Photographer, Tal Lemmens in water with water-resistant camera capturing ocean photos.

About Tal Lemmens

Tal Lemmens (b. 1991) is an international award-winning ocean and seascape photographer based in Torquay, on the Surf Coast, Victoria, Australia. Tal heralds from Warrnambool and relocated in 2017, where he still frequently visits the Great Ocean Road and other parts of the Australian coastline. His photographs document the wild, windy and rugged atmosphere of the southern hemisphere’s oceans.

“Feel as I feel – draw in the oceans air, taste the salt on your tongue & bare witness to the altering states of the ocean. These are my testimonials to the sea.”

From a young age, Tal Lemmens felt an unshakable connection to the ocean. Introduced to the sea and bodyboarding by his father, he discovered a deep appreciation for surf culture and storytelling. Old film photos of his dad's surf trips sparked a fascination — showing Tal that photography could do more than document a moment; it could capture a lifestyle, a feeling, a story.

In his early years, Tal spent countless hours photographing his friends surfing along the southern Australian coastline. These moments laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion and career in ocean photography. Over time, he developed a distinctive fine art style, capturing powerful seascapes and the ever-shifting dance between water and light.

What sets Tal apart is his commitment to being in the water—not beside it. Armed with a wetsuit, fins, and camera, he swims directly into the heart of the action, embracing the raw unpredictability of the sea. Every image reflects this closeness, inviting viewers to feel the energy, emotion, and immersion of the ocean.

Tal’s work aims to stir curiosity and emotion, encouraging people to reconnect with nature and experience the ocean’s beauty and power as if they were there beside him. As he puts it, “I am consigned to the sea. It’s my lifeblood.”

Tal Lemmens’ fine art ocean photography has been recognised both nationally and internationally, earning awards and accolades across global photography competitions.

    • First Place (Gold Medal) - Our World Category - VIEPA Vienna International Photo Award 2020.

    • Special Prize - Our World Category - VIEPA Vienna International Photo Award 2021.

    • Honourable Mention - Seascape Category - Fine Art Photography Awards 2023.

    • Honourable Mention - Fine Art/Abstract Category - APA Annual Photography Awards 2022.

    • Honourable Mention - Fine Art & Landscape Category - Chromatic Photography Awards 2022.

    • Honourable Mention - Nature: Seascapes / Waterscapes - Neutral Density Photography Awards 2022.

    • Honourable Mention & Official Selection - Fine Art/Abstract & Nature Categories - International Photography Awards 2022.

    • Honourable Mention - Landscape Category - Chromatic Photography Awards 2021.

    • Honourable Mention - Fine Art, Landscape Category - International Photography Awards 2021.

    • Honourable Mention - Abstract Category - APA Annual Photography Awards 2020.

    • Honourable Mention - Fine Art/Abstract Category - APA Annual Photography Awards 2020.

    • Honourable Mention - Landscape Category - Australian Photography Awards 2019.

    • Honourable Mention - Fine Art/Abstract Category - International Photography Awards 2019.

    • Highly Commended - Landscape Category - Photographer of the Year 2018.

    • Surfcoast Artist - Anglesea Art Space, Anglesea, Australia, 2025.

    • Surfcoast Arts Trail - Ocean Grind, Torquay, Australia, 2024.

    • Tales of the Sea - Torquay Wine Store, Torquay, Australia, 2023.

    • Fine Thanks Gallery, Torquay, Australia, 2022.

    • Affordable Art Fair - Melbourne Australia, 2022.

    • Summer Photo Festival – LIK Galerie, Gallery of Photography, Vienna, Austria, 2021.

    • The Hue & Cry Collective, Geelong, Australia, 2021.

    • Summer Photo Festival – LIK Galerie, Gallery of Photography, Vienna, Austria, 2020.

    • Art Local, Artists of the Surf Coast – Ocean Grind, Torquay, Australia, 2019.

    • Eagles Nest Gallery, Aireys Inlet, Australia, 2017.

    • Represented by Martinich & Carran – Affordable Art Fair, Melbourne, Australia. 2022.

    • Represented by Eagles Nest Gallery, Aireys Inlet, Australia. 2020.

    • Geelong Advertiser, 2024.

    • Surf Coast Times, 2023.

    • Forte Magazine, 2023.

    • Geelong Advertiser, 2022.

    • Times News Group, 2021.

    • Geelong Advertiser, 2020.

    • Times News Group, 2020.

    • Surf Coast Creatives Podcast, 2020.

    • Breakfast Culture Club, 2018.

    • Forte Magazine, 2018.

    • White Horses Magazine, 2018.

  • I'm a Geelong wedding photographer with a relaxed, candid style focused on creativity, connection, and capturing real moments. If you're after natural, heartfelt images, get in touch at tallemmensweddings.com.au.