I am a photographic artist living in the Adelaide hills, surrounded by eucalyptus trees, koalas and amazing vineyards. I feel very blessed to have put down roots in a place that allows me to have nature at my doorstep and an abundance of birdlife and koalas to roam my backyard.
Adelaide is my home town but I spent just over four years living in the hustle and bustle of Sydney. It was there that I did my photographic studies and made some amazing friendships and connections along the way. Whilst living in Sydney, I’ve participated in group exhibitions and held work in local photographic galleries. It was a wonderful start to my journey as a photographer; and, one I am so very grateful for.
Over the years, I have been blessed to have spent some time in Australia’s remote landscapes and communities. These experiences helped me to find a sense of belonging and an appreciation of my own connection with nature and the land. I discovered there is peace in the stillness of being and the infinitesimal nuances that exist in nature.
My inspiration comes from the natural world. I take comfort in escaping the rush, trading in the bright city lights for the night sky. I look to the wilderness of the Australian landscape – the strength of the rock, the swell of a tumultuous sea, the resurgence of the sun. It allows me an escape from the "noise" of every day life and a freedom to be in the moment - in a time and place that is authentic and ageless.
Whilst I don’t get to explore the beauty of Australia as much as I once did, I still get to capture many beautiful moments close to home and have realised that you don’t have to travel far to find that connection. Sometimes, it is right on your doorstep!
Past Exhibitions
2023 Nyland Prize, Kennedy Arts Foundation, Adelaide
2022 Moonstruck, Group Exhibition, Frame & Brush, Bermagui
2016 Hype, Group Exhibition, 220 Creative Space and Gallery, Sydney
2016 Free, Group Exhibition, SunStudios, Sydney
2016 Entre Lineas, Group Exhibition, Contact Sheet Gallery, Sydney
2016 Land & Sea, Group Exhibition, 220 Creative Space and Gallery, Sydney
2015 Wish You Were Here, Group Exhibition, DFS Galleria, Sydney
2014 Mosaic, Group Exhibition, Manning Bar Sydney
2012 Adelaide Hills Wine Region – Winter Warmer Reds, Group Exhibition, Hahndorf Academy Regional Arts & Heritage Gallery, Adelaide
Tokina Global Ambassador
https://tokinalens.com
https://hoyafilter.com
Note:
All photographic images are the property / copyright of myself.
No image is to be reproduced in any way, without the express and direct written consent from myself.
Whilst my photography page goes by the name of Michelle Lake Photography. My married name is Michelle Usher.
Awards
2024 Nominee, 17th International Color Awards
2023 Nominee, 16th International Color Awards
2023 Bronze Award, Black and White Photo Contest, reFocus Awards
2023 Finalist, Nyland Photography Prize, Kennedy Arts Foundation
2022 Nominee, 17th Black & White Spider Awards
2022 Nominee, 15th International Color Awards
2021 Nominee, 16th Black & White Spider Awards
2021 Nominee, 14th International Color Awards
2020 Honourable Mention, 13th International Color Awards
2020 Nominee, 13th International Color Awards
2019 Nominee, 12th International Color Awards
2017 Commended, Landscape Category, Australian Photography, Photographer of the Year
2017 Commended, Art Category, Australian Photography, Photographer of the Year
2016 Commended, Landscape Category, Australian Photography, Photographer of the Year
2016 Finalist, SunStudios Assistants and Emerging Photographer Awards
2015 Acceptance, Sydney International Exhibition of Photography
2014 Finalist, “Wish you Were Here” Photography Competition
2012 Finalist, Adelaide Hills Wine Region – Winter Warmer Reds Photography Competition