Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA • Launching 19 August 2025 (World Photography Day)

An evolving series of photography experiences celebrating regional Australian photography and supporting photographic practice in the WA Goldfields.

About us

The Wild West Foto Fest is an ongoing program of photography experiences based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder (Karlkurla), Western Australia, that emerged from many conversations between regional Western Australian photographers Mellen Burns and Melissa Drummond.

It aims to showcase the diverse landscapes, cultures, and people of the Goldfields region of Western Australia through photography, while supporting and growing photographic practice in the region.

Activities will commence with events coinciding with World Photography Day on 19 August and World Photography Week 2025. The program will feature exhibitions, workshops, guest speakers, outdoor photography tours, and community engagement events, highlighting both local and national photographers.

See below for proposed activities and stay tuned for more details.

PHOTOGRAPHING ARTWORK WITH COLOUR ACCURACY

Sharpen your photography skills and learn how to capture artworks with true-to-life accuracy in this workshop with photographer Claire Weir. Perfect for local photographers and arts workers, this session will give you the tools to deliver professional-quality documentation that supports artists and their practice.
This workshop blends short presentations with practical, hands-on demonstrations, so you’ll leave with both the knowledge and the skills to put it into practice. You’ll also take home reference notes to support your learning long after the session.
This workshop is free to attend, but with only 8 places available you’ll need to register early to secure your spot!

Proudly supported by Ali Kent MLA
EXHIBITION - PALYA WALKALY-WALKALYPA Cameraless Photography

SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER
CAMERALESS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION - EASTERN GOLDFIELDS REGIONAL PRISON, VIVIAN STREET BOULDER
ENTRY VIA THE KALGOORLIE-BOULDER VISITORS CENTRE TRAM TOURS
WORKSHOP - LANDSCAPES & LIGHT PAINTING WITH DUSTY ROAD IMAGERY

SATURDAY 6TH OF SEPTEMBER 4.30PM
Join us for a fun evening of landscapes and light painting photography at the iconic Two Up Shed in Kalgoorlie. This workshop is perfect for enthusiasts of all levels, offering a chance to capture some outback scenery during golden hour, learn a little more about your camera settings and what makes a striking landscape image. After that, let's have some fun with creative light painting once the sun goes down! Whether you're looking to enhance some skills, or just try something new and fun - this workshop promises some inspiration, practical tips and a few awesome images to take home.

PS - bring your tripod, torches, light bars, glow sticks... anything that creates light to have some fun with.
WORKSHOP - BLACK AND WHITE FILM shoot and process your own roll of black and white film

NOW TAKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
suitable for film curious and analogue photography beginners
Limited spaces available
$50 per participant to cover materials
email: info@wildwestfotofest.com
ACTIVITY - BOULDER CEMETERY PHOTO WALK

Mellen Burns & Melissa Drummond as your guides
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Lynch Street
South Boulder
All ages and experience
levels welcome
email: info@wildwestfotofest.com
EXHIBITION - MARTINE PERRET Belong: Language connecting feeling, culture, country.

SATURDAY 17TH MAY - SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER
Belong: Language connecting feeling, culture, country
Free exhibition at the Museum of the Goldfields
OPEN CALL - GROUP EXHIBITION

Under a Desert Sky is a group exhibition to showcase images taken in the WA Goldfields. Entry is free and open to photographers living in Australia. Submissions close January 31st, 2026 - Exhibition scheduled March 2026.

More information here