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, nightscape 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 14 years ago.

I have participated in and received many awards in both domestic and international competitions including 3 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medals at international level. 

  • In 2026, I was the winner of the Australian Photography Magazine Landscape Awards in the Urban category with 2 other entries being Finalists in the Landscape category.
  • In 2024 I was  awarded Top 20 and 3 Highly Commended’s at the Australian Photography Magazine’s Photographer of the Year. I am particularly proud of these Commendations as this is based on a cohesive series of 4 images that create a theme.
  • I have also placed in the top 30 of the Wilderness Photographer of the Year competition in 2022, Top 20 in 2023 and Top 10 (4th outright) in 2024. 
  • I am also particularly proud of the 3 Honourable mentions in the International Photography Awards New York (Lucie Awards). I received 3 of the 72 awarded out of over 12,000 entries. 
  • 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.

I have experience in writing and delivering training and have been a ground instructor on A320, A330 and B787 aircraft to pilots for 14 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! I have delivered several nightscape training workshops for the Melbourne Camera Club from 2024 and still doing so now.

With my background in Travel, I have run many very successful tours of Tasmania, New Zealand and Norway with nothing but high praise from my guests. Check out their Testimonials on Google and further down this page. 

My goal is to help you with your photographic journey and give you the best training and guidance available so you can develop and improve your skills and enjoyment.

Levin Barrett

GET IN TOUCH
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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

Superb Lofoten Islands, Norway trip organised very effectively by expert photographer Levin Barrett of Rare View Photography, and supported by Mr. Nightscape himself... the great pro photographer Richard Tatti, of Nightscape Images: ...we experienced the most beautiful "rare views" indeed. Lofoten Islands are a photographer's paradise. The itinerary was brilliant, accommodation and food great, and the transport and guides fabulous. Most of all the 'group' was hardy (see weather comment below), lively and fun. Levin was highly attentive, calm and solutions-focused on issues big (like managing complex international travel options at the start of the Iran war) and small (like a small accommodation glitch on my last night). Both Levin and Richard freely shared the skills that make them 'pros' ... my learning was huge. The weather... Outdoor activities are always in the hands of the weather gods. Travelling above the Arctic Circle is always going to prod the gods into action, for sure. High winds, rain, hail, sleet, snow ... we had it all, sometimes together!... BUT... the hardy group and leaders were upbeat on every break, crack in the clouds and bursts of blue... Seriously, the weather added beautiful drama and mood to the landscape photography. Cost versus Value: Norway is half a world away (literally). Anyone going there will experience significant cost. While I'm not rolling in dough, I picked this trip not so much as a 'holiday', but as a valuable experience, involving my photographic passion. My value dimensions? Location opportunity (NZ on steroids) + expert & trustworthy leaders + small practical group (same interest) + huge learning opportunities and outcomes. Add laughs, fun, flexibility and friends. One of my key outcomes? ... taking photographs I never knew I could do. That's value.
Phillip
Phillip
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
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