Category: Gallery

  • Bringing Nature to the Office: A Photography Project That Inspires

    Bringing Nature to the Office: A Photography Project That Inspires

    As a nature photographer based in Australia, I’ve always found joy in capturing the delicate moments of wildlife. From the colourful wings of birds to the quiet elegance of plants, each photograph tells a story of life’s intricate balance. Recently, I had the opportunity to share this passion in an unexpected way—by transforming the office walls of my workplace into a living gallery of nature.

    The Story Behind the Artwork

    It all began when my company opened a new office in my city. The space was vast, with empty walls that echoed the potential for something special. A couple of engineers from my team visited the office to check out the space, and while they were there, they were told about the challenge of finding artwork that would complement the room and create an inviting atmosphere. Knowing my background in photography, they thought I might be able to assist.

    When they mentioned the issue to me later, the idea immediately clicked. Why not bring my nature photography into the office? The more I thought about it, the more it felt like the perfect fit.

    When it came time to select the images, my criteria went beyond just matching colours to the office decor. I wanted to capture photographs that not only aligned with the aesthetic but also held a deeper connection to the company’s work environment. After all, this office wasn’t just any space—it was a place where innovation and hard work took place. So, I decided to focus on images taken at or near our work site. This way, the art would feel personal and rooted in the very space where we all came together to create, collaborate, and contribute.

    After discussing the vision, we dived into the project. I took measurements of the office walls, defined the scope, and began narrowing down the perfect images. Ultimately, I chose a series of large prints featuring zebra finches—those tiny, vibrant birds that are as full of life as they are beautiful. These birds not only captured the essence of nature’s wonder but were also photographed in the immediate vicinity of the work site, giving the art an added layer of meaning and connection.

    In addition to bringing my nature photography into the office, my role was to carefully select and prepare the images for print. Out of the thousands of photos I’ve captured, I had to narrow it down to just 11 that would truly convey the essence of nature and complement the office’s atmosphere. Selecting these images was both thrilling and challenging, as each one needed to not only stand out on its own but also create a harmonious visual experience when displayed together.

    Once I had the final 11, I digitally processed each image to ensure they were properly colour-corrected, sharpened, and adjusted for the best possible quality. The goal was to make sure every photo looked vibrant and crisp before sending them off to the lab for printing. Although I wasn’t directly involved in the printing process itself, I worked closely to ensure that the digital files were prepared to the highest standard before they were sent off for the large-scale prints.

    The Print Process

    We chose to print the images on large aluminium plates, which added a sleek, modern touch to the office while also enhancing the vivid colours of the photographs. The high-quality prints came out looking amazing—vibrant, sharp, and full of detail. The moment I saw the finished pieces, I was excited but also a little nervous. Would they look as good in the space as they did on my computer screen?

    The answer was yes. The artwork fit seamlessly into the office. The colors of the finches blended beautifully with the space, and I could already tell that the office workers were responding to it positively.

    A Funny Moment Captured

    But the second image in the series added an extra layer of personality. In this shot, I captured a hilarious moment from the life of grey-headed honeyeaters. Two of the birds are perched on top, looking down at a third bird who’s hanging from a foot—literally, clinging on with one foot as it dangles below the others.

    What makes this moment even more amusing is that one of the birds perched on top appears to be standing directly on the foot the bottom bird is hanging from! It’s almost as if the perched birds are either trying to help or laughing at the situation, as if they’re asking, “What now?” or “How did this happen?” It’s a perfect snapshot of nature’s funny and unpredictable moments.

    I hope this photograph, in particular, will bring a smile to people’s faces every time they pass by it. It’s one of those moments that reminds us how humour and joy can come from the most unexpected places—even in the lives of small, delicate birds.

    Installation Day: A Moment of Pride

    The day the prints were installed was a memorable one. Watching the installation process was thrilling—I saw how the pieces, each one larger than life, transformed the space. They breathed life into what was once a sterile, empty room, and I was pleased to see the team reacting with such enthusiasm. The vibrant colours and delicate forms of the zebra finches seemed to instantly create a connection with everyone around.

