding the same consideration and respect. However, unlike humans, flowers that grow in nature, in the ground, are not portable - so working with its environment provides particular constraints to consider. Interestingly, Len’s number one tip was to consider the background of the object and adjust yourself and your camera angle in many ways to find the best solution for the capture of the flower (even if this means laying on the ground in snow, etc.)
The club was treated to a slideshow of Len’s study of flowers and were able to view some of Len’s rarely seen images and publications.
Len loves sharing his knowledge with others and it is apparent after 40 years+ of discussing photography, his passion is not waning any time soon!! We all enjoyed the evening very much.
If you wish to make a booking for Len to speak at your Camera Club, please reach out:
hello@lensschool.com
Port Stephens Art Prize
Congratulations to Greg West, the photographer who won a subscription to Len’s Journal for his work, which was highly commended at the Port Stephens Art Prize.
Roger Skinner was a judge in the competition, and happened to be in the issue of Len's Journal that was presented to Greg.
Roger Skinner is an acclaimed photographer whose award-winning work is held in public and private collections across Australia and internationally. Based in Muswellbrook, Roger oversees the Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize and leads the Contemporary Group of the Australian Photographic Society. His career includes numerous exhibitions and features in various art and news publications, showcasing both commissioned and non-commissioned works.
Roger commented on Greg’s work stating,
'Traditional subject pictorial but a long
exposure add a certain "Je ne sais
quoi" is a French phrase, meaning "I
don't know what” ‘
Roger also commented to me, and in his words at the presentation, that he thought Len’s Journal would help to tip Greg’s work further into … art.
If you would like to learn more about Len’s Journal, please head to the link below:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
Sun Orchid
Image Copyright. Len Metcalf 2025
A sun orchid, photographed on the grounds of the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Falconbridge. All guests who attended Lunch with Len received a limited edition signed print of this work.
Lovely to meet you
Len is always animated when talking about art.
Copyright. Natasha Cuevas 2025
A big thank you to those who attended our first “Lunch with Len” event. It was so beautiful to meet you all.
Our guests were greeted by Clair and myself upon arrival and handed giftbags to our guests which included a signed, limited edition print created by Len.
Len served the most incredible homemade spicy sweet potato soup, followed by petit fours for desert.
Everyone participated in discussions regarding Lens work, their own work, and inspiration gained from other famous artists. The conversation we had about Caravaggio, made us ponder that he may have used his own art, as a way of processing his personal history - Len shared that he was in fact a murderer, and found refuge in the church so he could still continue to paint. His works are known to be dramatic and theatrical!
We were all fascinated and impressed by Len’s knowledge of art history, and it was a privilege to be sharing conversations about our passions with him.
Lunch ended and it was time to enter Len’s studio. I noted a few gasps when the guests entered as Len had on display some of his prolific earlier pieces and it was clear that everyone felt moved to be viewing his work so intimately. I felt proud of Len and was so pleased he could see the enjoyment and interest in people’s faces upon observing his work. Unbeknown to most, Len is a very humble man and often questions his own abilities and is delighted when people appreciate his work.
He showed us different cameras he uses, and processes and papers he has used on his artistic journey - many of which are now outdated and no longer performed.
A great time was had by all and we all left looking forward to seeing each other again at upcoming tours and workshops.
We will absolutely host this event again! What a success!! Thank you so much, Len!
Masterclass 2026
Blue Mountains © Len Metcalf, 2013
Only one more week to secure the Masterclass 2026 for 2025 prices!
Book now to receive 30% off!
Len Quotes
©copyright, Len Metcalf, 2014
“Don’t try to photograph what you see - visualise what you see.”
Len Metcalf
Lunch with Len
As one of Len's valued newsletter readers, we are delighted to invite you to our inaugural
“Lunch with Len” event at Len’s studio in Sydney. We will be holding these events on a quarterly basis, (maybe in your city!) so if you can make it, we hope to see you there!
There are only 8 free tickets left so do not delay in booking your space!!!
Lunch with Len is a chance to drop by Len's Willoughby studio, meet the team (that'd be Len, myself, Clair and Momo) and hear about Len's various projects.
There will be a light lunch - Len's soup (I hear it's a drawcard) and a chance to socialise, receive a gift on arrival, followed by a presentation by Len about photographic prints and processes. He will be using his own prints as examples so you'll get a behind the lens look at rarely seen work from his archives, and an opportunity to purchase prior to being listed on Len's website.
