My 3 favourite wild experiences

I met Rebecca Labriola like I meet a lot of people, while out taking photos. I’m pretty shy as a rule, so I usually just give a quick nod of the head and move on, but Bec always stops and checks in. I knew she’d be perfect for Ask a Local and that you’d all enjoy her incredible images. For something a little bit different, instead of asking Bec for her 3 favourite local wild places, I instead asked her about her 3 favourite wild experiences. And, of course, to tell us a little bit about herself too.

Hi, my name is Bec. I have loved taking photos for as long as I can remember. I started taking photos of my twin boys 18 years ago and since then I have done portrait photography and now nature and wildlife photography. I have always been greatly drawn to and amazed by the beauty in nature. I love the colours and details in a cloudy sky, beautiful shiny drops on flowers after it rains and the colours of the sky at sunrise and sunset. I love to photograph what I see, so I can share this with others.

1. Being incredibly close to the Whales of Bushranger’s Bay, Shellharbour

My favourite area of photography would have to be photographing the humpback whales as they pass our shores on their migrations north and south . Quite a few years ago, I remember sitting on the rocks near Bushranger’s Bay Shellharbour watching the ocean. A humpback whale passed very close to the shoreline. This was my first whale encounter, where the whale was so close to me. I remember the feeling of immense exhilaration I felt when the whale showed its tail and actually being able to hear its blow.

From that day onwards I have spent countless days down at Bass Point, Shellharbour photographing these magnificent mammals. I never tire of seeing them and love the feeling of capturing them in photographs.

2. Walking with Waterfalls at Cascade Falls, Macquarie Pass

Although photographing the humpback whales is my favourite, I also enjoy exploring the local bushwalks and rainforests. Exploring and walking around our many natural locations relaxes me and gives me a sense of peace away from a sometimes busy world.

A favourite place I like to go to is the Cascade Falls at Macquarie Pass. I love to listen to the sounds of the rainforest, the birds and the water cascades flowing. I have been very keen to learn how to do long exposure photography to capture the soft flowing of the water cascades.

3. Finding Ghost Mushrooms in Blackbutt Reserve

During the past year I learnt that there was a special mushroom that glowed in the dark and was found in our local area. After seeing others finding and taking beautiful photos, I wanted to find out more about the special 'glow mushroom' and how to photograph it. I, with other crazy photographers, ventured into bush, fought the mozzies, the wet and the dark to see this amazing mushroom.

Together we learnt the camera settings. We were so proud when we got the green glow in our photos. The mushroom, Omphalotus Nidiformis, only glows a white colour to the naked eye but its green glow is captured in a photograph. I started to venture out myself to look for these mushrooms and was so excited when I found some at Blackbutt Reserve and at Bass Point, Shellharbour.

Photography has been a big part of my life and anyone who knows me knows how important it is to me. My camera is a part of me and if I do not have it, I feel incomplete. Photography has given me purpose and strength in times of hardship, Photography encourages me to continue to learn. I have met many likeminded people who enjoy nature and wildlife as much as I do. I will continue to explore our beautiful nature in our area and capture its beauty.

Bec, thank you so very much for sharing your passion and your stunning photographs with us. To see more of Bec’s gorgeous work, follow her on Instagram