by Carla Caruso

Adelaide’s Park Lands are abundant with wildlife.

Ever fancied capturing the diverse species on your camera? We spoke to local nature photographer Marjan Kaashoek for some tips. 

Hi, Marjan. How did you get into nature photography?

I’ve always been interested in nature and animals and used to go hiking quite often and [I’d] stop and listen/look at many birds, flowers and landscape, and try to take a photo with my phone. 

About two years ago, we went on a family holiday to Kangaroo Island. For that trip I purchased a small pocket camera, but with a long zoom on it, so I could photograph some of the wildlife. 

From that moment, I was hooked and really started to become very keen.

I purchased a DSLR camera with a big zoom lens and signed up to do a day course to learn how to use my new camera. 

Are you a member of any bird or nature lovers’ groups?

There are a lot of Facebook pages that focus on birds and wildlife. So I follow a few of them, mainly ones that focus on birds/wildlife in South Australia.

The main page I follow is South Aussie Birding. On this Facebook page, everyone is very supportive and helpful, sharing tips on how to capture certain birds and where the best spots are. 

How long does it generally take you to get a winning shot? And do you head out alone?

Some days you go out and it takes hours before you even spot a bird and get a photo that you really like - and sometimes it happens in 15 minutes. You never really know what will happen with wild animals. 

I mainly go out by myself, but my son occasionally comes along as well. He now uses my older camera, and he is fantastic with spotting birds.

Sometimes I go with a friend as it is nice to have the company, and two pairs of eyes see more than one pair and you can help each other out locating birds. 

Do you have a favourite photo spot in the Adelaide Park Lands?

Botanic Park [in Park 11] is definitely a favourite spot because of the big colony of grey-headed flying foxes. They are very interesting animals. 

Also the park near TreeClimb on Unley Road [Blue Gum Park / Kurangga - Park 20] – this park has a little stream with water and attracts some lovely birds, like galahs, corellas, cockatoos, rosellas, and lorikeets.

What animals have you been most proud to get on film?

Recently when I went to Botanic Park, I managed to captured some flying foxes in flight, some [with] their babies hanging on for dear life.

Also spotting a pair of Australian boobook owls was an amazing experience, as they have such big, beautiful eyes. But I’m still amazed if I see any birds or [animals] as Australia has the most amazing wildlife. 

Do you have any tips for aspiring nature photographers?

Have lots of patience and respect for the animals. Don’t get too close otherwise they become stressed, especially in breeding season.

Start following some social media pages and watch YouTube videos to learn about camera settings, or do a photography course. 

Buy a big zoom lens, so you can keep your distance. Talk to people to find out about good spots. Just go out and enjoy what nature has to offer!

What keeps you busy when you’re not taking photos?

I work part-time as a pathology collector during the week, and on the weekend, I teach horse riding at a horse-riding centre.

It doesn’t leave me with much free time as I’m also a mum. But any bit of free time, you can find me somewhere with my camera.