Why I Share Free Canberra Photos on Unsplash | Daniel Morton-Jones
It’s a passion. And sometimes, sharing that passion freely is the most rewarding part of the journey.
Free Photography: Why I Share My Canberra Photos on Unsplash
Free? What Do You Mean Free?
In the world of photography, "free" can sometimes feel like a dirty word. Many professionals frown upon giving away their work without compensation. As a local Canberra photographer, I understand the sentiment. Our work is often undervalued, especially in an era where nearly everyone has a high-quality camera on their phone and platforms like Instagram dominate the visual space. (Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good phone camera just as much as the next person.)
However, I've adopted a quote from YouTube photography sensation Peter McKinnon that resonates with me: "Photography is a gift."
Why I Give Away Some of My Photos
As a photographer who loves capturing the landscape and beauty of Canberra, I often find myself with images that I treasure. These are photos that I might sell as prints or license to businesses. But out of the hundreds of photos I take during a shoot, there are always a few hidden gems that I believe others would enjoy just as much as I do.
Canberra is often underappreciated for its beauty, and many of its most stunning sights are rarely seen. Through my lens, I aim to capture the essence of this city — the parts that are often overlooked. And sometimes, I offer those images for free.
Why Free? And Where Can You Find Them?
1) Free for All
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that photography is a gift, and sometimes a single image can have a big impact. Maybe someone is working on a school project about Canberra. Perhaps a marketing student needs the perfect photo for a media campaign. Or maybe, like my own grandfather, someone wants a photo reference for an oil painting.
There’s something special about discovering a beautiful image that perfectly suits your needs. Having used Unsplash extensively for creative inspiration, I love contributing to the platform and giving back to the community.
The numbers speak for themselves:
Over 7 million views collectively across my photos
More than 43,000 downloads
One of my images was even featured on the Unsplash home page
Many of my photos are used in local business promotions, often seen on Facebook
Most excitingly, some of the free images I've shared have led to paid photography gigs! By giving away photos, I’m able to share my work with a wider audience while also opening up new opportunities.
2) Where to Find My Free Canberra Photos
You can find my Canberra photos and many more by visiting my profile on Unsplash. Simply search for Daniel Morton-Jones or The Mortz Media. Whether you're looking for a new desktop wallpaper or a photo that fits your phone aesthetic, I’m sure you’ll find something you love.
Why Free Photography is a Valuable Gift to the Community
While many photographers hesitate to give away their work for free, I've found tremendous value in sharing some of my images at no cost. Whether it's providing inspiration, supporting creative projects, or simply showcasing the beauty of Canberra, I believe in the power of giving back.
By offering free photos, I’m able to connect with a community that appreciates my work, and in turn, I’ve gained valuable exposure and even new opportunities for paid gigs. Photography is not just a profession for me — it’s a passion. And sometimes, sharing that passion freely is the most rewarding part of the journey.
So, feel free to explore my photos on Unsplash, and who knows, you might find the perfect image to inspire your next project.
Canberra Film Maker | But It’s With AI?
Experience the cutting-edge fusion of creativity and technology with my AI-enhanced photography services. Whether you're looking to transform still images into dynamic videos or add a unique twist to your visuals, I use advanced AI tools to bring your vision to life. Let's collaborate and create something extraordinary in the heart of Canberra! Reach out today to learn more.
A single image shot of the rolling planes of the Uriarra area in Canberra ACT
Capturing the Beauty of Canberra: A Photographer's Perspective
Canberra Photos hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. As a Canberra photographer, one of the best aspects of my job is capturing the stunning landscapes that this city and its surrounding regions offer. From vast open spaces to serene lakes, Canberra is a haven for those who appreciate nature and amazing scenery.
What Makes a Great Canberra Photo?
When people search for Canberra photos, they might wonder: what exactly makes a great shot? For me, the essence of a great Canberra photo lies in its ability to convey the tranquility and beauty of the region. I often find myself pulling over on a quiet road, far from the Canberra city, just to soak in the natural atmosphere. It’s in these moments, surrounded by the landscape, that I believe the true character of Canberra reveals itself.
One of my favorite spots is Uriarra, an area known for its expansive landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Recently, I captured a photo there that truly resonated with me, and I wanted to do something special with it.
