Close encounters of ocean snapper

As part of the Great Southern Art and Craft Trail, renowned photographer Emma Johnson, from EJS Encounters, is exhibiting her oceanic photography at Three Anchors Gallery.

Ms Johnson’s exhibition, titled Encounters with the Oceanic Heart, is about celebrating the deep blue sea and all its majestic creatures.

“This year marks the 40th year that Albany stopped its 178-year whaling industry,” she said in an exclusive interview with the Advertiser.

“So our beautiful whales have been 40 years free and I feel that this deserves being recognised and celebrated.”

Ms Johnson also works with local craft artist Jason Dean, from Timber Affair, to frame all her photos with local WA jarrah and marri timber. “Each frame is a work of art in itself — handmade, unique and unable to be duplicated,” she said.

“I find this creates even more of a special incomparable feel to each image.”

Having spent the past decade of her career being in or under the surface of the WA oceans, Ms Johnson said she was honoured to be able to share her experience with the Great Southern region community.

“My goal is to inspire people through my imagery to help bring awareness to conserving and protecting our precious marine life,” she said.

Encounters with the Oceanic Heart photo exhibition will be running through till the end of next month at Three Anchors, Middleton Beach in Albany.