Kiama photographer Linda Fury has achieved significant success with her photos of Bombo Quarry, earning a top 10 entry in Australian Photography Magazine’s Best Landscape 2024 competition.

Linda’s striking photos of Bombo Quarry, edited in monochromatic black and white, make the familiar Kiama landmark appear otherworldly. She believes it’s the power of the landmark itself that made the photos so successful.

“They were just so raw, and that, combined with the power of the sea, really pushed them across the line, I think. There’s a certain force in those photos. They're all black-and-white, all monochrome, and they’ve got that moody look,” says Linda.

Linda entered several photos taken at the same landmark into the competition. While they were all shot at the same place, each one conveys something unique - a dynamic she particularly enjoys about landscape photography.

“I do all sorts of photography, but landscape is my passion,” Linda says. “Every day is different. We can go to the same location day in and day out, and you’ll always get a different photo.”

One of Linda's photos of Bombo Quarry entered into the competition. Photos supplied.

One of Linda’s photos, titled Full Surge, won first place and a perfect score in the Landscape/Seascape category at the 20th Pakenham National Photographic Exhibition 2024. 

It also earned a Top 5 Placement at the Mosman Photography Awards and was awarded Best Monochrome Image of the Year at the Kiama-Shellharbour Camera Club’s end-of-year awards.

“Every now and then, you fluke a really good photo, and it does really well no matter what competition you put it in. But other times, you think you’ve got a great shot, and it doesn’t perform as well as you thought. This one has been really amazing,” says Linda.

Linda has been passionate about photography for as long as she can remember. Beyond capturing images, she also enjoys the journeys she takes to get the perfect shot.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around the world on photography trips. It gets you out there, seeing different parts of the world - places you probably would never have visited otherwise. You can discover these places and end up with some really amazing images that people haven’t seen before. I try to go off the beaten path to find something unique,” she says.

For Linda, being recognised in a nationally read magazine was a true honour. “It is so nice to open up a magazine and see your work printed in a nationwide publication. It’s something a lot of photographers dream of, and I’m so happy it has happened,” says Linda.

Another one of Linda's photos of Bombo Quarry entered into the competition. Photos supplied.

Linda is also the president of the Kiama/Shellharbour Camera Club and encourages anyone interested in photography who wants to improve their skills to join.

“It’s a great community because you meet like-minded people. A lot of them are on the older side of retirement, but we still get out and have a great time,” says Linda. “It’s also really helpful. I know it’s helped my own photography journey - meeting like-minded people who mentor you and help you with your photography.”

“It puts you in a good position. They give you tips and tricks, and I’m always open to any of our members reaching out to me for feedback on their photos or asking how they can improve. It’s a great way to enhance your photography skills if you’re interested.”

If you are interested in joining the Kiama/Shellharbour Camera Club, visit their website and get in touch with Linda.