New exhibition showcases a year photographing Australia from the air, the land, and underwater

A new exhibition opening in Sydney today showcases a year spent photographing Australia from top-to-bottom, from almost every conceivable angle.

360in360, on now at Sydney's Gaffa gallery, is the culmination of a year spent exploring the country, and is the work of husband-and-wife team Scott Portelli and Rosie Leaney, who planned the trip for more than eight years, before bushfires and a pandemic almost sunk their project. 

"Our aim was to do a 360 degree lap of Australia in 360 days, shooting from the air, the land, and underwater, ultimately showcasing our work with an exhibition and photo-book," says Scott. 

The pair originally planned to star in January 2020 - right when Australia's 2019/20 horror bushfire season was at its worst.

"We had sold our non-essential possessions, fitted our ute with everything we needed , employed trusted staff to run our travel business, and bought a small boat," recalls Scott.

"Of course, our plans were derailed, but we were fortunate to be able to re-direct our energy into volunteering and fundraising for those affected."

February came, and the pair embarked on a tour of Tasmania, with no phones, television, or news. 

"That was also the week that the pandemic hit Australia, whilst we were living in ignorant bliss," Scott says. "We re-entered a completely different world to the one we knew before the hike. Our future was uncertain again, but this time the whole world was with us."

At a stand-still, isolating in a tent, the pair threw out the rest of their plans, and focussed on experiencing the open road. 

The resulting images, the pair say, is the 'true spirit of Australia'.

"It's ever present throughout this body of work, exploring above and below, from the familiar to the unknown," Scott says.

The exhibition captures unique moments that communicate the diversity of life, the miracle of nature and a sense of adventure. 

What: 360in360
Where: Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW
When: 8th - 18th April 2022