About Me

I’m Max VanWinkle, a transplant from the land of stars, stripes, and questionable fast food, now holed up in the salty, sun-drenched paradise of Lennox Head, NSW. I’ve got a degree in environmental studies tucked under my belt, a camera slung around my neck, and a hunger to capture the wild, unfiltered beauty of this corner of the world. Think less “influencer posing with a latte” and more “chasing sunsets and stories through the lens.”

I traded the U.S. for Australia last year, lured by the promise of waves, weird wildlife, and a chance to dig deeper into conservation. I’m here to study the art of keeping this planet from choking on our collective nonsense, and I’m all in—boots muddy, heart open. My mission? To tell the stories of the people I meet, from salty surfers to fierce conservationists, and to shine a light on the fight to keep our wild places wild. If I can nudge the world toward more green and less greed, I’ll call that a win.

When I’m not framing the perfect shot of a koala giving me the side-eye or scribbling notes on how to save the reefs, you’ll find me nursing a flat white, dodging jellyfish, or plotting my next adventure. I believe in the power of a good story, the kind that sticks in your gut like a well-cooked meal, and I’m here to serve up tales that matter.

Want to talk conservation, photography, or just swap stories about the best fish taco you’ve ever had? Hit me up at riovw15@gmail.com