Kevin Hoffman’s Love of Photography | His Story

When you walk along the Kevin Hoffman Walk today, it’s easy to see why it has become such a special place for photographers.

The textures, the light and the quiet moments waiting to be noticed.

But long before the annual photo competition began, photography was already part of the story.

Recently, we sat down with Beverley to reflect on Kevin’s journey with photography; how it began, what he loved about it and how it quietly connects to the Walk we all enjoy today.

Where It All Began

Kevin’s love of photography started early, well before he and Beverley were married.

“I was working down in Melbourne then,” Beverley recalls, “and he’d come down on weekends.  We’d go to St Kilda Pier, sit and eat fish and chips  and he’d take photos. Usually sunsets.”

It was during those early days that Kevin entered a photograph into the Geelong Camera Club and won.

“I think it was a sunset at St Kilda, printed in black and white. He was so excited.”

From there, photography became a steady and lifelong interest. Kevin was largely self-taught but deepened his knowledge through both the Geelong, Corio Bay and Melbourne Camera Clubs.

A Love of Landscapes

Kevin was drawn to landscapes more than anything else.

“He did a little bit of portrait photography,” Beverley says, “but not much. He really loved landscapes.”

There’s something fitting about that.

Even then, he was drawn to open spaces, natural textures, and quiet scenes; the same qualities that now define the Walk.

A selection of Kevin’s photographs below reflects his love of landscape, texture and atmosphere.

Patience Behind the Lens

If there’s one word Beverley comes back to again and again, it’s patience.

“Most definitely, he was patient.”

That patience showed up not just in his photography, but in how he approached everything. Whether capturing a landscape or photographing a wedding, Kevin took his time to get things right.

“He would make sure everyone who wanted a photo got one and then he’d organise the families. He handled it really well.”

Even when things didn’t go to plan, he simply tried again.

“He’d just say, ‘Oh well, didn’t do it properly,’ and redo it.”

From Landscapes to Weddings

Over time, Kevin’s photography extended into wedding photography, working both with others and eventually running a small business from home.

It was never heavily advertised; most of the work came through word of mouth.

Years later, people would still call.

“They’d say he’d done their wedding photos years before and now they were getting married again.”

It’s a lovely reflection of the trust people placed in his work.

The Quiet Joy of Photography

When asked what Kevin loved most about photography, Beverley’s answer is simple.

“The peace. The solitude.”

Photography gave Kevin time to slow down, observe, and be present.

It’s a feeling many visitors to the Walk would recognise today.

Stories from Behind the Camera

With patience came dedication and sometimes a few memorable moments.

Beverley laughs as she recalls one trip to the Otways.

“He was standing on rocks taking photos of water running down the hillside. I was so worried he’d fall … but not for him … for the camera!”

“I told him, if you fall, make sure you protect the camera!”

Another story, from a trip to Canada, still brings a smile.

Kevin had stopped the car to photograph a cluster of trees and wandered off out of sight.

Meanwhile, cars began pulling up behind them.

“People were asking, ‘Where’s the bear? Where’s the bear?’”

“They thought he must have spotted a bear… but he was just taking photos of the trees.”

A Photographer of His Time

Kevin’s photography journey began in the days of film—when every shot mattered.

Film was kept in the fridge, and each roll allowed only a limited number of photos.

“He would really make sure the photo was how he wanted it,” Beverley explains.
“He wasn’t someone who would just take lots and hope one turned out.”

Even later, when digital cameras became available, his approach didn’t change.

“He still aimed to get the shot right.”

Editing wasn’t part of his process either.

“He left photos as they were.”

Sharing His Work

Kevin’s work was recognised through exhibitions in both Geelong and Melbourne and he was accepted into an elite photography group; something that required submitting work for approval.

“He had to produce photos to be accepted… like a master photographer level.”

Some of his work remains on permanent display in Melbourne; a quiet but lasting legacy of his talent.

Through Kevin’s Lens

A small collection of Kevin’s past photographs is shared throughout this story. While not taken at the Walk, these images offer a glimpse into the subjects, textures, light and quiet moments that drew his eye over the years.

Some are older reproductions of original prints, so a little graininess only adds to their story and era.

Photography and the Walk

Interestingly, despite his love of photography, Kevin rarely photographed the Walk itself.

“He was too busy building it,” Beverley says.

And yet, the connection is unmistakable.

The Walk reflects the same qualities Kevin was drawn to through his lens; natural textures, thoughtful composition and a sense of calm.

A Lasting Connection

In later years, Kevin took great joy in something that continues today, the Kevin Hoffman Walk Photo Competition.

“He loved it,” Beverley says.

Together, they would sit and go through the entries, carefully selecting their favourites.

“He didn’t go by what I said… but we often chose the same ones.”

Even shortly before he passed, Kevin was still involved in judging.

What Would Kevin Want You to Notice?

When asked what Kevin would want people to notice when photographing the Walk, Beverley pauses thoughtfully.

“I think he would want them to notice their surroundings.”

“The rocks… the trees… everything around them.”

“He found it very calming over there.”

More Than Just Photography

For Kevin, photography was never about money or recognition.

It was about the quiet joy of observing the world and capturing it, just as it was.

“He really just loved photography,” Beverley says.
“It gave him joy and satisfaction.”

Carrying It Forward

Today, that love of photography continues through the Walk and the many people who visit with a camera in hand.

Each photo taken along the Walk becomes part of an ongoing story, one that began long before the competition, with a young man capturing sunsets at St Kilda Pier.

And perhaps, in some small way, that same spirit lives on in every image taken here.

Continue the Story

Inspired by Kevin’s lifelong love of photography, we invite you to take part in our annual photo competition. This year’s theme, The Magic of the Walk, celebrates the beauty, wonder and quiet moments waiting to be discovered along the trail.

Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time or already enjoy photography as a hobby, we would love to see what you notice.

With thanks to Beverley for sharing her memories of Kevin and his photography.

Enjoy your Walks
Friends of Kevin Hoffman Walk