EDEN Moloney is one of many local residents preparing to showcase her skills at this year’s upcoming show.
She had her first taste of show success in 2019 when she entered a number of photographs in the photography section.
At the time she was in Grade 6.
“I entered some images for fun,” Eden said.
That year she entered 12 photographs and came home with 10 awards in both the open and junior categories, including Best Exhibit in the junior category.
“It was very uplifting and encouraged me to keep entering,” Eden said.
Following in the footsteps of her mum, Kristin, who is a professional photographer, Eden has developed a natural ability to capture a moment and tell a story through the lens of her camera.
“When I was younger I went to a lot of photo sessions with mum,” Eden said.
“Mum gave me one of her old cameras after she got a new one and I just started taking lots of photos from there.”
Encouraged by her Mum and honing in on her skills, Eden proved to be a natural.
Growing up on a farm, Eden isn’t short of content and she loves to photograph her surrounds.
“I take lots of photos of sunsets, flowers and animals,” she said, noting there were lots of photographic opportunities on the farm.
While the show was cancelled in its traditional format in 2020 and 2021 due to the worldwide pandemic and COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, Eden continued to pursue her passion for photography during this time.
She entered the Swan Hill mini show and went on to compete at a district level where she placed second.
During this time, she has also discovered a passion for drawing.
“I’ve always liked drawing,” she said, noting she enjoyed sketching with graphite and coloured pencils.
Once again, Eden proved to have a natural ability with drawing and she currently has her first sketch being exhibited at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.
The 14-year-old is now sifting through her photographs, preparing her entries for this year’s show.
She’s excited by the prospect of being able to showcase her work once again and encourages others to consider exhibiting their talents, with a host of categories and classes available.
“It’s a fun way of showing everyone what you can do,” Eden said.
“I like being able to compete with other people and comparing and learning from them.
“Winning is a bonus.”
