Veterans Instameet #40 - Family Day

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew for our 40th instameet on Sunday 26th November 2023.


Grab your kids, grab your partner, grab the grandkids and come and join us for an afternoon out exploring Cockatoo Island!

We will be heading over via ferry and meeting at Cockatoo Island at 3:00pm. The plan is to take a walk around the island, taking photos and having fun along the way.

You all asked for it and we are excited to bring back our photo challenges for the day. We will be having prizes for the most creative photos posted, there are some incredible giveaways lined up from some generous companies, they are listed below.

Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, bring plenty of water and some snacks. We still strongly encourage wearing appropriate footwear and bringing some wet weather gear in case of rain.


Registrations via the link below are a MUST for ALL wanting to participate on the day.

If you can't make it along, please SHARE this event with any Veterans you know that are into photography, word of mouth is our best tool in spreading our reach and growing the community.

We have three cameras available to anyone who wishes to try their hand at photography but doesn't want to commit to buying their own gear. If you'd like to borrow the cameras and tripods please let me know beforehand so I can ensure there are there on the day.

Our Veterans Instameets have always been and will continue to be free of charge, though participation via contribution is encouraged. We don't ask for a huge donation, though each event is costing us money through insurances etc. We wish to continue to build a kitty to help us purchase more gear and fund events in the future. To donate to our PayPal account, click here.

Let me know if you have any questions or queries.

Mathew Bell - 0409 241 419









Location:
The easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by public ferry. The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River. We will be meeting on the lawn closest to the ferry terminal at 3:00pm.





Our Supporters on the Day!

We have teamed up with a number of veteran owned and supported business who have kindly and generously donated prizes and giveaways on the day. Get ready to think outside the box to win some epic merch from these guys:








Who Are We?!


We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell, a former grunt and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based. We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event volunteers, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and a budding outdoorsman to boot.

We have since run 39 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.


Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 
Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 


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Veterans Instameet #39 - Veterans Health Week

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew for our 39th instameet on Sunday 8th October 2023.

We are teaming up with the Saltwater Veterans Crew along with members from the Forestville RSL sub branch to take part in the 2023 Veterans Health Week. This years theme is Mental Wellness Matters. The themes aim is to promote good health and wellbeing in the everyday life of veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health. Our outings always aim to bring together people with photography as the basis of a fun morning out.

We will be heading to North Head for a morning of exploring the military instillations, quarantine station and the Memorial Walk before lunch time. We will be meeting at the North Fort carpark (on Scenic Drive) at 9:30am with the intention to step off no later an 10:00am. 

You all asked for it and we are excited to bring back our photo challenges for the day. We will be having prizes for the most creative photos posted, there are some incredible giveaways lined up from some generous companies, they are listed below.

Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, bring plenty of water and some snacks. We still strongly encourage wearing appropriate footwear and bringing some wet weather gear in case of rain.

Registrations via the link below are a MUST for all wanting to participate on the day.

If you can't make it along, please SHARE this event with any Veterans you know that are into photography, word of mouth is our best tool in spreading our reach and growing the community.

We have three cameras available to anyone who wishes to try their hand at photography but doesn't want to commit to buying their own gear. If you'd like to borrow the cameras and tripods please let me know beforehand so I can ensure there are there on the day.

Let us know if you have any questions or queries.

Mathew Bell - 0409 241 419







Location:
North Head is located 10 minutes drive from Manly. Parking is available in the carpark at North Head Sanctuary, if it is full, please park your car off the road, safely, along Scenic Drive.
We will meet on the lawn next to the carpark at 0930.



Our Supporters on the Day!

We have teamed up with a number of veteran owned and supported business who have kindly and generously donated prizes and giveaways on the day. Get ready to think outside the box to win some epic merch from these guys:











Who Are We?!


We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell, a former grunt and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based. We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event volunteers, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and a budding outdoorsman to boot.

