About


Landscape and Astro Photographer

Hi!  My name is Levin Barrett. I started many years ago, about as far from photography as you could imagine, as an aircraft engineer. After 20 years I decided to fly them rather than fix them and re-educated myself to become a pilot. I am now a Captain with a major Australian airline and fly both domestically and internationally.

Through all of this I have had a passion for photography starting with an Olympus OM1 back in 1980 and had my own black and white darkroom. I drifted away from photography during my busy stage of life but 18 years ago I got back into it and have just gone nuts with photography since them.

LET'S CHAT

My Skills

I enjoy all forms of photography but have a very keen interest in landscape, seascape, astro and time lapse photography. I am a member and previous Vice President of a local large camera club in Melbourne and have participated in their competitions since joining 12 years ago.

I have participated in and received many awards in both domestic and international competitions including 3 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal at international level in 2020. I have earned an Associate level within the Australian Photographic Society, the governing body for Australian competition, achieving over 100 acceptances and over 5 awards in competition. In 2022 I was  awarded 2 Highly Commended’s at the Australian Photography Magazine’s Photographer of the Year. I am particularly proud of the Landscape Commendation as this is based on a cohesive series of 4 images that create a theme. A month later I also placed in the top 30 of the Wilderness Photographer of the Year competition and in 2023 was in the top 20.  I am currently completing a Diploma of Photography and hope to finish in the next 12 months..

I have experience in writing and delivering training and have been a ground instructor on A320, A330 and B787 aircraft to pilots for 12 years. I was the lead ground instructor on the B787 and wrote a significant amount of the courseware. Therefore training is in my blood and I have the experience and skills to pass concepts and technical skills onto anyone. As the saying goes, those who can do – those who understand teach!

Levin Barrett

GET IN TOUCH
Previous
Next
All Awards Gallery

THE RARE VIEW EXPERIENCE

How do you currently take a photo?

  • Do you go to a place in the HOPE of getting a good photo
  • If you happen to find a great scene, do you know how to get the best from that scene? Have you captured the best composition? Are your camera settings and lens suitable for that scene?
  •  Great photographic locations are rarely on the standard tourist route. How do you get there, where do you stay? Can I even get food there?

I can take you to unique and special locations where you can get the killer shot. I can give you the training, guidance and encouragement so that you can be proficient in your capture techniques. I won’t stand there and tell you to use this shutter speed and that aperture, but I will educate you so that YOU can make those decisions with confidence YOURSELF. 

And at the end of the day, a heart warming meal and a comfy bed!

I provide a well organised training workshop or tour to unique and memorable locations. I will leave you with far more photographic knowledge and practical experience at a cost that is value for money. 

Testimonials

My Husband and I had the most amazing time at the Lake Tyrell workshop. Levin was fabulous, fun and very informative. I picked up some invaluable insights into night photography and my camera, so thank you very much levin. Highly recommend. Julie Having with Star Trails
Julie
Julie
I have always been fascinated with astro photography. This workshop provided all the expertise needed to produce star trail photos along with assistance with camera settings, tuition and personalized notes. It also teaches the principles of computer software to compose Astro Landscape (star trails) photography. Levin, thanks for hosting the workshop and night outing which was both informative and fun.
I would like to thank Levin for his introduction to Astro Photography. From the first contact his communication was articulate and the attention to detail with the preparation in finding suitable locations was outstanding. The tuition onsite was clear and precise and delivered wonderful results.

