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
- Landscape Photographer
-
nipaluna / Hobart,
lutruwita / Tasmania - [email protected]
- @tscharke
- luketscharkephoto
- @luketscharke
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.
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
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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