Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Western Endeavour - Issue No.: 1115 Issue Date: 14 Apr, 2024

Members enjoyed a beautiful presentation of Beth Baker's photographs and West Australian native flowers and shrubs at a recent meeting. Beth also shared some of her secrets about the steps she takes to create the perfect shot and how she enhances some of her photographs.

Here's some information fromBeth's website - Off Pen Publishing.....Come spring, not far from my back door, a diverse and fragile world of flora and fauna comes to live. Though I have wandered through this bush for years, it is only recently, with camera in hand, that I have discovered its intricate beauty and plethora of creatures.

I hope those who meander through these pages will smell the aroma of the bush, hear the cacophony of its inhabitants and admire its great diversity. Wildflowers are exquisite of course, but seed pods are quirky, and ageing leaves, bark and flower heads make the most amazing patterns as they dance in the morning and evening light.

The book, Wild About the Natives is a photographic diary as opposed to a botanical reference guide. I have, in most cases, identified the plants and creatures by their common local name followed by the scientific. This should make it easier to put names to faces when out exploring. Personally, I struggle to say Glischrocaryon aureum when Common Popflower just rolls off the tongue.

The following images captured in Glen Forrest, Darlington, Kings Park, the Murchison and Cape Naturaliste region of Western Australia. May they inspire you to recreate and visualise your very own narrative of the Australian landscape.

Beth Baker

Beth brought a collection of her beautiful cards and a number of copies of her coffee table book Wild About the Natives. The books are perfect for a gift for friends or family and particularly for overseas' visitors and the cards add something special to a gift. Click on the link if you'd like to see examples of Beth's work our purchase her cards or book.