Australian Outback Adventure

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Australia | Tuesday, October 4, 2011 | 5 photos

This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip into the heart of the Australian Outback to see the desert in flood. Lake Eyre, normally a dry salt pan and the lowest point in Australia, was at capacity following unprecedented flooding in Queensland and re-forming Australian’s ancient ‘inland sea’. This phenomenon is a very rare occasion, perhaps a handful of times per century. Normally red, the outback was a patchwork of pastel colours and abundant in life. In these photographs I have attempted to capture the magnificent beauty and diversity of the vast Australian Outback which covers most of the continent. The word desert conjures up images of sand dunes and lifelessness. Nothing could be further from the truth in the Outback, which is teeming with life and colour if you have the time and patience to explore it, and a good 4x4 of course!
In this sequence of photographs, I have tried to convey the depth and breadth of the diversity of the Outback as well as capturing unusual scenes of desert flooding. I also attempt to show the vastness of the place and sense of total isolation.
I have always been passionate about photography and animals and therefore have a particular interest in wildlife photography, although I am getting better at taking landscapes too. All my photographic skills have been self-taught and I would welcome the opportunity to work alongside an accomplished professional and learn techniques and tips in the field with someone equally passionate about his photography. As a secondary school teacher, I know the joys of sharing the teaching and learning experience and it would be great to remind myself of the student side of this process. Whilst I am passionate about my own teaching too, wildlife photography is something I would love to pursue if I had a chance.