Magic Moments with Anna Wilshire
Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer chats to Noosa landscape photographer Anna Wilshire about taking inspiration from the world around her, her minimalistic approach, and getting the perfect shot.
Where do you take inspiration from?
Apart from being an avid daydreamer and gazer of the ‘world around me’, the afternoon light is probably what inspires me most. I find it so magical that it drives me to try and capture it, bottle it up and share it with everyone.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your work?
I try not to have just one style so that one print can look and feel very different from another. I like playing with different subjects, looks and techniques. I love experimenting with a variety of shooting and editing techniques as well. Essentially, however, I tend to lean towards a minimalistic approach.
Less is more, as they say!
Tell us about your current collection.
In recent shoots, I’ve been moving inland to capture the hinterland. I’m a country girl at heart and absolutely love the colours of the bush and the unique landscape of the hinterland. However, my most recent collection is inspired by a recent boat trip up the Noosa Everglades. In this collection you’ll find a lot of stunning botanical elements, playing with the light and shapes found in our natural landscape.
What’s your favourite thing about photographing the Noosa landscape?
Put simply, it’s the variety. We have breathtaking coastland backed up by an amazing hinterland full of rolling hills, dense bushland and tropical rainforests.
Any favourite moments?
When all the elements come together in harmony, and you get the shot. Maybe you are waiting for the perfect wave with the perfect surfer in the perfect position, or a sparkly sunburst coming through the trees in the exact right spot… When you’re able to freeze a special moment in time that entices people to stop and look, that’s the ultimate goal.
How do you hope your work makes people feel?
I hope my images make people stop and look – really look – and just take a moment to marvel at the subject captured. Ultimately, I want people to feel like they’re there, or at least experience a calming effect when they see my work.