    But what truly made this experience even more fulfilling was hearing a comment from one of my colleagues. A lady from the office mentioned she was so inspired by the zebra finches that she was planning to draw them! To know that my work had sparked someone’s creativity was truly heartwarming. It was a reminder that art does more than decorate a space—it can inspire new ideas, provoke thought, and even encourage a deeper connection with nature.

    The Impact of Art in the Workplace

    It’s funny how something as simple as a photograph of a bird can carry such profound meaning. In an office filled with engineers and professionals working on complex projects, having a piece of nature on the walls provides a subtle, yet powerful reminder of how delicate life can be. The zebra finches, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colours, serve as a daily inspiration to stay mindful of the balance in nature and the world around us.

    For me, this project has been a fulfilling journey. Not only did I get to share my passion for nature photography, but I also created an environment where creativity and inspiration can flourish. Art in the workplace isn’t just about making the space look nice—it’s about cultivating an atmosphere where people feel motivated, connected, and inspired.

    Looking Ahead: Nature Talks at Work?

    Reflecting on the positive impact these photos have had on the team, I can’t help but wonder if there’s an opportunity to take this even further. Wouldn’t it be interesting to host a presentation or discussion about the nature surrounding us at work? I could share more about the specific species we see in and around the office, dive deeper into their behaviours, and even uncover some funny facts about our feathered friends—like those grey-headed honeyeaters and their amusing antics!

    I think it could be a fun, educational experience that encourages us all to appreciate the small, often-overlooked wonders of the natural world, right outside our doors. Who knows—maybe we’ll even inspire a few more budding artists, photographers, or wildlife enthusiasts within the team!

    As for me, I’m already thinking about the next opportunity to bring more of nature’s beauty into spaces where people work and create. After all, art has the power to shape not just our surroundings but also our mindset.

    So, here’s to the little moments of inspiration—and to the zebra finches that now have a home in the office, inspiring us all every day.

  • Captured in the Snow: The beauty of the Comb-crested Jacana

    Captured in the Snow: The beauty of the Comb-crested Jacana

    This story began during my search for compelling, storytelling images when I decided to visit one of the local parks. Initially, there was nothing particularly exciting or unusual to photograph. It wasn’t until near the end of my walk, at the shallow end of the lake, that I noticed a stunning sight: a blanket of snowflakes covering the water like a pristine white carpet.

    Whenever I come across flowers like these, I always aim to capture a bird amongst them, and this time, I was fortunate enough to have a live model to bring my idea to life – a Comb-crested Jacana. This bird is an intriguing species, typically quite skittish, but on this occasion, when it noticed me, it quickly ran to the edge of the lake, where I managed to capture a rare shot of it on the grass. This was a moment I don’t recall ever witnessing before, and a great achievement in itself.

    To minimise my impact on the scene, I lay down and used my camouflage to blend in. While the bird remained aware of my presence, it was calm enough to relax and begin moving around. Gradually, I was able to inch closer to my vision of having the Jacana surrounded by the delicate snowflakes. Over the next two hours, I worked my way from the edge of the lake, getting progressively closer to the centre of the blooming carpet.

    The results of my two-hour session are proudly shared below.

  • Small, Spotted, and Fierce: The Mighty Northern Quoll

    Small, Spotted, and Fierce: The Mighty Northern Quoll

    The Australian bush changes after dark. As the heat fades and the night insects begin their chorus, a small spotted predator emerges from the rocks and hollow logs. The northern quoll is quick, curious, and surprisingly fierce for its size. Photographing this elusive marsupial means entering a world most people never see—one of midnight hunts, agile climbs, and a creature fighting to survive in a rapidly changing landscape.

