Luke Tscharke (pronounced “Shar-key”) is a passionate Australian landscape photographer based in Hobart, Tasmania. With a background in biology and quality assurance, Luke traded his corporate career for the camera, driven by his profound appreciation for nature and adventure. This pivotal change allowed him to align his attention to detail with his passion for capturing the wonders of the natural world.

Originating from the Barossa Valley, where his family history stretches over seven generations, Luke’s love for Tasmania’s wild landscapes inspired him to relocate. Moving from urban life in Melbourne and Sydney to the rugged beauty of Tasmania marked the beginning of a lifetime’s adventure, deeply immersing himself in photographing and exploring Tasmania’s breathtaking wilderness.

Luke’s portfolio spans nature, infrared, aerial, and nightscape photography, each showcasing his unique blend of technical skill and creative vision. Whether navigating the unpredictable Tasmanian weather to capture transient light with his infrared camera or chasing the ethereal Aurora Australis, Luke’s adventurous spirit is evident in his work.

Recognised internationally with awards such as the 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the Year and the 2018 David Malin Astrophotography Award, Luke has also excelled in aerial cinematography as a certified drone operator from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). His expertise contributed notably to the 2022 film “Franklin.”

Beyond his individual achievements, Luke is a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, aligning with a brand that influences his photography and the broader industry. He is also a regular contributor to Australian Geographic, where his images inspire discovery and understanding of Australia’s diverse landscapes, earning him two cover photos for the magazine.

Luke aims to inspire and remind us of our connection to the world through his images, encouraging stewardship of our extraordinary natural surroundings. Through his photography, he hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our environment, motivating others to protect and cherish it.

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Luke Tscharke

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Introduction

As a landscape photographer, my passion is deeply rooted in a profound respect for the natural world. From unspoiled wilderness to tranquil landscapes, each image I capture aims to convey the true essence of the moment, as if you, the viewer, were standing right beside me.

In the Field

My commitment to the environment begins long before I press the shutter. Adhering to Nature First principles, I prioritise the well-being of nature, continually educate myself about the locations I photograph, and reflect on the potential impacts of my actions. I diligently follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that my presence supports conservation and minimises impact.

Photographic Process

The integrity of my photographs is paramount. My editing process is designed to faithfully reflect the landscape I experienced during my shoots. I employ techniques like focus stacking and exposure blending to overcome the camera’s limitations and capture what the human eye naturally sees. Transient, non-defining elements are occasionally removed to clean up visual distractions, but always in a way that maintains the scene’s authenticity. I am committed to ensuring that all post-processing preserves the truth of the landscape, enhancing the viewer’s experience without ever misleading or artificially altering its essence. This commitment ensures my images can confidently be used by viewers, collectors, or organisations as true representations of nature.

Sharing My Work

I share my work thoughtfully, particularly mindful of the locations I depict, to avoid overexposure and protect their natural beauty. Sensitive areas are kept confidential to prevent over-visitation and preserve their natural beauty. Through various platforms—be it workshops, social media, or public speaking—I actively promote ethical photography practices, educating others about the importance of conservation and responsible engagement with nature.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

My photography is intertwined with support for environmental organisations that align with my values, including Dark Sky Tasmania and the Wilderness Society’s campaign for a Dark Sky Reserve in Southwest National Park. These collaborations are deeply meaningful, allowing me to use my work to advocate for conservation and promote sustainable tourism effectively.

Vision

Thank you for joining me on this meaningful journey to appreciate and preserve our beautiful planet. Through my photography, I strive not only to document but also to protect the incredible landscapes we admire, ensuring they continue to inspire awe for generations to come. Let us collectively celebrate and protect the beauty of our natural world—one photograph at a time.

Partnerships

Sony Australia: I am a Digital Imaging Advocate for Sony Australia. In 2004, when I was first getting into digital photography, I purchased a 5-megapixel Sony DSC-V1. Down the track in 2015 when I began taking photography very seriously, I began shooting on a Sony A7R, and since then have also shot with the Sony cameras A7RII, A7S, A7III, A7RIII, A7RIV and now on an A7RV and A7IV. I still have that original A7R camera and have converted it for infra-red photography at 850nm.

