Matthew Lock Photography

04/06/2026

This is why I prefer exploring places like Mount Bromo on my own.

These drone shots were taken during sunrise over one of Indonesia’s most famous landscapes. The views are incredible, but what surprised me most was just how busy it was. By the time the sun came up, I counted more than 400 jeeps scattered around the various viewpoints, all bringing visitors to watch the sunrise.

Instead of joining a tour, I rented my own motorbike in Surabaya and made the trip independently. It gave me far more flexibility, allowed me to avoid some of the crowds, and made the whole experience feel more like an adventure rather than following a convoy.

From the air, you can really appreciate the scale of the area. The sea of sand, the smoking crater of Bromo, and the surrounding volcanic peaks create a landscape that feels more like another planet than somewhere on Earth.

Despite the crowds, Mount Bromo is still one of the most impressive places I've visited in Indonesia and somewhere every landscape photographer should experience at least once.

Would you rather explore somewhere like this independently or join a tour?

02/06/2026

Coming face to face with a Komodo dragon is one of those wildlife experiences you don't forget in a hurry.

These shots were taken during my time exploring Komodo National Park. Seeing the world's largest lizard in the wild is impressive enough, but what really stood out to me was just how relaxed they seemed. Despite barely moving, there’s an obvious power to them that commands your attention.

Komodo dragons can grow to over 3 metres long and weigh more than 70 kilograms. They are found naturally on only a handful of Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. For years it was thought their bacteria-filled bite was their main weapon, but researchers later discovered they also possess venom that helps bring down prey.

Watching one move through the dry landscape felt a bit like looking back in time. They really do seem like something from another era.

Have you ever seen a Komodo dragon in the wild?

28/05/2026

A few drone shots from Nuca Molas during my time in Flores. It’s not the easiest place to reach, which is probably why so few tourists make it there, but that’s also a big part of the appeal.

Getting there felt like an adventure in itself, with rough roads, small villages, and long stretches where it felt like we had the entire landscape to ourselves. Once we finally arrived, the views made the journey completely worth it.

From above, the island looks incredibly untouched. Clear turquoise water, dramatic coastline, and small pockets of green surrounded by almost no development at all. Places like this are getting harder to find, especially in parts of Indonesia that are becoming more popular with travellers.

The extra effort it takes to reach places like Nuca Molas is usually exactly what keeps them special.

Would you take the difficult journey to visit somewhere this remote?

26/05/2026

Seeing orangutans in the wild is always special, no matter how many times I travel to Borneo. A few weeks ago I came across this young orangutan moving through the trees, stopping every now and then to watch what was happening below.

Young orangutans stay close to their mothers for years, learning everything from what to eat to how to move through the forest canopy safely. Watching them at this age is fascinating because you can already see the curiosity and intelligence they’re so well known for.

Encounters like this are a big part of why I keep going back to Borneo. There’s something about seeing primates in their natural habitat that never really leaves you.

Have you ever seen orangutans in the wild?

23/05/2026

Cuenca was easily one of my favourite old towns that I visited in Spain. These drone shots were taken at both sunrise and sunset, and seeing the light change across the city completely transformed the atmosphere. The first shot was taken at sunrise, when the streets were still quiet and the cliffs around the town were just starting to catch the morning light.

Built dramatically between two river gorges, Cuenca is famous for its hanging houses that seem to cling to the edge of the cliffs. The old town dates back to the Moorish period before being captured by the Kingdom of Castile in the 12th century.

What I liked most about Cuenca was how relaxed it felt compared to some of Spain’s more famous destinations. You can spend hours wandering through narrow streets, finding viewpoints, small cafés, and old churches without constantly fighting through crowds.

If you enjoy places like this, I’d also recommend visiting towns like Toledo, Albarracín, Ronda, and Cáceres. Spain has so many historic towns that often get overlooked by people focusing only on Madrid or Barcelona.

Would you choose sunrise or sunset for exploring a place like this?

17/05/2026

A few more shots from my last trip to Borneo that I’m slowly working through editing. Going back through these photos has made me realise just how many incredible wildlife encounters I had while travelling there.

This female proboscis monkey was photographed while moving through the riverside forest. The males usually get most of the attention because of their huge noses, but I actually really enjoyed photographing the females too.

Proboscis monkeys are only found in Borneo and are surprisingly strong swimmers. They even have partially webbed feet which help them cross rivers and move through mangrove habitats.

Have you ever travelled somewhere that completely exceeded your expectations for wildlife?

13/04/2026

12/04/2026

Primate encounters are always a highlight of any trip for me.
These shots are of a Müller’s gibbon from my time in Borneo. Watching them move through the forest is incredible. They swing effortlessly through the canopy, covering huge distances without ever touching the ground.
Gibbons are known for their brachiation, using their long arms to move between branches with speed and precision. You’ll often hear them before you see them too, their calls echo through the forest early in the morning.
Seeing primates like this in the wild is always a highlight for me. Every encounter feels different, and it’s one of the main reasons I keep coming back to places like Borneo. I’m already planning to head back in the next few weeks.
Have you ever seen gibbons in the wild?

10/04/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a drone shot.

These shots were taken in Sidemen during my time in Bali. It’s one of those places that feels a world away from the busier parts of the island, with rice terraces, small villages, and Mount Agung sitting in the background.

Flying here was a completely different experience compared to the coast. Everything moves a bit slower, and from above you can really see how the landscape is shaped by the rice fields and narrow paths connecting each area.

It’s easily one of my favourite spots in Bali, especially if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and see a different side of the island.

Would you choose somewhere like this over the busier parts of Bali?

07/04/2026

Not a bird you forget seeing for the first time.

These shots are of a salmon-crested cockatoo from my time in Indonesia. The soft pink tones against the white feathers make them stand out straight away, and once they raise that crest, it’s hard to look away.

They’re native to the Maluku Islands and are known for being highly intelligent and social birds. In the wild, they move around in small groups and communicate constantly, which is usually how you notice them before you even see them. Like many cockatoos, they form strong bonds and can live for decades.

Seeing species like this in the wild is always a reminder of how much there is to discover when you travel. Birds like this don’t just blend into the background, they completely take over the moment.

Have you ever seen a cockatoo like this in the wild?