Lyndal Curtis' dad introduced her to photography early in life. They went on photography excursions together and turned the family laundry into a darkroom.
The former political reporter is now one of 12 photographers in the country selected to contribute to the 2020 Australian Weather Calendar.
Ms Curtis entered her image The Icing on the Cake, in a competition run by the Bureau of Meteorology and claimed the month of October for her prize.
She captured the photo at the Jerrabomberra wetlands near Lake Burley Griffin. She said she was just strolling the area with her camera, looking to capture the beauty of the Canberra winter when she was drawn to the effect of frost and ice.
When as a youngster year 12 came around, life decisions needed to be made. While studying photography in Melbourne was tempting, ultimately journalism in her home town of Canberra was the path for her.
It turned out to be a good choice.
Ms Curtis built a career in radio and television on the political beat, for the most part with the ABC and then with Sky. She met her husband in the parliament house gallery.
But after 30 years of life dedicated to deadlines she needed a break. She said modern politics felt boring and superficial.
"There used to be a mix of politicking and policy, but now it's just all politics," Ms Curtis said.
While on long service leave three years ago, she picked up a camera and rediscovered her love of the craft she said she found calming.
She said photography makes her feel free and independent, it's her "happy place", she likes not having to talk to people or having a boss.
"I love that it's just me and my camera and no one telling me what to do, I make all the decisions," Ms Curtis said.
The Australian Weather Calendar, a joint project between the bureau of meteorology and the Australian meteorological and oceanographic society, covers weather events from every state and territory and the "southern lights" from Antarctica.
Highlights include Mal Brewitt's Window to the sky which captured a storm in the Brisbane CBD from an apartment view and Lending a hand a vibrant sunset over a lake in Mallacoota taken by local photographer Martin Ascher.
In its 36th year the theme of the calendar is "weather safety for all Australians", every page offers visuals from competition winners around the country and safety messages with the theme, "Know your weather. Know your risk".
Ms Curtis' love for her community is obvious. She said the community of local photographers was wonderfully supportive and on weekends she enjoyed connecting with them.
She is the rare breed of Canberran who loves the winter and her photography reflects that. Her shots play with water, landscapes and nature at a macro level.