I absolutely love photographing with Sony equipment. The smaller size and lower weight make them ideal for hiking and outdoor work without compromising on image quality. I am thrilled to partner with Sony Australia and offer workshops and events via the Sony Scene Website

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Luke Tscharke is a Tassie Tourism Ambassador

Awards

  • 2023 David Malin Astrophotography Awards – Runner Up Nightscapes
    2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – Winner of Monochrome Categoy
    2023 Australian Photographic Prize – Semi-Finalist in Astrophotography
  • 2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – Finalist in Astrophotography
  • 2019 David Malin Astrophotography Awards – Winner Photo Editor’s Choice
    2019 Sony Alpha Photography Awards – Judge (Astrophotography)
  • 2018 David Malin Astrophotography Awards – Overall Winner
    2018 David Malin Astrophotography Awards – Winner Nightscapes
    2018 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – Finalist in Landscapes
  • 2017 Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year – Finalist in Nightscapes
    2017 David Malin Astrophotography Awards – Winner Photo Editor’s Choice
    2017 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – Judge
  • 2016 Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) NSW Emerging Photographer of the Year
    2016 Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) APPA – 1x Silver Distinction, 2x Silver
    2016 Black and White Spider Awards – Professional Nature – Second Place
    2016 Capture Magazine Australia’s Top Emerging Photographer 2016 – Landscape Category winner
    2016 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – 3 x finalist images in Landscape and Monochrome
    2016 Tasmanian Nature and Landscape Photography Award – Winner and Third place in ‘Wild Landscapes’ category
  • 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the Year – Winner of Photograph of the Year
    2015 Monochrome Awards – Monochrome Photographer of the Year – Grand Prize Winner
    2015 Monochrome Awards – Landscape, Professional – First Place
    2015 International Photographer of the Year – Winner of Fine Art: Landscapes category
    2015 Better Photography Awards – Classic Landscapes – Gold and category Winner
    2015 ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year – Landscape category – finalist
    2015 Focus Photography Awards – Photographer of the Year – First Place
    2015 Focus Photography Awards – Image of the Year – Second Place
    2015 Focus Photography Awards – First Place in Landscape and Creative categories
    2015 Epson International Pano Awards – Open nature – Gold (13th place)
    2015 International Photography Awards – Nature, Landscapes – Honourable Mention
  • 2014 Epson International Pano Awards – Amateur Built Environment – 13th and 38th
    2014 Epson International Pano Awards – Amateur Nature – Bronze
    2014 Focus Awards – Cityscape category – winner
    2014 Focus Awards – Black and White category – winner and runner up
    2014 Focus Awards – Photographer of the Year – 4th place
  • 2013 Fujifilm X Landscape Photographer of the Year 2013 – Finalist and 5th position
    2013 Photoblog Awards – Best Landscape Photography – winner
    2013 International Loupe Awards – Open Landscape – 20th overall
    2013 International Loupe Awards – Amateur Landscape – 11th overall
    2013 Focus Awards – Photographer of the Year – runner up
    2013 Focus Awards – Cityscape category – winner

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Publications

  • Australian Geographic Magazine
    Australian Geographic: Jan-Feb 2018 Western Arthurs Feature Story
    Australian Geographic 2018 Landscape Calendar
    Australian Geographic: July-Aug 2016 – Photographing Aurora Australis tips box
    Australian Geographic: Mar-Apr 2016 – Big Picture Feature
    Australian Geographic: Sept-Oct 2015 – Photographing the Milky Way tips box
    Australian Geographic: July-Aug 2015 – ANZANG Shortlisted image
    Australian Geographic Adventures: Special Edition June 2015 – cover image
    Australian Geographic: May-June 2015 – cover image
  • Australia Post
    Great Walks of Australia Commemorative Medallion – inner cover
  • Australian Photography Magazine
    Australian Photography Magazine December 2017 – Magazine Cover
    Australian Photography Magazine April 2017 – Astrophotography feature
    Australian Photography Magazine December 2016 – Seascapes feature
    Australian Photography Magazine October 2016 – Bucket-list article
    Australian Photography Magazine September 2016 – Infrared article
    Australian Photography Magazine June 2016 – cover image
  • Better Photography Magazine
    Better Photography Magazine Issue 82 – cover image
  • Bureau of Meteorology
    Cover of 2018 Weather Calendar
  • Capture Magazine
    Capture Magazine: May-June 2016 – Australia’s Top Emerging Photographers 2016 feature
  • Landscope Magazine (Conservation and Land Management Western Australia)
    Landscope 2016 Calendar
    Landscope Volume 30 Number 2 – cover image
  • Pittwater Life Magazine
    Pittwater Life May 2016 – cover image
  • Practical Photography Magazine (UK)
    Practical Photography Magazine Sepetember 2016 – “Developing your landscape style” article
  • REEF Magazine (Hamilton Island Magazine)
    Reef Magazine Issue 14 – cover image


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Exhibitions

  • Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
    2018 – South Australian Museum: 1 exhibited image
    2018 – Australian Museum (Sydney): 1 exhibited image
    2016 – South Australian Museum: 3 exhibited images
    2016 – Australian Museum (Sydney): 3 exhibited images
    2015 – South Australian Museum: 1 exhibited image
  • Head on Photo Festival (Sydney)
    2016 – AIPP Award Winners Exhibition
    2015 – AddOn Photographic Exhibition