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Feature Photographer: Joshua Turko

By Glam Adelaide

Posted on July 11, 2016

As a young man, our Feature Photographer this week, Joshua Turko was never that interested in clubs or pubs. His calling was nature, and he’s now sharing his travels through his extraordinary photography.

A couple of years ago online didn’t seem like our own personal National Geographic, but with a plethora of local photographers immersing themselves in the landscapes and culture of Adelaide, we have no doubt you could easily make a regular print magazine of South Australia if you so chose. In the mean time, we’re incredibly pleased to feature the stunning work of Joshua Turko this week.

Sunrise over vineyards in the Adelaide Hills.

Night lighting against Grange Jetty.

For Turko, family has played a huge role in his love of the outdoors. “Just as I learnt to walk my Dad and Granddad put a fishing rod in my hands and we spent many early mornings in the Central West Region of NSW going from lake to lake catching catfish and red-fin,” he begins, with family holiday camping along the Murray River, and his own expeditions along Fleirieu and Yorkes gradually moving him toward the realisation that his experiences were fairly unique.

“Nature is a place is a place that gives me perspective,” he explains. “Often in life I find myself becoming so self-absorbed. I worry about my future, I fuss over insignificant ‘1^st world problems’ and I often pursue things that lead solely to my benefit, pleasure and comfort. But there’s something about feeling the warmth of the sun on your cheeks as it crawls above the horizon or standing in the midst of a big storm and being at the mercy of the elements that really humbles you. Being in nature makes me feel small, it reminds me that there’s more to life than just me. Being in nature prompts reflection about the focus of my life and renews my perspective about what’s truly important.”

It’s difficult not to make such reflections from simply looking at Turko’s work. Despite the fact that he’s only been honing his craft for 10 months, he appears to have an effortless and natural knack for telling a story in his pictures. “I intend for my photos to have an audience; I want my photos to tell a story about creation and inspire others to experience the beauty for themselves. I genuinely appreciate it when my photos get shared and featured on Instagram and Facebook; it shows me people are listening with their eyes and it encourages me to keep sharing more stories.”

Grange Jetty.

Orchards, Adelaide Hills.

Kersbook sunrise.

At just 23 years of age, and with only a year remaining on his Bachelor of Education study, Joshua has travel in mind and sees photography as a big part of his future. “I am constantly reading articles and trying to learn new techniques to improve my photography. I’m currently in the process of printing and framing large landscapes (up to 2 meters big) and it’s exciting to see my photos come to life in a new and impressive way. Although Adelaide will always be home in my heart, I look forward to carrying out more spontaneous trips experiencing new natural wonders.”