THE WILD & Untamed

Captured in images

Photographers Matt Deakin and Allysha found their muse, having fallen in love with the wealth of unique wildlife and diversity of landscapes that define this special corner of the world.

Cartledge reveal the hidden wonders of Broome’s wildlife.

Through their photography and conservation efforts, they aim to raise awareness of the wildlife in Broome and help protect its precious species for many years to come.

“Broome is an ideal destination for wildlife because of the diversity and rawness,” says Allysha, who has been captivated by wildlife for as long as she can remember. “It is still so untouched and there are still many areas you can go and be completely in nature, surrounded by so much life.”

Since arriving in Broome early 2019, Allysha has spent countless hours immersed in nature, seeking out the perfect shot with her handheld Nikon Z6 or drone. Her passion for wildlife is hard to miss when viewing her work. “Getting the ideal shot usually takes countless hours of being patient, either sitting in a bush with my camera, looking strange to everyone else,” Allysha laughs, “or flying the drone looking for marine life.

In Broome, where the land meets the sea in a spectacular dance of colours and life, there is so much that is hidden to the untrained eye. Blue banded bees are seasonally present along the purple dune flowers, jumping spiders show off their mating dances in the dunes along Cable Beach, and the explosion of population of various frogs and reptiles through the wet season is a natural spectacle not to miss. It's here, in Broome, that photographers Matt Deakin and Allysha Cartledge have

"It always involves adventure, going for walks or drives, looking for the right type of environment, food sources or waterholes for the certain species you're in search of.”

For Allysha, her favourite subjects are often the most challenging to capture — birds that flit unpredictably and marine animals that remain elusive. “Gouldian finches have definitely been a favourite of mine,” she shares, recalling the thrill of recently finding them in the Dampier Peninsula. “I love the red tailed black cockatoos too. Every time I see them, I'm in awe of their unique energy.”

Whether she’s hiding in a bush to capture a rare bird or flying her drone to scout for marine life, Allysha’s approach is marked by patience and a deep respect for the natural world.

“Broome is full of wildlife, so my advice for this would be, look around everywhere. Be respectful of the environment. Leave everything as you found it, don't move, disturb, take or leave anything. Even every little rock has an importance for many species. Be patient, just sit for a while and get comfy.”

Meanwhile, Matt Deakin, Allysha’s partner, and partner in crime when it comes to photography, has been photographing Broome’s landscapes for over a decade. His journey began with a focus on the expansive, colourful vistas seen from the sky using his DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone.

Over time, partly thanks to Allysha’s infectious passion for wildlife, Matt’s curiosity led him to explore the animals inhabiting these vivid landscapes.

“In Broome, we are blessed with such a diverse range of wildlife and marine life, some of which are endemic to the region,” says Matt. “The wildlife changes through the seasons too, which gives us new subjects to capture all year round. For example, we get manta rays in autumn, whales in winter, and migratory shorebirds through the summer.

“The more we look, the more we find,” he says, likening the excitement of a new discovery to that experienced during childhood upon capturing a new Pokémon. Despite venturing out together, Matt and Allysha’s final photos are often vastly different. “Lately, while I'm flying the drone, Allysha is often exploring with her handheld camera, at the edges of bushes, grasslands and under trees to looking for birds, insects and reptiles while I explore from the sky,” says Matt.

Stylistically, Allysha's work tends to be more abstract, dreamlike and gentle while Matt steers towards being bold, colourful and contrasting.

For those visiting Broome with a similar passion for observing or photographing wildlife, Matt and Allysha offer advice and encouragement. They suggest timing trips around the tides and time of year; in particular, exploring the reef and rock pools during low tide, where alien-like creatures reveal themselves to those who take the time to watch.

Matt and Allysha also invite visitors to stop by their stalls at the Broome Markets, where they share their work and stories, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Meanwhile, their social media platforms, @ally.photog and @from.miles. away, provide a glimpse into their daily adventures and the stunning wildlife they encounter.

Through their lenses, Matt and Allysha share with the world the beauty and diversity of Broome — a place that remains, in many ways, untouched and untamed.

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