
Alwyn’s Photo School is thrilled to offer a truly unique course for 2026, made possible through the kind permission of The Greater Melbourne Cemeteries Trust. We will be running this atmospheric photography workshop within the historic grounds of Fawkner Cemetery.
We chose Fawkner due to its deep history and unparalleled central location, which even features its own railway station for easy access.
This three-hour session is dedicated to mastering the art of capturing moody and highly atmospheric images. We will spend our time in the cemetery’s oldest sections, which are filled with beautiful subjects: old monuments featuring natural decay, thick lichen, deep cracks, and rich rusted sections.
You will learn to transform the environment's beauty by exploring various camera functions, including optimising black and white modes, making creative white balance adjustments, and using built-in filters to create unique final photographs.
A Note on Respect and Guidelines
We are committed to maintaining a respectful presence on-site at all times. We will strictly operate within the very old sections of the cemetery, ensuring we avoid disturbing any person visiting for more sombre reasons.
We have promised the cemetery authorities that participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
· Do not photograph any people visiting the cemetery while we are there.
· Do not photograph sections of gravestones that involve names without the express permission of their families.
What do I bring, and what level of skill do I need?
Your Camera (Obviously!) batteries and cards for lots of great photos. We cater to all skill levels, from novice to master photographers, and to individuals aged 9 to 99. Just bring your camera and your enthusiasm.
How many people are in the class, and how many teachers?
Unlike many Melbourne Camera Schools, we prefer small groups. So we take a small group of six students and two teachers. So each student receives maximum attention.
Rain Policy
If extreme rain is forecast, we will advise 48 hours before the class and offer alternative dates or a refund of the class cost.
Please note, as a policy, Alwyns Photo School has NO minimum numbers to run a class. Every student is important and we will not cancel a class due to low numbers.