John Von Hesse
John Von Hesse is an up and coming Australian International Awarding Winner Photographer . Born in Melbourne Australia.
John traces his journey back to his formative years in year 12 where he study fine art in Melbourne. It was during this period that he first picked up a camera, igniting a passion that would shape his career.
Following high school, John delved into the realm of concert lighting, touring and show design, where he honed his understanding of the profound impact of light and colour.
This foundational knowledge continues to underpin his photographic approach till this day.
His love for landscape photography has been a driving force, propelling him to new heights and winning him multiple awards in his craft. His dedication extends beyond his personal pursuits, as he is equally devoted to imparting his knowledge to others. John’s commitment to teaching landscape photography, including having his own You Tube Channel @shootingitraw, exemplifies his mission to share the art form he holds dear.
Embracing the inherent unpredictability of photography, John finds unending excitement in the possibility of capturing unique moments with his lens. His commitment to learning and discovery ensures that each photographic endeavour holds the promise of something new and extraordinary. John Von Hesse, continues to inspire and capture the beauty of the world through his heartfelt and ever-evolving photographic art.
THE ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHER
unedited RAW file.
When the Sky Falls Red
Some moments feel unreal even while you’re standing inside them.
Sky Falls Red was captured in the quiet aftermath of a passing storm. As the weather moved on and the clouds began to break, the setting sun slipped underneath the retreating system and ignited the sky from behind. What followed was a brief, surreal transformation—deep reds, burnt oranges, and heavy shadow colliding across the landscape as if the sky itself had caught fire.
The dunes below reflected that light back into the scene, amplifying the intensity and giving the image a quality that many later questioned. When this photograph was shared, people often asked if it was real. If the colours had been pushed. If the scene had been manipulated.
It hadn’t.
This is exactly how it looked. The Raw File
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to witness and capture moments like this—those rare intersections of weather, light, and timing that last only minutes. Photography, for me, has never been about forcing an image into existence. It’s about patience, presence, and learning to recognise when nature is about to reveal something extraordinary.
Many of my most recognised images share this same origin: light breaking through storms, skies that feel painted rather than photographed, moments that appear cinematic but are entirely natural. My role in those moments is simple—to be there, to see it, and to respond instinctively when everything aligns.
Sky Falls Red is a reminder of why I continue to return to the landscape. Not to chase drama, but to be ready for it. Because sometimes, just after the storm has passed, the world offers something so powerful it hardly seems real—and photography becomes a way of proving that it was.
— John Von Hesse
Award-winning photographer, Melbourne, Australia
Why I Love Shooting Panoramas
I’ve always been drawn to panoramic photography because it allows me to tell the entire story of a place, not just a single moment.
When I’m standing in a landscape, especially during dramatic or changing light, one frame often feels limiting. A panorama lets me capture the relationship between land, sky, and space — the way it actually felt to be there. It’s closer to how we see and experience the world.
Shooting panoramas forces me to slow down and be intentional. Every frame has to belong. The final image isn’t about scale for the sake of it, but about immersion — inviting the viewer to step into the scene and explore it.
For me, panoramas aren’t just wider photographs.
They’re complete visual stories.
— John Von Hesse