australia Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

A Guide to Photogenic Landscapes + Locations in the Whitsundays

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:25:53 +0000

Your Photography Guide to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia In the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a collection of 74 Whitsunday islands await visitors with their fish filled waters, snorkelling hot spots and lush coves aplenty ready for sailors to float on in. The magical Whitsundays were first visited by Captain Cook in 1770 when he noted ‘Indeed the whole passage is one continued safe harbour,’ on the morning of Sunday, 3 June. Its sparkling seas are now infamous for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and of course for tourists travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they explore the endless dive and swimming locations amongst the myriad of islands. For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores offer a playground of opportunities to take that perfect tropical landscape shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for five years I’ve used these special spots over and over again in all seasons and can safely say you won’t leave the Whitsundays without your own series of amazing photos. This destination guide is my way of sharing one of my favourite places in the world, a collection of photogenic experiences and locations for you to visit whether you’re...

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Photographing the Capital – A Creative’s Guide to Canberra

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:31:47 +0000

A Creative’s Guide to Canberra, Australia Let’s paint a picture. As the sun rises, gentle ripples start to sparkle as they hit the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The day ahead will be filled with gallery hopping, history, cafes and nature walks, ending with a sunset stroll along a path lined with blossoms and birdsong. Welcome to Canberra, Australia’s capital. For photographers, Canberra is a creative hub blending natural wonders with architectural spaces celebrating our nations talents, both past and present. The peaks of the snowy mountains rise to the south, coastal coves and beautiful beaches 90mins to the east and there’s stunning countryside and vineyards in all directions. My family is from Canberra and the nearby South Coast, so I thought it only fitting after so many visits over the years, to compile a guide to my favourite places to photograph and get inspired. Before we get started, I wanted to mention one thing that enhances my love for Canberra. It’s planned. Back in 1912, a drawing by architect Marion Mahoney Griffin, on behalf of her husband Walter Burley Griffin, also an architect, won an international competition to design the city. The design was based on the natural topography of...

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A Guide to Tropical North Queensland Photography Experiences

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 22:59:46 +0000

Travel in Queensland – The Tropical North Rainforest to Reef – Experience the natural beauty of Queensland, Australia with this guide to the most photogenic outdoor experiences you can have from the Atherton Tablelands to Cape Tribulation. Growing up in Australia, there was this one children’s book I remember being obsessed with called ‘Where the Forest Meets the Sea’ by Jeannie Baker. It described everything dreams as a little future explorer were made of with tangled trunks of giant rainforest trees hiding Dinosaur shadows in a land where the lush green landscapes met clear blue seas. It was like Where’s Wally for nature lovers, and 8yr old me was hooked. Well, now that I’m a travel obsessed adult, I’ve finally visited the exact place this book spoke of all those years ago…Tropical North Queensland. Spoilt with year-round warmth, rich colourful vistas and natural wonders, this part of Australia is a photographer’s haven for all things outdoorsy and beautiful. From the waterfalls to the reef, there’s so many places to visit to get amongst nature whether you’re hiking, swimming or flying high over the scenery. To sum up the regions photography offerings, I’ve put together a little guide below to what I...

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Closer to Home – Port Macquarie Photography Locations

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 01:40:31 +0000

A Guide to Port Macquarie Photo Spots + Scenic Locations They say the further you go the more you’ll find but you know what…sometimes there’s also beauty lying right in front of your own doorstep. Having lived interstate and abroad for roughly 14years, I’ve recently had a desire to explore more of Australia. The coast, the centre, the rugged ranges and patterned landscapes. I’ve long known of the dramatic contrasts across the country but I knew little of the photogenic hot spots that lay around my own hometown. With a coastline of 17 beaches, Port Macquarie has so much natural beauty to explore and this past year I’ve finally had a chance to see where I grew up through my lens. Located just 4 hours drive north of Sydney, Port Macquarie is the type of place where families come for their holidays, where people choose to retire and where an active, outdoor lifestyle is the norm. It’s one of those coastal escapes people dream of when living in a city and luckily, it’s where I went to school and worked my first job as a journalist. Using it as my base (yes, I’m still travelling) this year has meant that...

