My Photography Journey – interview

Posted on by christopherwrightau

Recently I was interviewed by Grant Swinbourne on his excellent Landscape Photography World podcast. In the interview I talked about my photography journey over the last thirty years. This included my early years growing up on Sydney Harbour, using my first cameras to capture the beauty of the ocean as well as fishing trips to Australia’s tropical north and Papua New Guinea, and my rediscovery of photography in the 2010s on trips to major cities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Embracing mirrorless, small format cameras, my late in life rediscovery of the joy of photography has grown into a consuming passion as my knowledge of the technical aspects of composition and processing has developed.

In recent years, the pandemic has led me to shift my attention to local seascape and landscape compositions and explore the creative possibilities of hidden waterfalls and the beauty of beaches and headlands at sunrise and sunset. I have also sought to marry my research interest in climate change with photographic projects exploring the fossil fuel industry and its physical impacts on the landscape and society. This includes exploring ways to extend my photographic vision into artistic and abstract compositions which address the realities of the vulnerability of the natural environment and the changing landscape we are now living within.

In the podcast, Grant and I discuss climate change and the challenges we face with it, how I use my imagery in teaching and the way photography has helped me in my career as a climate researcher.

Ep 229 – Aerial Adventures and Landscape Tales with David Dahlenburg – Landscape Photography World

South Australian landscape photographer David Dahlenburg explores a creative life shaped by curiosity, emotional connection, and a deep respect for the natural world. David reflects on how his passion for photography began during a three-month journey through the UK and Europe with a 35mm film camera — an experience that sparked a fascination with crafting images that feel both captivating and mysterious. His travels through Peru, the USA, New Zealand, and across Australia helped refine his eye and ultimately led to receiving the 2019 South Australian AIPP Emerging Photographer of the Year award. David shares how creativity has always been central to who he is, from songwriting and performing in bands to now creating visual artworks that encourage personal interpretation. He speaks about his love for images that hold unanswered questions, inviting viewers to find their own meaning within the frame. Spending long, quiet moments in remote environments has also reshaped the way he sees the world. For David, waiting for light in the wilderness is both grounding and reflective — a reminder of the fragility and value of the landscapes he photographs. He also discusses the joy of knowing that his artwork hangs in homes across Australia and beyond, a meaningful affirmation of the emotional connection his images create. Through his thoughtful process and deep appreciation for the environment, David demonstrates how photography can open conversations and inspire a closer relationship with the natural world. I hope you enjoy the show! You can find David’s work here: Website: https://daviddahlenburg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_dahlenburg_photography/   Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com #landscapephotography #fineartphotography #australianphotographer #southaustralia #environmentalart #aerialphotography #creativeprocess #naturephotography #photographyinspiration
  1. Ep 229 – Aerial Adventures and Landscape Tales with David Dahlenburg
  2. Ep 228 – Exploring Minimalism in Photography with Dallas Grenenger
  3. Ep 227 – Embracing Wild Weather and Emotional Depth in the Landscape with Simon Berry
  4. Ep – 226 Capturing the Living Earth of Iceland with Jeroen van Nieuwenhove
  5. Ep 225 – Finding Emotion in Abstract Landscapes with Wendy Bagnall

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