As there are only a small number of FREE tickets still available, please book as soon as possible via the link below:
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lunch-with-len
Please let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance booking your spot.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Roadtrip Lens
Beside the road on the way to Albert River
©Len Metcalf 2025
Len has escaped the city and is journeying down the beautiful South Coast to a little hidden campsite on the Albert River, Victoria for a few days. From the gorgeous photos he keeps sending Clair and I to share with you, I am wondering if he is scoping out new spots for a tour? The scenery looks incredible!
Where is on your bucket list to fulfil your landscape photography dreams?
Big sign, Little Falls
©Len Metcalf 2025
Len’s Lounge
Len Metcalf in his Willoughby studio with Momo, sitting on Len’s Lounge.
© 2025 Photograph by Billie Roseanna.
Having never considered myself to be a “true artist,” I was both excited and admittedly daunted by the prospect of joining Len’s Lounge, which is Len’s online forum inspired by the creative conversations Len has with other people about art and expression, on his own lounge. As my new role with Len Metcalf, requires me to be familiar with every aspect of Len's business, it was inevitable that I was required to join and participate in this group. I must confess that the thought of stepping into an art club and showcasing my personal creativity in a public setting felt very overwhelming!
Although, I am comfortable to claim that I am a creative, I am a designer, or a maker, or a crafter, for some reason the word, “artist”, has always felt intimidating to me - much like a blank canvas or a plain sheet of paper does. The way I perceive art, rightly or wrongly, is that art is the ultimate invitation to express oneself infinitely and vulnerably. Which then, unfortunately, sparks self doubt to manifest, and the unhelpful self talk says, “Am I good enough? Who cares about my stories anyway? Where do I even begin?” Then, the process becomes so overwhelming that I do nothing. Sound familiar??
One of the first things I noted upon joining Lens Lounge is that this online space is for every artist, not just photographers, and it is encouraged that its members work with any medium or mediums to connect, learn and share art. This immediately helped me feel a little more at ease, seeing as I don’t have a photographic background, and I discovered the existing group of 85 members to be supportive and encouraging no matter what skill level or prior experience I have or they have had. Len Metcalf included! I found Len’s Lounge to be an inclusive and supportive space.
Amongst other activities, there is a weekly challenge, and this week the subject is “triangles”.
This came as a relief to me, to be prompted by a starting point - a place to begin. I was also delighted to learn there was a constraint - as a weekly challenge, I don’t have time to procrastinate and overthink.
As from today, I will be embarking and documenting my own artistic journey in Lens Lounge and I do hope you feel inspired to join me too! It’s free to join, so if you haven’t already, please do and we can all help each other achieve our creative goals in this wonderful space.
I have included the link below:
https://lenslounge.online/spaces/16161904/page
With love,
Tash xx
Trees are Poems
© 2025 Len Metcalf.
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.” - Kahlil Gibran (1883 - 1931)
Cyclone Alfred
© Len Metcalf Photography. All rights reserved.
Boyd River Dragon captured on film
We sincerely hope that everyone residing in South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers area is safe during this challenging time. We've been thinking about you and are concerned about how this cyclone may adversely affect the delicate ecosystem along the coast, including its remarkable plants and animals. We've come across some troubling photos depicting serious beach erosion and can only hope that the damage does not escalate any further. Your safety and well-being are in our thoughts as you navigate through this difficult situation.
Warmest regards,
Tash
on behalf of Len’s Team
Len’s Journal Out Now!
Hello everyone!!
WHAT A WEEK!!
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took the time to welcome me to the team! Your kind messages truly meant a lot, especially since I find myself in a rather challenging role! I am incredibly humbled and impressed by the remarkable artwork created by Len, as well as his ability to share his expertise with others who share a passion for photography and art. Furthermore, his dedication to fostering community connections, publishing journals, creating new works, teaching, touring, guest speaking at camera clubs and exhibitions, shows that Len Metcalf's world is as vibrant as ever, even after 40 years of commitment to photography—if anything, his passion is only intensifying!
You may have noticed an increase in activity on the Len Metcalf social media channels. We are consolidating all of Len’s socials into one unified platform—Len Metcalf. We will no longer post on Lens Journal or Lens School, but rest assured, both communities remain fully active; we’re simply moving all the little houses into one grand Len Metcalf castle! I am very excited to show you behind-the-scenes content, so if you don't already, please follow us on both or either of these avenues.
https://www.instagram.com/lenmetcalf/
https://www.facebook.com/lenmetcalfphotographer
Additionally, we are in the process of merging all of his websites into a single main platform: LENMETCALF.COM. If you haven't already been to see the changes, I recommend brewing yourself a cup of tea, as you’ll find it quite delightful to explore the site, featuring not only stunning new artwork but also online courses, workshops, and tours that Len will be hosting in the coming year.