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Visual Hotel Review: Reefsleep Experience, Great Barrier Reef

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 01:10:07 +0000

Sleeping under the stars on Hardy Reef in the Whitsundays There has always been something special about waking up to the sound of the ocean. The gentle lapping of waves and soft whistle of a salty breeze accompanied by sunshine rising above the horizon. Imagine this experience on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s natural wonder off the coast of the Whitsundays in Queensland. During the Reefsleep experience you can spend a night under the stars, wake up to the sun rising over the Coral Sea then snorkel after breakfast, sounds pretty perfect right!? A few short weeks ago I was lucky enough to take part in the Reefsleep experience with Cruise Whitsundays and I have to say, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Coordinates 19°44’29.7″S 149°10’55.9″E Having lived in the Whitsundays for a number of years as a child then again for 6 years as an adult on Hayman Island, I was always curious about what happened out on the reef after dark. Was it silent and a little eerie? Something only sailors with sea legs can do? Luckily, for my sea sickness prone stomach it was something anyone can do. Sleeping on the Heart Pontoon...

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The Sydney Opera House – Australia’s Striking Icon

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:30:31 +0000

In Photos: The Sydney Opera House Appearing like a ship floating on the harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a photogenic marvel. With structured, shell-like sails forming a skyline that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is somewhere I always visit when I’m in Sydney. A fixture of Sydney’s foreshore since it’s completion in 1973, the Opera House is now a national icon that’s recognised globally for its striking design. From quiet coves to aerial vantage points, on the water or wandering the foreshore, the Sydney Opera House is a fascinating subject that happens to look amazing from all angles. You can photograph this beauty from countless locations around Sydney Harbour with no end to the possible perspectives, not to mention how changing light reflects against its exterior. While wandering around the harbour foreshore to compile images for the guide I couldn’t stop staring at the Opera House. There was always a new angle, new foreground subject or gorgeous pastel skies hovering above its pointed peaks to capture. Rather than just share my favourite image on social media, I wanted to post them all here as a visual tribute to this architectural wonder. Let me...

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The Great Barrier Reef – Photographing Above and Below

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 03 May 2018 09:54:16 +0000

Australia’s Natural Wonder Every shade of blue from teal to navy appeared beneath me as we flew over the Great Barrier Reef east of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. As one of the world’s natural wonders, the reef really lives up to its reputation of being a photogenic landscape with that vibrant myriad of blues appearing not only above, but below the water too. Running for over 2,300km along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is made up of numerous reef systems, sand cays and tropical islands. Basically if you dream up paradise, this is a giant picture perfect version of it. It’s a huge watery canvas with photo opportunities at every single angle whether you’re visiting it near Bundaberg, Airlie Beach or Port Douglas. I had never visited the reef further north off Cairns so the lovely (and super talented!) Katie from @mycolourfulworld_ showed me around her favourite photography spots and experiences. You can read more about our adventures exploring Tropical North Queensland here. The water has always been a huge inspiration in my work so getting the opportunity to photograph the patterns, natural formations and contrasting tones of this beautiful landscape again was one that I jumped at....

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Top 10 Places to Photograph Sunset

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:00:49 +0000

Where are the best Places to Photograph Sunset? As the day comes to and end and the sky erupts into a palette of pinks, oranges and reds you want to be in the right spot at the right time to capture the perfect sunset that completes your travel album. While not every sunset is going to be a photographers dream, the golden hour is beautiful regardless and I’ve put together this list of my top ten favourite locations to photograph the setting sun around the world… From Iceland to Australia, this list is a collection of images I’ve personally taken in these locations, I know there are many, many more places that could be included. If you’ve got recommendation for sunset photo locations, please share your spot in the comments below, you’re more than welcome to link to your photos too! #10 Marrakech, Morocco Dusty desert sands and red ochre buildings make Marrakech an easy inclusion for this list. Combining the colours of the city with the sky at sunset blends together the perfect portrayal of magical Morocco. You’ll find most riads (traditional hotels) have private rooftop terraces from where you can photograph sunset over the city or if you’re...