    Fun Facts about Northern Quoll

    • They’re Australia’s tiny “tiger cats” – Despite their small size (about the length of a ruler plus a tail), northern quolls are fierce predators. Their reddish-brown fur covered in white spots has earned them nicknames like “native tiger cat.”
    • They’re carnivorous marsupials – Unlike kangaroos or koalas, quolls are meat-eaters. A northern quoll’s diet can include:
      • insects
      • spiders
      • small reptiles
      • birds
      • small mammals
      • They’re opportunistic hunters and excellent climbers.
    • Males live shockingly short lives – One of the most dramatic facts: male northern quolls die after their first breeding season. During mating season they go into a hormone-driven frenzy—often mating with multiple females for hours at a time, barely eating or sleeping. The stress leads to immune collapse and death, meaning most males live only about one year.
    • They’re night explorers – Northern quolls are nocturnal, spending their nights roaming rocky outcrops, forests, and savannas in search of food. During the day they sleep in tree hollows, rock crevices, or termite mounds.
    • Their feet are built for climbing – They have rough pads and sharp claws, allowing them to scale trees, cliffs, and even buildings surprisingly well.
    • Cane toads are one of their biggest threats – The arrival of the invasive Cane Toad has devastated many northern quoll populations. Quolls try to eat them but are poisoned by the toads’ powerful toxins. Conservation programs now train quolls to avoid toads by giving them small, nausea-inducing meals made from toads so they learn the taste is bad.
    • Females have only six teats – a female quoll typically gives birth to 20–30 tiny young, but she only has six teats, so only the strongest six survive to develop in the pouch.
    • They once lived across northern Australia – Today they’re mostly found in northern parts of Australia, especially rocky habitats across regions like Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland.
    • They’re endangered in the wild – Because of threats like cane toads, feral cats, habitat loss, and fire, the northern quoll is listed as endangered. Conservation groups and zoos are working hard to protect them.

    Dusk in Quoll Country

    While working in the Northern Territory, I was lucky enough to spend time on Groote Eylandt, one of the few places where northern quolls still thrive. Photographing them required patience more than anything else. I would arrive at a likely spot before sunset and sit quietly, trying not to move while the bush gradually shifted from day to night. Although these little predators are technically nocturnal, they sometimes emerge a few minutes before the sun actually disappears. On several evenings a curious quoll would appear while there was still plenty of light, which meant I was able to capture a few rare daylight photos of these normally night-active animals.

    Where Quolls Still Rule

    One reason Groote Eylandt is such an important refuge for the Northern Quoll is the absence of the invasive Cane Toad. Across much of northern Australia, cane toads have devastated quoll populations because the animals attempt to prey on them and are poisoned by their powerful toxins. Groote Eylandt, however, remains one of the few places where toads have never established a population. Strict biosecurity controls on incoming ships and cargo help prevent them from reaching the island. Without this deadly invader, northern quolls here can still live much as they once did across the mainland—roaming the landscape as one of the area’s small but dominant predators.

    Moments with a Northern Quoll

    The photos below capture a few moments I was lucky enough to witness while observing northern quolls on Groote Eylandt. Watching these small predators emerge from the rocks, sniff the air, and cautiously explore their surroundings was an unforgettable experience. Every encounter felt slightly different—sometimes just a quick appearance before they vanished into the bush, other times a curious individual lingering long enough for a few frames. If you’ve ever seen or photographed a Northern Quoll yourself, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment and share your own experience or tips for spotting these incredible animals in the wild.

  • My best photos from 2023

    My best photos from 2023

    In this article, I want you to focus on enjoying the photos, rather than wading through lengthy explanations. For those of you who follow most of my posts, you’ll likely find full articles with all the behind-the-scenes details for many of these shots.

    Included in these shots are photos of the black butcherbird, where I experimented with the dark key technique, a house sparrow against a colorful seed-filled background, a dotterel stretching a worm, a bee-eater captured mid-flight, and a megapode making a loud call.

    That said, I’d love to hear your thoughts—let me know which photo is your favourite!

