Why I Share Free Canberra Photos on Unsplash | Daniel Morton-Jones

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.

Who Is TheMortz?

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.