The Garden D-Light exhibition presents 28 very individual view points of the much-loved Flecker Botanic Gardens, writes Eileen Rothwell

You can’t see it, but bug-eyed aliens, crazily fuzzed critters and eye-wateringly steep cliffs are contained within the beautiful grounds of the Flecker Botanic Gardens.

Enter the parallel universe of the photographic enthusiast, where nothing is quite as it seems.

These unique perspectives have been captured at the Cairns Photographic Society’s exhibit, Garden D-Light.

The exhibit has been in production since late last year. Cairns Photographic Society president Dell Deed says the group had three official photographic safaris to the grounds and would pop there early in the mornings, clicking away from 6.30am to 10.30am, when the light was best.

Organised expeditions usually weren’t enough, and most photographers visited the gardens whenever they could.

The idea of the exhibition was to present a photographer’s perspective of the world-famous tropical gardens. Besides the flora and fauna, the exhibit also intersperses portraits of the people working behind the scenes.

"We have photographs of people serving in the restaurant and working in the gardens. We wanted to feature the important people as well," she says.

Underwater photographer and children’s books author Troy Mayne says he goes into the gardens a couple of times a week.

He says, "I love anything to do with wildlife and go back again and again. There are so many different species in the gardens."

For his shots of insects, he tended to go in the late afternoon. "The thick canopy in the garden isn’t wonderful for birds, but it’s terrific for insects."

Troy uses a macro lens and his driving goal is to photograph "nature in its natural state".

As such, none of his photographs have been altered digitally at all. He says "the equipment is that good nowadays that using Photoshop actually makes them look worse."

Dell says that all but one of the photographers have shot with a digital camera.

While film looks to be a dead medium, she believes photo imaging software means the art of photography has not died.

"It’s up to the individual to enhance using digital software, but I don’t think anyone’s gone overboard in the exhibition," she says.

The exhibit will feature the work of 28 photographers. All work will be framed and available for sale.

• The Garden D-Light exhibition, by Cairns Photographic Society, June 13-July 9, 10.30am-4pm, Tank 4, Tanks Arts Centre. It will be launched on June 13 and all are welcome.

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