How long have you been interested in nature photography?

I have had an interest in nature photography – specifically birds – since 2006.

What got you hoooked into it in the first place?

It all started when my partner and I went camping over a series of weeks: we saw this amazing bright blue bird tweetering around the camp site one morning. I tried to take pictures of it with an instamatic and the poor photographic result started the camera arms race I’m sure we’re all familiar with LOL

Where did you learn your photography skills?

Still learning! Very supportive friends and strangers along the way and as you know the internet is a fantastic mine of information.

Were there any photographer(s) that you like and influences your style?

As for specifics, there are too many names to mention, I am always coming across wildlife books from professional nature photographers who keep me inspired and encourage me to better myself. At this stage I don’t believe I have a ’style’ (still finding my feet) but generally I seem to gravitate towards tightly cropped pictures of birds in an effort to emphasize feather details.

What is your current setup? What are the stuff in your camera bag?

My current setup is Canon 40D, 100-400mm, 500mm, Canon Flash 430ex, better beamer, Gitzo tripod, Wimberley head and Flash bracket.
I always keep a lens cleaner, allen key, spare batteries for my flash and spare memory card in my bag.
Water and lip balm are also a must LOL

What are the challenges you’ve faced to date?

One of the challenges is finding plenty of time to get out there and photograph birds and less time for work.

Being the rare few female nature photographer, I’m sure you must have gotten unwanted attention when out in the field. Does it bother you?

It bothers me a lot because I don’t like the stares and the whispers I hear when people walk past me. I have been told to get used to it but I am still very uncomfortable with it. However, most of the time when I am out in the field I always have 1 or 2 burly guys taking photos with me.

What advise would you give for other aspiring female nature photographers?

Try not to get intimidated as it is a bit of a male dominated pursuit.
Be humble and appreciate any advice that comes your way.
Lastly, have fun – there is no point being out there unless it is fun.

What is your favourite wildlife species and why?

Birds particularly passerines and a few raptors such as owls and Black Shouldered Kites. It is what got me into nature photography in the first place and it encourages me to go out and explore.

Residing in Australia means you have easy access to great birding places. Care to share a few of your current haunt?

Melbourne Botanical Gardens is good for passerines but generally west of the city has better spots ie. water treatment plant and coastal reserves.

Please share with us a couple of images that you like. Please share with our members why you like these images.

The first picture is a male Superb Blue Fairy Wren – the little fella that started it all!

Blue Fairy Wren

The second picture is a male Eastern Spinebill, a relatively common bird but one I find difficult to capture.

Eastern Spinebill

Thanks for taking the time for the interview.