Ocean Grove photographer snaps up international award

SEASCAPE photographer Tal Lemmens won first place in this year’s VIEPA Vienna International Photo Our World category.
His winning image titled “Apex” was shot in New South Wales last year after he spent two hours in the water taking photographs.
Earlier this year, Lemmens decided to spend time entering his images into competitions after he broke his leg in February and wasn’t able to continue working.
“During that time, I decided I could focus on doing only what I could do which was putting photos in for competitions and trying to promote myself in that space,” he said.
Lemmens was “flabbergasted” when he found out he won and says after working for five years was excited to receive recognition.
“It’s great to finally get some traction and it’s very humbling to be able to see my work in people’s homes so I would just want to thank anyone who has supported me,” he said.

A common theme in Lemmens’ photography is taking images of the ocean that are open to interpretation, and he says that may be why he won.
“Looking at the other images I realised mine is the only really unique one that looks like land and water so maybe that’s what swung in my favour.”
Early in his career, Lemmens experimented with taking photographs on land but found the process boring compared to seascape photography.
Lemmens says being in the ocean offers many different challenges that make the experience exhilarating and addicting.
“You’re really putting yourself in the elements, you’re vulnerable because there’s things like sharks and cold water, and then you have to try and use a camera as well,” he said.
Originally from Warrnambool, Lemmens relocated to Ocean Grove in 2017 after realising the local market was more interested in his photography.
“I started getting some cool shots and people here were showing interest, so it was nice to move down and get a bit more appreciation for my work,” he said.
After primarily shooting around Australia Lemmens hopes in the future her will be able to travel overseas to capture different oceans around the world.
“It’s great sharing images and I just want to continue to build my portfolio of work and share that with as many people as I can and get people who appreciate it along the way,” he said.
For more information and to view Lemmens’ photographs, head to tallemmensphoto.com.