Luke Tscharke (pronounced “Shar-key”) is an Australian landscape photographer based in Hobart, Tasmania. With a background in biology and quality assurance, Luke transitioned from his corporate career to photography, motivated by his deep appreciation for nature and adventure. This change allowed him to combine his attention to detail with his passion for capturing natural landscapes.
Originally from the Barossa Valley, where his family has lived for seven generations, Luke’s attraction to Tasmania’s landscapes and pristine night skies led him to relocate. Moving from Melbourne and Sydney to Tasmania allowed him to immerse himself in photographing and exploring the state’s wilderness areas.
Luke’s work spans nature, infrared, aerial, and nightscape photography, demonstrating his technical skills and creative approach. He dedicates significant time to planning his shoots and carefully analysing weather patterns. This meticulous preparation allows him to be in the right place at the right time to capture unique light with his infrared camera or photograph phenomena like the Aurora Australis.
Passionate about dark sky preservation, Luke’s astrophotography showcases the beauty of Tasmania’s night skies. His work highlights the importance of protecting these areas from light pollution, recognising their value for ecological balance, cultural significance, and scientific research. Luke actively supports initiatives to maintain and expand dark sky areas in Tasmania and beyond, understanding that these pristine night skies are a precious and increasingly rare natural resource.
A core aspect of Luke’s philosophy is bringing the beauty of the natural world into people’s everyday lives. Whether through online platforms, phone screens, prints, or exhibitions, he strives to create a connection between viewers and these incredible places. By sharing his images, Luke aims to help people feel a profound link to landscapes they may never visit in person, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.
Luke has received international recognition, including the 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the Year award and the 2018 David Malin Astrophotography Award. As a certified drone operator from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), he has also contributed to aerial cinematography, notably in the 2022 film “Franklin.”
As a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate and regular contributor to Australian Geographic, where his images have been featured on two magazine covers, Luke uses his platform to share his profound appreciation for the environment. Through his work, he strives to reveal the extraordinary beauty of the world around us, from sweeping landscapes to the intricate details of nature. Luke’s ultimate goal is to inspire others to see this beauty for themselves, fostering a collective desire to protect and preserve these precious environments for future generations and the planet as a whole.
Luke Tscharke
- Landscape Photographer
-
nipaluna / Hobart,
lutruwita / Tasmania - [email protected]
- @tscharke
- luketscharkephoto
- @luketscharke
ARTIST STATEMENT
Introduction
As a landscape photographer, my passion stems from a deep respect for the natural world. From pristine wilderness to serene landscapes, each image I capture aims to convey the true essence of the moment, as if you were standing beside me.
In the Field
My commitment to the environment begins well before I press the shutter. Following Nature First principles, I prioritise nature’s wellbeing, continuously educate myself about the locations I photograph, and consider the potential impacts of my actions. I carefully follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring my presence supports conservation and minimises impact.
Photographic Process
The integrity of my photographs is very important to me. My editing process faithfully reflects the landscape I experienced during my shoots. I use techniques like focus stacking and exposure blending to overcome camera limitations and capture what the human eye naturally sees. Occasionally, I remove transient, non defining elements to reduce visual distractions, always maintaining the scene’s authenticity. I ensure all post processing preserves the landscape’s truth, enhancing the viewer’s experience without misleading or artificially altering its essence. This commitment allows viewers, collectors, and organisations to confidently use my images as true representations of nature.
Sharing My Work
I share my work thoughtfully, particularly mindful of the locations I depict, to prevent overexposure and protect their natural beauty. I keep sensitive areas confidential to avoid over visitation. Through workshops, social media, and public speaking, I actively promote ethical photography practices, educating others about conservation and responsible engagement with nature.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
My photography intertwines with support for environmental organisations that align with my values, including Dark Sky Tasmania and the Wilderness Society’s campaign for a Dark Sky Sanctuary in Southwest National Park. These collaborations are meaningful, allowing me to use my work to advocate for conservation and promote sustainable tourism.
Vision
Thank you for joining me on this journey to appreciate and preserve our planet. Through my photography, I aim to document and protect the incredible landscapes we admire, ensuring they continue to inspire awe for generations. Let us 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.Â
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
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
Notice: Undefined index: width in /home/luketsch/public_html/tscharke/wp-includes/media.php on line 1444
Notice: Undefined index: width in /home/luketsch/public_html/tscharke/wp-includes/media.php on line 1449
Notice: Undefined index: height in /home/luketsch/public_html/tscharke/wp-includes/media.php on line 1449
Exhibitions
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
2016 – AIPP Award Winners Exhibition
2015 – AddOn Photographic Exhibition