I have only been back doing photography for a short time and results I got back from his tuition were amazing. You will not be disappointed. I would have no hesitation in recommending Levin and the courses that he runs to anybody serious about being successful with photography.
Levin bleeds excellence in everything photography related . He’s a kind , intelligent, quick-witted and knowledgeable person. I first attend an astrophotography workshop last year and Levin’s input on post processing skills have been an eye opener for me and I’ve been able to transfer a lot of his ideas and teachings into my work . His instructions have been clear , thoughtful and precise . In short , I couldn’t have been more pleased with Levin . He’s outstanding!
The photographic weekend at Lake Tyrell was very well organised by Levin and we enjoyed the opportunities to shoot photos at the lake - sunrises, sunsets and astro photography. Under the tutorage of Levin, we achieved great photos and he is always very patient and attentive to everyone's needs.
My Husband and I had the most amazing time at the Lake Tyrell workshop. Levin was fabulous, fun and very informative. I picked up some invaluable insights into night photography and my camera, so thank you very much Levin. Highly recommend.
Thankyou to Levin from Rareview Photography. I just completed a wonderful week crammed full of photographic opportunities. I was impressed by the thorough attention to the scheduling of locations with built in flexibility. Levin always consulted the individuals in the group to find out their personal preferences, each persons energy and enthusiasm levels before each new adventure. He was so helpful, offering excellent and tailored tuition. I found his teaching easy to follow, and he was ultimately patient and attentive when needed. On top of everything the meal breaks were plentiful and well thought out , finding places that accommodated varied dietary requirements. Nothing seemed too difficult as Levin took everything in his stride. All the accomodation was comfortable as well so that after a good night sleep I felt refreshed for the next sunrise shoot. I was so happy to be travelling in company with fun and likeminded people as we certainly had a lot of laughs along the way. My highlight of the tour was the appearance of the Aurora during our Astro shoot… though I’m not sure how Levin managed to arrange that. I have come home with many beautiful photos and some more ideas on post processing. I would love to do it again.
Lynden
Lynden
Thanks Levin for an amazing week, the locations you chose were excellent, the accomodation was comfortable and well located, plus having my own room was perfect. The food was first class, particularly the Oysters and Lobster and the transport comfortable and company of a small group were very much appreciated, we had so many good laughs. I would highly recommend your trip to anyone wanting to see the best photography Tassie has to offer, the costal locations were first class and Cradle Mountain with its Aurora was a once in a lifetime experience. I would highly recommend Rare View Photography to anyone looking for a great experience and hope to join you again in the future.
Greg
Greg
The whole week amazing; Levin is a great host who made sure we had good food, quality accommodation and many amazing photography experiences. The trip was well-planned but flexible enough to accommodate the group's needs and the weather. Highly recommended!
Yvette
Yvette
Phenomenal experience with Rareview Photography. The structure and layout of the tour was excellent, and Levin went above and beyond at every possible opportunity to ensure that the participants had the best possible experience. We got to see some amazing locations and we were generally lucky with the weather (Mid-August) overall. I appreciated that Levin had flexibility with the agenda and adapted for what suited the group and conditions on the day. Levin was extremely helpful and focused on helping improve your photography skills so as to go home with the best shots possible.
Rob
Rob
I have just had the pleasure and privilege of joining a tour of Tasmania with Levin Barrett of Rare View Photography and Richard Tatti of Nightscape Images. I had the most amazing time. We visited fabulous locations. our accommodation and meals were outstanding but best of all was the opportunity to take images with expert tuition from skilled photographers helping all the participants to achieve their goals. I would not hesitate to recommend any Tour with Rare View Photography. If you get the chance to join a small group tour - take it. You will not regret it.
Barb
Barb
Amazing tour hitting best spots Tasmania has to offer.. the food and spots picked were spot on and I loved every second .. a week was way too short!! Booked my next tour already with Rareview.. 😍
Pinky
Pinky
Hands down the best photography tour I have been on (and I have done a few): excellent tutors, friendly, approachable & they always ensured you got the shot. Accommodation & food supremely organised. Busy trip: but this was what we went for: heaps of photography. Bonus was having a fantastic time with a great bunch of people who I am happy to call my friends now. Do a Rereview Tour. You will not regret it!
Manjul
Manjul
What a brilliant Photography tour of Tasmania, small group, Very knowledgeable Mentors Levin Barrett - Rare View Photography and Richard Tatti Nightscape Images who were always willing to share and help you get the "shot" The attention given to planning the best locations for photography ,accomodation and meals made the week seamless. I come home with a new knowledge of Astrophotography, great photos and wonderful new friendships I look forward to travelling with Rare View Photography again.
Robin
Robin
Previous
Next
Cover for Rare View Photography
186
Rare View Photography

Rare View Photography

Rare View provides Photographic Training and experiences through workshops and tours. I also create Time Lapse videos for production and advertising companies.

Rare View Photography

4 days ago

Rare View Photography
City Walk ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rare View Photography

5 days ago

Rare View Photography
City Walk. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rare View Photography

6 days ago

Rare View Photography
Another from my City Walk.Floating bowl chimes. As the water pushes them around, they bump into each other and ring like a chime. Very soothing 😌 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rare View Photography

6 days ago

Rare View Photography
Due to a temporary change at work for the last few months, I've spent half my life working in the city. I've learnt a whole new hatred of public transport and for those who do it every day, I commend your patience and tolerance. In theory, my last day doing this was on Wednesday 2/10 and I finished early. With a few hours free and with camera in hand I visited some of the intriguing places I have been passing in the tram. This is the first of a few over the next few posts. I choose to do mostly B&W, it just seemed to work better for the scene.📷️Sony Alpha 7Rm5👀Sony 24-70GM2⏱️ 1/500 secs🔘 F 4.5🎞️ISO 100 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rare View Photography

1 week ago

Rare View Photography
A few photos of the family and the city. Why this random group of images? Because I took them using my restored 1933 Zeiss Ikon medium format film camera! I picked it up at an auction about 2 years ago purely as a shelf ornament but about a month ago decided to clean and lubricate it and see if it works. Well, it does. Fantastically well in fact. Great clear images despite being 100% manual. And I seriously mean manual. Needs a light meter to set exposure, I literally have to pace out the distance to my subject to set focus, no in camera indication. The downside is every time I flick the tiny shutter it costs $7 and there are only 8 photos per roll of film. But it does force me to really think through each shot and it feels very special to use a camera that is 90 years old. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Rare View Photography

1 week ago

Rare View Photography
Seems to be a week for competition results. Didn't do as well this time but given panorama's are not my specialty, no great surprise. Managed to score a bronze for this fellow so still happy 😊. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to my email list to receive "occasional" educational blogs, helpful hints, workshop and tour updates.

I will email you to advise any updates to my blog that have helpful educational training material and workshop and tour updates.

With your subscription you will :

  • Only receive an email every few weeks or longer. I won't bombard you with garbage.
  • The emails purpose is to make you aware of any new educational posts in my blog that may help your photography and to provide any updates to workshops and tours
  • I do NOT share your info to any 3rd parties and you will never receive unwanted advertising. This subscription is for helpful information from Rare View Photography ONLY.

    • Subscribe Here

    *We respect your email privacy.

    Contact Us

    • Melbourne, Australia
    • +61 0428 340 737
    • Contact@rareview.photography

    Social Networks

    Menu