Luke Alexander Visuals

Happy Halloween!

Bioluminescent fungi, known as ghost mushrooms, haunt an old banksia tree.

It’s still unclear why these mushrooms glow in the dark. Some suggest they attract nocturnal bugs and animals, aiding in spore dispersal. Others suggest that it is simply a metabolic coincidence.

Journals from early European occupation in Australia, suggest that when consulting with some Aboriginal Nations, such as the Kombumerri peoples of south-eastern Queensland, many approached the topic with apprehension — referring to the glowing mushrooms as spirits.

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Location: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
Ghost Mushroom (Omphalotus nidiformis)

Information reference:
Pouliot, A, The Fungi Awaken in the Southern Otways…, Southern Otway Landcare Network, viewed 31 October 2021,

A study of light & shadow, fire & air, form & fluidity

The clouds

Mount Dandenong

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During my recent trip, I worked on a series of aerial images to reveal the textures and subtle hues of the ancient lakebeds in the semi-arid regions of Victoria.

Despite being in existence for thousands of years and remaining relatively unchanged, the surface of the lakebeds are constantly evolving. Wind, rain, and evaporation cause patterns to emerge and transform alongside the weather. These fleeting patterns can be on display one day and gone the next - perhaps never to be repeated.

I read that the mineral composition of these hyper-saline lakes, are believed to be similar to environments found on Mars. An example of how our understanding of home, can help us learn about conditions on other planets.

I headed out to the Mallee and Desert regions of Victoria & New South Wales for a long weekend away. I wanted to experience some of the ancient landscapes that make these regions so special. I was particularly drawn to the inland dry lakebeds that are rich in salts and minerals and offer a glimpse into the history of this country.

I spent most of the time driving during the hot days, scouting the area, then resting during the night. One particular night the temperature was cool and still, allowing me to work on a night series. Losing track of time, I finished taking photos at about 6am. I naively thought ‘I’ll just sleep during the day’, only to be cooked out of my tent a few hours later from the relentless morning sun.

I had a few scares during this solo trip – one was a flat tyre on a remote 4wd track and another when I was driving across a section of track that crossed the outskirts of a dry lakebed. My tyres ended up breaking through the hard crust layer of track, exposing thick mud and almost leaving me stuck in the middle of nowhere. Despite this, it was refreshing to learn about and explore these ancient and incredible regions of Australia.