Australasian Nature Photography 10: ANZANG Tenth Collection (Australasian Nature Photography Series)

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anzang tenth co l l ecti o n

Australasian Nature Photography s o u t h a u st r a l i an m u se u m

Australasian Nature Photography a n za n g te nth co l l e cti o n

s o u t h a u st r a l i a n m u s e u m

© South Australian Museum 2013 All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Contact CSIRO PUBLISHING for all permission requests. Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year South Australian Museum North Terrace Adelaide, South Australia 5000 Australia Telephone: 61 (0)8 8207 7426 Fax: 61 (0)8 8203 9805 Email: [email protected] Website: www.anzangnature.com Published by CSIRO PUBLISHING 150 Oxford Street (PO Box 1139) Collingwood VIC 3066 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9662 7666 Local call: 1300 788 000 (Australia only) Fax: +61 3 9662 7555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.publish.csiro.au Front cover: Overall Winner – Near miss (David Rennie, Western Australia) Cover, text design and typeset by James Kelly Printed in China by 1010 Printing International Ltd CSIRO PUBLISHING publishes and distributes scientific, technical and health science books, magazines and journals from Australia to a worldwide audience and conducts these activities autonomously from the research activities of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of, and should not be attributed to, the publisher or CSIRO. The copyright owner shall not be liable for technical or other errors or omissions contained herein. The reader/user accepts all risks and responsibility for losses, damages, costs and other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this information.

Contents Sponsor’s statement iv Acknowledgements v Minister’s statement vi Museum Director’s statement Introduction 1

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Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year Overall Winner 2013

Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year portfolio prize 2013

28 Botanical Subject

Animal Behaviour

38 Under water Subject

66 Black and White

6 Animal Portrait

46 Wilderness Landscape

74 Interpretive

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56 Threatened Species

84 Our Impact

94 Junior

S p o n s o r ’ s s tat e m e n t Australian Geographic has partnered with the South Australian Museum to bring the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year to a wider audience. Natural history photography is one of the pillars of the renowned Australian Geographic Journal and this competition promotes excellence in this field. Photography is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in Australia today and provides a compelling reason to get out and go travelling around our beautiful country and others in our amazing bioregion. It promotes learning about flora, fauna and geology and fosters an appreciation of the special and often fragile nature of our wild places and creatures, something that we encourage at every opportunity.  We are proud to be associated with a competition that shares those values and aims and we hope to raise the profile of, and increase participation in, this prestigious event over the next few years. Chrissie Goldrick Editor-in-Chief Australian Geographic

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Ac k n o w l e d g e m e n t s The South Australian Museum would like to thank our sponsors, who in 2013 have so generously supported this tenth cycle of competition and exhibition.

Production Partner

The South Australian Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of Mrs Alison Huber and Dr Stuart Miller, founder and patron of ANZANG, in memory of their parents, Dr Robert and Mrs Clarice Miller, both late of Waikerie, South Australia.

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M i n i s t e r ’ s s tat e m e n t This year has been an exciting year for ANZANG. The competition celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013 and a new partnership has seen it take on a new name: the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year. It is very encouraging to see that the number of images submitted to the competition this year reached a new record high of 1850. It is wonderful to see this international competition based at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide, which is geographically central to the diverse ANZANG region which encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. ANZANG serves to highlight and celebrate the region’s unique biodiversity, and it has been fantastic to see the competition and resulting exhibition grow over the years to enhance awareness and observation of the region. As there have been a high number of entries, it would have made this year’s competition difficult to judge. I hope that everyone is able to appreciate the extraordinary effort that goes into creating the beautiful images in this collection of Australasian nature photography: the 2013 Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year. While only a small proportion of images can be exhibited, it is heartening to know that there is such a wealth of talented photographers working in the ANZANG region. I would like to congratulate all of the photographers involved. Chloë Fox MP South Australian Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts

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M u s e u m D i r e c t o r ’ s s tat e m e n t The ANZANG bioregion encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and the New Guinea region, as well as the islands of the South West Pacific. This is a unique bioregion that broke away from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana approximately 80 million years ago, and its ecosystems have evolved in isolation from the rest of the world since then, creating a distinctive and unique natural environment. This year we welcome Australian Geographic as an exciting new partner. With their generous support the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition will continue to encourage photographers to submit entries across a range of categories, and to celebrate the diversity of plants and animals from the region’s diverse landscapes. This year, photographers from 11 countries submitted 1850 images – the largest number of entries so far received for the competition – making this an increasingly significant national and international calendar event that recognises the beauty of nature. I would like to thank the photographers for submitting an outstanding array of works this year, our judges for their time and diligence in making the difficult decisions, and our sponsors for their generous support. Prof Andrew Lowe Acting Director, South Australian Museum

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Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea

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Introduction The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition is a unique opportunity for photographers from around the globe to reflect on the natural world. The annual competition encourages photographers to submit entries in various categories that celebrate the flora and fauna of the region’s diverse landscapes. Over 2 long days the judges had the difficult task of selecting the best images from each category and ultimately awarding the title of Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year 2013. I thank them for their efforts and commend them for their attention to detail and superb professionalism. This competition and the resulting exhibition is an annual highlight on the South Australian Museum’s calendar, but requires significant work that cannot go unrecognised. I would like to thank the following people for their assistance in making it all possible: • the photographers who entered this year’s competition; our judges for selecting the finalists and award winners; and our sponsors for supporting us • the South Australian Museum’s Galleries & Exhibitions and Development teams for their assistance in running the competition, and presenting and marketing the exhibition. ANZANG Nature was founded by Perth surgeon Dr Stuart Miller in 2003. Since the South Australian Museum took ownership of the competition in 2009, it has been a privilege to nurture it and watch it continue to grow. With the new support of Australian Geographic, and Dr Miller’s continued patronage, the Museum hopes to develop ANZANG further in the future. Tim Gilchrist Manager, Galleries & Exhibitions, South Australian Museum

2013 Competition Judges Maisie Keep Wayne Osborn John Pickrell

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A u s t r a l i a n G e o g r a p h i c AN Z ANG N at u r e P h o t o g r a p h e r o f t h e Y e a r overall winner 2013 David Rennie of Western Australia is the 2013 Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year. The overall winner of the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year is the photographer whose image is judged best of all entries. When making their selection, judges considered the photographic technique and the aesthetic, artistic and unique qualities of all images.

Overall Winner Near miss David Rennie, Western Australia A young osprey (Pandion cristatus) was learning to fish, and this was her sixth try one morning. She came out of the water and looked back at her talons to see why she was missing her prey. The spoonbill (Platalea sp.) was coming in to land. The Osprey looked up and, well, a ‘near miss’ was captured. Mandurah Wetlands, Western Australia  Canon 1D MkIII, Canon 800mm f/5.6L lens, 1/2000, f8, ISO 800, handheld

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‘The photographer has captured a highly dramatic and very rare moment. There’s an almost surreal quality to the image, both in the encounter that has been photographed and in the strong contrast between the birds and the moody sky. The photographer has brilliantly documented this encounter, using the black and white format to its best advantage.’ Judges’ comments

A u s t r a l i a n G e o g r a p h i c AN Z ANG N at u r e P h o t o g r a p h e r o f t h e Y e a r portfolio prize 2013 Andrew Peacock from Queensland is the winner of this year’s prize. The portfolio prize is awarded to the photographer who enters the best portfolio of six or more entries.

