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.

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Luke Tscharke

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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. 

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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