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 241 – Ellen van den Doel on Finding Light in Nature – Landscape Photography World

Ellen van den Doel is a dedicated landscape photographer from the Netherlands, based in Sommelsdijk on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee. Photography has been a central part of her life since 2009 and remains a source of daily inspiration, balance, and creative fulfilment. Living by the sea, Ellen is deeply drawn to coastal environments, where rhythm, light, and atmosphere shape much of her visual language.   Her work is best known for its calm, minimalist aesthetic and extensive use of long exposure techniques. By working with neutral density filters and natural light, Ellen creates images that express mood, tranquillity, and a strong sense of place. While technical knowledge plays an important role in her process, her core philosophy centres on enjoyment, curiosity, and truly experiencing the landscape rather than simply capturing it.   Before becoming a full-time photography educator, Ellen built a long career in teaching and sports. With a background in gymnastics and physiotherapy, she spent over 25 years working as a teacher and coach. This foundation in education naturally evolved into photography, where she now leads workshops, photo tours, and lectures across Europe.   Since 2015, Ellen has been guiding photographers in the field, and since 2020 she has been closely involved with the Dutch Photo Academy, organising trips and educational programs. Known for her approachable and down-to-earth teaching style, she focuses on helping photographers slow down, observe light more carefully, and develop a deeper personal connection with the landscape.   In this episode, Ellen discusses her creative journey, photographing in extreme environments like Iceland, balancing business with passion, and why teaching remains just as meaningful to her as making images.   I hope you enjoy the show! You can find Ellen’s work here: Website: https://el-foto.nl/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellenvandendoelfotografie/?locale=nl_NL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenvddoel/     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   #EllenVanDenDoel #LandscapePhotography #LongExposure #SeascapePhotography #PhotographyWorkshops #DutchPhotographer #CoastalPhotography #PhotographyEducation #NaturePhotography #PhotographyPodcast
  1. Ep 241 – Ellen van den Doel on Finding Light in Nature
  2. Ep 240 – Antoinette Koutsomihalis – Fine Art Landscape Photography, Healing & Creative Purpose
  3. Ep 239 – Michael Schultz – Photographing the Northern Lights & Wild Alaska
  4. Ep 238 – Matt Jackisch on Light, Nature & Consciousness
  5. Ep 237 – Conceptual Photography & Reimagining the Landscape with Helen Sear RA

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