Portfolio Prize Winner Andrew Peacock, Queensland Clockwise from top left: Face in the ice Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) Anyone seen a dentist? Don’t mind me! Synchronicity ‘The photographer has demonstrated significant range in this portfolio of striking images. From candid portraits to wild lands, the portfolio spans a number of categories and shows technical competence and versatility. ‘ Judges’ comments

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A n i m a l B e h av i o u r The subject or subjects must be engaged in natural activity.

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR – Winner King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), St Andrews Bay, South Georgia Peter Lambert, Western Australia On a typical grey and overcast day in South Georgia, I was photographing the countless King Penguins when a small herd of introduced reindeer decided to run through them. This is probably a historic photograph now, as many of the reindeer have been culled.

‘A strikingly unexpected image that almost defies belief; the combination of species surprises the viewer, but the group of five penguins in the foreground draws the eye in to engage with the image. The penguins’ efforts to ignore the Reindeer in their environment are endearing.’

St Andrews Bay, South Georgia

Judges’ comments

 Nikon D3, Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8 lens at 200mm, 1/400, f5.6, ISO 200, handheld

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR – Runner-up Out on the salt lake Gary Steer, New South Wales We came across two emus on Lake Gairdner, South Australia, that were, strangely, many kilometres from the nearest shoreline. The shallow water would have been far too salty for animals to drink and there was no vegetation whatsoever. The emus had appeared to be foraging, perhaps for insects that could have been blown by strong winds until they fell exhausted into the lake. Lake Gairdner, South Australia  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 28–300mm f/3.5–5.6L IS USM lens, 1/320, f10, ISO 100, aerial, handheld

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‘Taken from a really interesting angle, this subtle image is quintessentially Australian in its depiction of emus traversing vast expanses of a hostile environment. The birds’ movement casts brilliant shadows on the lake surface, creating a complexity of patterns.’ Judges’ comments

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis) – rinse cycle Anna Pillich, South Australia The Eastern Yellow Robin is a common visitor to our rural gardens and birdbath. I was busily trying to photograph an elusive Honeyeater (family: Meliphagidae) when I heard a splash and turned just in time to capture the rinse cycle of this little robin. Kulnura, New South Wales  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM lens at 400mm, 1/800, f7.1, ISO 2000, no flash, handheld

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), little fish David Stowe, New South Wales As the sun set, this Little Egret was hunting small fish trapped in the tidal pools on the sand flats. It was running and jumping after its prey in an almost feverish excitement, knowing that there wasn’t much light left. I was happy to have captured this image when its efforts were finally rewarded. The reflected colour in the water of the last light of the day really appealed to me. Chili Beach, Cape York, Queensland  Canon EOS 1D X, Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens + 1.4x, 1/2000, f6.3, ISO 1250, handheld

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) with bream (Acanthopagrus sp.) Geoff Longford, New South Wales The darter was heading to shore to deal with its catch. To intercept the bird as it came ashore, I would wait for it to dive then pick up my gear and race along the water’s edge. This time things went my way and the bird did swallow that fish. Narrabeen Lagoon, New South Wales  Nikon D200, Nikon manual focus 600mm lens, 1/1250, f5.6, ISO 125, tripod with fluid head

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Royal Penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli) Graham Morgan, New South Wales A typical Macquarie Island day – cold, wet and windy. These inquisitive Royal Penguins waddled over to investigate the strange creature lying prone on the pebbly beach. Royals grow to about 70 cm and were curious to see a creature closer to the ground than themselves. Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island  Canon EOS 1D x, Canon 24–105mm f/4 lens, 1/500, f8, ISO 400

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR ROFL Jan Wegener, Victoria Galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla) are often found in big groups and are very playful birds. I spotted this group on a soccer field in Melbourne and was amused by their humorous display. It was fascinating to see some birds even lying on their backs screaming and playing with their feet, just having a great old time. Melbourne, Victoria  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, Canon EF 600L IS lens, 1/2500, f7.1, ISO 800, Gitzo 3541LS tripod, Wimberley Head II

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR This way Ray Alley, New South Wales This pod of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was heading north along Bennetts Beach a little to the north of Port Stephens. They were just cruising along having a great time. Port Stephens, New South Wales  Nikon D3S, Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8 IF ED VR2 lens, 1/250, f8, ISO 320, handheld; image taken from a Robinson R44 helicopter; a Nikon GP1 GPS unit attached to the camera recorded an altitude of 145 m

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Chilling out Shelley Pearson, Western Australia It is a buzz to observe and photograph the courting and behaviour rituals of the beautiful Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), but this photo is my all-time favourite. The chick on its parent’s back was adorable, making the most of the free ride. The leg in the air really illustrates just how comfy this chick was. Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia  Canon EOS 5D MkIII, Canon 500 f/4 II IS lens + 1.4x, 1/1250, f8, ISO 400, handheld

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Giant Flax Weevil (Anagotus fairburni) Thomas Burns, Cambridge, New Zealand The jagged edge of flax where Giant Flax Weevils have been feeding shines brightly in torchlight. After searching several bushes I found some weevils actively feeding on the flax leaves, but the pose of this individual particularly struck me. Maud Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand  Canon 7D, Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS USM macro lens, 1/200, f11, ISO 400, 2 x Canon 430EX II flashes, handheld

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Animal Portrait The subject must be photographed close up, occupying at least 30 per cent of the frame.

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT – Winner Anyone seen a dentist? Andrew Peacock, Queensland This is surely a face only a mother could love? Taken at an area where Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) haul out when moulting. It was a raucous place and I spent a few fascinating hours photographing to a loud cacophony of fighting, burping and farting by these distinctive marine mammals. Elephant Point, Livingstone Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica  Canon EOS 5D MkIII, Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens at 420mm + 1.4x, 1/1250, f5.6, ISO 200, handheld

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‘A candid, intimate and almost comical portrait that engages the viewer with the seal’s very human-like qualities. The photographer has skilfully captured depth of field and used the presence of other seals in the foreground to draw the eye up to the subject.’ Judges’ comments

ANIMAL PORTRAIT – Runner-up Coy Cockatoos Keith Lightbody, Western Australia Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos (Lophochroa leadbeateri) are regular visitors at the Eyre Bird Observatory within the Nuytsland Nature Reserve near Cocklebiddy, Western Australia. Apart from being one of our most beautiful birds, they are also fun to watch – whether preening, clowning around in flight or hanging upside down on a perch. Eyre Bird Observatory, Nuytsland Nature Reserve, Western Australia  Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II lens, 1/2500, f8, ISO 800, EV–1, handheld

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‘An engaging portrait, the photographer has overcome challenging light to capture the cockatoos interacting with each other. The lifted wing hints at a whispered conversation, a cockatoo conspiracy. The photographer has cropped the complex composition nicely to fill the frame.’ Judges’ comments

