I began the Outback Air Race 2025 with a plan: to blog daily, document the journey, and share every moment. After day one, I stopped. Not because the race lacked stories, but because in the cockpit, living it — and sometimes just staying ahead of it — came first.

What unfolded was more than a time trial. It became a spectrum of trust, discipline, and surprise: salt lakes blooming pink and purple, aircraft converging on invisible gates, friendships shifting shade, and a reminder that the real race was about keeping the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the air.

OAR25 wasn’t just a test of flying. It was a palette — of people, planes, and plains. And I’m still mixing the colours in my mind.

Days 4–5: William Creek to Yulara — gravel strips, headwinds, and a sunrise that stops you cold. We routed via Cadney Homestead—an RFDS strip—to refuel, only to find the bowser dry and the next delivery “about four days away.” That’s the outback: plans change, people adapt, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service stands ready when adaptation isn’t enough. At Yulara, first light washed Uluru and Kata Tjuta in pink and violet while we reflected on the travellers and communities who rely on the Flying Doctor across this vast country.

Watch our 10‑second gravel departure and a behind‑the‑scenes fuel delivery, see three images from the day, and ask us anything about RFDS operations or bush‑flying technique—we’ll answer in the next post.

Support the mission: Donate to Team Charlie A. Foxtrot and help keep the Flying Doctor flying.

#OutbackAirRace #RFDS #SeeAustralia

Days 3 & 4 of the Outback Air Race were packed with unexpected encounters and breathtaking aerial views! From a surprise reunion at the Mundi Mundi Bash to soaring over the mysterious Marree Man, the vast salt flats of Lake Frome, and the vibrant Painted Hills, our journey to William Creek was unforgettable. Get a bird's-eye view of the outback's wonders and see how Team Charlie A. Foxtrot is flying high to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Watch our video highlights now!

Today, Team Charlie A. Foxtrot visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Broken Hill. Witness firsthand how vital donations power their incredible work, from caring for Australia's newest babies to responding to critical emergencies in the remote Outback. See the impact of your support in our latest video.

Team Charlie A. Foxtrot has departed Nowra, bound for the Outback Air Race 2025. From Griffith to Broken Hill and beyond, we’re chasing horizons to raise vital funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. With family, friends, sponsors, and donors cheering us off, the adventure—and the storytelling—has begun.

Discover how lens choice transforms the story in gothic portrait photography. In this Kambah Pools series, Lyle’s Lens Photography uses both wide-angle and telephoto lenses to capture model Rain in dramatically different ways—showcasing the power of lens compression to shift mood, focus, and narrative, all within a single location.

"Behind the Lens of a Canberra Photographer: Gothic Photoshoot at Kambah Pools"
Step into the moody and ethereal world of a gothic-themed photoshoot at Kambah Pools. Featuring striking portraits of Chloe and Rain, this session blends dramatic lighting, creative storytelling, and the natural beauty of Canberra. Discover the inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and the artistry that brought this unique vision to life.

Join Team 35 'Charlie A. Foxtrot' as we prepare for the Outback Air Race 2025, a 9,000-kilometer journey across Australia to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Recently, I traveled to Nowra to meet with Vince Di Pietro, our team captain and owner of VH-CAF, a Piper Cherokee PA28 that will carry us through this epic adventure. From reconnecting with Shoalhaven community leaders at the Shoalhaven Business Chamber Super Dinner to inspecting the tight cockpit of VH-CAF (less roomy than an F-111!), this experience highlights the importance of teamwork, purpose, and giving back. Follow our journey as we combine aviation passion with philanthropy to support remote Australian communities.

I feel I’ve just reached a pivotal milestone in my journey as a full-time photographer—I’ve received confirmation for my first commercial booking! The assignment? Capturing the vibrant energy of the Invictus Australia annual Defence Community Sports Expo. As someone deeply passionate about sports photography, this opportunity feels like the perfect harmony between my personal love for the craft and my professional aspirations. It’s more than just documenting action; it’s about honoring the resilience, teamwork, and spirit that make events like this truly unforgettable.

From towering silos casting long shadows across Canterbury Plains to the precise choreography of modern farming equipment, industrial documentation tells the story of innovation in motion. At Lyle's Lens Photography, I don't just capture images—I reveal the poetry in precision, whether it's a tractor carving patterns into fertile soil or sheep grazing beneath the watchful eye of a drone. My work at Eskdale Farm showcases how professional documentation transforms everyday operations into powerful visual narratives, speaking to stakeholders and communities alike. Through both ground-level authenticity and sweeping aerial perspectives, I bring your industry's story into sharp focus.

Capturing a Journey Through Australia's Heart

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been the pulse of outback healthcare for nearly a century. I'm teaming up with an old mate, Vince Di Pietro, later this year to join Team 35's adventure in the Royal Flying Doctor Service's Outback Air Race 2025 - a grueling 3,275km journey that traces the lifeline routes these flying medics take daily. Did I mention getting from Nowra to the race start in Yulara and back to Nowra from the race finish in Carnarvon totals another 6,950km. Through my lens, this story will unfold across remote airstrips, isolated communities, and vast stretches of red earth that define our nation's interior.

Why This Story Matters
As a photographer and storyteller, my lens will focus on two compelling narratives. First, the technical adventure of flying small aircraft through Australia's most challenging terrain. Second, and equally important, the human element - from race participants pursuing their personal missions, to remote communities welcoming us, to exploring why all Australians should care about the RFDS cause. In an era where charitable support faces increasing challenges, these stories need to be told differently to resonate and inspire action.

Join Our Journey
What stories would you like to hear from the heart of Australia? Your questions will help shape our narrative as we prepare for this remarkable adventure.

Follow our preparation and support our mission: [Team 35 - Charlie A. Foxtrot]

Launching my website for Lyle’s Lens Photography has felt like climbing a mountain—challenging but exciting. Drawing on my years flying jets, I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and deliver results with precision. Whether it’s a fleeting glance or a corporate portrait, my goal is to create images that resonate deeply and tell your story with artistry and purpose.