With the funding Mr Hyde will be mentored by south west-based photographer John Austin through Country Arts WA.

Usually a landscape photographer, the mentorship will see Mr Hyde develop his portraiture skills.

“[John Austin] is a fine black and white photographer,” he said.

“He’s been an informal mentor of mine over the period I’ve been taking photos, which is about 15 years.”

A major exhibition of Mr Hyde’s photographs will be held at the end of year, portraying people and places in the South West and Goldfields-Esperance regions.

“It will open at the Cannery, then we’ll take it to Pemberton and Perth,” he said.

“Hopefully more galleries will take interest along the way.”

Mr Hyde, who uses traditional photographic tools, said he did not have email until recently.

“I have a lot of digital learning to do!” he said.

“That will play a big part in what John is teaching me to do.”

Esperance Community Arts executive officer Sophie Davidson said the local arts body would support Mr Hyde in his endeavours throughout the year.

“The mentorship is a credit to him,” she said.

“It reflects how dedicated he is to his practice.

“[A mentorship] is quite hard to get, so it’s a testament to his high standard.”