ANIMAL PORTRAIT Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Andrew Peacock, Queensland I was guiding a group of sea-kayakers when an inquisitive Antarctic Minke Whale showed up and began cruising back and forth between us. Trusting this beautiful, intelligent mammal to know exactly where the hull of my kayak was, I tried to concentrate on photographing our encounter. Neko Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula  Canon EOS 5D MkIII, Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM lens at 24mm, 1/160, f9.0, ISO 200, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT The Ark David Rennie, Western Australia It was 5:30 am and the full moon was still bouncing its light across the water. The sun was just rising. This was taken while floating on a surfboard and dressed in a sniper suit, taking half an hour to get the right position. The Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) only knew I was there when the camera clicked. Mandurah Wetlands, Western Australia  Canon 1D MkIII, Canon 300mm f/2.8L lens, 1/2000, f4, ISO 200, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) David Williams, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea In southern New Guinea the distinctive copper-red vertebral stripe of the formidably beautiful Papuan Taipan emits a clear warning that this is not an animal to trifle with. Tragically, taipans kill hundreds of men, women and children in Papua New Guinea and West Papua each year. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea  Canon EOS 350D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens, 1/125, f25, ISO 100, Canon Speedlite 430EX on Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord, Hoya 58mm HMC Skylight 1B filter, handheld; captive animal shot under controlled conditions without a barrier

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Bathing Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) David Pace, Victoria I love the droplets of water and movement in this shot. This Buff-banded Rail was one of many that descended into my garden after having never been recorded previously in the area. I am intrigued at the ever-changing fluctuations of birdlife – a new species appears in an area, while others vanish. Shallow wetland on Torquay bush block, Victoria  Canon EOS 450D, Canon 400mm lens, 1/30, f5.6, ISO 500, monopod

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Rosie Angela Robertson-Buchanan, New South Wales Rosie is a rescued adult Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) who had been found with her head stuck in a swimming pool gate. Rescued and cared for by wildlife rescue volunteers from Sydney Wildlife and WIRES, she was successfully rehabilitated and released soon afterwards. Normanhurst, New South Wales  Nikon D700, Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G lens, 1/100, f4.5, ISO 1250, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Kimberley Knob-tail Gecko (Nephrurus sheai) Henry Cook, Queensland Geckos are known throughout Asia as noisy roommates. Australia’s geckos are also capable vocalists. I was alerted to this gecko by a loud bark and, as I bent down with my camera, it briefly performed its threat display. This was quite rare – these geckos usually scurry away to safety. Theda Station, North Kimberley, Western Australia  Nikon D300, Tamron 90mm macro lens, 1/250, f18, ISO 200, Nikon SB600 and SB900 as slaves, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Swamp Harrier (Cirus approximans) Sally Patterson, Victoria I see raptors on our farm daily, but I was incredibly lucky to come across this Swamp Harrier in one of our paddocks. It was a breathtaking experience to be so close to the bird and also to photograph it. I never did get to photograph the lizard I was after! Near Browns Water Holes, Mingay, Victoria  Canon 7D, Canon EF 100mm IS USM macro lens, 1/250, f3.2, ISO 100, in-built flash, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) Stephen Zozaya, Queensland Betraying its relatively recent land connection with New Guinea, Cape York Peninsula harbours several animal species that are found nowhere else in Australia but are widespread in New Guinea. Green Tree Pythons are one of those animals, being restricted in Australia to rainforests of the Iron and McIlwraith ranges. Iron Range, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland  Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF-S 14–22mm f/3.4–4.5 wide angle lens, 1/200, f20, ISO 100, Canon 430EX II Speedlite fired remotely, handheld

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ANIMAL PORTRAIT Golden Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) Trevor Andersen, Queensland This photo was taken during my visit to a local emu farm in Queensland. Emus are known to be inquisitive animals by nature. Light variations in colour are uncommon from the information given to me by the owners of this farm. This colour variation is often referred to as the ‘golden bird’. Marburg, Queensland  Canon EOS 7D, Canon 24–105mm f/4L IS USM lens, 1/250, f11, ISO 125, Canon 580EX II fill flash, monopod

ANIMAL PORTRAIT Moving home – Strawberry Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus) Trevor Penfold, Raglan, New Zealand At night Strawberry Land Hermit Crabs scurry across the white beaches of Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef. They are terrestrial hermit crabs – this one had a particularly large shell and was heading for the ocean as it needed to refresh its supply of water. Lady Elliot Island, off Queensland coast  Canon EOS 1D MkIII, Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM macro lens, 1/200, f8, ISO 100, Canon Speedlite 580EX, handheld

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B o ta n i c a l S u bj e c t This may be a portrait or a habitat shot.

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BOTANICAL Subject – Winner Fungi in mist Raoul Slater, Queensland Each morning for a fortnight, a cluster of fungi would erupt out of a pile of wood chips overnight but be withered up and gone a few hours after sunrise. I would lie in the mulch and push my macro lens through the mushrooms, looking for effects of atmosphere in the misty light. Lake McDonald Botanical Gardens, Sunshine Coast, Queensland  Canon EOS 5D MkII, 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, 1/200, f5.6, ISO 400, handheld

‘It’s hard to make mushrooms exciting, but this photographer has captured a strong, atmospheric image that has a great composition and transcendent quality. There is a measure of softness in the lighting, but enough sharp detail has been captured to satisfy.’ Judges’ comments

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BOTANICAL Subject – Runner-up The big wet Cindy McCauley, Queensland Photography has helped me learn to appreciate every aspect of nature, especially those elements within the macro world that are often overlooked. Some of my favourite photography moments are made directly following a big Queensland storm. Bellbowrie, Queensland  Canon EOS 550D, Tamron 60mm macro lens, 1/200, f11, ISO 100, Canon 430EX Speedlite fired on camera, handheld

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‘This technically challenging shot has an enormous amount of interest. The photographer has used a strong horizontal composition and subtle light in this intimate botanical portrait. The viewer is attracted to the reflected colour and light within the drops, and is engaged by the contrast between the drops on either side of the leaf.’ Judges’ comments

BOTANICAL Subject Banksia heart Chris Bray, New South Wales Scoping the best photographic locations on Kangaroo Island to take photo safari clients, I visited the Stokes Bay Bush Garden. With my macro ring-flash allowing me to crank up the depth of field, I love the vibrant colours, intricate details and leading lines revealed inside this banksia flower. Stokes Bay Bush Garden, Kangaroo Island, South Australia  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM macro lens, 1/250, f32, ISO 100, Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, handheld

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BOTANICAL Subject Double helix Ford Kristo, New South Wales For 10 minutes on winter afternoons, light penetrating a small rainforest canopy gap created this scene. On most visits the exposure contrast was either too strong or too weak to get the shot I envisaged. However, persistence pays. The scene’s fleeting existence and probably being the only person to observe it are appealing. Robertson Nature Reserve, Southern Highlands, New South Wales  Nikon D3, 24–70mm f/2.8 lens at 50mm, 0.6 second, f22, ISO 200, Gitzo GT5541LS tripod with Markins Q2 ballhead

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BOTANICAL Subject Bee visiting Eucalyptus macrocarpa Jennie Stock, Western Australia I noticed that bees were visiting the huge Eucalyptus macrocarpa flowers, so I composed the shot and waited patiently for that perfect moment when one bee hovered in just the right place. It is interesting to know that these small bees can pollinate such a large flower. Dryandra Woodland, Western Australia  Nikon D3000, Sigma 150–500mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM lens at 350mm, 1/320, f11, ISO 400, tripod

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BOTANICAL Subject Spring beauty, Pink Matchheads (Comesperma ericinum) Katherine Milliken, New South Wales The bushwalk through Awabakal Nature Reserve is on the coast south of Newcastle. The park has impressive ocean views and beautiful birdlife. The most spectacular time to discover this walk is during early spring when everything comes to life with colour. The park is a haven for wildflowers from small shrubs to the Coastal Tea Tree. Awabakal Nature Reserve, New South Wales  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 100mm f/2.7 IS USM macro lens, 1/200, f7.0, ISO 100, Metz 48 AF-1 digital flash, compulsory mode, handheld

