Expedition Vessel in Spain Bay, Southwest Tasmania by JImmy Emms

Highlights Photography Cruise 2023

May 3, 2023

When the soft light of autumn kicks in, we know its time for annual Port Davey Photography Expedition Cruise

In April each year, On Board hosts a very special experience in the southwest: a dedicated photography expedition. Guests onboard, with the support of our guides, set out to capture the dramatic scenery of Tasmania's wild Southwest. The moody landscapes, reflective waterways and contrasts of light and dark make this remote wilderness a photographer’s dream.

This year, this special experience (12-16th April) was led by gifted photographers and guides Peter Marmion & Jimmy Emms. who helped our guests to seek out the best light, locations, and compositions on daily guided walks and tender excursions. Destinations and photographic subjects were shaped by wind and tide, swell and sunlight, and guests’ interests. Back on board, participants were guided through post-production processes in both group and one-on-one sessions.

Photographic highlights from the expedition, as captured by the lens of Jimmy Emms, have been shared below. Enjoy!

The changing moods of an expansive waterway - from calm and reflective to wind-blown and wild

Landscapes in the soft light of magnficient autumn sunrises and sunsets

Peaceful rivers to craggy mountain tops

Flora, fauna and and other visitors to this wild place

A remote land where mountains meet the sea

Meet the Photographic Guides

This year's Port Davey Escape Photography Expedition was led by led gifted local photographers and guides Peter Marmion & Jimmy Emms.

Jimmy Emms is a Hobart-based photographer who has always been drawn to shooting seascapes - whether from the land, the air or the water. Not only is Jimmy guaranteed to get our photographers to the right place at the right time, but he's also a patient and talented teacher of post-production processes.

Peter Marmion is a master of landscape photography within Port Davey. A frequent visitor since the early 1970s, he has over 50 years of experience in the region.

“I feel to be a Tasmanian is a wonderful gift for those interested in photography. The grand scenery and capricious weather afford many opportunities to capture photographic images. I have carried a camera with me on canoeing, sailing, bushwalking and flying trips for over fifty years." says Peter.

"For many years I have worked as a guide all over Tasmania but mainly in the glorious lands of South West Tasmania. Living and working in our World Heritage area has given me rich opportunities to “be in the right place at the right time”. Being responsible for escorting others around our wild country means flexibility is important. I mostly use a Nikon camera with a 18-300 lens.

My most favoured location for photography is the Port Davey region of the far South West. The scenery is superb and the place abounds in stories which I try to incorporate in my photos. I take most of my photos at dawn and dusk and I love the gun metal colours that we enjoy in Tasmania’s cooler months."

Dates announced for photography expedition in 2024

Are you a passionate photographer? The next Port Davey Escape Photography Expedition is scheduled to depart 11-15th April. We can tailor our itineraries to suit both experienced and beginner photographers. Non-photographers are welcome too! Find out more here.