How Kate Snow took a nationally recognised wildlife photo – without leaving Canberra
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From over 2000 entries, a Canberra photographer has been shortlisted in this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition – and she did it without leaving town.
When people think of nature photography, they often imagine remote landscapes, wildlife safaris or photographers trekking into the wilderness in search of the perfect shot. But for photographer Kate Snow, her now nationally recognised image was taken in a location that many Canberra families frequent.
Shortlisted in the ‘Monochrome’ category, Kate didn’t have to brave the ocean’s depths to capture the close-up photograph of a moon jellyfish.
Instead, she simply paid a visit to the National Zoo & Aquarium.
“The image wasn’t made on a remote trip or in an extraordinary location, but close to home in Canberra,” says Kate.
“It reflects a shift in the way I photograph – from travelling far to find interesting subjects to discovering them in familiar places and paying closer attention to the details around me.”
Before photography became a serious practice, Kate had spent years travelling with her partner, climbing mountains and exploring remote locations.
After becoming a stay-at-home mother, she says that her photography naturally shifted from landscapes and travel to documenting everyday moments. And as she spent more time photographing daily life, she found herself paying closer attention to ordinary details she would previously have overlooked.
“Macro photography changed the way I look at the world,” explains Kate.
“It taught me to slow down and pay attention to things I would have walked straight past before.”
Now she can spend hours photographing a single plant or insect – and she says that “The more closely you look, the more you realise how much you’ve been missing.”
Continuing to keep her photography practice close to home, many of Kate’s favourite images have been captured in her own backyard, focusing on insects, plants and details around Canberra.
And while her image has been shortlisted for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition alongside birds, bats, seals and sea-snakes from remote expeditions and distant landscapes, Kate’s image of the moon jellyfish is even more meaningful.
It came from a place thousands of Canberrans visit every year.
“I think people underestimate how much there is to notice close to home,” she says.
“You don’t need to travel across the country or visit a remote location to find interesting subjects. Canberra is a wonderful place for noticing nature.”
“Sometimes the best subjects are much closer than we think. You just need to be willing to look.”
For more information about the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, visit australiangeographic.com.au
Images supplied.
