Innholdsfortegnelse for December-January 2026 i Australian Photography

A few years as a photographer, and it can be easy to fall into a comfortable rut. Only shooting with a shallow depth of field, mornings and sunsets at the beach, wildlife on the telephoto. The result is images that work, but also have a habit of feeling a bit formulaic if you’re not careful. Part of that comes from what we learn early on: use the right tool for the right subject, like an 85mm for portraits, a 16–35mm for landscapes, or a telephoto when you need more reach. For me, there’s also a bit of fear at play. You’ve spent all this time getting ready, waiting for good light and the right conditions, so is this really the moment to try a quirky focal length or a more…

LIQUID This was a tough competition to judge this month! There were many entries that nailed the brief, and really made us think about the many creative ways you can enter a theme like ‘Liquid’. But of course, there can only be six published shots. Here were our picks. LYN FORBES Harbour bridge reflections EDITOR’S COMMENT Lyn Forbes was at the north end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, when she noticed the abstract reflections of the bridge in the water, especially when a ferry or boat went past. “The metal of the bridge was reflected in small circular areas, in constant change,” she says. We’re suckers for water reflection shots, and this is a stunning example, edited with a gentle hand and just enough under exposure to keep a sense…

The world is full of amazing destinations, and in 2026 we’re introducing three new itineraries for you to discover. Whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, Blue Tongue’s tours and workshops offer the perfect blend of adventure and education. Each itinerary is meticulously crafted by photographers, for photographers, to showcase every landscape under its best light. You’ll have countless opportunities to enhance your photography skills with expert guidance through small-group sessions (3:1 participant-to-guide ratio), practical notes, and personalised one-on-one support. These tours are more than just travel experiences — they’re immersive journeys that allow you to connect deeply with each destination while capturing its true essence through your lens. A GLIMPSE INTO OUR FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHIC ADVENTURES • Best of Western Australia — Explore, connect, and get inspired as…

DJI’s Mini line has always promised portability without compromise. The Mini 4 Pro impressed, but the new Mini 5 Pro goes further with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, improved safety, and longer flight times in a drone that still fits in a jacket pocket. DESIGN AND BUILD At under 249g, the Mini 5 Pro is as compact and foldable as its predecessors. That featherlight design is liberating as you can carry it anywhere, but the downside is it also makes the drone less stable in the wind. Compared to my Mavic 3 Pro, it sometimes felt like a paper boat caught in a breeze. Yet, like a tightrope walker, the 3-axis gimbal still balances perfectly, keeping footage steady even as the drone wobbles. The new gimbal rotation of 225° opens up…

THIS MONTH’S WINNER ABSTRACT EXCELLENCE “I took this image at the Vancouver Aquarium. The slow drift of the jellyfish and the low lighting seemed to lend itself to a dreamy abstract image, and the black and white format highlighted the subtle features of the jellyfish.” ANTHONY’S TIP: Hi Bronwen, it is not often that I say this, but there is not a lot that I really think you need to change with this photograph. If I was to be fussy, I would prefer that the jellyfish on the top left third of the picture was sharper, in part because its level of brightness and its strong vertical alignment make it seem like the hero of this image (it’s a jellyfish going places!). If you look behind this jellyfish you will…

Led by NZ’s finest landscape & wildlife photographers - our 5-day photography masterclasses will transform your skills, techniques & creative vision. A short hop across the ditch and you’re in the heart of NZ’s South Island — where majestic mountains, alpine lakes, braided rivers, unique wildlife & dramatic high-country vistas abound. NZ’s unique natural beauty makes it a bucket-list destination for photographers worldwide. So to be able to learn from NZ’s best photographers in awe-inspiring locations are what our Masterclasses are all about. Learn, Shoot, and Create Like a Pro These immersive masterclasses blend expert tuition with hands-on fieldwork, giving you the tools to refine your skills while capturing extraordinary images. Led by award-winning photographers with exceptional local knowledge, you’ll explore both iconic and hidden locations — returning home with…

AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY: How did you choose the images for exhibition, and how many made the cut? DARRAN LEAL: It started with a request for help from my oldest son, Pearce. “We’re looking at an exhibition. What would be a good theme?” I suggested Earth, Wind, Fire. “Too old hat,” was his comment. He encouraged something less obvious, offering ideas like Salt and Freshwater, Forest and Quiet, Rock and Sky. This also allowed for a natural flow between the themes. Frazer and I have hundreds of thousands of images from around the world. Some stand out as unique, while others required careful searching to fit the themes. At the same time, the images would be displayed in different parts of the hotel, which suited having different themes. AP: Can you talk…

