Kalgoorlie-Boulder / Karlkurla, WA

An ongoing program of photography experiences celebrating regional photography, supporting photographic practice, and helping people tell the stories of the places and communities they know.

Founded in the WA Goldfields in 2025.

About us

The Wild West Foto Fest is an ongoing program of photography experiences based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder (Karlkurla), founded by regional Western Australian photographers Mellen Burns and Melissa Drummond.

Wild West Foto Fest celebrates photography in the Goldfields and supports regional people to explore, develop and share their photographic practice – building the skills and confidence to tell their own stories and represent the places and communities they know. Through exhibitions, workshops, photowalks, guest speakers and other events, the program creates opportunities to learn, experiment, connect with other photographers and see the region through different perspectives.

Since launching during World Photography Week in August 2025, Wild West Foto Fest has brought together photographers of different backgrounds and experience levels through a growing program of activities, including the Under a Desert Sky exhibition and a series of practical photography workshops.

Explore our past and upcoming activities below.

ACTIVITY - BOULDER CEMETERY PHOTO WALK

Mellen Burns & Melissa Drummond as your guides
SUNDAY MAY 17TH 2026
3.30-5.30PM
Lynch Street
South Boulder
All ages and experience
levels welcome
email: info@wildwestfotofest.com
TALKS - PHOTOGRAPHERS Q+A

Hear the stories behind the images, ask questions, and meet some of the photographers who’ve shared their work in Under a Desert Sky.

Sunday 15 March
10am - 12pm
Artgold Gallery, 14 Burt Street

All welcome
WORKSHOP - LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR CAMERA

Are you new to photography or still relying on auto mode? This workshop, hosted at Artgold, will teach you the fundamental techniques to effectively use your camera and explore its full potential.
Sat 14 March 2026 · 10:00 am
Artgold, 14 Burt Street, Boulder WA 6430
EXHIBITION - UNDER A DESERT SKY

We’re excited to exhibit the works of 57 photographers in Under a Desert Sky!
Opening Night
Friday March 6, 2026 6pm
EXHIBITION CONTINUES UNTIL 11th April, 2026
Artgold Gallery, Boulder
We can’t wait to see you there
With thanks to our supporters @cityofkalgoorlieboulder and @artgoldinc and @blackcrowkalgoorlie
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
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
WORKSHOP - BEGINNERS PHOTO EDITING WITH TARI

Stay tuned for more information
VENUE: ARTGOLD
DATE: TBC