Naturalists and photographers, Richard Costin and Annabelle Sandes have spent the last four years on the Kimberley coast studying the Breeding Group D population of Humpback Whales, the largest Humpback Whale population in the world.  Using high definition video, photography and hydrophones (underwater microphones), they have recorded the behaviour and markings of these magnficicent cetaceans.

Richard Costin grew up in the Snowy Mountains of NSW and after completing a diploma in Agricultural studies in WA, furthered his education as a farrier in the US specializing in veterinary shoeing.  Richard has an unbridled passion for the Kimberley coast and interior.  For the past 30 years Richard has lived and worked in the Kimberley, walking and exploring vast tracts of the Kimberley wilderness.  An accomplished stills photographer and documentary film maker (as well as man of many talents), Richard has completed two magnificent DVD documentaries; “Heart of the Kimberley - Wildwater Country” and “Heart of the Kimberley - Birds of Paradise”.

Annabelle Sandes has lived in the Kimberley for the past ten years after a career in fine art and auctioneering with a well-known firm of Sydney Auctioneers.  After moving to the Kimberley, Annabelle spent six years running a wilderness lodge on the remote Gibb River Road, where she was able to combine her love of fine food and entertaining with her passion for wilderness, flora and fauna. For the past four years, with Richard’s encouragement, she has concentrated on painting and stills photography.  One of Annabelle’s images was recently featured in The West Australian’s “Images of the Decade - Natural Wonders” .  Annabelle has exhibited in Sydney, Broome and Melbourne,  and now manages a Broome art gallery, when not out bush with Richard. 

Richard and Annabelle both exhibit their photography online at   www.kimberleymedia.com.au and www.kimberleystockphotos.com.au

Annabelle has recently been shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award at the Natural History Museum in London.