Capturing the Magic of the Great Southern Reef

tarn hingston

This month, we’re thrilled to feature Tarn Hingston, an emerging underwater photographer, passionate about celebrating the vibrant ecosystems of the Great Southern Reef.

Image: Rohan Wolfe

In this article, Tarn shares her journey, motivations behind her work, and the unforgettable experiences that shape her story.

For Tarn, the ocean has always been a source of wonder. An avid snorkeller with an intense appreciation for Tasmania’s rocky reefs, she struggled to convey their beauty to her friends and family. This led her to purchase a second-hand waterproof camera, sparking her love for underwater photography.

a passion ignited

“Despite the piece-of-garbage I was shooting with, I fell in love instantly!” she says. Tarn soon became a certified scuba diver, upgraded her camera, and fully immersed herself in capturing the reef’s vibrant life. What began as a personal pursuit has grown into a mission to share the reef’s beauty and foster deeper connections between people and their local marine environments.

Motivation Behind the Lens

Tarn’s photography is rooted in personal passion and a desire to inspire others. “First and foremost, my photos are for me,” she explains. “I simply adore exploring the reef’s beauty and capturing it in photo-form.”

By sharing her images, Tarn hopes to help others build an emotional connection with the reefs. “It’s hard to protect something you don’t feel connected to. I want my photos to make people fall in love with the reef—whether they experience it in person or not. The more people love it, the more they’ll try to protect it.”

When asked about her favourite part of the Great Southern Reef, Tarn’s response is immediate: the east coast of Tasmania. “I’ve lived on this little island my whole life, and the rocky reefs here feel like home. I have a deep and profound love for these cooler-climate reefs that I grew up exploring.”

A Deep Connection

“I want people to realise that the reefs at their doorstep are just as important, extensive, and beautiful as any land forest.”

– Tarn Hingston

hidden gems

Photographing the reef comes with its challenges. Tarn regularly dives in the Derwent Estuary, where visibility is regularly just a few metres. This has led her to focus on macro photography, though she jumps at the chance to shoot wide-angle scenes in clearer waters.

Through her photography, Tarn aims to highlight the beauty and complexity of these marine ecosystems. “I want people to realise that the reefs at their doorstep are just as important, extensive, and beautiful as any land forest.”

Capturing an Unnamed Nudibranch

For Tarn, the magic of the reef lies in its small details. “I love tiny critters! Sea slugs are my absolute favourite—they’re like hidden Easter eggs, brightly coloured and beautiful.”

One standout encounter for Tarn was photographing an unnamed nudibranch species, Doto sp. 10. “There’s something so special about seeing and capturing a species that hasn’t even been named by science yet!”

One of Tarn’s most memorable experiences came not during a dive, but just after. “We were unloading the boat at Bicheno when I spotted a pelican near the jetty. Beneath it were freshly-birthed school shark pups, some still with yolk sacs attached! I grabbed my camera, jumped in, and captured the incredible moment.”

sharky surprises

Looking Ahead

Tarn’s photography is a call to action to protect the Great Southern Reef. “I want my photos to draw attention to the reef’s incredible beauty and complexity. Our reefs are in urgent need of protection, and I hope my work inspires people to care and act.”

Through her lens, Tarn invites us all to experience the vibrant, hidden world beneath the waves and join the effort to preserve it for generations to come.

Follow her underwater photography journey on Instagram here.

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