  • When the Desert Turns Crimson

    When the Desert Turns Crimson

    The Heat of the Desert

    The Tanami Desert is getting less rain this year compared to last, and air temperatures are reaching new extremes, with highs of 44°C and ground temperatures soaring to 75°C. This intense heat drastically limits the time both wildlife and I can spend outdoors. A thermal image of my boot shows surface temperatures nearing 60°C after walking, while nearby termite mounds register even higher ground temperatures — hot enough that it feels like my feet are being slowly boiled inside my boots. While I usually enjoy long hours out in the cooler weather, the past few months have made it tough to stick to my usual routine. And I’m not exaggerating; the following thermal images tell the story.

    Thermal image of my boot after 10 minutes walk in the desert (~60°C)
    Thermal image of a termite mound (~75°C).

    An Unexpected Encounter

    One early morning, I managed to get out before the heat rolled in, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted a bright red bird hopping along the ground. There aren’t many birds with such a striking colour, and it immediately grabbed my attention. It was a Crimson Chat. I’d seen one last year and assumed they’d just pass through the desert without stopping, like some migratory birds do. I thought if you were lucky enough to spot them, it would only be for a short window—just a couple of days. But I’m happy to admit I was wrong. To my surprise, the Crimson Chats are ground-dwellers, more like pipits than the tree-perching birds I expected. This changed everything, and I realised I had been searching in the wrong places.

    The Allure of the Crimson Chat

    As someone who loves capturing vibrant red tones in my photos, I was thrilled at the chance to spend more time with these incredibly bright and captivating birds—ones that never seem to lose their charm through the lens.

    The Challenge of Capturing the Chats

    I now understand why photographing them on the ground is such a challenge. First, they’re incredibly active and rarely stop moving, making it hard for even the most advanced autofocus systems to keep up. Second, they prefer areas with dense spinifex grass, which makes getting an eye-level shot nearly impossible. The spinifex, which is everywhere, constantly blocks clear views. Lastly, the intense heat haze that often hangs over the ground also makes it difficult to get sharp, focused shots.

    A Stroke of Luck

    Earlier in the season, I was lucky to find some controlled burns had cleared areas of the spinifex, opening up small gaps through which I was able to get clearer views and photographs.

    And then—look at those colours! I’m still in awe of the vivid sight of these birds.

    The Female Crimson Chat

    In the next photo, you’ll see the female Crimson Chat, and you’ll notice the stark difference in colouration. While the males are bright and eye-catching, the females are much more subdued. This is likely an evolutionary trait to help them blend in while nesting and avoid drawing attention.

    A Game of Hide and Seek

    One memorable encounter involved a bit of “hide and seek” with a female. I tracked her until she darted behind a small bush and disappeared from view. If you can spot her in the photo, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

    Laughs and Learnings: Fun Facts about Crimson Chats

    • The “Bouncy” bird. Crimson Chats are often described as “bouncy” birds. Instead of walking or running like most other birds, they hop around on the ground, much like a little kangaroo. This hopping behaviour is cute and comical to witness, especially when they bounce energetically from one spot to the next as if they’re on a spring-loaded trampoline!
    • The “Flamboyant” Males. Male Crimson Chats really know how to stand out, often flaunting their vibrant red plumage like they’re on a runway. They practically scream, “Look at me!” when they’re trying to attract a mate, but ironically, their bold appearance makes them an easy target for predators. It’s like they’ve dressed for a party but forgot it’s a survival game. Talk about a fashion risk!
    • The “Chatty” Socialites. Though their calls are not overly loud or frequent, when a group of Crimson Chats does decide to have a “chat,” it’s like they’re gossiping in a birdie huddle. It’s almost like they’re trying to decide who’s got the best feathers or who’s won the title of the most stylish bird in the desert. Their calls sound like little whispers—birds seem to gossip as much as humans!
    • The “Oops, I’m a Ground Bird!” Moment. Crimson Chats can be hilariously awkward when it comes to tree hopping. Though they’re mostly ground-dwellers, they’re technically capable of hopping up onto low branches, but their attempts often look pretty funny, as if they’re not quite sure what they’re doing. They tend to look slightly confused about the whole “perching” thing, almost like they’re saying, “I don’t think I belong here… do I?”
  • Bali’s Wild Side: A Photographer’s Notes on Birds and Beyond

