Elizabeth McNamee

My approach to animal nature photography is strongly influenced by my formal background training in art and design. I moved from more formal fine arts and design - drawing and painting people and animal portraits, landscape painting, ceramics and sculpture to the freedom of digital photography and post processing. I now use this as my chosen medium to capture the soul and essence of my subject. I don't pretend to be a wildlife or nature photographer. I use photography as fine art and create fine art photographic works. Over the years I have been influenced by many different things; various areas of design, artist's and photographer's use of light, shadow and contrast, nature documentaries, wildlife conservation especially the work of David Attenborough and Steve Parish.

BEYOND THE WILD PHOTOGRAPHY - Conservation is always the forefront of my purpose; the loss of animal and plant species is unforgivable in today's technologically advanced world. The decline (2018) of 60% of animal species alone over 40 years is due to man's impact - ultimately we are the losers.

Each image captured is an intimate moment; a connection, a slight gesture, a pull of the heart string, eye contact or a fleeting moment of sunlight on the subject. It is important to capture the individual character of the animal regardless of it being in a confined environment. I become part of the scene seduced by the animal and its presence. The camera just an instrument or tool to capture the moment, the background and surroundings are not the primary focus. By removing or diminishing the background the main focus is on the animal, it is they in the end that project and reveal their personality and soul - giving the viewer an emotional connection and empathy with them.

I prefer not to reference any man given names of the animals as I feel it humanizes them. My aim is to capture their individualism and essence and sometimes a glimpse of their habitat if intertwined with their story. Being in a controlled environment (or in the wild) does not take away from the animal's unique grandeur or presence.

In a perfect world without man's greed this kind of captive conservation and protection wouldn't be necessary - but it is! If I can awaken one person's consciousness and compassion then I am doing what I set out to do.

Gear

. Nikon D810

. Nikon D500

. Tamron SP 150 - 600mm F/5 - 6.3 di VC USD G2

. Tamron SP 70 - 200mm F/2.8 di VC USD G2

. Tokina AT-X 16 - 28mm F/2.8 IF FX PRO

. Tamron 28 - 300mm F/3.5 - 6.3 di VC PZD

 
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Affiliations and Interest Groups

  • Taronga Conservation Society - For the Wild

  • Australia Zoo - Wildlife Warriors

  • WWF Australia

  • Australian Geographic

  • The Nature Conservancy Australia

  • Our World in Focus

  • MGA - The Australian home of photography

  • Griffith University Alumni