INTERVIEW WITH Joshua Berry-Walker

Joshua Berry-Walker is based in Gold Coast, Queensland Australia and in my opinion, is one of the best Australian Aerial Photographers. His work has been showcased on multiple brand campaigns. He has opened his very own gallery only recently in her hometown. Joshua’s incredible images showcase the endless beauty that Queensland Australia has to offer.

Firstly, can you start with a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Kiwi born bloke now living in Australia who enjoys long surfs in the ocean and flying a drone aircraft known as ‘Pidgey’.

Can you give a breakdown of the equipment you use to create your images?

I use the mighty DJI Mavic Air 2 and a Canon 6D Mk ii with a semi long list of accessories. I also use a helicopter (which i do not own funnily enough) to take my photographs to the next level.

What do you enjoy most about Aerial photography?

When something catches your eye in the distance, say at a beach, I automatically wonder what it will look like from above. 99.9% of the time it is incredible and nothing you would ever expect. It’s like the shot I took of Coolum Beach in Queensland; it’s well known that the rocks around the beach are pretty incredible.

I took my drone out a few years back, and as soon as I saw what the rocks looked like from above I was in awe! They mimicked the look of a prominent cartoon styled castle.

You have worked on so many incredible campaigns what do you enjoy about working with brands?

I love seeing the end product; there is always a bit of a wait until the campaign is released, so by the time I see it it’s reminding me of how much fun it was to be apart of.

Another fantastic thing about working with big brands is meeting/getting to know the team. I love watching them work, how they are simply themselves, and you can instantly tell they are good at their job, it’s so damn inspiring.

Do you have a favourite destination to shoot aside from your beautiful hometown of Gold Coast, Queensland?

I loved shooting in New Zealand! It is such an incredible place. I went over for a month to snowboard and travelled the South Island in a campervan. I got some pretty cool shots! It was a well needed, refreshing trip. 

Which photographers have influenced or inspired you?

Jampal Williamson (one-half of Salty Wings) was the first aerial photographer I’d ever met; he answered my silly questions; he would call me when I needed help.

Kyle Bowman (aka Airloft) another amazing photographer who loves to come down and collaborate, grab a coffee and talk about cats etc…

You have recently opened a gallery what has this experience been like?

Three words = exciting, scary & stressful…but mostly impressive! It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for me to be completely honest, but seeing everything come together was like one big exhale.

I’m still learning how to cater for everyone; I know well and truly that aerial photography is a modern art and not a lot of people have warmed up to it, so it’s pretty cool being able to change more mature local perspective. Something that would make me incredibly happy is to inspire another young talent to do the same!

What is the most challenging aspect of your career?

They were learning how to not care about what other people think. As soon as I moved on from that, everything was just so much easier.

How would you describe your current photographic style?

Holy hell, I’ve never actually had anyone ask me this! I like to consider my photographic style as organic and raw. Rarely do I go out and plan a shoot. I just keep my eye on the weather, get up early or go camping, and hope for a killer sunrise/sunset or some incredible reef to pop out of nowhere!

I love to incorporate as many sparkly turquoise colours as I can, mixed in with some detailed reef or rocks. People can be seen surfing, supping or walking around in my photographs quite often to create those ‘summer vibes’ shots that everyone loves.

Finally, do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?

It’s not about what you’ve got; it’s about how you use it! Having flashy equipment doesn’t make you a great photographer. Learn how to work with basically nothing! Also wake up before the sun, head out on an unplanned adventure, that’s when you’ll get your best work.

If you would like to view more of Joshua’s work.

Head on over to his website https://joshberrywalker.wixsite.com/joshuabw

For order inquiries email joshberrywalker@gmail.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joshua.b.w/