Visit Sunshine Coast snaps up Canon Photography Festival

The Canon Photography Festival will come to the Sunshine Coast on July 13-15, bringing an expected 200 photographers from around the country to the region for more than 20 events.

The Sunshine Coast was selected due to the natural landscapes and experiences it offers interstate and local photographers.

With Canon Collective Ambassadors on hand, the program will include a series of free and paid workshops and events including a guided tour of Australia Zoo, photo brunch at Pier 33 in Mooloolaba, Sunreef’s swimming with humpback whales and capturing sunrise in the Glass House Mountains.

Canon Australia consumer experience manager Colin Baker said the group was excited to bring the photography festival to the Sunshine Coast.

“The Sunshine Coast is such an iconic place and really captures the Queensland lifestyle and the super relaxed beachside vibe,” Mr Baker said.

“We hope to meet dozens of new local photographers looking for some inspiration or a new adventure with fresh eyes.

“Canon Collective will also attract dozens of Brisbane and interstate travellers to the region over the three days who will not only boost the local economy during their stay but take hundreds of images home with them to share on social media and locally which will have a great knock on effect for the local tourism markets.

“Even if you're just camera curious, why not book one of the many free sessions and come say hi to the Canon Collective team.”

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford welcomed the opportunity for his organisation to be the official partner for the Canon Photography Festival.

“Our strategy of the past two years has been to increase brand awareness of the Sunshine Coast through digital channels and this demonstrates another major initiative to promote the region,” Mr Latchford said.

“Destination imagery is the number one tool to inspire travel and convert bookings to our region. With more than 268,000 instagram images tagged #visitsunshinecoast, it tells our Sunshine Coast story in a powerful way.

“A particularly exciting highlight of the festival will be the ‘Sunday Challenge’ in which 80 photographers are invited to capture iconic Sunshine Coast experiences and share them via their Instagram accounts using the hashtag #visitsunshinecoast and #canoncollective.”

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach will be the official accommodation and headquarters for the festival hosting a number of photography workshops as well as the final closing exhibition and wrap party.

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach’s General Manager Fabrice Grau said the team was excited to support such a fantastic event.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Canon Photography Festival and look forward to welcoming the 200 photographers to Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, so they can showcase all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”