This week we’re diving into the exciting “excellent adventures” of our newest Accredited Professional Nature Photographer, Robin Moon. Based in Sydney and one of the creative forces behind Wanderlust Imagery, Robin traded a high-pressure career in healthcare for the unpredictable joy of the natural world…

Tell us about yourself…

Robin: I live in Sydney with my husband Timothy who is also an NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer, we have 3 daughters, 3 grandbabies and 1 grand pup.

You have shared you came to photography a decade ago to decompress from a stressful career. What was the exact moment – or perhaps the first specific subject-that made you realise photography was going to be more than just a hobby for you?

Robin: I had been an enthusiast for a number of years then my husband joined me in retirement and his engagement gave me a push forward to work harder at my craft. Some consistent wins in big competitions gave me the confidence to believe I actually knew what i was doing benchmarked against some respected peers. Being selected by Sony as an Advocate was a highlight that enabled me to start teaching others the craft I love.

Your work often focuses on the “lighter side” and the unpredictability of animals that makes you laugh. Why is it so important for you to convey joy and humour through your wildlife imagery, rather than just the “stoic” side of nature?

Robin: For all of my adult life I have been required to be responsible and practical in saving lives and raising a family. Now, focussing on the lighter side of life is a complete 360-degree turn around and allows me to embrace the joyous aspects of life. I’m still a responsible adult…sometimes.

As a Sydney-based photographer, what drew you to seek accreditation with NZIPP? How does the New Zealand photographic community influence your creative approach?

Robin: The New Zealand community has been a major influence in my photographic life. I have travelled there for work and play over 20 times seeking mountains, aurora and particularly those adorably badly behaved Keas. Being easily accessible for us allows me to expand my repertoire of workshops and portfolio. Admiring the work of other kiwi photographers allows us to explore locations others have fallen in love with.

You have mentioned that you don’t mind getting “grubby in the dirt” or waiting for hours in extreme conditions. What is the longest you have ever waited for a single frame, and was the result what you expected?

Robin: Some years ago i was out in the fields of Ontario waiting patiently for a snowy owl to appear. After 3 hours of waiting near a fence post we knew it frequented, she blessed us with a glorious fly by looking directly at me backlit in soft winter skies and crispy snow. My subconscious instantly knew it was a special image as I pressed the shutter. The chosen frame from that series has won multiple competitions and sold in print form consistently and to this day remains symbolic to me of how immersing yourself into the space without interruptions allows your creative brain to flourish.

You and your husband Timothy are both NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographers and frequently travel together on your “Excellent Adventures”. When you are out travelling together do you tend to see the world through the same lens, or do you find that your different styles – his landscape eye versus your focus on wildlife – help you tell a more complete story of a place?

Robin: Sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t! Once we were in Tuscany and we stopped to photograph a little triangular tree lined gully. I set my tripod up and within seconds he had muscled right in beside me with his subtly pushing me aside, lol. We both saw the same composition, and it led me to realise that providing like images was only setting me up for comparison. Today on workshops we embrace seeing things differently as a part of what we can offer guests, they like that they get 2 different perspectives from us. Tim’s creative architects eye likes to see the world of patterns and shapes, and I like the thrill of the chase for wildlife. Guests know on our workshops that they get taught to see differently rather than just being led to iconic spots for the money shot.

You are currently in Patagonia chasing pumas – which we are sure is a dream for many nature photographers. After years of photographing wildlife around the world what is it about pumas that called to you?

Robin: Putting them in context against those beautiful mountains! However, 50% is knowing that i have put myself in the wilderness space when others around me might be sitting at a computer indoors playing solitaire. I never want to forget how lucky I am to be out in the environment.

Your award-winning work (like the gold medal “Penguin Portal”) has left a lasting impression on many people. How do you manage to capture such a sense of personality and soul in animals?

Robin: Like I told my kids when they were toddlers, I have eyes in the back of my head! On zodiac rides in Antarctica I tell the guests, I apologise in advance that I’m a wriggler – never sitting still but scanning for potential action and predicting when it’s going to happen. Animals tell an innocent story, so unless they are actively hunting, their behaviour is without agenda and the daydreamer in me likes to observe and guess at their meaning.

As a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, you spend a lot of time teaching. What is the most rewarding part of watching an attendee finally “click” with their gear during one of your workshops?

Robin: Love it! In particular, without prejudice, I enjoy watching middle aged/retiree women pick up a new sport. They either just have fun with point and shoot or they deep dive into the technicalities of the camera which allows their brains to re-engage in ways that perhaps they hadn’t since their working careers.

*Image gallery below is credited to Robin Moon