Captions from the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition Stop 9 of 13

Animals in Nature

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The animal(s) must be photographed in a natural environment. They may be either native or feral but must be depicted in nature with minimal evidence of human activity. Captive species are not allowed.

Winner Animals In Nature

Aftermath
Matty Smith, Queensland

Moments before this frame, three male Giant Cuttlefish were trying to court a female. A fight ensued between two males and they inked the water as they grappled and rolled out of frame. The female bolted, and this male was left in the aftermath, still displaying his vivid courting colours.

Judges' comments

A galaxy of ink is the key to this ethereal underwater capture; the fantastic result of time, place and circumstance. The photographer has shown great technical and emotional control to capture this unrepeatable moment. A beautiful piece of storytelling.

Runner Up Animals In Nature

Somewhere Under The Rainbow
David Robinson, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island is one of the few places in Australia where you can encounter the Galapagos Shark. The charismatic sharks appear from the depths hoping to get lucky with scraps from the passing boat. A storm started to form over the famous Mt Gower and a double rainbow appeared, making this a very special moment for me.

Judges' comments

This photograph has a wonderful sense of place and demonstrates the duality of nature. Everything underneath is in synergy with what’s above as we observe the circular motion of life.

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Stops in tour

Stop 1
Introduction and Acknowledgement
See nature in focus through stunning images by professional, emerging and junior photographers who have shown impeccable timing, patience, artistry and technique to capture incredible moments in time.
Stop 2
The Competition and Judges
The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year celebrates the diversity of nature in the bioregion encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
Stop 3
Macro
The Macro category is Intended to examine small elements of nature up close, with the subject to be presented larger than life size.
Stop 4
Urban Animals
The animal(s) depicted may be either native or feral but must be shown in a setting that indicates the presence of human activity.
Stop 5
Portfolio
The Portfolio Prize is awarded to the photographer who enters the best portfolio of six images with a common theme selected by the photographer.
Stop 6
Threatened Species
The subject(s) depicted must be listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Stop 7
The Overall Winner
Overall Winner of the 2023 Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year.
Stop 8
Astrophotography
The subject of the photograph must be the night sky, including astronomical objects, celestial events and areas of the night sky.
Stop 9
Animals in Nature
The animal(s) must be photographed in a natural environment. They may be either native or feral but must be depicted in nature with minimal evidence of human activity.
Stop 10
Monochrome
This category includes all monochrome photography including black and white, sepia-toned and infrared photographs.
Stop 11
Junior
The entrants must be under 18 years of age at the date of close of entries.
Stop 12
Landscape
A landscape or seascape that shows a natural environment. Evidence of humans can be present; however, it must not be the focus of the photograph.
Stop 13
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.

Stop 1
Introduction and Acknowledgement
See nature in focus through stunning images by professional, emerging and junior photographers who have shown impeccable timing, patience, artistry and technique to capture incredible moments in time.
Stop 2
The Competition and Judges
The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year celebrates the diversity of nature in the bioregion encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
Stop 3
Macro
The Macro category is Intended to examine small elements of nature up close, with the subject to be presented larger than life size.
Stop 4
Urban Animals
The animal(s) depicted may be either native or feral but must be shown in a setting that indicates the presence of human activity.
Stop 5
Portfolio
The Portfolio Prize is awarded to the photographer who enters the best portfolio of six images with a common theme selected by the photographer.
Stop 6
Threatened Species
The subject(s) depicted must be listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Stop 7
The Overall Winner
Overall Winner of the 2023 Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year.
Stop 8
Astrophotography
The subject of the photograph must be the night sky, including astronomical objects, celestial events and areas of the night sky.
Stop 9
Animals in Nature
The animal(s) must be photographed in a natural environment. They may be either native or feral but must be depicted in nature with minimal evidence of human activity.
Stop 10
Monochrome
This category includes all monochrome photography including black and white, sepia-toned and infrared photographs.
Stop 11
Junior
The entrants must be under 18 years of age at the date of close of entries.
Stop 12
Landscape
A landscape or seascape that shows a natural environment. Evidence of humans can be present; however, it must not be the focus of the photograph.
Stop 13
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.

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