Welcome to Life, By Lainey—a space where photography meets artistic interpretation.
For many years, photography has been my way of capturing life as it unfolds. Each image I take is more than a snapshot; it’s a moment infused with emotion, a reflection of what I felt and experienced at that time. Whether it’s the quiet intensity in a bird’s gaze, the subtle stories objects hold, or the atmosphere of my surroundings, my photographs are windows into those feelings.
I now transform select photographs into unique works of art, pieces that go beyond the original image to express something deeper. This is where photography becomes interpretation, and where life becomes art.
All images depict the vibrant life in Australia, featuring Australian Birds, animals and everyday life.
Lainey
Australian Life Inspired Art
Fine Art Prints
Oliver, the Crested Pigeon was photographed in the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, NSW. His neighbourhood has 416 hectares of rolling hills, lakes and stunning gardens. These pigeons have a thin black crest on their head, grey-brown plumage, some pink on the underparts and green on the wings. Average size/weight 33cm/200g.
Photographed in Gerringong, NSW. While out walking I noticed this worn bench at the top of a small hill, overlooking beautiful gardens and the coast. To me, in that moment it signified loss and loneliness, but also the prospect of new beginnings and hope. This is my first photograph to art transition, and holds a special place in my heart.
Cara, the Grey Fantail was photographed in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve near Canberra, NSW. These inquisitive little birds are extremely active and agile, perform aerial aerobatics and fan their tail at every opportunity. Although grey-brown and white, their personality exudes them in colour. Average size/weight 15cm/9g.
Photographed in Shoalhaven. While out driving I was drawn to several cows gathered close to the road. As I stopped the car Campbell wandered over to us, sensing her interest I stood for a while and she allowed me to photograph her while she grazed. Her beautiful big, warm eyes drew me to her and captivated me.
Cleo is a Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo. I saw her and her friends in a private sanctuary in NSW. She, like her friends have been rescued from illegal pet trade, surrendered due to injury or other reasons, and now live their best life at the sanctuary. She is free to fly, and the decision to meet her audience is hers. This image captured me as she seemed so happy and content high in the tree eating a seed, life was just that simple in that moment. Beautiful birds with a high pitched call, these cockatoos are dark brown/black in colour with yellow cheeks, yellow trim to their feathers and a yellow band on their tail. Average size/weight 60cm/700-900g.
This little Western Honey bee was enjoying the beautiful flowers blooming in the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Watching this little bee gather nectar and pollen reminded me that life can be so simple when we take time to pause and watch other life around us. So much beauty around us…. we just need to stop and absorb it.
Mark was photographed in Port Kembla. This adorable Australian Magpie caught my attention while I was whale watching. Magpies are extremely intelligent birds with a gorgeous flute like song, often performed with other Magpies, they also have the ability to mimic other birds and animals.
This pair of Tawny Frogmouth siblings were photographed in Wollongong Botanic Gardens, NSW. Snuggled together as their parents and sibling watched on from an opposite branch, they seemed very inquisitive, and interested in us. It was so amazing not only to see them so close, but also to spend quite some time watching each other.
Photographed at my home in NSW. Cookie, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo usually visits several times a day, and always brings a friend or three. These parrots have a white plumage, a yellow crest and cheeks, splashes of yellow on the underside, and a dark bill. We always know when they visit us, whether it’s the thumping of footsteps on the balcony railing, or the extremely loud screech, their arrival is never quiet, but always welcome. These birds are very intelligent, and curious coupled with a cheeky personality. Average size/weight 50cm/900g.
An amazing light photographed at a friends home. This light really captured my attention, and my aim was to bring out the industrial aspects through editing the colours and textures. Warm colour tones and a reflective appearance from the glass adds further depth to one of my favourite pieces.
I saw this Willie Wagtail in Port Kembla, NSW, the same day I photographed Mark, the Australian Magpie. These acrobatic little birds, ooze with energy and have a sweet, chatty song. They may be small but they are adept at defending their territory against much larger birds. They seem to always be on the move, flitting from one perch to another, and after a short dive into position they sway that little tail until they set off again. They may have a black and white plumage, but they have a colourful personality. Average size/weight 20cm/20g.
I was extremely lucky to capture these Australian Pelicans in a mad dash to get lunch. A local fisherman noticed I was taking photos of a large group of pelicans gathered close to the waters edge near Port Kembla, NSW. He threw leftover fish-bait towards them, which allowed me to capture the moment they rushed together to snatch the catch of the day. Such an amazing, lucky and fun moment to capture.
Rusty was sitting in a beautiful winery on Phillip Island, Victoria. I wonder where she travelled and the adventures she had in her life.
This inquisitive little Water Dragon walked towards me as I lay by a pool while at an amazing retreat in Byron Bay, NSW. I like to think it’s the same Dragon who greets me every year we go there, but given the amount on the premises I’m guessing sadly not!
I photographed this stunning orchid in the Lyon Arboretum, Honolulu, which is part of the University of Hawai’i. These lush gardens provide a home to over 19,000 individual plants, and 10 kms of hiking trails over 200 acres.
This family of giraffes were photographed at Taronga Zoo, Sydney. I caught the trio peeking out from their enclosure as something caught their interest. The babies looked keen to venture out, but mum clearly had other ideas. It was a very cute moment to capture.
The stare I received from this Pied Currawong when I approached to photograph him was hilarious. He really seemed to say something with his intense gaze. This beautiful bird was in Mount Annan Botanic Gardens, NSW.
This Cicada sat patiently on our balcony as I lay down on the ground to get a close up shot. Viewing it this way I was able to see its body in a way I haven’t before, I was amazed by its intricate wings, large eyes and segmented body. To me the image had steampunk aesthetics, which drew me to transform it with this vision in mind.