The Low Head photographer is currently showcasing his works in an exhibition at the Watch House Gallery, and says that digital manipulation played a key role in his Real & Unreal Feelings exhibition. 

He said his exhibition used digital manipulation to invoke a range of emotions. 

“All images are a slight distortion of reality, through my use of lenses and lighting, cropping and these days by digital technology. 

“If you manipulate the image you’re also manipulating the emotion that comes with that. So that’s where the title of Real & Unreal Feelings comes from.” 

Hughes said he moved from Melbourne to Low Head last year, after initially renting in the area and taking solace in the tranquility of the suburb and easy-going lifestyle. 

Hughes said the 18 images on display vary from traditional landscape to contemporary. 

“There’s one particular image of a man standing in the water with his head forward so you can’t see his face, and that is quite a deep sense of aloneness.

“There’s a couple of shots of a trout fisherman, and there’s a sense of tranquility, there’s a shot of the 12 Apostles, which uses a technique called contre-jour which makes it looks like a midnight moonlit sun.” 

The photographic technique is French for “against daylight” and involves pointing the camera toward a source of light in order to produce backlighting of the subject. 

Hughes said that his interest in photography developed after he retired, purchasing an SLR camera, joining camera clubs, and advancing his Photoshop skills. 

He said he’s received already received a strong show of support for his works. 

“People I’ve spoken have found a few prints that they like but it varies differently depending on what type of genre their interest in.” 

Hughes said he hoped to continue his work with more contemporary photographs.

Real & Unreal Feelings runs until August 19 from 10am to 3pm weekdays and 12pm to 2pm on weekends at the Watch House Gallery.