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BOTANICAL Subject Purple Thistle Wendy Broekx, South Australia This thistle (family: Asteraceae) may be a noxious weed, but bees love it and I think the colours are stunning. While photographing bees collecting pollen, I couldn’t leave without taking a few shots of the thistles. I tried to get close to show the tiny specs of pollen and also the beautiful colours. I wanted it to look like a soft colourful painting. Chambers Gully, South Australia  Canon EOS 1D Mklll, Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1–5x macro lens, 1/80, f11, ISO 800, Gitzo tripod

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BOTANICAL Subject Gums during drought Raoul Ribot, Victoria After years of drought a eucalyptus forest on the riverbanks of the Murrumbidgee River is left dry and dusty in 2009. Murrumbidgee River, New South Wales  Sony HDR-SR12, f/4.9–58.8mm lens, 1/60, f4, handheld

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BOTANICAL Subject Red Pandani Keir Gillam, Queensland The natural vibrancy of this Richea pandanifolia is stunning and eye catching. South West Tasmania  Nikon D90, AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 G IF-ED lens, 1/30, f16, ISO 200, handheld

BOTANICAL Subject Underworld Matt Shepherd, Queensland Life thrives under the protection of these lily pads in a pond in Byron Bay. To capture the scene I waded into waist-deep water and balanced precariously on the muddy floor to position my camera. The stillness I felt was in contrast to the turbulent ocean only metres away. Byron Bay, New South Wales  Nikon D90, Tokina 10–17mm fisheye lens at 10mm, 1/320, f10, ISO 200, handheld, Nauticam dive housing

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U n d e r wat e r S u bj e c t This may be a portrait of an animal or plant, or a habitat shot.

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UNDERWATER Subject – Winner Pelican quarrel Justin Gilligan, New South Wales The Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) is often attracted to boat ramps in search of an easy meal from fishers cleaning their catch of fish. This trio of pelicans seemed to be a tangle of beaks as they squabbled over a fish frame discarded by a local fisherman. The interesting interaction lasted less than a second before the pelican on the left raised its head above the water and swallowed its winnings. Little Beach, Port Stephens, New South Wales  Nikon D300, 10.5mm lens, 1/500, f9, ISO 200, Ikelite housing

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‘This image has an almost whimsical comic quality, a pleasing composition that focuses on the three pelicans’ heads while their legs bob away in the background. There is a strong sense of fast movement; the photographer has done a great job capturing the moment.’ Judges’ comments

UNDERWATER Subject – Runner-up Whip Goby (Bryaninops sp.) Shannon Conway, Western Australia I came across this extraordinarily large Whip Coral with a small host goby while diving in the notoriously stiff currents at Black Rock in Komodo. I used the coral for good negative space and a wide aperture for macro to create bokeh (aesthetic blur). Black Rock, Komodo National Park, Indonesia  Nikon D300, Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR lens, 1/250, f13, ISO 200, twin Inon 220 strobes

‘This image has a surreal, jewel-like quality. The shallow depth of field exacerbates the fish and allows its body to disappear into the background. Bright colours attract the viewer. The lighting is quite flat but it works to show the composition to its best advantage.’ Judges’ comments

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UNDERWATER Subject The imperator Alex Varani, Imola, Italy This tropical shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) is one of the nicest and most colourful creatures that inhabit the Indonesian seas. It’s a symbiont crustacean and always lives together with other marine creatures such as nudibranchs or sea cucumbers, as shown here. Lembeh Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia  Olympus EPL-1, Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 lens, 1/125, f19, ISO 200, external INON S2000 strobe, 10Bar underwater camera housing

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UNDERWATER Subject Cuttlefish mating Ignacio Palacios, New South Wales I photographed these cuttlefish mating while diving off Lady Elliot Island. There was a big group of them but this couple was not shy. Cuttlefish are marine animals of the order Sepiida and, despite their name, are not fish but molluscs. They have a remarkable ability to rapidly alter their skin colour at will, to communicate with other cuttlefish and to camouflage themselves from predators. Lady Elliot Island, off Queensland coast  Canon G10, 28mm lens, 1/250, f2.8, ISO 80, underwater flash

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UNDERWATER Subject Above the crowd Richard Wylie, Victoria Every year Spider Crabs (Leptomithrax gaimardii) move from the ocean’s depths to congregate en masse in the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay. This individual, however, avoided the crowds by climbing a pylon under the pier, allowing me to isolate this image against the light streaming through the background. Rye Pier, Rye, Victoria  Canon EOS 550D, Tokina 10–17mm wide angle lens at 14mm, 1/200, f11, ISO 100, Ikelite substrobes DS51 and DS160, handheld, Ikelite underwater housing 6871.55 (with dome port)

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UNDERWATER Subject Tawny Nurse Shark (Nebrius ferrugineus) Shannon Conway, Western Australia While on a trip to Talbot Bay I noticed how close these sharks would approach the boat. Before returning 8 months later, I designed a pole camera to make the best of this photographic opportunity. The split shot contrasts the majestic shark against the landscape of the Kimberley. Talbot Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley region, Western Australia  Nikon D300, Tokina 10–17mm fisheye lens at 10mm, 1/200, f13, ISO 200, twin Inon 220 strobes, home-designed pole camera

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UNDERWATER Subject BamBam Vanessa Mignon, New South Wales This was a very curious and playful Humpback calf that chased us around for a while and that we nicknamed ‘BamBam’. This shot is special to me because of the memory, but also because I feel it captures the graceful and dynamic beauty of the Humpbacks and their inquisitive nature. Ha’apai, Kingdom of Tonga  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon 16–35mm f/2.8L lens, 1/200, f6.3, ISO 320, Subal underwater housing

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Wilderness Landscape The landscape or seascape must have minimal evidence of human interference.

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE – Winner Reflection of fire Vincent Antony, Victoria The calm before the storm – with a fire in the national park creeping along, the wind would come up then die, leaving only minutes to capture the glassy surface and reflections. Lake Eildon National Park, Victoria  Sony Alfa 700, 80–200mm lens at 160mm, 45 seconds, f10, ISO 500, tripod and remote switch

‘An unusual depiction of fire, the photographer has achieved a great composition with the diagonal line of fire and its horizontal reflection. There is strong contrast between the raging fire and the tranquil reflection. The difficult lighting has been competently handled when it would have been easy to remove highlights.’ Judges’ comments

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE – Runner-up Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands Stuart Chape, Samoa The Marovo Lagoon is the world’s largest double-barrier island lagoon, located in Western Province, Solomon Islands. Although parts of the lagoon are impacted by human use, it is still characterised by high-value marine and terrestrial biodiversity, including spectacular coral reefs. Western Province, Solomon Islands  Mamiya 645, 21mm lens, 1/125, f8, ISO 100, polariser, handheld

‘An almost seamless blend of the terrestrial and marine environments results in a striking and unusual image, almost looking as though it is taken underwater. The photographer has combined an unusual colour palate with perfect surface conditions to secure a striking image. The wildlife serves to draw the viewer into the marine wilderness.’ Judges’ comments