In other exciting news: Lens Journal is heading out today! If you’re a subscriber, get ready because your journal will be arriving in the mail shortly! This edition—volume 5, issue 1—boasts an incredible lineup of artists:
📸 Jackie Ranken (https://jackieranken.co.nz)
– Originally from Australia and now residing in New Zealand, Jackie presents her stunning aerial abstracts captured in Australia.
📸 Enzo Crispino (https://www.enzocrispino.com) – An Italian photographer who takes us on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting streets of Paris.
📸 Roger Skinner (https://www.facebook.com/roger.skinner.549/photos_albums) – An Australian artist exploring technique as a motif in his captivating landscape series.
📸 Ben Coope (https://bencoope.com) – A skilled Australian videographer and photographer who beautifully captures the essence and movement of water in his seascapes.
📸 Len Metcalf (https://lenmetcalf.com) – Showcasing his exquisite images of Australian orchids.
We are confident you will enjoy this latest issue.
If you are not already a subscriber to this limited edition journal, there are only 11 copies left that are available of this issue on the website now
https://lensjournal.com/publications/lens-journal-volume-five-issue-one
and if you wish to become a subscriber, it is not too late to sign up for the next issue which will be released in May.
https://lenmetcalf.com/store/p/lensjournalsubscription
The team and I appreciate your continued support and interaction.
Have a wonderful week,
Tash x
Monochrome Lens
In South Africa looking out over the Orange River to Namibia, 2017.
© Copyright 2025 Len Metcalf.
The image was taken with my Olympus E-M1 and the Leica 100-400mm lens. I set my ISO to 100 for the best image quality, used an aperture of f/22 to keep everything in focus, and a shutter speed of 1/250 sec, which balanced the exposure while preventing too much camera movement.
This setup helped me capture a sharp, well-exposed shot with a deep depth of field, keeping both the foreground and background in focus.
Len is running Monochrome Lens as an online version as a Weekend workshop
3rd & 4th May 2025 10 am - 4 pm Sydney, Australia.
For more information and to book click here.
blossoming Lens
As a child, particularly as an enthusiastic teenager my dream was to be an artist. It was so simple. Make art, show people and change the world. I spent countless hours drawing. At one point it was to be a cartoonist, and I even studied at an animation studio for a couple of weeks whilst still at school. This dream led me to art school, and simultaneously I became an outdoor educator. The two clashed. Education won. The art world didn’t seem to work on merit, instead it worked on mysterious connections that needed to be fostered. Environmentalism was still in its infancy. I became more engrossed in education as it seemed like a more beneficial way of reaching people. The thousands of people I have connected with and taught, either directly or indirectly through my staff is indeed impressive. The message has always been the same. Communicate, work with others, care for people and build community. Look after the environment, for we are a part of nature, not separate from it, for it is our future and our nourishment.
Slowly throughout my life this dream of being an artist returned. In 2000 I opened the Leonard Metcalf Gallery in Katoomba. It was there that teaching photography returned as a possibility, and slowly I learnt that by combining my talents for teaching, educational design, outdoor guiding, art teaching, creativity mentoring and photography made sense.
Len’s School was born out of the ashes of that gallery. Metaphorically of course.
Through Len’s School I find myself still working on the same message. Build community, nurture others, look after the environment.
After fifteen years of running Len’s School, it is time to bloom and blossom and reinvigorate the dream of being an artist. Whilst not letting go of the magic of teaching creativity.
Over the years an incredible team has developed to support this dream. Clair Reynolds many of you know, who most notably produces and designs Len’s Journal and all my publications, is the backbone of the business. Her work is amazing and beautiful. So so gorgeous. And most importantly she makes my work look brilliant. She's hard at work today working on more publications for you. Next week we will be posting the latest Len’s Journal to you. It is gorgeous and a bit late, but it is coming nonetheless. Ben Coope has been incredible in making videos and is working on more to share with you too. So many, particularly in this day and age, prefer to watch rather than read.
It is time to introduce you to Natasha Cuevas, also known as Momo’s mum, or Tash. She comes on board as the creative director, and has been cracking the whip on recent changes to my branding, presence and future directions. Tash has so much experience, but most importantly she has the confidence to position me in the art market in a more appropriate place than I have had the confidence to do in the past.
Tash will be taking over our newsletter, our socials, and our presence. We have so much to share with you, including new brands. Tash has the incredible ability to curate, to present and tell my story. That is a gift in itself.
