MATT Mackay spends a lot of time taking note of the weather and its effects on the scenery. A surfer based in Sorrento, he seeks out tide times and wind speeds.
As a photographer, he uses all this knowledge to compose scenes through a camera lens.
“I’ve built up a strong connection with the Mornington Peninsula’s coastal and marine environment,” he says.
“My main focus is on nature and landscape photography, that’s what inspires me photographically and it’s where like to spend much of my time.”
Mackay says this connection to the environment is necessary to “truly capture its essence”.
“I can’t imagine living away from the sight, sound and smell of the ocean and, being a narrow peninsula, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by both the pounding waves of the Southern Ocean and the calmer tranquil waters of Port Philip.
“We’re also very fortunate to have much of this spectacular coastline within the Mornington Peninsula and Point Nepean national parks, providing sanctuary to a range of native flora and fauna.
“With such a diverse landscape and coastline the peninsula offers endless possibilities and inspiration for a nature and landscape photographer like me.”
Some of Mackay’s images are now reproduced in his 2016 Mornington Peninsula Calendar.
“It’s a way to showcase the region’s beauty and diverse landscape,” he says.
“It came as no surprise when National Geographic placed the peninsula on its Best of the World – 20 Places You Should See in 2015 list.”
Mackay’s calendar includes images from all over the peninsula, has the Port Philip Heads monthly tide chart on each page and lists market dates and other useful information. He says he “tried to produce the most environmentally-friendly calendar-printed in Australia” by using 100 per cent recycled paper and waterless printing.
Details: matt@innerlightphotography.com.au or call 0438 508 384.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 22 December 2015