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Face in the ice Andrew Peacock, Queensland The incredible shape and multi-hued blues of this iceberg attracted my interest as I paddled around this beautiful area. Then I saw ‘the face’ – can you? Luckily the lens I had mounted was a super-wide angle, allowing me to manoeuvre close to the iceberg and compose a dramatic image. Paradise Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula  Canon EOS 5D MkIII, Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 fisheye lens, 1/400, f7.1, ISO 100, handheld

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE The edge Ian Brown, New South Wales This is a tricky location, where you need to be right on the edge of the drop, so I went prepared with ropes and harness, before dawn. I tied myself and the tripod to a handy tree and worked fast before the sun came out from behind the cliff. Grose Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales  Canon 5D MkII, 17–40mm lens at 23mm, 1/13, f16, ISO 100, tripod, ND grad filter

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Hamersley Gorge waterfall Ignacio Palacios, New South Wales Hamersley is quite different from the rest of the gorges in Karijini National Park. It takes a few hours’ drive and a couple of flat tyres to reach, but it is well worth it for the dramatic colours, unique textures and rock formations. There is a beautiful little waterfall to complete the brilliant scenery. The photograph was taken at sunset. Karijini National Park, Western Australia  Pentax 645D, Pentax SMC DA 645 25mm f/4 AL (IF) SDM AW lens, 2 seconds, f11, ISO 100, tripod

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Little waterfall at Dales Gorge Ignacio Palacios, New South Wales After the steep walk down to the depths of Dales Gorge, a 15-minute walk to the right-hand side of the trail will lead you to an area with great little waterfalls. Some of them are very photogenic and can be shot from amazing angles. Karijini National Park, Western Australia  Pentax 645D, Pentax DFA SDM 55mm f/2.8 lens, 2 seconds, f11, ISO 100, tripod

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Tidal reflections Jarrod Castaing, New South Wales Tea trees glow in the first rays of morning light along the still waters of Tidal River at mainland Australia’s southernmost point – Wilsons Promontory. Wilsons Promontory, Victoria  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 17–40mm f/4L lens at 25mm, 1/50, f11, ISO 200, Feisol CT-3441S carbon fibre tripod

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Dooragan dreaming #7 Rob Smith, New South Wales North Brother Mountain (Dooragan of Aboriginal legend) viewed from a tidal rock shelf with an ultra-wide-angle lens for extreme depth of field. I like how the clusters of Neptune’s Necklace resemble starfish, and the rusty tones and mottled textures support the notion of dreaming in the Indigenous artwork sense. Crowdy Bay National Park, New South Wales  Olympus E-3, Olympus Zuiko 7–14mm lens at 7mm, 1/90, f9.5, ISO 100, tripod

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WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Moody Antarctica Linda Oliver, Queensland The shapes, textures and colours of the ice were ever-changing as I cruised through this picturesque area in a zodiac. The clouds and threatening snowfall turned the reflecting water dark grey, making the whites and blues of the ice and snow stand out even more dramatically. Near Pleneau Island, Antarctic Peninsula  Canon EOS 650D, Sigma 8–16mm lens at 8mm, 1/500, f11, ISO 400, handheld

WILDERNESS LANDSCAPE Silcrete Island Peter Elfes, New South Wales Siltcrete Island in Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre National Park. Australia’s largest lake retained water for a record-breaking 4 years; this allowed algae, bacteria and single-celled life forms known as archaebacteria to form. These microorganisms are considered the oldest life forms on Earth. The colour of the water comes from pigments within the cell that produce carotenoids, possibly to protect the cell from ultraviolet light which would otherwise destroy it. Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, South Australia  Canon EOS 5D MkII, 24–70mm at 50mm, f/2.8 lens, 1/500, f7.1, ISO 320

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T h r e at e n e d S p e c i e s The subject or subjects may be photographed in any of the following ways: • in portrait • engaged in natural activity • in natural habitat. All entries in this section must be accompanied by an official reference (valid for any of the 5 years prior to the date of close of entries) from the relevant country’s government agency concerned with flora and fauna verifying the subject’s Threatened, Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered status.

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THREATENED SPECIES – Winner Preening Lance Peters, South Australia I feel very privileged to have been able to capture such an engaging image of this endangered species, the Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus magnirostris). Horsham, Victoria  Nikon D3S, Sigma 300–800 zoom lens at 800mm, 1/160, f5.6, ISO 1600, handheld braced on structure on the ground

Status: The Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus magnirostris) is listed as Endangered in Victoria.

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‘An unusual and abstract composition, this image has a tight crop that reveals beautiful shapes in the bird and its plumage. Preening birds are difficult to photograph well, but this photographer has achieved a nicely composed image in a natural position.’ Judges’ comments

THREATENED SPECIES – Runner-up Crested Black Macaque portrait Michael Gallagher, London, United Kingdom I took this portrait of a critically endangered Sulawesi Crested Black Macaque (Macaca nigra) while hiking through the thick rainforest in North Sulawesi in Indonesia. It was fairly dark under the dense canopy overhead, but for a brief moment a chink of light illuminated the primate’s pensive, almost sombre countenance. Sulawesi Island, Indonesia  Canon EOS 50D, Canon 100–400mm IS lens at 400mm, 1/80, f5.6, ISO 640, handheld

Status: The Sulawesi Crested Black Macaque (Macaca nigra) is listed as Critically Endangered.

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‘This is a surprising and haunting image of a threatened species. Subtle lighting evokes a sombre mood and the macaque’s eyes are full of emotion. The photographer has handled a difficult exposure beautifully, with great lighting on the animal’s face and neck.’ Judges’ comments

THREATENED SPECIES Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) Andrew Buckle, South Australia These Glossy Black-Cockatoos are found only in small pockets of Kangaroo Island. It was a special experience to enjoy an hour with these wonderful birds. Thankfully the dedicated conservation efforts of many people, including Kangaroo Island locals, has made their future a little more secure. American River, Kangaroo Island, South Australia  Canon EOS 5D MkII, 100–400mm L lens at 400mm, 1/2500, f6.3, ISO 1250, handheld

Status: The Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) is listed as Endangered.

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THREATENED SPECIES Riding the wave Brent M Stephenson, Napier, New Zealand New Zealand is often referred to as the seabird capital of the world, and rightly so. This portrait of a Salvin’s Albatross (Thalassarche salvini) was captured off Kaikoura during a regular birding trip where flocks of seabirds are attracted to a boat and can be observed and photographed. Off Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM lens, 1/1600, f6.3, ISO 320, handheld from a boat at sea

Status: Salvin’s Albatross (Thalassarche salvini) is listed as Vulnerable.

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THREATENED SPECIES Snares Penguins (Eudyptes robustus) Graham Morgan, New South Wales Snares Penguins at the water’s edge among a naturally reflective backdrop of Bull Kelp. Snares Island, New Zealand  Canon EOS 1D X, Canon 70–300mm lens at 221mm, 1/800, f8, ISO 800, handheld

Status: The Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus) is listed as Vulnerable.

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THREATENED SPECIES Critically endangered Jan Wegener, Victoria With just over 1000 birds left in the wild, the Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) is one of Australia’s most endangered birds. There are only a few places to see them. I had the chance to join a friend on a trip to the Capertee Valley and we were blessed with an opportunity to photograph this striking bird. Capertee Valley, New South Wales  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, Canon EF 600 L IS lens, 1/800, f7.1, ISO 1600, Gitzo 3541LS tripod, Wimberley Head II

Status: The Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia, previously Xanthomyza phrygia) is listed as Critically Endangered.

