She was officially opening Public Exposure, a joint exhibition by local photographers Ben Marden, Andrew Brown and Stuart Carless, before a crowd of about 100 people.

"Photography is such an inspiring art form, a beautiful combination of science, technology and art," Ms Robinson said.

"It is one that captures a moment in time and forms a part of our history.

"It can draw on our emotions, it is about memories, good times, family photos and images that map the course of time in our lives.

"The sapphire Coast region is blessed with a contrast of amazing environments and I note that most of the images seen here are in our own backyard.

"Tonight has been an amazing journey around it.

"All three photographers have made a very powerful statement and in a three-dimensional world conveying an image in a two dimensional photograph can be quite a challenge.

"They have each played a key role in inspiring visitors to the Sapphire Coast and in the photographs you see here each of them has captured the very essence of our magnificent region," she said.

In responding, Mr Marden said the photographers each took their work seriously but that their work was not serious.

"Photography is a democratic art form - it means something different to each of us. It is a reflection of reality," he said.

"It is not the equipment you use that makes the photo; it is the idea of the person using it.

"My idea of a good photo is one that makes you feel something," he said.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays until June 6.