Sony’s new 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS promises serious reach without the bulk or cost of a prime. Designed for wildlife and sports shooters, it aims to deliver pro performance in a surprisingly portable package. BUILD & HANDLING Weighing 2,475g and 346mm long, Sony’s 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is manageable handheld for short periods. Weather-sealed with a fluorine coated front element, it resists dust and moisture, and the reversible hood with a CP filter opening is a nice touch. The tripod collar isn’t removable, which can complicate packing, and the foot doesn’t fit Arca-Swiss heads directly, though screw sockets allow custom solutions. OPTICS & FEATURES Internally, 27 elements in 19 groups—including six ED elements—control chromatic aberration. The internal zoom keeps the lens length constant, aiding stability. Five barrel switches cover AF/MF,…

In photography, Auto White Balance (AWB) is very convenient and often the best choice for most scenarios. However, when it comes to video, using AWB can quickly become a problem. The key reason is consistency. Unlike a still photo, video is a continuous recording. If your camera is set to AWB it may adjust the white balance mid-shot, especially if the lighting changes slightly or you pan between different scenes. This results in noticeable colour shifts that are difficult to fix in post. Skin tones can suddenly go from warm to cool, or your background can take on unnatural tints, distracting viewers from your content. This is especially obvious if you are shooting from two cameras at different angles or if you are cutting between shots. My advice is to…

DJI LAUNCHES OSMO NANO WEARABLE ACTION CAMERA DJI has released the Osmo Nano, a tiny 52g action camera designed to mount on hats, helmets, lanyards, or even pet collars, competing with Insta360’s Go series. It features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K/60fps video, 10-bit colour, D-Log M, slow motion at 120fps, a 143° field of view, SuperNight mode, and stabilisation with Horizon Balancing and RockSteady 3.0. The camera uses dual microphones and supports DJI’s wireless audio transmitters. Paired with the Multifunctional Vision Dock, it gains IPX4 splash resistance, remote control, fast charging, and 600 MB/s file transfer. Battery life reaches 200 minutes at 1080p/24fps. The Standard Combo (64GB $529 / 128GB $589) includes the dock, magnetic clips, protective case, USB-C cable, and a ball-joint mount. More info at DJI’s website, DJI.com. IRYS,…

Most of us have been there – we’ve bought a new camera and soon afterwards we want to make images as good as the world’s best photographers. What’s perhaps not as immediately obvious though, is that aside from a lot of experience and skill, a lens can also have a significant role in defining those great images. In some instances, these lenses might be a super telephoto used for photographing wildlife, or an ultra-wide lens for capturing extreme sports and architecture, or maybe an ultra-fast portrait lens that can grind down any background into a creamy blur. These lenses are often exotic, both in their design and price-tag, but they can also give photographers a strong aesthetic edge when it comes to capturing amazing images. Some photographers have quite literally…

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this article contains images and descriptions of deceased persons. When I join the video call to speak to famed Aboriginal photographer Mervyn Bishop, his biographer Tim Dobbyn has bad news to share: Mervyn’s in hospital. He’s ok, and despite the hospital setting, he’s still keen to talk – and there’s plenty to cover. Now a sprightly 80 years old, Mervyn’s history with photography spans nearly seven decades, from when he first started experimenting with his mum’s box brownie as a young man growing up in the little town of Brewarrina, on the Barwon River in Northwest NSW. His path – from his early days as a press photographer at the Sydney Morning Herald, to his time with the Department of Aboriginal…

Despite the low price, the iSteady feels solid and well made. The matte plastic body looks sleek, and setup takes just minutes thanks to clear instructions and visual cues. Mounting a phone is simple: clamp it centrally, power on, and connect via Bluetooth. It supports phones up to 98mm wide and 400g in weight, though bulky cases may interfere with buttons. Folded down, it is smaller than a Google Pixel 8 Pro and light enough to slip into a camera bag pocket. Charging is via USB-C. FEATURES The iSteady packs plenty in for its size. A built-in tripod folds out from the handle, offering a stable base for time-lapse or self-filming. There is also a 20cm extension rod cleverly hidden in the body, and a ¼-inch mount underneath for tripods.…

After a trip to Canada and Alaska in 2016, armed only with a point-and-shoot camera, I quickly realised I was not a natural photographer. The photos were flat and lifeless, and certainly not the results I had hoped for. I needed some expert tuition, someone who could give me the tools and knowledge I was clearly lacking. After a year of procrastination and self-doubt, I finally made the leap and joined the Berwick Viewfinders camera club. That decision marked a pivotal turning point in my photographic journey. The members at the club were very welcoming and free with advice and assistance. It was also there that I met David Norris, a seasoned mentor who was generous with his time, always available to answer my endless questions, critique my photos, and…

I have been prompted recently to think a lot about the use of light and shade following a talk in July, hosted by APS, by Nasser Haji Malek on his conceptual series. His masterly use of light and shade on his subjects profoundly affected my response to his concept. The Greek root of the word photography translates roughly to “painting with light”, and I cannot think of a better description. I am strongly influenced by my study of art. I majored in Art and Literature, and there can surely be no better teacher of photography than the study of art and the principles that inform an artist, including composition and the effect of light. In art this is referred to as chiaroscuro, an Italian phrase meaning light and dark. Light…