    Bali’s Wild Side: A Photographer’s Notes on Birds and Beyond

    My overall impression of Bali

    Bali is not an ideal destination for a wildlife photographer. In my experience, there are very few publicly accessible parklands or natural areas. Much of the land is heavily subdivided and intensively used for rice cultivation, meaning it is frequently flooded and difficult to traverse. Water is everywhere on Bali due to the extensive rice fields and irrigation systems, with constant running streams forming part of the landscape. Narrow strips of tall trees do exist, but access is often impossible due to surrounding rice paddies.

    Pick your favoruite photography destination!

    The climate is extremely humid and moist, resulting in rapid and dense vegetation growth. While this creates lush scenery, it allows birds to disperse widely rather than congregating in smaller, predictable areas. The constant sound of running water also makes it difficult to hear the calls of smaller birds, further complicating efforts to locate them. In urban and semi-urban areas, land is almost entirely given over to residential development. Waterways are noticeably polluted, and it is not uncommon to see waterbirds perched on floating islands of rubbish. Overall, it is far from a perfect location for wildlife photography.

    Don’t get me wrong — I still thoroughly enjoyed the trip for many reasons, one of them being the exposure to an entirely new range of species. In Australia, it often takes me around six months to encounter a new bird, so discovering 30 new species during a short stay in Bali was genuinely exciting. I wasn’t able to photograph every species I saw, so I’ll be sharing only those I managed to capture through the lens.

    There won’t be any breathtaking images in this article, and I was perfectly ready for that. Over the years, I average about one truly good image per month, each requiring hours of patient work. In Bali, my time was limited and weather conditions far from ideal, so I didn’t expect miracles. This post is really about celebrating the incredible variety of new birds I encountered, learning more about them, and observing their behaviours — not producing gallery-worthy shots.

    Javan Pond-Heron

    A stocky heron often seen stalking rice paddies and wetlands, changing from plain brown to striking chestnut and white during the breeding season.

    Interesting fact: Outside the breeding season it looks so different that it’s often mistaken for a completely different species.

    Frequently seen in rice fields, it was the very first bird I managed to photograph.

    White-breasted Waterhen

    A bold, dark waterbird with a crisp white face and breast, frequently heard before it’s seen.

    Interesting fact: Despite its chicken-like appearance, it’s an excellent swimmer and can even dive when threatened.

    Another familiar resident of the rice fields, this bird seems to have a healthy population. Despite being rather stealthy, it’s still spotted regularly.

    Scaly-breasted Munia

    A small finch with a distinctive scalloped pattern across its chest, usually found in grassy areas and farmland.

    Interesting fact: These birds are highly social and often feed in tight-knit flocks.

    These birds feed on seeds, including rice. Interestingly, eBird removed it from my Australian life list, so I’ve now effectively ‘rediscovered’ it here in Indonesia.

    Javan Kingfisher

    A stunning kingfisher with a turquoise body and heavy red bill, endemic to Java and Bali.

    Interesting fact: Unlike many kingfishers, it often hunts insects and small reptiles away from water.

    It was one of the birds I most wanted to capture, but its vibrant colours only came alive in sunlight — which I sadly lacked. And every time I aimed my camera, I was always just a split second too late.

    Japanese Sparrowhawk

    A compact raptor with sharp features and powerful wings, typically seen darting through forest edges.

    Interesting fact: It’s a long-distance migrant, travelling from northern Asia to Indonesia during the non-breeding season.

    A tiny raptor, yet in shape and markings it closely resembles the Australian Brown Goshawk.

    Ornate Sunbird

    A tiny, energetic bird with iridescent colours that shimmer in the sunlight, especially in males.