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Swimming with Whales on Australia’s Sunshine Coast

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 29 May 2017 23:00:41 +0000

Imagine floating in the middle of the ocean when a gentle giant swims in the deep blue beneath… Your first reaction is probably pretty spot on; it’s both terrifying, exciting and magical. It’s a once in a lifetime experience. The Sunshine Coast is home to Australia’s first Humpback Whale Swim, where you can jump in the water with these majestic mammals on their annual migration along the Queensland coast. Each year on average 24,000 humpback whales pass by the Queensland coast as they swim north to the warm waters of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. On their way back south, mothers are often seen teaching their new born calves tail slapping and jumping tricks. Departing from The Wharf in Mooloolaba, Sunreef take small groups out on Australia’s Zoo’s Croc One, a boat designed by the one and only Steve Irwin who was so passionate about animal conservation. I headed out with the team on my birthday last week for what turned out to be a spectacular way to celebrate getting older. On the water by 7:30am it only took five minutes before we caught a glimpse of our first whale and calf. Within the next ten minutes we had...

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Whitehaven Beach – Photographing Australia’s Natural Wonder

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 23:00:04 +0000

Whitehaven Beach = The Most Photogenic Beach in Australia From the air Whitehaven Beach is like an abstract painting. It’s sandy swirls, teal water and carved channels twist and turn like Picasso’s paint brush. Okay so Picasso is one of the few artists I actually remember from art class but Whitehaven is definitely worthy of gallery walls, I know that much. Located on Whitsunday Island off the Queensland coast in Australia, Whitehaven dazzles with it’s beachy goodness. Regularly named on the world’s best beach lists, it’s not hard to see why this stretch of sand is one of the most visited in all the land. What makes Whitehaven so special is the delicate silica sand which at approximately 98% is among the purest in the world. The beach also covers 7km which means a whole lot of pure white sandy beach to stroll along. Access to Whitehaven Beach is only possible by boat, seaplane or helicopter meaning if you arrive early, you may just have it all to yourself! During the day tourist boats begin to arrive from nearby Airlie Beach and the resort islands but there’s always enough beach for everyone. In the northern section you’ll find Hill Inlet,...

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How to Prepare for an Adventure Photography Hike

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 09:00:39 +0000

How to Prepare for an Adventure Photography Hike Photographing incredible landscapes and scenic vistas is sometimes only possible by getting amongst the elements and having a little adventure. If you’re all about finding the best view, want to photograph the details people walk past on the hiking trail or just like venturing that tiny bit further to see what’s on the other side; this post is for you! Being prepared for an adventure photography trip is essential to ensure you can enjoy the experience and focus on your photographs rather than your equipment and clothing. Once you’ve decided on where you’re going it’s just a matter of being aware of the conditions you might come across, what type of photos you’re hoping to take and then comes the fun part…shopping! I don’t know about you but there is something about visiting a camping or outdoors store that makes me feel like the trip is already starting. Or is it just me that hides in the tents at Anaconda? Recommended Photo Hikes in Australia + New Zealand Kondalilla National Park, Queensland A great hike to waterfalls and beautiful lush mountain scenery high in the Maleny Ranges. Whitsunday Island National Park, Queensland...

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Why I Still Call Australia Home in 20 Landscape Photos

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 09:38:08 +0000

Australian landscapes are one of a kind… “I’ve been to cities that never close down From New York to Rio and old London town But no matter how far or how wide I roam I still call Australia home I’m always travelling, I love being free And so I keep leaving the sun and the sea But my heart lies waiting over the phone I still call Australia home…” These lyrics written by Peter Allen are on constant repeat in my head on days like today. Living away from Australia my mind never wanders far from the beaches, wide open spaces and bright blue skies. I’ve even got sand in a pair of shoes that I refuse to shake out. I couldn’t let today, Australia Day, go by without sharing a little bit of what I love about Australia, and why it’s worth a 24hr+ flight to get there from any corner of the world. Here is my island home in 20 photos…

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