How did your passion for photography start?

I used to go camping and hiking every weekend, only documenting everything with an old phone. Haha! So, I decided to get a camera to help capture everything I was doing and seeing. Once I had the camera, it pushed me even more to go out and explore!

What's your favourite photo we've featured in the Neil Bloem x Open Gallery collection? What's the story behind it?

Definitely the two Eastern Brown Snakes in combat on the RITUAL shirt! It was a warm morning, so I went out looking for snakes basking in the sun. I then came across one of the snakes in the grass. While it wasn't in a good position for any photos at the time, I left it and went to look for others. After having no luck in other areas, I walked back to the original spot, and the two males were in full fight mode. I sat and watched them for half an hour while they were in combat over a female nearby.

What’s your favorite kind of photography? 

I started off by trying every type of photography to see what I liked and preferred, and landed with landscape photography! Sitting in one spot in peace, watching the scenery change within minutes from different light and shadows. I then started to really get into wildlife photography, which I think is the biggest photography challenge. Always chasing the best shot with an unpredictable wild animal, with this, you’re always going to be going outside with the camera in your hand to learn and capture something new!

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on so far?

Definitely this artist range! It’s been an absolute dream to work with all the crew at Factorie. Bouncing ideas off each other, watching one idea spread into twenty new ideas. I’m always working by myself, so getting to work with a creative group is a new experience, and it’s been so much fun for me!

Where do you draw the most inspiration from?

Honestly, just myself. I can never sit still, and I always have to be doing and creating something. I’m always wanting to learn and try new things, so I always challenge myself with this. I always have to one-up everything that I do to make life exciting and to keep pushing myself.

What is your message you want to convey with your creativity?

If you want to do something, just go and do it! I never thought I’d be recognized for my wildlife work by National or Australian Geographic, so I made my own version of those, doing my own Australian wildlife books with writing and photos. Because of this, Australian Geographic contacted me, and I got the front cover shot of their January/February issue of 2023. This wouldn't have happened if I just sat around waiting for something to happen. The majority of the time, the only thing that’s stopping you from what you want is you. A big turning point for me is that I stopped caring what people thought of me and what I wanted to do, pursue, and achieve. As long as you love what you’re doing, then that’s all that matters.

Does your work aim to inspire the next generation?

Absolutely, especially with my Australian wildlife books! They’re aimed more towards younger people to learn all about our unique animals and to respect and protect them in the process as well. But with my photography in general, I just want people to go outside and enjoy everything our world has to offer.

Do you have any advice for artists who want to be like you or follow in your steps?

If you want to do something, just go and do it. Sacrifices have to be made sometimes, but if it’s all toward your goal and what you want to do, then these sacrifices are worth it.

What are your upcoming projects to keep an eye out for?

After a year of hard work and traveling around Australia, living in my tiny car in the hot Australian heat while tracking down animals, I have just released Issue Three of my Australian wildlife books, which you can find on my webstore!

What's your favourite product from the collection?

I think it would have to be the Swiss Forest hoodie; it turned out incredible and looks great!

Where can we follow your work & support you?

You can see my work on my Instagram at instagram.com/coldxneil, my website neilbloem.com, and my webstore with all my books and fine art prints at neilbloem.bigcartel.com.

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