STEVE PARISH, Photographer

Steve Parish was introduced to photography by pioneer Australian underwater photographer, Igo Oak. Inspired by his enthusiasm, Steve challenged himself to photograph every Australian marine fish in its natural environment. This kindled a passion for natural history and a vision to share his discoveries with others. As his focus broadened, he turned his lens to recording the diversity of Australia- plants, animals and landscapes, people, architecture and the urban environment.

In 1985 Steve established a publishing company that continues to generate a wide range of products from an ever-expanding library of photographic images. Sharing Australia with the world has become his reason for being, and he has found the marriage of publishing and photography to be the ideal vehicle for communication.

Steve says, "To publish books about Australian nature was a dream of mine for many years. I love Australia and I love books." Steve Parish Publishing now produces an extensive range of souvenir, pictorial and deluxe coffee-table books, natural history guides, and an award winning collection of children's environmental publications and activities.

Steve lives in Brisbane where he divides his time between photographing in the field, and developing new publications.

Awards and Achievements

2003 Wilderness Society Environment Award for Outstanding Environmental Publishing

2003 Short-listed in the Children's Book Council Eve Pownall Award for Information Books for ARK. Discover & Learn about Australian Forests and Woodlands

2001 Winner in the Whitley Awards in the Best Popular Zoology Book category for the Encyclopedia of Australian Wildlife

2000 Short-listed in the Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children's Literature for the Encyclopedia of Australian Wildlife

1999 Australian Photographic Society's Award for Contribution to Nature Photography

1998 Certificate of Commendation in the Whitley Awards for the best book in the category Illustrated Works for the casebound book Australian Birds by Peter Slater

1998 Certificate of Commendation in the Whitley Awards for the best books in the category Junior Secondary Series for the Discover & Learn Amazing Facts Books

1996 Certificate of Merit in the Printing Industries of America Premier Print Awards

1996 Gold Medal for Casebound Books in the 13th National Print Awards

1995 Bronze Medal for Casebound Books in the 12th National Print Awards

1994 The Galley Club Award for Excellence in Book Production and Manufacture

1993 The Galley Club Award for Excellence in Book Production and Manufacture

1993 Silver and Bronze Medals Queensland Industry Craftsmanship Awards for Excellence in Print Production

1992 Gold Medal for Saddle-stitched Booklets, Catalogues and Brochures in the 9th National Print Awards

1986 Agfa-Gevaert Trophy for the Most Creative Use of Photography in Print in the 3rd National Print Awards

1974 Nikon South Pacific Underwater Photographer of the Year