Evie Wilderness
IG   •   TT   •   WEB

Evie is a professional photographer based on the Gold Coast, who specializes in marine wildlife photography.

When did you begin taking photographs and how did it lead to your current practice?
I began taking photos when I was around 9 years old, however i began my professional career as a marine wildlife photographer only March 2022.

Are there any photographers whose work you admire?
Absolutely. I would say @Zimydakid, @brookepykephotography, @alexsharks_, @in_focus_studios.

Where do you find inspiration as a photographer?
Within the beauty and intricacies of nature. Seeing the way that many species have adapted and developed certain patterns, colours, behaviours, textures/various physical features and really trying to capture the essence of each species is a great source of inspiration for me.

Tell us about your gear!
Okay so I am rocking the:
– Tamron 17-28mm 2.8 (the best lens in the world for marine wildlife photography)
– Sony A7RIV Camera body
– Salty Surf housings with a 6” dome port.
– Sony 200-600mm for above water wildlife
– Laowa 60mm for Macro!

What’s it like being a woman in the photography industry?
A heap of fun! I find it is a pretty balances industry with lots of female and male creators who are all talented and have a very unique perspective to share!

What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?
Just shoot as much as you possibly can! practice and developing your style and portfolio is the best advice I can give! Take time learning your equipment and limitations, then finding ways to adapt and work with the limitations and elements so that you can use them to your advantage. From a “brand” perspective, I also recommend starting social media accounts for your photography/videography/art and following trends across social media to help get your work seen and get your name out there. Posting everyday, it took me a good few months to get any sort of traction on my socials, but as long as you stay consistent and don’t get disheartened, you will see results!

How has your work evolved over the years?
I would say that my style and true passions have changed 1000 times, and my style of photography and editing will never stop changing. Allowing your creativity, perspective, ideas and work to flow through you always leads to the most amazing work!

What advice do you have for women who would like to be in the photography industry?
Follow the tips I listed above; get your name out there and build your style/artistic perspective! If you are hesitant or scared, stop that. I was for YEARS, which turns out I was holding myself back immensely. The only limitation you have is yourself. Let all the negative thoughts go and just dive into what you want.

How would you describe the creative process behind your work?
When with a species I am photographing, I always look for a beautiful perspective and spend time with the animal deciding which aspects I would love to focus on ( pun intended.) or capture. That us really the only process, allowing myself time to get to know the particular subject and let my creativity develop from there for that particular photo.

Talk about 5 of your favourite photos and the inspiration behind them.
This is too hard! I don’t really have a top 5 favourite, I have some of my most recognised and well known shots, but in truth none of them had a particular motive or were planned. With wildlife, nothing can ever be planned, it’s about putting myself in the water and hoping that I’ll be in the right place at the right time to see something magical.

What are your upcoming projects?
Not really any projects, but a lot of trips and travel to see wildlife around the world this year! I am running a trip for some people to come along to one of my favourite places in the Maldives to swim with the Manta Rays and whale sharks. I’m really excited to share it with photography/ marine wildlife enthusiasts.

Thanks Evie!