I was born in Perth, Western Australia in 1978, my family immediately moved to Port Hedland, where I developed my love for red dirt and afternoon thunderstorms. My teenage years were spent in Geraldton, where I would borrow my sister`s camera and take photos of friends surfing and all the local breaks we had conquered!

It wasn`t until I had turned 26 that I realised I had a serious interest in Photography. I am self taught, with many hours spent practising and experimenting with techniques. I am currently undertaking studies that will give me my diploma in photojournalism. I have also found books and online tutorials very helpful in keeping me up to date with the ever changing face of photography. I am a member of the Australian Photographic Society and enter competitions and attend seminars whenever possible.

My images are all captured on digital equipment, some images are stitched together to create big quality prints. All images are worked on using Photoshop, however I have drawn my line in the sand on image manipulation. I would rather return to a location for a re-shoot to capture the image that I want rather than create it.

Travelling around Australia always brings me happiness, I love getting away to new locations and driving down new roads that I have never been done before but getting back to old favourites like Karijini National Park in Western Australia is just as good, thinking about Karijini warms my heart and the magic of the place will never be topped by another location. I have become more understanding of our natural environment and enjoy being out in the early morning and well after the sun has set.

I am currently living in Adelaide, South Australia and am getting involved with and promoting photography in the area. I have formed friendships with others in the industry and happily promote others work through my blog or my facebook page. Photography has been a huge creative outlet for me and I was once told by a friend that I have a gift and I should share it with the world.

I hope you enjoy viewing my images.

Thank You

Michael Bates