Bio

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
– Aaron Siskind

 

I love photography and it has taken me on a crazy journey to places I never dreamed I’d see. I am grateful for the joy that my camera has brought into my life

Here are some of the highlights for me personally:

The epic Himalayan Mountains of Ladakh, visiting Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries and photographing the history and the beautiful Ladakhi people.

Staying in house boats on famous Dal Lake. Cruising the peaceful lake at sunrise in local boats called Shikiras. Photographing the people going about their lives and the abundant bird life on the lake.

Exploring the streets of Srinagar, previously a war zone in Kashmir, still with an active military presence.

Experiencing the different cultures, religions and lifestyles of people and photographing their lives.

Sleeping in ex army tents at Pangong Lake, beside a field with active land mines.

The journey through Ladakh along terrifying, narrow, mountain roads. Trying not to look down but becoming brave enough once I knew of the beautiful images I could capture with my camera. Stopping at the highest motorable pass in the world, at a height of over 18 300 feet .

Visiting Yak herders near Pangong Lake, the highest salt water lake in the world. Capturing a tiny glimpse into their lives, living in a Yak wool tent with very limited possessions.

Experiencing the hustle and bustle of the Old Delhi Spice Markets, the largest in the world, in 46 degree heat with smog 8 times the safe level. Trying to breath with particles of Chili and spices in the air.

Being pick-pocketed in Old Delhi while I was so oblivious to who was around me, as I was photographing the action of Delhi life.

Flying in a door-less chopper over the Pearl Coast, near Broome, my first aerial photography experience.

Photographing sunsets and camels on famous Cable Beach.

Exploring the remote Kimberley region of far north Western Australia, as the trip photographer on the Eco Abrolhos charter boat. Following the foot steps of early settlers and seeing the hardship they endured trying to settle in this rugged land. Witnessing the incredible Bradshaw paintings and life of the traditional Aboriginals in this region.

Exploring and capturing the beauty of the ancient Karijini gorges in Karijini National Park, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Centuries old red rocks, waterfalls, streams and ferns make a popular location for photographers.

Travelling for 3 weeks around NZ’s south Island in a camper without any heating, in the middle of winter. Experiencing temperatures of minus 4 degrees and waking to find our frying pan frozen in the middle of the sink water.

Taking off my shoes and rolling up my jeans, to venture into the freezing waters of Lake Wanaka, to photograph the famous Wanaka Tree from a closer angle than the crowd of photographers along the bank. The low clouds and mist upon the lake was so magical.

Feeling snow fall onto my face for the first time, at Mt Cook NZ. Drinking cold glacial water from the alpine streams.

Visiting the incredible Narnia forest near Paradise in NZ and the locations of movies such as Wolverine, The Hobbit and Water Horse.

Being one of 15 finalists for the National Geographic Traveller Magazine “Best of The World” Comp, with over 30 000 entries. Followed by interviews and seeing my photo on the front of the newspaper for Nelson Mail and Christchurch news.

Photographing the world Heritage area of Shark Bay, a hot spot for photographers from all around the world.

Photographing the beauty of the Pink Lake, Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory, WA. A popular tourist attraction, which is even more beautiful to shoot from the air.

Photographing from a plane the incredible coral reefs and Cray fishing communities of the Abrolhos Islands, in the Indian Ocean, off Geraldton, Western Australia.

 

AIPP membership logo, Australian Institute of Professional Photography

Whilst holidaying in beautiful New Zealand I attended a workshop with Queenstown Photography Safari. Run by Grand Master’s Mike Langford & Jackie Ranken. This day changed my life and opened my eyes to the magic of capturing beauty through my camera. Feeling so inspired, I decided to peruse my dream to become a photographer

I received my Diploma with The Photography Institute, continued on with further modules including Travel/landscape, Food, Weddings & Portraits. 

I received my accreditation with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) in 2016 and was thrilled to reach Associate level in 2018.  https://www.aipp.com.au/

Several of my images have received awards at the AIPP’s local WAEPPA’s and the national APPA’s, in Australia. (check out the accolades gallery)

I am located in Geraldton, in the Midwest of Western Australia. My background is as a Beauty Therapist, owning and running my own businesses for nearly 30 years. I am married, Luckily my husband has been very supportive and has endured the task many times of being my “Pack horse to cart all of my camera gear” whenever we go on holidays. We have 3 boys between us and one beautiful grandson.

Thanks for visiting my site, if I can be of assistance in any way, please feel free to contact me.

Regards

Michelle