    Interesting fact: Its curved bill is perfectly adapted for feeding on nectar, making it an important pollinator.

    I was delighted to spot these birds, but unfortunately their favourite perches were too high and too distant to photograph.

    Yellow Bittern

    A small, secretive heron with warm yellow-brown plumage, often hidden among reeds.

    Interesting fact: When alarmed, it freezes with its bill pointed upwards, blending almost perfectly with surrounding vegetation.

    Perhaps this was my rarest find. Given the secretive nature of bitterns, it felt like beginner’s luck to actually spot one.

    Bar-winged Prinia

    A lively, grey-brown songbird commonly seen flitting through shrubs and open woodland.

    Interesting fact: Its call is far more noticeable than its appearance, often giving away its location.

    These birds are constantly active among the reeds, making clear views nearly impossible even though their calls are heard all the time.

    Eurasian Sparrow

    A familiar urban bird with brown, black and white markings, thriving around villages and towns.

    Interesting fact: It’s one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, closely associated with human settlement.

    One more bird that pretty much everyone knows.

    Black-crowned Night Heron

    A stocky heron with a glossy black cap and red eyes, usually active at dusk and night.

    Interesting fact: During the day, it often roosts in large groups, sometimes surprisingly close to busy human areas.

    It was a real pleasure to spot these nocturnal birds.

    Javan Munia

    A small finch with rich brown plumage and a thick bluish bill, common in grasslands and rice fields.

    Interesting fact: It feeds mainly on grass seeds, making it a frequent companion to agricultural landscapes.

    Large, noisy flocks patrolled the rice fields, making it difficult to approach without them taking flight.

    Purple Heron

    A tall, elegant heron with elongated neck and subtle purple tones, favouring wetlands and marshes.

    Interesting fact: It is more slender and stealthy than the Grey Heron, often hunting while concealed in reeds.

    This was another species I was eager to photograph. At first, it was far beyond the reach of my 800mm lens, but thankfully the rain drove them closer to the edges of the nearby mangroves. Extremely cautious of any movement, this bird kept me waiting for 40 minutes before it finally felt comfortable enough to start preening its feathers.

    Racket-tailed Treepie

    A striking black bird with long tail feathers ending in racket-shaped tips.

    Interesting fact: It’s highly intelligent and curious, sometimes approaching people to inspect shiny objects.

    These birds were hilarious to watch as they leapt into the air to catch prey, their long tails trailing behind with a slight, comical delay

    Javan Myna

    A dark, glossy starling with bright yellow facial skin and legs, commonly seen in open country and towns.

    Interesting fact: It’s an excellent mimic and can copy a wide range of sounds, including human speech.

    As with any other myna, these birds are firmly established, though nine times out of ten they choose perches that are far too high for a decent shot.

    Plantain Squirrel

    One of Bali’s most commonly seen squirrels, the plantain squirrel is a small, quick-moving tree dweller with a reddish belly and a bold black-and-white stripe along its side. It’s often spotted darting through gardens, temples and forest edges, rarely sitting still for long.

    Funny fact: plantain squirrels have a habit of scolding anything they don’t trust — including photographers — with a rapid series of sharp chirps, as if loudly complaining about being photographed without permission.

    Long-tailed Macaque

    A medium-sized, agile monkey with a distinctive long tail and expressive face, often grey-brown in colour. They are extremely common in Bali’s forests, temples, and tourist areas.

    Interesting fact: They are called “crab-eating macaques” because, in the wild, they sometimes catch and eat small crabs in mangrove areas.

    These monkeys can be quite annoying, as they’re notorious for stealing anything that isn’t properly secured. I was naïve enough to think I could grab a photo with one — until I heard my backpack being unzipped.

    I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever visited Bali and explored its wildlife? Which bird was your favourite encounter on the island? And among the species I’ve shared in this post, which one catches your eye the most? Drop a comment below and let’s share our love for these incredible creatures.