🌊 A Moment Captured: Finalist in Capture Magazine’s “Top Emerging Australian Photographer Awards”

I’m beyond honoured to share that one of my underwater images “Surrender”, has been selected as a finalist in the Single Shot category of Capture magazine’s Australia's Top Emerging Photographers 2025.

This recognition means so much; not just for me, but for everything that goes into the kind of photography I create. The salt-stained skin, early mornings, the calm chaos of working with breath-holding bodies and wild water, the emotional and creative labour of weaving story through sea. Every frame begins with the planning, long before the shutter clicks under the surface.

To have one of those moments acknowledged by a panel of industry leaders is incredibly humbling.

Why this image matters

The “single shot” category is all about impact. One frame. One chance to tell a full story.

My finalist image “Surrender” was created during one of my immersive underwater sessions with Argentinian National Freediving Champion- Luciana Blanco Villegas.   I work with clients who crave something deeper, brands who want assets that create more connection and publications who want to move their readers. And this frame felt like all of that in one heartbeat: presence, power and connection beneath the surface.

What it means to me

This recognition isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s fuel. It's validation that there’s a place for storytelling that’s slow, soulful and submerged. That underwater portraiture, when done with intention, can move people.

As a self-taught photographer, freediver, mother and someone who swapped a law career for saltwater and storytelling; this moment reminds me that you can reinvent yourself. You can chase dreams at any age.

What’s next?

This finalist recognition has fired me up for what’s ahead. I’m continuing to create meaningful ocean-centred art for brands, families and individuals seeking authenticity, transformation and reconnection—with nature, and themselves.

If you're looking for a photography experience that’s as empowering as it is beautiful, I’d love to hear from you.

📸 Huge thank you to Capture Magazine and the judging panel. You can view all the finalists here and read more about the competition in their latest issue.

Streamline Your Edits + Amplify Your Art: Why I Created Underwater Adobe Lightroom Presets for Photographers

If you've ever tried editing underwater images, you know the struggle: colour casts, inconsistent lighting, strange hues and skin tones that just don’t feel right. As a professional underwater photographer and freediver, I’ve been there—spending hours trying to fix blues that are too murky, greens that steal the magic and tones that simply don’t reflect the true beauty of the underwater world.

That’s why I created my Underwater Lightroom Presets—to bring ease, consistency and a punch of wow-factor to your workflow; so you can spend more time creating and less time tweaking.

🌊 Purpose: Made for the Ocean, by Someone Who Gets It

These presets are handcrafted from hundreds of hours spent underwater and editing in Lightroom. I designed them to enhance the unique lighting conditions we deal with underwater; from deep rock pools and open ocean shots to golden hour shallows. They’re not just “blue fixes”—they’re crafted tools to help you tell stories through colour, tone and mood.

🐠 Achievements: What These Presets Have Helped Me Do

Since using these presets in my own workflow, I’ve:

• Cut down my editing time by over 50%.

• Delivered consistent galleries across complex lighting environments.

• Landed features in publications like Salty Magazine.

• Created social media content that stops the scroll and reflects my signature style.

• Helped many other photographers achieve the perfect shade of blue, elevated their images and streamlined their workflow.

These aren’t just filters; they’re a powerful foundation for developing your unique underwater aesthetic.

⚙️ Workflow Magic: How They Streamline and Amplify

Here’s how they work their magic:

• One-click base edit to balance colour and exposure.

• Smart tonal corrections to recover detail and enhance skin tones.

• AI Subject masking for underwater portraits to achieve perfect skin tones.

• Fully customisable—they’re a jumping-off point, not a creative limit.

No more starting from scratch every time. You’ll develop a faster editing rhythm, freeing up your time and creative energy.

Who Are They For?

These presets are for ocean-loving photographers who:

• Shoot in water (underwater, surf, rock pools, back yard pools).

• Want to speed up editing, while keeping the finished assets natural.

• Value consistency, flow and impact across their galleries and social media.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your photography journey, these underwater presets are a tool that help you edit with purpose and confidence.

Ready to Dive In?

Check out the collection here. Your underwater art deserves to shine—and your time deserves to be respected.

Let’s create more magic, and less burnout 🌊✨

One Breath Creative Nominated for Central Coast Visitor Economy Award

I’m thrilled to share that One Breath Creative has been nominated for Most Outstanding Outdoor Experience in the Central Coast Visitor Economy Awards!

This recognition is incredibly meaningful; not just for me personally, but for the incredible natural beauty we have on our doorstep.

The awards ceremony, originally scheduled for the end of May, had to be postponed due to severe flooding across our region. Our hearts go out to the rural businesses and families impacted by flood waters. It’s been a powerful reminder of both nature’s strength and our community’s resilience.

The awards will now be held at the end of this month, and I can’t wait to represent our beautiful coast and the magic of our oceans. From salty sunrises to encounters with migrating whales with fellow ocean-lovers; my work is all about inspiring people to slow down, reconnect with nature and use the ocean as a remedy for burnout.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey. Whether you've jumped in the ocean with me, shared my work, or simply followed along;  you’re part of this wild, blue mind story.