KMJ Palmer Photography

13/06/2026

Excited to reveal my most recent awards for 2026. This competition Australian Emerging Photographer 2026 has been my 7th year of entering and is primarily of Professional photographers, but they let bozos like me in as well.

I am so pleased and humbled with the results as all four of my entries gaining some recognition in final judging With a 19th in Art category which was a surprise.

Photography has taken a big back seat of late for various reasons, so it is encouraging to know that my efforts even so meager can be appreciated and I hope have an impact on someone.

Next and final competition for 2026 is The Australian Photographic Prize (APP). I went big this year with 10 entries over 6 categories (of the 26). My goal is to be recognised as within the APP Laureate program (or better). Judging of top 30 in each category begins live on Youtube during July with final awards presented in August.

If I find I am in any top 30 I will post here, and if you want to watch let me know I will send you a link to watch with me.

20/05/2026

Hi all, Introducing my extraordinary Niece, Kirsten Aspin.

Her specialist experience and knowledge in the support of families living with autism in the UK and Australia, is now being distilled into a special project.

I know just how much insight and benefit will come from what she has created here.

So if you can share this and just one family discovers a transformational life through what Kirsten has created here, it will mean the world has become just that little bit more wonderful.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4gP4NtPg/

09/05/2026

During a live 2 hour critique forum from the Australian Photographic Prize competition, I was fortunate to have an image critiqued.

The category I entered is very specific.

The entry must be a capture straight from the camera with absolutely no editing or changes applied of any kind allowed.

And I was a little overwhelmed to hear the judges comments.

"Wow, well seen, really successfully...well handled ..... and well done"
"Extremely well executed capture of life"
"Really successful ... the light just touches enough to see the detail. It really really is the sort of thing I wish I could see and take and that is a reason judges get excited".

So now I enter and hope to get on to that final all important last review table.

Live judging via YouTube commences July 8 to July 31. With awards announced live on Aug 13.

02/05/2026

Why would anyone want to use a 1950's or 1960's camera?

Or better still why would someone decide to invest in a start up aiming to remanufacture an old technology camera from scratch, first produced in 1959? The camera model in question, 'Widelux'.

As someone with a collection of era cameras and accessories, there is this simple joy of the slowing down when using film. And there is the feel and retro 'cool' when you get good results.

But let's get back to the questions.

The best answer is found in this link below to images from a photobook by Jeff Bridges.

Yes that Jeff Bridges (Hollywood Actor/Director) and he has put his money behind the project to rebirth to Widelux.

These were a manual camera, that uses a panoramic rotating lens with no shutter that allows you to take 3 to 4 images per roll of film. What it can capture as a single image is not able to be replicated by digital cameras (other than stitching multiple images together).

He got behind the project firstly because he has been a Widelux user all his life. And to keep using one has meant searching for good used well maintained models. They are becoming a unicorn.

But really I suggest you have a look at his images (if using a phone tilt it). What you will see is masterful Black and White Photography taken with what is a difficult and technical camera to use, that can produce amazing and impactful story telling images.

(If you are a bit of a movie buff, guess the movies any of the images may have come from, or name the actors).

Enjoy!

24/04/2026

On a day when I needed some clarity of thought just needing to slowly walk and think. I wandered with what has become my current comfortable lens.

The intention, not to look for anything particular, only with a hope and idea of how light might play. Strangely knowing I would see what I would see.

Nikon Z6ii Tamron a 2.8 70-200mm+ a CLP filter.
ISO 200 f4 1/125 (Manual mode)

19/04/2026

What are you looking at? Yes correct different yet still recognisable. The shape and the colour your brain draws on experiences, fills in the story gap, and describes to you to confirm what you are seeing. Ferns.

This image has been created using Intentional Camera Movement -ICM. (not to be confused with unintentional camera movement 🤣) And trying ten attempts can have 10 different outcomes (or 40 😜).

There are a couple of simple compositional things that help with thinking about this approach to creative photography and happy to give away some secrets. However the internet has some good suggestions for you. So I suggest you try ICM just for fun.

06/04/2026

Going back to Black and White creates an opportunity to look for subjects with a different mindset. Moving away from the distractions that colours can bring and helps to allow you spend time in the space. (Nokia, Enoggera Dam, Easter 2026)

15/03/2026

As a brief update to the previous post,
A big congratulations to my friend Libby Morton it was so exciting to be there and join you in celebrating your win. Such a great image onward and upward https://www.instagram.com/p/DTz3WXZEgB5/?img_index=3

14/03/2026

Tonight will be the first time I will see one of my images put on public display where I will be physically present.

Yes aside from social media, there have been other times where my work has been judged nationally or internationally.

Yet buffered by distance, I could remotely sit in safety listening to the critiquing because it was somewhat less personal. (and away from crowds of people 'brrr', and their voices or whisper words).

And thinking about this dilemma. as my internal dialogue bounces thoughts and scenarios. I think I arrived at on point of discovery.

I think of my photography as a very personal activity as it makes space from our turmoil's , as it may be similar for you in what you do. And that is good. Even if according to the world what should drive us is fame or exploitation of opportunities.

I am suggesting to you that it is necessarily to first create what you like, for you! As only then is it that your well being can be truly rewarded.

If it is worthy to share more widely that can be a bonus. But with that, accept and be open to the vulnerability that comes from exposure to a world that at times can be cruel.

But also, just maybe, needing of you.

Send a message to learn more

09/03/2026

Look for music such as 'Rising" to hear the light slowly warming the morning air.
Small things become apparent as your eyes settle on what is around you and your mind rests in that moment.