The entrants must be under 18 years of age at the date of close of entries. Entries must otherwise qualify for any of the other sections.
Winner Junior
Hidden Courage
Isabella Alexis (age 17), Queensland
Although it’s a petrifying first sight, ask yourself who is more scared right now? Since this is only a photograph, a paused juncture in time, you missed a vital moment. You missed the glimpse of her spiderlings hidden behind her, the moment she became a courageous mother in my eyes.
Judges' comments
A narrow depth of focus, square crop and using the environment to frame the spider within the frame have all been good, deliberate choices made by this photographer. Out of focus extremities force our eye onto the subject, drawing us into its world.
Runner Up Junior
Turtley Mesmerised
McKinley Moens (age 17), New South Wales
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. I was totally mesmerised when I locked eyes with this curious freshwater turtle as it emerged from the murky water. Wildlife abounds in the middle of the city (if you take the time to look).
Judges' comments
The photographer has shown patience and timing to capture this portrait. Perfect lighting comes across the face, while the reflection has been caught at just the right moment before the surface was breached to ripple the water. A very playful image.