Elizabeth McNamee

Elizabeth’s Approach to Fine Art Photography - “My wildlife photography is born out of objective criteria but falls into the subjective. It involves an original image, a deliberate all-encompassing artistic creation captured and born in the field.  My vision developed in post processing and executed in the final print. All are inseparable stages; an entire unified creative process ‘taking the image, making the image and printing the image’.  It is an expression from within. It reveals it was created by an artist (not just the camera)”.      

 I am a Brisbane-based artist. My connection to the natural world was forged in childhood, wandering and exploring the untamed bushland surrounding my home, observing the local wildlife doing simple drawings of my experiences.  These formative years of quiet exploration and direct interaction with the wild instilled in me a profound respect for nature that remains the cornerstone for my work today.

These early experiences eventually blossomed and led to the study of fine art and design, first at TAFE with a Certificate in Visual Arts and Design which set a direction that was the magnet for future study and creativity.  This included Bachelor of Visual Arts at Queensland College of Art followed by a Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Education at Griffith University. A career teaching Art, Design and History followed.

On retiring from teaching I moved through the spectrum of fine art and design which included gold and silversmithing - contemporary jewellery design, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture, a multi-disciplinary foundation that shaped my perspective.  Backed by my lifelong practice of painting and drawing wildlife, landscapes and flora a natural transformation of philosophies led to me embracing digital photography and printmaking as a dialogue between the viewer and the vulnerability of my subjects. I now use this medium to capture the soul and essence of my subjects.

This wealth of art making gives my photography a unique, tactile depth, I approach the lens not as a photographer, but as an artist, focusing on the structural beauty, intricate textures, and raw character of my subjects.  I use of light, shadow, and contrast in my work and am inspired by the Heidelberg School (specifically Hans Heysen) and the narrative power of wildlife advocates like David Attenborough and Steve Parish.

Each image is an intimate moment, a connection; capturing the uniqueness of each subject regardless of where it may be; eye contact, a slight gesture or a fleeting moment - sunlight on the subject. 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 importance.  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.

At the heart of my work is a mission: conservation.  I am driven by the philosophy that "Unless we act!There isn’t a tomorrow - today is all they have". I view the loss of biodiversity as an unforgivable consequence of human impact and believe -

  • Art is an Awakening:  in a perfect world without man's greed captive conservation and protection wouldn't be necessary - but it is! If I can awaken one person's consciousness and compassion with my works I have achieved a small goal.

  • A Commitment to Change: Every sale carries a donation to WWF Australia, turning each fine art print into a vehicle for animal and habitat protection.

  •   A Commitment to Change: By purchasing a work, collectors become a "soul fellow" in the effort to protect our shared environment.

 

 A Purposeful Purchase

Every stunning piece Elizabeth produces reflects her commitment to high-end craftsmanship. They are unique, utilizing museum-grade, archival cotton papers and high end finish. The prints are carefully crafted to provide 3D depth, intense colour, and sharp detail. This ensures her work serves as a permanent, powerful advocate for the species and habitats she strives to protect.

Every fine art print from Beyond the Wild Photography is more than a beautiful addition to a home; it has Limited Edition Exclusivity. As limited, curated editions, the work maintains its value as a collectible, high-end, and unique piece of art; they directly support the protection of the flora and fauna that inspire Elizabeth's life's work.

 

Gear

. Nikon D810

. Sony Cybershot RX10 Mark 4

. 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

Awards and Compliments

. Finalist 2024 Brisbane Rotary Art Show x 4 Physical and Virtual Show

. Finalist 2024 Lethbridge Gallery Small Scale Art Award x 1