Black & White
Fine Art Photography

My very early fascination with photography was entirely black and white. I loved the darkroom, which, in those days of shooting film, every serious photographer did. My initial introduction was through street photography. Later, I took my black-and-white film underwater. As the submarine world began to interest me more, I was drawn to colour film. Now, all these decades later, I’m magnetically drawn back to the world of black and white as a creative expression. I find many images have a louder voice when expressed in black and white. In a decor setting, especially for occupants who appreciate a minimalistic approach to interior design, this medium shines. 

Above left: ‘Artful Pose’ – Framed by freshwater mangroves a glossy ibis takes an artful pose while preening. Kakadu National Park and freshwater mangrove, Northern Territory.

Centre: ‘ State Of Play’ – As both naturalist and artist, emotional connection with nature is what drives me. Moments in time, like this spoonbill’s preening contortions, are what I strive to capture as writer and photographer. In this instance, the initial capture was driven more by the naturalist within however this creative expression is all about play. A state of play is where I reside when the ‘artist within’ takes over and this is what this montage is about. Royal Spoonbill preening. River Murray National Park, South Australia.

Above Right: ‘Artful Poise’ – Choose your word: grace, smoothness; taste, tastefulness, discernment, refinement, sophistication, dignity, distinction, propriety, poise, finesse, beauty, charm, polish, suaveness, panache, flair, sumptuousness, opulence, grandeur, exquisiteness; words that are descriptive of this beautiful bird in such an artful pose.  River Murray National Park, South Australia.

A graphic interpretation of the form and design of the zebra lionfish. I wanted to draw attention to its ability to all but disappear in its coral habitat through the cryptic body pattern designs benefiting the fishes behaviour as a lurking carnivore.

The interrelations between the living and non-living elements in any ecosystem are a great source of fuel for any creative soul regardless of medium. I have revelled on the many ecological and, in this case artistic, relationships for many years and find the challenges, wins, and losses, both constant and enriching. I see the content of this digital charcoal sketch – something I like to do when I am feeling particularly playful – as a triangle between the tree, the rock, and my own emotions; in this trilogy, the ‘oneness’.

Barn owls specialise in hunting animals on the ground and nearly all of their food consists of small mammals which they locate by sound, their hearing being very acute. When in flight they are completely silent. They mate for life unless one of the pair gets killed.

Trusting our inner voice can be an ultimate challenge for those of us in pursuit of a holistic life. In nature, there are many metaphors. The reef heron may remain completely still for hours waiting for the tide to bring food within striking range. Just before striking you can see the bird ever so gently rocks its body back and forth from left to right, while the head remains completely still. It is though it is considering options. Then, having learned over time through trial and error, the bird strikes with alarming speed. When a strike is unsuccessful, the birds repeat the activity until success is assured. Over, and over, and over, if necessary. If it gives up, it is dead!

Strangler fig in a temperate rainforest near my home on the Blackall Ranges south-east Queensland.

The filling of Lake Eyre draws people globally to witness the amazing transformation of parched dry land into an oasis of colour and life. Lake Eyre’s east coast, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, South Australia

Above, top to bottom: A trilogy of images from the world of mud and mangroves.

‘Twists and Turns’ – The red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, grows on aerial prop roots, which arch above the water level, giving stands of this tree the characteristic “mangrove” appearance. Through stabilisation of their surroundings, mangroves create a community for other plants and animals such as the mangrove crab and a multitude of fishes.
I find the artful twists and turns of this important and distinctive tree irresistible as subjects. Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park, Queensland.

‘Saltwater Crocodile’ – Saltwater crocodiles are the largest extant riparian predators in the world. The largest recorded was a male which measured 6.2 metres. I find them awe-inspiring, however, I do accept they are potentially hazardous creatures.

‘The Edge’ – Mudflats and mangroves King Sound Kimberley coast Western Australia.

Photography: A Pathway to Purpose is a program designed to explore a comprehensive range of tools for developing, expressing and communicating your unique creative voice.  Module 5 The Digital Darkroom, explores the processes of developing and expressing your own digital art atyle.