Living in Rockhampton in Queensland has provided aspiring photographer Nathan White a regional and coastal canvas to practice his craft. Rockhampton is about an eight-hour drive north of Brisbane and is on the Tropic of Capricorn. Rockhampton is considered to be Australia’s beef capital. For Nathan White, Rockhampton has always been home.
His interest in photography started in 2009 during a family holiday to New Zealand, using a Fujifilm FinePix point and shoot. Several years later, the opportunity to assist on a professional travel shoot reignited his passion and he has been taking his photography seriously for the last four years.
His work as a destination marketer for the Capricorn Coast region has allowed him to capture some amazing photographs of the region, which he shows off on Instagram @nathanwhiteimages
Do you have a photography philosophy?
I don’t know if I have a photography philosophy. I’ve never really thought about it before. I guess the role that photography can play in our lives is different for everyone. I find photography amazing in its ability to cause such a mixture of emotions all at the same time; not just when you are looking at an image, but when you are actually outdoors creating it.
Lammermoor Beach
Elliott Heads
Whenever I am out shooting a sunset or sunrise, the type of image I create is subject to the available light around me. Sometimes it can be a race to get to that one vantage point to give you the best composition for the image. This race against the light not only gives a feeling of excitement and adrenaline, but I also find that this is when I am most relaxed and at peace. It’s when I feel most alive.
As a Christian and a photographer, I also strive to pay tribute to the One that created the amazing scenes that unfold in front of my lens. To capture these moments is a privilege and I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to share with others the natural beauty of this world.
Where have you travelled to in Queensland?
In Queensland I have travelled the majority of the coastline via the Bruce Highway, from the southern border to as far north as Cooktown. There is so much to see along this route and there are a number of areas on that drive that are photographically spectacular. My inland travel has taken me to some amazing national parks but my all-time favourite would have to be Carnarvon Gorge. I have another two trips already planned there this year.
Carnarvon Gorge
Natural Bridge
With 21kms of walking tracks through creeks, mossy gorges and cool rainforests, there’s a lot to explore.
Have you been involved in IG campaigns in Queensland?
I have been involved in a number of Instagram campaigns through my work in the tourism industry but I am yet to participate as an influencer.
What was your most memorable trip?
I have had many memorable trips within Queensland. The majority of them have been family holidays with my wife and kids. The one that stands out the most for me though, as a photographer, was a road trip I took last year with travel and landscape photographer, Elia Locardi and his wife Naomi. Elia’s photos are well-nown throughout the world and this trip was the perfect opportunity for me to learn from one of the best.
Elia and Naomi were travelling to Queensland as part of Tourism & Events Queensland’s ‘Room 753’ campaign (here is where the perks of my day job kick in). As part of my role in the destination marketing of the Capricorn Region, I was tasked with hosting them and planning their itinerary. This was only a short road trip lasting just one week. Places we visited included Blackdown Tableland and Carnarvon Gorge.
Blackdown Tableland
What’s your most memorable experience?
The one experience that stands out the most for me was watching turtles come up onto the beach and lay their eggs at Mon Repos, approximately 14km east of Bundaberg. The one we got to witness laid 143 eggs!
If you were going to take your Mum on a road trip where would you go?
My mum definitely fits into the ‘grey nomad’ category and travels around a lot more than I do so there is very little that she hasn’t seen. However I think that if we were to take her on a road trip, she would be up for heading back to Boodjamulla National Park (formerly known as Lawn Hill National Park) in Outback Queensland. It is a paradise out in the middle of nowhere.
Capella
Beach or desert?
I have lived on the coast all my life so I am very familiar with the beach. The majority of my shots are seascapes because it is so accessible and you can’t beat a sunrise over the ocean. I have had very little exposure to the desert areas of Queensland so I don’t think I can make an impartial decision on this one. I will say though, that the more remote areas are definitely on my photographic bucket list!
Favourite restaurant?
Am I allowed to pick two? I don’t tend to dine out all that often but I do really love good steak and seafood. For that reason alone, I would have to say that my favourite places are The Waterline Restaurant (fabulous steaks) and Beaches Bistro (best chilli crab ever). Both of these restaurants are located in Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast.
Yeppoon
Favourite beach?
Long Beach on Great Keppel Island. The water is a really deep blue with pure white sand. As the name suggests, it is a long straight beach with spectacular headlands at either end and the best part is 90% of the time you will have the entire stretch of coast to yourself.
Great Keppel Island
Favourite town?
I really like the Sunshine Coast and in particular, Maroochydore. There is such diversity in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and so many amazing places to visit all within a short driving distance. And despite being close to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast has managed to retain the charm of a small seaside town.
If you had to move to somewhere else in Queensland where would you choose to live?
If I was to relocate, my number one choice would be Maleny. It is a small town located high up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It is one of the most picturesque locations I have ever visited and it has everything a landscape photographer could want… rolling hills, epic mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and wineries.
Most romantic place you’ve been to?
I would have to say Maleny. My wife and I spent our honeymoon up there in a secluded stone cabin on the edge of Obi Valley. It’s the perfect spot for some romance.
Buderim Forest Park
When things get too much where do you go to get away from it all?
My fortress of solitude is a place called Hedlow Creek. It is located amongst cattle properties approximately 25kms northeast of Rockhampton. It is an area surround by 12 trachyte plugs (internal remnants of extinct volcanos).
The vast areas in between these mountains are very flat and filled with grassy plains and wetlands. There is only one dirt road through the middle of this area and for the majority of the time you won’t see another car.
Sunrise has always been my favourite time to visit as the morning sun bathes the grassy fields in golden light. It is also the perfect location for astrophotography as there is no light pollution from the neighbouring towns.
Hedlow Creek
Favourite spa?
I’ve never been to a day spa if that is what you mean. I’m a fan of regular spas though. An apartment complex that I have previously stayed in at Maroochydore has private rooftop spas overlooking the Maroochy River. For me, it’s all about the view.
Name three places or things on your bucket list in Queensland
1-Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park
2-Big Red, one of the biggest sand dunes in the Simpson Desert
3-Lamington National Park
Discover Queensland
For more ideas on what to see and do in Queensland go to Best of Queensland. Find out more about holidaying on the Capricorn Coast and other parts of Queensland at www.Queensland.com
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