AI and Creativity in Canberra: From Image to Video
As a creative photographer always looking for new ways to expand my work, I’ve begun incorporating AI into my process. One of the most exciting advancements I’ve embraced is AI text-to-video technology. This tool allows me to transform a still image into a dynamic, moving video, adding an entirely new layer of depth to my Canberra photos.
Let me explain how I used this technology with a single image from Uriarra. The image was beautiful on its own, but I felt it could convey even more of the atmosphere that makes Canberra so special. Using AI text-to-video, I was able to convert that still photo into a 5-second video, giving the viewer a sense of movement through the landscape.
This short video captures the feeling of standing in Uriarra, watching the wind sweep through the fields and clouds gently drift by. It’s a subtle but powerful transformation that turns a single moment into a living experience. By adding this layer of AI creativity, I can now show others not just what it’s like to live in Canberra, but also how it feels.
(Example below)
Video of Canberra | The Uriarra region enhanced with AI
Living in Canberra: A Creative Haven
As someone who lives and works here, I often think about how to share what it's like to live in Canberra. For anyone asking, “What it’s like to live in Canberra?” or considering moving to Canberra, let me tell you—this city is an inspiring and creative place. It offers a mix of modern living with easy access to some of Australia’s most peaceful natural surroundings.
But there’s more to Canberra than just its landscapes. The city has a growing community of creatives, from artists to Canberra photographers and even tech innovators. In fact, one of the exciting developments in the Canberra creativescene is the use of AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible in photography and digital art.
With AI tools like text-to-video, we’re seeing incredible innovation in how we can present our work. It’s no longer just about capturing a moment in time—it’s about enhancing that moment and making it more immersive for viewers.
If you're inspired by the possibilities of combining creativity and technology and want to explore how AI can elevate your visual projects, I'd love to collaborate with you. Whether you're looking to transform your photos into dynamic videos or need a creative approach to showcasing your brand, AI technology can bring your vision to life in exciting ways.
Feel free to reach out to discuss how we can work together! Let’s create something truly unique using cutting-edge AI tools and innovative photography techniques right here in Canberra. Contact me today to get started!
Who Is TheMortz?
As a Canberra-based photographer, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the city, having grown up in Tuggeranong Valley. Through my photography, I aim to capture the hidden beauty of Canberra's overlooked spots. Whether it's the local skate parks or the tranquil hillsides, I want to show you what makes this city so special. Follow my journey as I showcase Canberra through my lens, one photo at a time.
Daniel, Eva, Brooke & Fin.
Canberra Photographer | Growing up in Tuggeranong Valley to Capturing Canberra’s Hidden Gems
As a Canberra-based photographer, it's hard to encapsulate who I am in just one blog post, but I’ll try to give you a glimpse of my journey, from the Tuggeranong Valley to becoming a photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty of Canberra.
Growing Up in Tuggeranong Valley
I grew up in Tuggeranong Valley, exploring its nooks and crannies as a kid and teenager. From the local skate park to those mischievous moments (like pushing a trolley into Lake Tuggeranong — no regrets!), to sitting on the hills watching the sunset over the valley, my roots in Canberra run deep.
My Journey of Faith and Friendships
My teenage years weren’t always simple, and I faced challenges at both home and school. However, I eventually found solid friendships in high school and, more importantly, discovered my faith — a turning point that completely changed my life.
Why Canberra Will Always Be Home
Although I’ve had the opportunity to travel around Australia and even to New Zealand, Canberra has always been my home. There's something about this city that brings me back, and I want to showcase the overlooked beauty that Canberra offers through my photography.
How I Fell in Love With Photography
Surprisingly, I didn’t study photography. I earned my degree from the University of YouTube (if that’s even a thing!). It started as a hobby, something to pull me away from my gaming obsession and get me out of the house. With the encouragement of my wife and friends, my love for photography grew, and I began to see the world in new ways through the lens of my camera.
Capturing Canberra's Hidden Gems
What makes my photography unique? I strive to capture Canberra's hidden gems — those underappreciated spots that even locals may overlook. Through my images, I want to reveal the beauty and character of this city, despite what the rest of the country might think.
Follow My Photography Journey
So, who am I? That’s a story still being written. But if you follow along on my photography journey, I hope to share not just the beautiful landscapes of Canberra, but also a little bit of myself and what I love about this place every day.