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THREATENED SPECIES A giant appetite George Madani, New South Wales The Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iterates), silent sentinel of the creek bank, waits motionlessly, naught but its great golden eye betraying its presence. A young rat scuttles among the leaf litter oblivious to its doom, when with a great snap the trap is sprung and the prey subdued by the most unlikely of hunters. Bulahdelah, New South Wales  Panasonic DMC-FT3, 5mm lens at 29mm (35mm equivalent), 1/60, f3.3, ISO 100, auto flash

Status: The Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iterates) is listed as Endangered.

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THREATENED SPECIES Bounce back Mark Woods, South Australia Operation Bounce Back was a major step forward in helping this population of Yellowfooted Rock-wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus) towards recovery in the Flinders Ranges. It was a pleasure to spend a couple of hours observing them in their natural habitat. Brachina Gorge, Flinders Ranges, South Australia  Sony DSLR-A300, Sigma APO 150–500mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM lens at 230mm, 1/125, f5.6, ISO 400, handheld

Status: The Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus) is listed as Vulnerable.

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THREATENED SPECIES On the brink – Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) Robert McLean, Western Australia With an estimated 1000 individuals left in the wild, each Numbat is an important contributor to the species’ survival. Habitat destruction and predation by feral cats and foxes have played their part in the demise of this unique little Australian. Narrogin, Western Australia  Canon EOS 7D, Canon 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM lens at 400mm, 1/320, f7.1, ISO 400, exposure bias –0.7, handheld

Status: The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is listed as Endangered.

THREATENED SPECIES TakaheThomas Burns, Cambridge, New Zealand After several views of the backside of Takahe-s (Porphyrio hochstetteri) disappearing into the foliage off the track, we promptly stopped and sat down at the sight of a family trio. In their own time the birds approached quite close to us and this inquisitive adult stared straight down my lens. Maud Island, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand  Canon EOS 7D, Canon 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, 1/640, f5.6, ISO 800, handheld

Status: The Takahe- (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is listed as Endangered.

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Black and White A subject must be chosen that would qualify for any of the first six sections. This section includes all monochrome photography, for example sepia-toned and infrared photographs.

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BLACK AND WHITE – Winner Osprey early morning catch John Van-Den-Broeke, New South Wales Some days I spend 3–4 hours paddling and drifting in my canoe looking for wildlife. The canoe is great as it does not disturb the wildlife, and you become one with nature. This Osprey (Pandion cristatus) had just caught a fish and flew directly at me. It was a great moment. Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff, New South Wales  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, EF 70–200mm f/2.8 IS lens + 1.4x, at 280mm, 1/1600, f8, ISO 2000, handheld

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‘With an elegant symmetry, the photographer has captured a moment, allowing the early light to highlight the bird against the spray.’ Judges’ comments

BLACK AND WHITE – Runner-up Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) Dan Giselsson, Tasmania This beautiful courtship dance began with the female (right) clearing the little sand mound by picking up and tossing away any extraneous sticks. She then stooped forward, inclining her whole body, which immediately attracted the male. The male circled the female as she slowly and gracefully spun around on the spot.

‘The photographer has used a limited depth of field to throw the background out of focus, creating a very moody atmosphere and directing attention to the stilts, with a stark contrast between them and the background. The positioning of the birds and the angle of their legs give a dynamic feel to the image.’

Charleville, Queensland

Judges’ comments

 Nikon D800, Nikon 500mm f/4 VR lens, 1/500, f4, ISO 400

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BLACK AND WHITE The crowd Adam Plucinski, New South Wales Pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus) waiting to be fed at The Entrance. This event is a fantastic opportunity for people to observe these magnificent birds, and learn more about them and marine life in general. The staff can also look after the pelicans’ wellbeing, as many of them come to shore tangled in fishing lines or embedded with fishermen’s hooks. The Entrance, New South Wales  Nikon D80, Nikkor 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 lens at 50mm, 1/180, f6.7, ISO 100, handheld

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BLACK AND WHITE View from Cradle Mountain Andrew Merry, New South Wales This photograph was taken near the summit of Cradle Mountain while I was traversing the Overland Track in the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. The late afternoon light enhances the rugged nature of the landscape, with Barn Bluff prominent on the horizon. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon 24–105mm f/4L lens at 24mm, 1/250, f14, ISO 320, handheld

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BLACK AND WHITE Mirror image Emma Perry, Victoria The dark, still waters of Lake Matheson created the perfect mirror to reflect the vegetation along its shore. Lake Matheson (near Fox Glacier), South Island, New Zealand Canon EOS 5D, Tamron 28–75mm lens, 0.5 second, f32, ISO 100, circular polariser, Manfrotto tripod

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BLACK AND WHITE Bull Kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) Graham Morgan, New South Wales Glistening Bull Kelp sculpted by the ocean surges into an infinite array of patterns. Enderby Island, New Zealand  Canon EOS 1D X, Canon 70–300mm lens at 300mm, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, handheld

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BLACK AND WHITE Lake Matheson dawn Jeremy Town, Wanaka, New Zealand Dawn mist rises above Lake Matheson to reveal a picturesque reflection of New Zealand’s mighty Southern Alps. Lake Matheson, West Coast, New Zealand  Canon EOS 60D, Canon 17–55mm f/2.8 lens at 28mm, 1/200, f8, ISO 100, Benro tripod A500 with tilt and pan head

BLACK AND WHITE Regenerating Peter Hill, New South Wales A forest area in the Barrington Tops National Park that had previously been logged suffered a fire several years ago, but was now well on the way to recovery and regeneration. The summer afternoon’s sun caught the tops of the trees and the new foliage perfectly. Stewarts Brook State Forest, Barrington Tops National Park precinct, New South Wales  Canon EOS 10D, Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L lens at 24mm, 1/180, f8, ISO 100, handheld; the camera was converted to shoot infrared only by inserting within the body a deep B&W IR filter equivalent to 830nm, replacing the original hot mirror filter

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Interpretive A subject or subjects must be chosen that would qualify for any of the other sections. This section is designed for those photographers who wish to experiment graphically with their images.

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INTERPRETIVE – Winner Milky Way Julie Fletcher, South Australia Although this shot took some planning, including watching the weather and the moon phases, I could never have predicted the surreal colour in the night sky. In the dead of night the camera picks up more than the eye can physically see, including the millions of stars and light from the far-off town of Menindee, creating the illusion of a sunrise or sunset. Menindee Lakes, Menindee, New South Wales  Nikon D800, Nikon 14–24mm lens at 14mm, 30 seconds, f2.8, ISO 3200, tripod and cable release; the image is made up of seven images stitched together; additional light was painted on the trees in the foreground using two torches and coloured gels within each frame that was taken; the overall colour hue in the image is light pollution – no filters were used

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‘The combination of the bright arc of the Milky Way and a warm tone across the landscape give this image a mysterious nature. The heavens and earth have been brought together in a strong composition.’ Judges’ comments

INTERPRETIVE – Runner-up Rage! Lynton Francois Burger, New South Wales Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are mesmerising to watch underwater. From an easeful glide they can suddenly accelerate and surge at prey. I wanted to capture this sense of pure predatory fury in this work. The title Rage! also speaks of my anger at our senseless killing of sharks globally. Neptune Island, South Australia  Canon EOS 7D, Tokina 10–17mm fisheye lens, 1/125, f11, ISO 200, Nauticam underwater housing, 2 x Ikelite DS125 strobes

