BenQ Australia Ambassador Joshua Holko, Wildlife Photographer

Joshua Holko

Photographer / Australia

X-Rite Cloratti
LiveBooks Ambassador
Mr. Jan Gear Ambassador
Moab Master
Asia Pacific Photography Awards Nature Category First Place
Global Arctic Photographer of the Year
World Photographic Cup Best of Nation Australia

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The AQCOLOR monitors contribute to and enhance my work by providing exceptionally accurate color reproduction and precise detail, ensuring that my images' natural hues and intricate nuances are faithfully represented during post-processing. This level of accuracy allows me to maintain the integrity and authenticity of my photographs, crucial for my commitment to true-to-life representations of the natural world.

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What challenges do you face as a photographer, and how do you overcome them?

Producing photographs that elicit an emotional response in the viewer, that stimulate the viewers imagination and spark their interest whilst being unique and true to my style and vision is always a huge challenge. Everytime I am out in the field I am trying to move past the obvious, to look for those moments that tell a story and that will evoke strong feelings in the viewer.

Which piece of work do you believe best represents your photography style?

I asked several of my clients this question and they came back with the following: Emperor Penguins of Antarctica. Their comments are included below:

This series perfectly encapsulates my dedication to capturing the raw and pristine beauty of polar regions. Key elements of this series that highlight my style include:

Authenticity and Natural Light: My commitment to capturing scenes as they naturally occur without artificial enhancements is evident. The use of natural light, often during the golden hours, adds a magical quality to the images.
Technical Excellence: His mastery of exposure, composition, and post-processing to enhance but not alter reality is clear. The images are sharp, with perfect exposure, showcasing the challenging conditions of shooting in extreme environments.
Emotional Connection: The series conveys a deep emotional connection to the subject matter. The photographs of Emperor penguins are intimate, often showing moments of interaction between the birds that convey a sense of family and community.
Environmental Storytelling: Holko’s images go beyond mere documentation; they tell a story about the environment, highlighting the beauty and fragility of the Antarctic ecosystem. His use of wide-angle shots to capture the vast, icy landscapes alongside close-ups of the penguins creates a compelling narrative.
Minimalist Aesthetic: The series often features minimalist compositions, where the stark whiteness of the snow and ice contrasts with the rich black and gold of the penguins, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the natural world.

The "Emperor Penguins of Antarctica" series embodies Joshua Holko's dedication to traditional photographic techniques, his respect for nature, and his ability to convey powerful stories through his lens, making it a quintessential representation of his photographic style.”

Do you have any advice for someone learning photography? What would you like to say to those aspiring to become photographers?

Study Art and composition as an ongoing practice and learn how to craft light to tell your story. Of course the technical craft (the pushing of buttons) of photogaphy is important and we all enjoy that aspect, but once you master the technical craft and the camera controls become muscle memory you free up your brain to be truly creative and that is when you can do your very best work - when you remove the camera as a barrier between you and the subject and can let your creativity take over without having to fuss over camera settings. Spend quality time with photography books from those photographers you admire and follow. Learn how they compose their photographs, read the light and tell their stories.

What do you think is the most important element in landscape photography?

Having a creative vision, the ability to see past the obvious and a to be able to visualise a concept that tells a story about the location. Try and think about how a place makes you feel. Your goal should be to try and capture that feeling in your photographs.

During webinars, have there been responses that left a lasting impression on you or were particularly interesting?

During webinars, responses that have left a lasting impression on me and were particularly interesting often revolve around participants' deep appreciation for the untouched beauty of polar regions and their concern for environmental conservation. I am always especially moved by questions and comments highlighting the urgency of preserving these fragile ecosystems, as they resonate with my own passion for protecting the natural world captured through his lens. Additionally, queries about his meticulous shooting and post-processing techniques often spark engaging discussions, reflecting the audience's keen interest in the art and craft of photography.

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