In May 2000 I briefly met Steve Parish in Canberra during his public presentation. He is one of the most successful Australian nature photographer and publisher. I have been admiring Steve's photography for years. I am treasuring his books with their sensitive and romantic images. As a traveller and adventurer my dream was to meet him one day somewhere in the country, to sit next to the campfire and to listen to his stories. After the Canberra public meeting I gave Steve one of my photo-cards and introduced myself.

A week later I received an unexpected call from Steve from Brisbane. We had a long and an enthusiastic chat about photography and life. The following week he visited Canberra and we met again. It was just a few days before my departure to Poland. It was the first time that he called me "a fellow dreamer". I felt the same.

Two months later, after my return to Australia, he sent me an e-mail - an invitation to join him for a Lifetime Trip in the Australian Outback. I was surprised but my madness with new adventure opportunity and willingness to assist Steve made my decision easy. So from 14 July to 14 September 2000 I travelled with Steve on the 4WD journey from Broome, through Western Australian, South and Central Australia and finished in Brisbane. We drove about 15 000 kilometres in two months, mostly on dirt roads and camping everywhere.

I took the unique opportunity to shoot many pictures of Steve in different locations and in return for the adventure photographic trip I made this photo collection a special gift for him. The number of those personal pictures was extended in October when Steve went with me to the Snowy Mountains and photographed my favourite snow gums and winter landscape.

The trip with Steve was a personal challenge for both of us. I learnt a lot not only about photography but life as well and this experience enriched my values and beliefs. Steve touched my life. Since I have been admiring not only his talent in nature photography but also his achievement as a very creative publisher.

As a summary of this trip I selected five photographs with my personal meaning.