Nature lover finds new path with focus on photography

Just over a year on from completing a Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50925) at TAFE Queensland’s Nambour campus, hinterland-based creative Fuschia Darling is making a name for herself in the Sunshine Coast art scene with her distinctive and unique photographic artworks.

Passionate about nature and sharing its beauty with others, Fuschia says she made the decision to venture into photography after the summer heat and humidity made continuing her previous job untenable.

“I spent over 20 years working in the local conservation and horticulture sector, managing the Barung Landcare local nature plant nursery in Maleny and then the Coolum Community Native Nursery at Yaroomba,” Fuschia said.

“I loved it, but I knew I couldn't physically keep doing what I was doing and I wasn't sure what to do, now that I was over 60. So, I walked into my local member’s office and asked for help,” she explains.

“The lovely receptionist did some research on my behalf and sent me an email about the fee free courses available at TAFE Queensland, and at the time, the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50925) was on that list.

“I had been immersed in and photographing our natural ecosystems and coastal foreshores for several years by that point, and many people had been encouraging me to do more with my photography. I had presented a few local exhibitions with some success and great feedback, and I had also been involved in providing photos for conservation papers and identification pamphlets, so it made sense to finally pursue my passion for nature photography again.”

Having developed a love for macro photography while working at the Coolum Community Native Nursery, Fuschia says she was keen to grow her skills and learn more about her camera, photography, and digital imaging in general so she could develop her ideas into a business. So, in 2023, she enrolled with TAFE Queensland and began to do just that.

“I really enjoyed learning and having the time to push myself creatively,” Fuschia said.

“I had only ever used Lightroom and had never tried Photoshop. While I found it extremely challenging in the beginning, I now love using it to create my photographic art from my nature photos.

“It was wonderful to have such experienced teachers, and I loved making new friends with the same passion for photography as me.”

Fuschia completed her qualification in mid-2024 and has since launched Fuschia by Nature, selling her nature-centric prints and participating in presentations and workshops.

“I love immersing myself in nature and seeing the incredible details and intricate designs that surround us, that we often miss. The peace and awe I feel when I am present with nature has a profound effect on my mental health and wellbeing, and that inspires me to learn more about what I am seeing, sensing and photographing,” Fuschia said.

“I then love to create photographic art from the detail I see, that I hope will inspire others to see and sense the awe of what is occurring all around us.”

Fuschia’s efforts in building her skills and refining her work has clearly paid off, with the talented artist participating in a successful collaborative exhibition called ‘Take a closer look’ in the gallery at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve alongside local ceramicist Leisa Gunton in September. The exhibition also saw Fuschia present two workshops, where she highlighted the beauty of coastal rockpools and shared what she has learned about plant senses.

Her presence in the local art scene has only continued to grow since, with Fuschia’s works featured in the ‘Wildflowering by Design’ Exhibition at the Caloundra Art Gallery in November, displayed in the Art Space Gallery in Montville in November and December, and showcased at the Montvale Makers Design Fair.

While her profile continues to grow, Fuschia is enthusiastic to do more, with her goal to help educate locals about the environment while highlighting the natural beauty around us.

“I’m working towards doing what I love fulltime,” Fuschia said.

“I would love to do more presentations integrating environmental education and art, and would also love to create more immersive exhibitions and experiences using projection and sound.”

The Sunshine Coast has long been a hotbed for artistic talent, inspiring creatives from all walks of life with its stunning landscape and community of supportive locals. And with Jobs Queensland projecting an increase in employment opportunities for photographers on the Sunshine Coast of 5.1 per cent over the next five years, there is clearly plenty of opportunities for creatives like Fuschia to thrive.