The 2026 BirdLife Photography Biennial Conference was held in Canberra, at 59 Cameron Ave, Belconnen, on the weekend of 7th-8th March. It was preceded by two days of field trips to Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Mulligan's Flat, the National Botanic Gardens, and the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, and a trip to Tidbinbilla sanctuary on the following Monday; these outings were organised and guided by members of Canberra Birds.
The conference opened with a 2-minute video ©Eggpicnic produced by Eggpicnic. During the conference, all speakers were presented with an Eggpicnic art print at the conclusion of their presentations.
MC Athena Georgiou introduced BLP President Gary King, who welcomed everyone and opened the conference.
Our keynote speaker, Rachel Bigsby, is the recipient of the Natural Artistry award in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Portfolio Award in Bird Photographer of the Year. She is also a Nikon Creator, RSPB Ambassador, and a published contributor to National Geographic. Rachel was unable to be present in person due to the interruption of flights through the Middle East; her opening presentation "The Art of Wildlife Photography: Making a Creative Impact" and the subsequent Q&A session were delivered via Zoom, shown on 5 large screens around the room.
The next presentation by Glenn Smith, the long-time resident photography educator at the Australian Botanic Gardens, Mount Annan, Sydney, was "Focus with Purpose: Making an Impact Through Nature Photography". This was followed by Dr Margot Oerebeek, Manager of BirdLife Australia's Birds on Farms program, telling us about "Bird Photography Impacting Woodland Bird Conservation on Farms".
Following lunch, Gary King presented the 2025 Competition Awards medals to those members who were present at the conference.
The first afternoon presentation was "In the Company of Birds", from Leila Jeffreys, a contemporary artist working across photography, moving image and installations. David Stowe, an award-winning bird and wildlife photographer, educator and tour guide, then discussed and demonstrated "Going Beyond Straight Out of Camera to Create Images That Make a Visual Impact". The final presentation was "A Tale of Riflemen, Bird Photography and Scientific Discovery" from Glenn Pure; and the day closed with a Q&A session with all of the day's speakers.
Guests at the conference dinner on Saturday night were greeted with a torrential downpour from an evening thunderstorm as they arrived; after dinner we were treated with a talk from Kate Millar, CEO BirdLife Australia, titled "Birdlife Australia; Making an Impact".
Sunday opened with the second keynote presentation by Zoom from Rachel Bigsby: "One Species, One Hundred Stories: Bird Photography - Making an Impact Through Focused Storytelling". Following this we heard from Mal Carnegie, Project Manager of the Lake Cowal Foundation, about "Bird Photography - an Occupational Hazard"; and then Graham Cam, a former BLP President and outgoing BLP BAPA Coordinator, told us all about "The BAPA - Birdlife Australia Photography Awards", and introduced Holly Browne, Birdlife Australia's BAPA coordinator and Tim Van Leeuwen, incoming BLP BAPA Coordinator.
The afternoon commenced with Gary King presenting the Tom Oliver Member of the Year Award to Graham Gall. Graham's major contribution, spread over almost two years, was chairing the organising committee for this conference; its success indicates that he is a worthy recipient!
Gerogina Steytler is an award-winning photographer and teacher, and a regular presenter at our conferences. This time she spoke about "The Secret to Unlocking Your Ultimate Bird Photographer". She was followed by Michael Mulvaney, a driving member of the Red Hill Regenerators Landcare group, and a passionate citizen scientist; his presentation was "In Science - A Picture is Worth More Than a Thousand Words". The last presentation was from Angela Robertson-Buchanan, an award-winning creative bird photographer, coservationist and wildlife carer, on "Loving, Photographing and Saving Birds"; this was followed by a Q&A session with all of the days speakers.
The conference was closed by President Gary King, ending with the announcement that our next Biennial Conference will be held in Hobart, in March 2028, in the weekend preceding the Bruny Island Bird Week (exact date not yet available), and the introduction of Helen Greenwood as Chair of the local organising committee for that conference.
Photos provided by David Stowe: https://davidstowe.com/
David has provided access to a selection of photos taken during the conference here.