Some questions for World Famous Nature Photographer, Steve Parish
Harshita asked Steve Parish some questions online and his wife, Catherine, who he works very closely with, answered them as he was away on a photo shoot.
Why did you choose to write books on “Australian Animals” rather than any other?
Steve grew up loving marine creatures. He was given a mask & snorkel as a child then he spent 20 years below the surface of the sea. He started photographing when he met a man called Igo Oak who was the pioneer underwater photographer in Australia. Igo lent Steve his camera one day and a picture that Steve took was shown at a slideshow and everybody clapped and thought it was wonderful. Steve then turned his attention to photography so that he could show everyone the wonderful creatures that he had met under water.Steve started taking above ground pictures when he worked for the National Parks Service in Queensland. He produced posters and books after he left and thus started his career in publishing. Steve could never find a good reason to leave his beloved Australia and never feels he has finished telling the stories of the wonderful animals and landscapes that exist here. He wants to encourage all children to care for and protect the animals.
How many books have you written in all?
Steve Parish Publishing has produced, over the course of 21 years, approximately 500 – maybe more, we do not have a count.
When was your first book published?
The first book published was Ocean of Life in 1974; this was produced by another publisher.
How and when did you start working with Rebecca Johnson?
Rebecca Johnson started writing for Steve in 2003. She has written in the order of 40 books in that time and is now in the process of developing a new range of books aimed for levels of reading expertise.
Do you write books only for younger children aged 3-6?
Fiction is produced mostly for the younger age group 4 to 6 but this will be extended to about 9 or 10. We produce reference and learning books for children from 0 to 12 years but many of our adult books are enjoyed by children and many of our children’s books (such as the Facts books) are enjoyed by adults. The entire children’s’ range is currently being reviewed and new ranges of books will be released this year and next.
Which parts of Australia are mostly covered in your photographs?
Steve takes pictures of every aspect of Australia in every part of Australia: animals, landscape, people, wildflowers, cities, activities, marine life and on.
Do you photograph pictures for other writers as well?
No. Steve takes photographs mostly for his own publications but we occasionally sell images for other purposes such as wall prints, advertising, non-profit organizations.
What got you interested in writing and photography?
I think I answered this question as part of the first answer.
How long have you been writing and taking photographs?
Steve Parish Publishing has been in existence for 21 years this year. We are celebrating with a traveling exhibition – which is currently in Sydney.