It’s time for change. Not just me, my art, and my teaching, but also for Australia and the world. We seem to be at a crucial crossroads in the world. But I will leave politics out for the moment.
I am so looking forward to the future. Am so thankful and feel so blessed to welcome Tash onboard.
You can look forward to an incredible visual story that will unfold.
Sending love to you all…
Len xxx
Flannel Flowers, after the fire. Photographs and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2025 | http://lenmetcalf.com
The Lens is Shifting
Tash, Momo and Len.
Copyright © Len Metcalf 2025
Hello!!
It’s so wonderful to be introduced to you by the fabulous Len Metcalf. I am absolutely thrilled to become a part of his team! What an honour!
Having collaborated with and worked for Len in some of his previous endeavors, specifically during his time creating artwork and merchandise to be showcased in pop-up shops in Kiama, Wollongong, and Sydney, I was fortunate enough to be shown some of his private art collections at the time. Little did I know that what I had seen was merely the tip of the iceberg of an enormous body of work either never seen or rarely seen by the public.
On my first visit to Len's Studio 3 months ago, which we now affectionately call Len's Lounge, what I discovered was undoubtedly a photographic treasure chest. Len unveiled that he had almost one million photographs stored in his archives. My jaw dropped. Thousands upon thousands of meticulously photographed flowers, leaves, trees, landscapes, animals, people, weddings, events, nudes, adventures, family, landmarks and homes! What was uncovered in this ordinary Sydney back yard, past the hills hoist and garden furniture, was 40 decades of Australian history from the quiet, thoughtful, precise viewpoint of Len Metcalf's lens.
I have worked in the creative industry for over 30 years, and on this day I bore witness to some of the most magnificent photography I had ever laid eyes on. I felt overwhelmed with emotion and had to take a moment to allow the tears to fall. I exclaimed, "It’s unbelievable that these works are not being seen by the world! Len!! People need to see this incredible art!!” Len, as sweet as he is humble, replied, “Do you think so?”
I am so looking forward to sharing Len's journey with you and meeting you, his loyal fans, students, and friends. It will be amazing to hear your stories and experiences that you have had with Len spanning over his 40 year career.
You will be able to find me in Len’s Lounge, or email me directly at tash@lensschool.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Love, Tash xx
Masterclass 2026
The Faces in the Canyon
© Len Metcalf Fine Art Photography 2025
If you have always wanted to enrol in Len Metcalf’s Masterclass, now is the time!
Until 1st April, we are offering an earlybird sign up price of only $6000.*
Secure your space and become a part of Len’s alumni, by completing this world renowned photography course, hosted online, each year, for only 20 students per year.
An incredible opportunity to take your photography to the next level…
Len has been teaching this course since 2009. Join many of the graduates who have benefited immensely from this unique course, improving their skills and making new connections.
The course offers you to work with Len over the whole year to assist taking your photography to the next level.
This course is fully facilitated. You will have Len with you, holding your hand if needed, every step of the way.
You will learn through project based methods, where you will work on your own projects over two months, finishing them and then starting new ones.
Immerse yourself in photography for a full year…
It is the ultimate gift to yourself.
One of the benefits is working together in a learning community with other keen adult learners who have just as much enthusiasm as you do. Often more.
It is in this safe environment you will be encouraged to explore, and challenge yourself. You will feel compelled to make photographic art.
This course is not rooted in genres. You are welcome to explore anything that inspires you. Bring to it your own interests, your own subjects, and develop your own voice and looks (style).
The course is inclusive, positive and supportive.
from $6,000.00
Book before the 1st April May 2025 at $6000* and save 33%
Book between 1st April - 30th September 2025 at $7500* and save 15%
Full price AUD$9,000* 1st October - February 2026
*paid in full in advance
FOR ALL INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS PLEASE HEAD TO LENMETCALF.COM
Clair Reynolds, Lens school alumni. Behind the Lens.
© Len Metcalf Photography 2025
Things are changing
We have been moving things around, and revamping our websites to make things easier to find and simpler for all of us.
We have rebranded our newsletter to simply Len Metcalf’s Newsletter.
This will be located at http://lenmetcalf.com which will become our home base for everything.
This will bring our publications, workshops, tours, online learning, and Len’s Journal, all into one place.
We hope you enjoy the journey as we change and grow.
You can expect to hear more about Len and his work.
A few black and white photography tips
Alan Schaller gives us a few tips on black and white photography
I love the first tip… it is good enough to write a whole article on….