We have since run 38 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.


Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 
Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 
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Contributions to the Veterans Instameet

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The Veterans Instameet was created almost ten years ago when myself (Mathew Bell), a former grunt, and Warrick Eady, an ex-engineer, had returned from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based. We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services.

The events have always been free of charge, though over the years the costs associated with running the events, the insurances and admin has started to tally up. Our Veterans Instameets have always been and will continue to be free of charge, though participation via donation is encouraged. We don't ask for a huge donation, though if you're a big corporate firm reading this, we won't say no! We wish to continue to build a kitty to help us purchase more gear and fund events in the future. 

Through the sales of our Tee's and Hoodies we were able to raise enough money to purchase three sets of camera gear to lend to any participants attending our events who don't own a digital camera. Through your donations and financial support we'll be able to keep growing this collection of photography equipment.

To donate to our PayPal account, simply log into your account, use our email address veterans.instameet@gmail.com, select your amount & "Sending to family or friends" this make sure we see the full amount donated without PayPal taking a cut. 

We thank you for your support!












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Veterans Instameet #38

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew for our thirty eighth instameet on Saturday 15th July 2023.

We will be heading into the Blue Mountains for an evening of astro and light painting. 

We will be meeting at the carpark on Cliff Drive at 5:00pm. It is only a short walk down to the shooting location. After sunset, once it gets dark enough we'll be there to photograph the stars and do some light painting again. 

Be sure to pack your warm weather gear as it's bound to get chilly as this one doesn't involve much walking around. Bring along your headtorch, stable footwear and plenty of water.

The incredible team at Young Veterans has volunteered to sponsor us for this event. They have put their hands up to cover dinner for us on the night. Bring your Jet Boils and cups canteens, we've got a treat in store for you...unfortunately the defence cooks who make the hot boxes weren't available, so we've had to go with something a little fancier! 

If you can't make it along, please SHARE this event with any Veterans you know that are into photography, word of mouth is our best tool in spreading our reach and growing the community.

We have three cameras available to anyone who wishes to try their hand at photography but doesn't want to commit to buying their own gear. If you'd like to borrow the cameras and tripods please let me know beforehand. 

Our Veterans Instameets have always been and will continue to be free of charge, though participation via donation is encouraged. We don't ask for a huge donation, though each event is costing us money through insurances etc. We wish to continue to build a kitty to help us purchase more gear and fund events in the future. To donate to our PayPal account, click here.

Let us know if you have any questions or queries.

Mathew Bell - 0409 241 419






Location:
Cahills Lookout is located 6 minutes drive South West of Katoomba. Parking is available in the carpark on Cliff Drive, if it is full, please park your car off the road, safely, along Cliff Drive.
We will meet by the cars at 5:00pm.







Who Are We?!


We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell, a former grunt and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based. We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event coordinators, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and budding outdoorsman.

We have since run 37 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.


Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 
Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 




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Veterans Instameet #37

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew on Thursday 8th June 2023 in Circular Quay to shoot Vivid! 

We will be meeting at 6pm outside the Museum of Contemporary Art on the lawn facing the ferries. From there we will walk my favourite route to capture the Opera House and Harbour Bridge before cutting across to Darling Harbour.

Come for a few hours or all night, the choice is yours! Comfortable shoes and warm clothes are a must!

Register via the link below and let me know if you have any questions?

Mat - 0409 241 419




Location:

Meet here at 6pm





We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell (MRyan Photography) and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based.  We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event coordinators, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and budding outdoorsman.

We have since run 36 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.


We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.


Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 
Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 

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Veterans Instameet #36

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew for our thirty sixth instameet on Saturday 13th May 2023.


We will be heading to Middle Head for an afternoon exploring the military instillations and waiting for the sun to go down and the stars to come out. This will be our first night based photography event in a long while.  


