Luke Tscharke
Landscape Photographer
nipaluna / Hobart, lutruwita / Tasmania
Biography
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.
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. He dedicates significant time to planning his shoots and analysing weather patterns - meticulous preparation that lets him be in the right place at the right time to capture unique light, or phenomena like the Aurora Australis.
Passionate about dark sky preservation, his astrophotography showcases the beauty of Tasmania's night skies and the importance of protecting them from light pollution - for ecological balance, cultural significance, and scientific research.
A core aspect of Luke's philosophy is bringing the beauty of the natural world into people's everyday lives - through screens, prints, and exhibitions - fostering a sense of wonder and a profound link to landscapes people may never visit in person.
Luke has received international recognition, including the 2015 International Landscape Photographer of the Year award and the 2018 David Malin Astrophotography Award. As a CASA-certified drone operator he has also contributed to aerial cinematography, notably the 2022 film "Franklin."
As a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, Luke uses his platform to reveal the extraordinary beauty of the world, and to inspire others to help protect it.
Partner
Sony Digital Imaging Advocate
I've been shooting Sony since 2004 when I picked up a 5-megapixel DSC-V1. When I got serious about photography in 2015, I moved to the A7R and haven't looked back. I've since shot on the A7RII, A7S, A7III, A7RIII, A7RIV, and now use an A7RV and A7IV.
That original A7R is still going strong, converted for infrared photography at 850nm. The smaller size and lighter weight of Sony's mirrorless system make them ideal for hiking and outdoor work without compromising image quality. I partner with Sony Australia and run workshops and events via Sony Scene.
Approach
How I Work
Thoughtful, low-impact photography guided by place, light, and care.
In the Field
I follow Nature First and Leave No Trace principles. My presence in the landscape should support conservation, not compromise it. I plan shoots carefully, educate myself about the locations I photograph, and consider the impact of sharing them.
Processing
My editing reflects what I experienced during the shoot. I use focus stacking and exposure blending to overcome camera limitations and capture what the eye naturally sees. Occasionally I remove transient distractions, but the scene's authenticity is never compromised.
Sharing
I'm mindful of the locations I share. Sensitive areas stay confidential to prevent over-visitation. Through workshops, social media, and public speaking, I promote ethical photography and responsible engagement with nature.
Conservation
My photography supports organisations aligned with my values, including Dark Sky Tasmania and the Wilderness Society's campaign for a Dark Sky Sanctuary in Southwest National Park - letting me use my work to advocate for the places I photograph.
Recognition
Awards
2023
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
Monochrome Winner
2018
David Malin Astrophotography Awards
Overall Winner
2015
International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Photograph of the Year
Full awards list
2023
- David Malin Astrophotography Awards - Runner Up Nightscapes
- Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Winner of Monochrome Category
- 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
- Sony Alpha Photography Awards - Judge (Astrophotography)
2018
- David Malin Astrophotography Awards - Overall Winner
- David Malin Astrophotography Awards - Winner Nightscapes
- Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Finalist in Landscapes
2017
- Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Finalist in Nightscapes
- David Malin Astrophotography Awards - Winner Photo Editor's Choice
- Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year - Judge
2016
- AIPP NSW Emerging Photographer of the Year
- Capture Magazine Australia's Top Emerging Photographer - Landscape Winner
- Black and White Spider Awards - Professional Nature Second Place
- Tasmanian Nature and Landscape Photography Award - Winner Wild Landscapes
2015
- International Landscape Photographer of the Year - Photograph of the Year
- Monochrome Awards - Monochrome Photographer of the Year Grand Prize
- International Photographer of the Year - Winner Fine Art Landscapes
- Better Photography Awards - Classic Landscapes Gold and Category Winner
- Epson International Pano Awards - Open Nature Gold
2013-14
- Fujifilm X Landscape Photographer of the Year - Finalist
- Photoblog Awards - Best Landscape Photography Winner
- Focus Awards - Photographer of the Year Runner Up
- Epson International Pano Awards - Amateur Built Environment and Nature medals
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