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‘A moment of incredible drama and movement has been manipulated to give a strong graphic quality. The photographer has cleverly depicted the speed and aggression of the shark as it moves through the water.’ Judges’ comments

INTERPRETIVE Ocean Ova Series, Sea Egg no. 7 (Cerianthid Tube Anemone) William Goodwin, Birmingham, Alabama, USA The planet’s oceans are, in a real sense, the womb of all life on Earth. This premise underlies my Ocean Ova series of images, of which this is the seventh. I manipulated the original image of a tube anemone (Cerianthus sp.) shot at night in an attempt to embody this premise. Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia  Sony Nex-5N, 18–55mm lens at 26mm (39mm at 35mm equivalent); 1/60, f4, ISO 1000, handheld; image made at night with lighting from 2 x UK Aqualite Video

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INTERPRETIVE Daddy Long Legs on old bubble glass Raoul Slater, Queensland For years I had idly plucked these spiders from the windows above our toilet without seeming to make a dent in their numbers. One day I noticed a stray beam of sunshine being refracted by the window’s 90-year-old bubble glass, and a spider was suspended above the rainbow. This is a ‘straight’ shot of the phenomenon, with no manipulation other than a 90-degree change in orientation. Pomona, Sunshine Coast, Queensland  Canon EOS 5D MkII, 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, 1/500, f4, ISO 400, handheld

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INTERPRETIVE Eucalypt stand John Stranack, New South Wales Travelling from Eagle Reach, I came upon a small creek with a patch of eucalypts on a ridge bathed in late afternoon sunlight, glowing golden against the shaded surrounding bush. The grasses glowed from the warm evening sunset. The bumpy road inspired the dragged shot. On the road to Eagle Reach, Vance, Hunter Valley, New South Wales  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM lens, 1/30, f22, ISO 100, handheld

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INTERPRETIVE Remarkable world Filippo Rivetti, New South Wales A short hike in knee-deep snow on top of the Remarkables is all it takes to get to this breathtaking view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. I then turned this panoramic view into a planet in order to convey the feeling of being on top of the world. Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand  Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II lens at 16mm, 1/320, f11, ISO 100, handheld

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INTERPRETIVE Frozen visage Kah Kit Yoong, Victoria Inside an ice cave at Fox Glacier, I lay on my belly photographing the pool of water and the icy textures reflected in it. When I tilted my head, I realised the potential for an abstract with strong anthropomorphic qualities. All I had to do was rotate the image 90 degrees. Fox Glacier, New Zealand  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon 16–35mm f/2.8L lens at 29mm, 1/160, f9, ISO 200, handheld

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INTERPRETIVE Noctis Lincoln Harrison, Victoria The Milky Way rises over Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Victoria. Cape Schanck, Victoria  Nikon D800E, Nikkor 14–24mm lens at 14mm, tripod; sky: 15 seconds, f2.8, ISO 6400; foreground: 61 seconds, f4, ISO 200

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INTERPRETIVE Frantic forest Ford Kristo, New South Wales Scribbly Gums display dendritic forms taken to outrageous extremes. They have a fascinating penchant for manifesting chaos theory while other eucalypt species growing in close proximity exhibit tall, orderly growth habits. The stark contrast of the pale bark versus darkness allows a real appreciation of their strange and beautiful forms. Morton National Park, New South Wales  Nikon D3, Nikon 14–24mm f/2.8 lens at 20mm, 55 seconds, f10, ISO 200, Gitzo GT5541LS tripod with Markins Q2 ballhead, portable incandescent lighting

INTERPRETIVE I told ’em it’s too rough for fishin’ Rob Smith, New South Wales A Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) ridicules a pair of Australasian Gannets (Morus serrator) that decided to go fishing in extreme conditions. But the missile gannets are masters of such conditions! They’ll have the last laugh ... and full bellies. Shelly Beach and Tacking Point, Port Macquarie  Olympus E-3, Zuiko 50–200mm lens at 200mm, 1/500, f11, ISO 400, tripod; two images composited

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O u r I m pa c t The image must depict human impact on the natural environment, be it terrestrial, marine or atmospheric. This impact may be negative or positive. The choice of subjects is broad, including any that would qualify for the other sections or extending beyond these to subjects relating to pollution and climate change.

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OUR IMPACT – Winner Shipwreck, Solomon Islands Stuart Chape, Samoa Environmental values of the Pacific Ocean and islands are under severe threat from marine and land pollution. Uncontrolled dumping of waste pollutes nearshore waters and land areas of many Pacific islands, compromising ecosystem health and the welfare of people. This image epitomises the scale of the environmental degradation that is occurring.

‘A depressing but also beautiful image – the abandoned vessel is a familiar sight, left to rot when it’s not viable to collect it for scrap metal. The scene is rich in drama, with the rusting hulk and approaching storm suggesting there’s more to come, and the other vehicles adding a sense of mystery.’

Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Judges’ comments

 Sony A99, 24mm lens, 1/60, f11, ISO 100, UV filter, handheld

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OUR IMPACT – Runner-up Hunter hunted Alan Kwok, New South Wales The fox (Vulpes sp.) was exhausted from trying to escape from the trap under the blazing sun. In it I saw a destroyer of native animals and a harbinger of extinction, yet also a beautiful, cunning and remarkably adaptable creature. The reasons to admire the fox are also the reasons to hate it. Stroud, New South Wales  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L II lens at 182mm, 1/4000, f5.6, ISO 1000, handheld

‘This image is full of tension and energy. It is striking at first glance, but the reality of the situation is not immediately evident. The viewer, while left uncertain of the fox’s fate and whether it was the intended victim, has no doubt of the human impact on the situation.’ Judges’ comments

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OUR IMPACT Don’t mind me! Andrew Peacock, Queensland The activities of visitors to Antarctica are governed by an internationally accepted environmental protocol developed to protect wildlife and keep Antarctica pristine. Nevertheless, this Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) seems less than enthralled with the arrival of brightly clad hikers near its nesting area. Pleneau Bay area, Antarctic Peninsula  Canon EOS 5D MkIII, Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM lens at 105mm, 1/320, f7.1, ISO 200, handheld

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OUR IMPACT The vanishing billabong Gary Steer, New South Wales Billabongs provide a temporary water supply for animals after a flood, but soakage and evaporation soon lead pastoralists to resort to pumping water from bores into troughs. Converging livestock and native animal tracks inflict heavy grazing pressure on the surrounding vegetation. Impact on the land and water availability are increasing problems as a result of climate change and record hot and dry periods. In the vicinity of Diamantina River, Queensland  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM lens at 70mm, 1/320, f11, ISO 100, aerial, handheld

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OUR IMPACT Iron ore Keir Gillam, Queensland The combination of a red sunset, low tide and the Micro-Nikkor 200mm lens created this starring effect at BHP’s iron ore loading facility. Port Hedland, Western Australia  Nikon D90, AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED lens, 20 seconds, f16, ISO 200, tripod

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OUR IMPACT Antarctic bones Linda Oliver, Queensland After being spellbound by the behaviour of many whales, it was confronting to see some of the relics from the whaling era, including this boat and scattering of whale bones. Some whale species have still not recovered to population numbers that will secure their long-term survival. Mikkelsen Harbour on Trinity Island, Antarctic Peninsula  Canon EOS 650D, Sigma 8–16mm lens at 12mm, 1/160, f11, ISO 100, handheld

