Stories Told Through the Lens: Capturing Nature's Beauty

Feb 9

5 min read

Updated: Aug 21

Nature photography has a unique way of drawing you in. I have been taking photos for over 50 years. It all began with a film camera, focusing on motor racing. As technology evolved, so did my cameras. Canon has always been my go-to brand, but I’ve experimented with others too. Nowadays, even the trusty iPhone can capture stunning images.

While motor racing was thrilling, I found myself drawn to the tranquillity of nature. Nature photography encourages you to slow down, notice details, and be present in the moment. My passion now lies firmly in capturing images of wildlife and nature. However, I’ve learned that every photographic opportunity can be fulfilling. Whether it's sweeping landscapes, historic sites, intimate city scenes, or family occasions, what matters most is curiosity, patience, and the simple joy of being outdoors with a camera in hand.

People often refer to it as "still" photography, harkening back to a time when subjects had to remain motionless. But a single photograph can be anything but still; each image possesses a unique kinetic energy.

Birds and Wildlife: Patience Above All

Bird and wildlife photography is as much about observation as it is about equipment. Animals don’t adhere to a schedule, nor do they pose on command. That’s why my personal mantra for wildlife photography is simple:

Wait. Listen. Look.

Patience is everything.

The best moments often come when you stop chasing the shot and allow the environment to unfold around you. Birds, in particular, reward stillness. Whether it’s a tiny fairy-wren flitting through the undergrowth or a powerful owl chick observing the world from a branch, patience pays off.

crested hawk eagle Sri Lanka
powerful owl fledgling Ryde NSW
Male Superb fairy wren Gladesville NSW

Landscapes and Scenery

Sunset on the Napo River, Ecuadorian Amazon

It’s not always about wildlife; sunsets on the Napo River in Ecuador have provided some of my most memorable travel moments. The scale of the Amazon humbles you. It’s the quiet transitions—the changing light, softening colours, and stillness on the water—that linger long after you leave. Photography becomes less about chasing a subject and more about being present, allowing nature to reveal itself at its own pace.

sunset napo river ecuador
reflections napo river
sunset and clouds Napo river Ecuador

Equipment That Fits the Moment

For most of my photography, I use a Canon R6 Mk III. This camera provides the speed, flexibility, and image quality needed for fast-moving wildlife and more relaxed landscape work.

Birds & Wildlife

My go-to setup includes the Canon RF 100–400 mm zoom lens, often paired with a 2× extender. This combination gives me a reach of 800 mm. Wildlife doesn’t always come to you, and that extra distance can make all the difference, allowing you to capture natural behaviour without disturbing the subject.

Landscapes & City Scenes

When I travel light, I rely on the Canon RF 24–240 mm lens. It’s versatile, easy to carry, and perfect for everything from coastal landscapes to spontaneous street scenes.

Camera Settings: Control with Flexibility

I typically favour Manual (M) mode, though AV (Aperture Priority) and TV (Shutter Priority) also have their place depending on conditions. I’ve set up custom camera modes specifically for bird photography, including fast shutter speeds up to 1/3500 sec for birds in flight and incredibly fast subjects like hummingbirds.

For most of my photography, I use a combination of auto focus and manual focus, depending on the subject and conditions. Modern cameras have exceptional and fast auto focus capabilities.

That said, settings are merely tools. Comfort and familiarity with your camera are far more important than chasing perfection on the dial. Don’t hesitate to use the Auto mode that most cameras offer; it will strive to provide you with the best photo possible.

Camera maintenance is crucial, especially in areas with high humidity, rain, or dust. Take care of your cameras and lenses, and they will yield the best results. Here are some top tips:

Use a UV or Starlight filter on your lenses; it’s cheaper to replace a filter than a lens.
Always use a lens cap to protect the lens from dust and fingerprints.
Employ a lens hood to prevent sunlight flares in your photos.
Always carry extra batteries; you don’t want to miss a special moment with a dead camera.
Perform basic cleaning and maintenance often; lens smudges and dust don’t disappear after the photo is taken.
Invest in a good quality, waterproof backpack.

Beyond Australia: A World of Stories

While much of my photography is based along the east coast of Australia, travel has granted me unforgettable opportunities to document wildlife worldwide:

Ecuador – From the magical hummingbirds at Uzhupud Garden to breathtaking sunsets deep in the Amazon.
Sri Lanka – Wild elephants roaming through reserves and elusive leopards in places like Yala.
Madagascar – Lemurs that feel almost otherworldly, each encounter etched into memory.
Australia – The small birds that visit us at Forrest Delicate Nobby and the powerful owls that return year after year near our home in Sydney.

mouse lemur

Each moment and location tells a different story, and photography allows those moments to live on long after the journey ends.

The Right Place at the Right Time

Yes, photography can involve luck! Even the most professional photographers will tell you that sometimes luck is a key element. Being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference.

We spent a lot of time in Sri Lanka searching for leopards. There are only around 700 to 1,000 Sri Lankan leopards left in the wild. They are apex predators but at risk due to habitat loss. We managed to capture some photos of leopards, but we didn’t get close until late afternoon on our second day at Yala National Park. Just as we were nearing closing time, we found a lazy leopard lounging in the middle of the track!

Kati-Thanda (or Lake Eyre) fills only once every ten years or so. How lucky were we to be there during the peak of a major fill event? Did we plan it? No. But did we take advantage of the opportunity? Absolutely.

Photography Is for Everyone

One of the questions I’m asked most often is:

What do you need to do wildlife photography?

The answer is simple: yourself and a camera.

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get started. Begin with what you have. Take photos and share them with friends. Learn as you go. When you’re ready, countless online photography courses and communities await you. However, none of these can replace time spent outside, paying attention.

Major Photography Organisations & Federations

Australian Photographic Society (APS): Offers national competitions, honors, and community engagement for all skill levels.
Federation of Camera Clubs (NSW) Inc: Supports over 72 clubs in NSW/ACT with training, insurance, and competitions.
Photographic Society of Queensland (PSQ): Represents clubs throughout Queensland.
Victorian Association of Photographic Societies (VAPS): Supports clubs in Victoria.
Western Australia Photographic Federation (WAPF): Connects photographers in Western Australia.
Tasmanian Photographic Clubs List: A list of Tasmanian photographic clubs.

Enjoy the Moment

Above all, remember to stay relaxed and enjoy the experience. You can see a lot through a viewfinder, but often there’s even more to notice when you lower the camera and simply look around.

There are endless opportunities for photographs in nature, in cities, close to home, or on the other side of the world. As the saying goes:

Every picture tells a story.

The moments in nature that we capture can never truly be forgotten.