Photography at Natimuk Show

The Weekly Advertiser, in partnership with Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society, will present a series of weekly stories that explore some of the history of Natimuk Show. The 130th Natimuk Show will be part of combined 150th Back to Natimuk celebrations on March 26. This week Leeanne Mccredden provides insight into the evolution of the show’s photography section.

The photography section has been part of Natimuk Agriculture Show for nearly all of its 130 years.

The Mccredden family has been involved with this section since Harold Mccredden was asked to assist at the age of 15 or 16, in 1945-46, by previous chief photography steward Charlie Weidner.

Harold had always had an interest in photography, as did his father Allan who was known to always carry his Box Brownie camera with him.

Harold soon after took on the role of chief steward for photography, continuing until he was in his early 80s when he felt he was getting to old and slow. It was then that he graciously handed the reins over to his son James and daughters Leanne and Vicki, who had for many years assisted him.

Leanne and Vicki started helping their father from the age of about 12 until moving to Melbourne for further study and work, only to recommence their involvement intermittently after a 10-year break.

It was during this period that James stepped in to assist his father

before stepping up to become chief steward in about 2011.

It was also during this period that the show rescheduled to March from August, no longer falling during school holidays.

James, Leanne and Vicki have continued the family involvement with the Natimuk Show in many and varied roles, while James and Leanne continue providing steward duties in the photography section today.

The medium has changed dramatically over the years, starting with many black and white photographs through to slides in

the 1960s and 1970s, with these gradually disappearing to be replaced by more modern versions and more currently with digitised images now becoming the norm.

While there have been many wonderful sponsors and judges over the years, the most prominent sponsor was Brian Murray Studios.

We have also been fortunate to have many talented local photographers who have judged and encouraged photographers of all ages.

We are looking forward to presenting the Natimuk photography section in a new format and reconnecting with many.

IN THE FAMILY: Vicki Mccredden, holding a Box Brownie camera, and James Mccredden, presenting a digital image of Harold Mccredden on his mobile phone, provide a ‘snapshot’ of how technology has changed photography.