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OUR IMPACT Harvesting groundwater Liz Rogers, Victoria An old harvester has sat on the bottom of this sinkhole for decades, preserved in the cold fresh water as evidence of a past ‘out of sight, out of mind’ disposal philosophy. Greater demand, drought and dropping water levels have increased our awareness of groundwater as a limited resource requiring protection. One Tree Sinkhole, Mt Gambier region, South Australia  Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon 14mm f/2.8L II USM lens, 1/125, f7.1, ISO 400, Aquatica underwater housing with 8″ dome port, 2 x INON Z240 MkIV underwater strobes on the camera, 1 x INON Z240 MkIV underwater strobe held by model; off-camera strobes triggered using a Triggerfish light sensor; handheld, taken at a depth of approximately 27 m in fresh water

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OUR IMPACT The king is dead Rob Smith, New South Wales The head of a Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) taken by spearfishers lies on the beach at Spooneys Bay at sunrise under a mackerel sky. In Western Australia the species is also known as River Kingfish or simply King. Spooneys Bay, Bonny Hills, New South Wales  Olympus E-5, Olympus Zuiko 7–14mm lens at 7mm, 1/10, f8, ISO 100, off-camera flash, tripod

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OUR IMPACT As cunning as a fox? Nicola Kinloch, Victoria Foxes (Vulpes sp.) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are declared as pests in the state of Victoria. This confronting photograph was captured at the junction of Pink Lakes and Purnya roads, Victoria. These disturbing rabbit heads worked as bait for foxes. At the base of the signpost lay the remains of two wellpreserved fox skeletons. Linga, Victoria  Nikon D40, 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5 lens at 70mm, 1/640, f7.1, ISO 250, handheld

OUR IMPACT Remains Scott Portelli, New South Wales Rubbish that we cast aside often becomes habitat for various life forms in the ocean. Whether it is an artificial reef or a shelter for various creatures, our actions have an impact on the creatures around us. Shelly Beach, Manly, New South Wales  Canon EOS 5D Mk II, Canon EF 16–35mm lens at 16mm, 1/200, f8, ISO 200, Seacam housing and 2 x DS121 Ikelite strobes

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Junior The entrant must be under 18 years of age at the date of the close of entries. Entries must otherwise qualify for any of the other sections.

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JUNIOR – Winner Frog patterns Oliver Sekulic, New South Wales, age 16 The intricate patterns and colours covering its skin and eyes make this Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) easily distinguishable from other tree frogs and an irresistible photo subject. It’s not too shy either, jumping onto my camera lens soon after I’d taken this photo! South coast, New South Wales

‘This image has a lovely abstract quality and an unconventional composition. There’s a nice contrast between the frog and the dark wood, and the frog’s eye is a strong focal point that attracts and engages the viewer. The photographer has overcome a difficult lighting challenge to capture this image.’ Judges’ comments

 Sony Nex-5, 18–55mm lens at 55mm, 1/200, f8, ISO 1600, UV(c) filter, handheld

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JUNIOR – Runner-up Shoo! Chelsea McCann, Western Australia, age 16 The common housefly is a creature with which we are all too familiar – however, up close, Musca domestica looks unnervingly sci-fi, covered with hair capable of taste, red compound eyes composed of myriad lenses, and antennae waiting to sniff out forgotten meals. Perth, Western Australia  Olympus Pen E-p3, 60mm macro lens, 1/125, f8, ISO 200, flash, handheld

‘An incredible technical achievement, the photographer has secured beautiful detail in this image. Depicting the fly on text allows clear definition of depth of field, and the text leads the eye to the subject. The photographer has worked well with lighting to secure the image without removing highlights.’ Judges’ comments

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JUNIOR Blue stretch Andrew Cooney, New South Wales, age 17 I shot this image on a sunny morning at my favourite beach. The swell wasn’t that big but the waves had the best shape and colour. Some were breaking right on the sand, and others were just beautiful glassy blue waves. Forresters Beach, New South Wales  Nikon D800, Nikon 10.5mm fisheye lens, 1/2000, f11, ISO 320, SPL water housing, handheld

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JUNIOR Australian Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) family Brayden Mann, South Australia, age 14 We were at the Coorong in the boat when we spotted the emus. We cut the engine and drifted in closer. I leaned out of the boat to capture the photo. It was a unique experience because the Emus weren’t frightened. I got some great shots before they wandered off. Coorong, South Australia  Nikon D5100, Nikor 55–300mm at 300mm, f6.3, ISO 200, handheld

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JUNIOR Australian trolls Brieuc Graillot-Denaix, France, age 17 During a family holiday we visited the spectacular geological formation the Pinnacles. Beforehand I had some pictures in mind: I wanted to photograph them by night with a starry sky above. However, when we arrived there was no clear sky – we had sun, clouds and rain. I took advantage of the slow shutter speed to capture the movement of the clouds, and placed a spotlight on the Pinnacles. Cervantes, Western Australia  Canon EOS 1D MkIV, 17–40mm at 17mm, 30 seconds, f4, 1600 ISO, tripod, torchlights on the Pinnacles

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JUNIOR Metallic Tern James Cornwell, South Australia, age 12 Goolwa Barrage is a great place to find lots of different sorts of seabirds. On this day the sky was grey and it made a perfect background for this Crested Tern (Thalasseus sp.), one of my favourites from a day when terns filled the sky like darts in search of fish. Goolwa Barrage, South Australia  Nikon D3000, Nikon 55–300mm AF-S VR zoom lens at 300mm, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 400, handheld

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JUNIOR Spikes at every corner! Maud Graillot-Denaix, France, age 15 During a holiday in Australia we hoped to see Numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus). According to local advice, we spent hours along a track looking for them unsuccessfully. At noon, while my brothers and I were not concentrating as hard as at the beginning of the morning, I found four Echidnas (Echidna hystrix) asleep along the track. We spent the whole afternoon with them, watching different behaviours. Narrogin, Western Australia  Canon EOS 40D, 300mm lens, 1/200, f4, ISO 500, tripod

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JUNIOR Devil’s face! Maud Graillot-Denaix, France, age 15 In Australia you can find a small reptile, as long as your hand, that lives in the desert: the Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus). This is an extraordinary animal. It is covered with spikes all over its body and head. I chose a very close-up framing to show its devil’s head. Do you think it’s cute or scary? François Peron National Park, Western Australia  Canon EOS 7D, 100mm macro lens, 1/125, f9, ISO 400

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JUNIOR My money! Matthew Thomas, New South Wales, age 15 This photo was taken shortly after the purchase of my first and so far only DSLR. I used a small aperture because I was inexperienced at operating the manual focus of the lens and I had no other lens choices available. Taronga Zoo, Sydney  Canon EOS 650D, Nikon AF Nikkor 70–210mm f/4–5.6 lens, 1/2500, f8, ISO 1600, handheld; this lens was used with the camera via a metal adaptor

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JUNIOR Sugar Zoe Jackson, Victoria, age 17 An animal so sweet, it’s no wonder the common name for it is Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps). Melbourne, Australia  Canon EOS 7D, Tamron AF 18–270mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC lens at 200mm, 1/320, f6.3, ISO 2500

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