I don't recall the exact moment I began my journey into photography, but it certainly predates the digital era. With a young family, I often found myself capturing moments on film and making frequent trips to the local shops to get the photos developed. In 2007, I decided to enroll in an evening photography class, where I was introduced to the world of DSLR cameras. At that time, I didn’t even own a digital camera, but the experience opened my eyes to photography as a creative outlet.

Shortly after, I purchased a Nikon D80 and taught myself to shoot in manual mode. Gradually, I developed a passion for landscape photography and eventually upgraded to a Nikon D750 full-frame camera along with high-quality lenses. I should mention that I don’t have any plans to transition to mirrorless cameras anytime soon.

Like any genre of photography, landscape photography presents its unique set of challenges. Photographers have limited control over critical elements such as weather, light, logistics, and the time of day. It's all about composition—deciding what to include or exclude—while striving to create an image that encapsulates the moment.

What I cherish most about landscape photography is the opportunity it provides to capture the beauty of nature. Year in and year out, we are graced with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The changing weather brings a variety of elements—clouds, wind, rain, and lightning—that enhance the scenery. Our coastlines, lakes, and lagoons are alive with lapping waves, abundant birdlife, and stunning reflections. Open roads stretch for miles, bordered by dusty plains and majestic mountain ranges, while our forests and parks are filled with towering trees, leaf litter where small creatures forage, and vibrant wildflowers that spring to life.

I hope you enjoy my photographs as much as I enjoy creating them.

Julie Browne, Adelaide Hills, South Australia