About Liz Jakimow - Australian fine art photography

Liz Jakimow lives in the beautiful valley of Araluen, near Braidwood in regional NSW, Australia – which is not only a wonderful place to live, but provides many opportunities for taking photographs. Her home is surrounded by mountains whose personality seems to change depending on what the weather, and the clouds, are doing. Nearby, the lovely Araluen Creek provides a quiet spot for tranquillity and contemplation in the midst of busy days. She is also fortunate to be able to see the full moon rising above the mountains just outside her front door. 

Liz is most happy when she has a camera in her hands. Taking photographs immediately puts her into the zone, where she is lost in the flow of capturing the images that speak to her. It becomes a form of mindfulness, where all her worries and cares are pushed to the background, and she is solely focused on what is speaking to her at the time. 

While photography may seem to be mainly about sight, Liz believes in using all five senses. Listening often indicates when something may be nearby worth photographing – a kookaburra’s laugh, the sound of water, or a rustle in the grass. Taste and touch help in the editing process. The way a cactus is portrayed will be different to a mushroom. The way a ripe blackberry is edited will be different to a stone. Scent also helps her to immerse herself in a place and feel the mood that it is conveying. 

Photography, for Liz, is therefore a kind of spiritual practice. It takes her out into nature, which in itself can be a sacred experience. It helps her to look at the way around her – with wonder, with joy and with gratitude. It also enables her to see small details in nature that are often overlooked, yet can be just as beautiful as a stunning vista. Through her photographs, Liz seeks to honour the spirit of nature in her own way, and the creative spirit that lies at the heart of it all. 

Liz’s photographs have appeared in various exhibitions and galleries, including the Laurent Gallery in St Kilda. She was shortlisted for the landscape category in the Head On Photo Festival 2020 and she has received high commendations for photos entered in the Mono Awards. Liz has also had a photo included in the Lonely Plant Guide for Canberra and one of her photos appeared on the Community Relief Monopoly Board.