We will be meeting at the carpark at 4:00pm with the aim of seeing as much of the military instillations before dusk. After sunset, once it gets dark enough we'll be there to photograph the stars.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks as there are no stores nor dinner stops. We still strongly encourage wearing appropriate footwear and bringing some warm weather gear as it's bound to get chilly after dark.

The amazing team at On Track Meals put their hands up to support us with snacks for the evening. A huge thank you goes out to them for the support once again.

If you can't make it along, please SHARE this event with any Veterans you know that are into photography, word of mouth is our best tool in spreading our reach and growing the community.

We have three cameras available to anyone who wishes to try their hand at photography but doesn't want to commit to buying their own gear. If you'd like to borrow the cameras and tripods please let me know beforehand. 

Let us know if you have any questions or queries.

Mathew Bell - 0409 241 419

Andrew Judson - 0425 244 597










Who is the Veterans Instameet?

We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based.  We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event coordinators, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and budding outdoorsman.

We have since run 35 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.


We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.


Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 

Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 




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Veterans Instameet #35

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Come and join the Veterans Instameet crew for our thirty fifth Instameet on Sunday 12th February 2023.


We will be heading to Botany Bay National Park for a hike along the coastline. Taking in views along the way of the cliffs and sea, the seascape and landscape will give us some stunning opportunites to stop and take photos. Yes, Juddo will be there this time too and prepared to be our model! 

We have the team from Graveyard Designs on board as our supporter for this Instameet. They have generously donated some of their epic skull stands, so bring along your headdress, whether it's your beret, duck hat or crap hat we're going to get some photos in return for the merch they've donated. 

We will be meeting at the carpark at 3:00pm with the aim of making the round trip hike before dusk. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks as there are no stores and it will be around a 5 hour trip, depending on how slow we are taking photos.

The hike itself is 6km return, graded 'easy' and there are no real difficult sections and there is a boardwalk some of the distance, but we still strongly encourage wearing appropriate footwear and bringing a day bag for your hat, sunscreen and water. 

If you can't make it along, please SHARE this event with any Veterans you know that are into photography, word of mouth is our best tool in spreading our reach and growing the community.

Let us know if you have any questions or queries.

Mathew Bell - 0409 241 419

Andrew Judson - 0425 244 597




LOCATION:
If you type into your GPS "Cape Solander" and then follow the road to the dead end, this is where we'll be meeting at 3pm.





Who is the Veterans Instameet?
We are a veterans photography group called the Veterans Instameet. Initially set up in 2014 by myself, Mathew Bell and an ex-engineer, Warrick Eady. We had both just come back from service in Afghanistan and found common ground through photography. After discharge we both felt completely disconnected from the defence community and found there was no photography outlets or groups veteran based.  We felt that having this shared interest, we could get other like minded veterans together with photography as the basis and have fun and keep the connections to members post discharge. We soon expanded the group to include families of defence members and then the emergency services. We welcomed Andrew Judson on as one of the event coordinators, with his 10 years in defence, a background in personal training and budding outdoorsman.

We have since run 34 events in and around Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

We are comprised of former ADF members, current serving members, children of veterans, the emergency services, SES and a number of non serving civilians who support us and what we've been through.

Please Note:
As most of the events are outdoors, there is always a physical element. Most events require a walk from the carpark to the area of interest or a more strenuous trek. The majority of events are mobile, meaning we're constantly on the move while shooting. The important aspect to us is the psychological well being that comes from a day. The aim is for everyone to have fun and make connections to other people with shared backgrounds. Photography is in the background most of the time, we have the aim for everyone to chat, laugh and shoot photos. 

Each event carries risk and by registering and attending the event, each participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety. Safety is everyone's responsibility and if in doubt, or if anyone feels unsafe it is the individual’s responsibility to sit out the event or highlight it to the other members.  Each participant assumes all risk associated with any activity whilst with the Veterans Instameet. Each participant assumes full responsibility for themselves, their choices, their actions and their equipment. 


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