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Captions from the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition Stop6of 13

Botanical

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This may be a portrait or habitat shot of vegetation, i.e. trees, plants and, for the purposes of this competition, fungi. Evidence of humans or animals can be present, however must not be the focus of the photograph.

Winner

Alchemy
Ben Alldridge, Tasmania

Tanglefoot, Australia’s only cold-weather deciduous species, attracts thousands to witness ‘the turn’. However, few will have seen them glowing in gold tones. The organism emits garish colours in response to UV light in a process called biofluorescence. This particular evening brought subtle aurora and airglow, a rare synergy in these forests.

Judges' Comments

A unique, unusual image that pushes boundaries and demonstrates planning and technical prowess. The use of UV light to highlight the lichens and deciduous leaves complements the aurora. While the focus is on the botanical subject, there is clear interest throughout the image’s full depth.

Runner-Up

String Theory
Georgina Steytler, Western Australia

I’m fascinated by shallow and ephemeral wetlands and the unique plants that grow in the shallows. I found this algae in an elevated wetland fed by a spring in the nature reserve behind my house. When I looked closely, I noticed the tiny string-like strands.

Judges' Comments

This intriguing abstract view of something so small and innocuous is an extraordinary achievement. Algae has never looked so exciting!

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Stops in tour

Stop 1
Introduction
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
2026 Competition Judges
The 2026 competition judges are Mieke Boynton, Ross Gudgeon and Jake Wilton.
Stop 3
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 4
Threatened Species
The subject(s) depicted must be listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threatened Species Category is presented in memory of Katerina Gebrtova.
Stop 5
Overall Winner
Overall Winner of the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.
Stop 6
Botanical
This may be a portrait or habitat shot of vegetation, i.e. trees, plants and, for the purposes of this competition, fungi. Evidence of humans or animals can be present, however must not be the focus of the photograph.
Stop 7
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. Captive species are not allowed.
Stop 8
Macro
Intended to examine small elements of nature up close, with the subject to be presented larger than life size. Subject matter includes fauna, flora or natural formation. Note: this category does not include photographs taken through a microscope.
Stop 9
Monochrome
This category includes all monochrome photography including black and white, sepia-toned and infrared photographs. Entries must otherwise qualify for any of the other sections.
Stop 10
Junior
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.
Stop 11
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.
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
Animal Behaviour
This is an action shot: the subject(s) must be demonstrating natural behaviour. The subject(s) may be native or feral.

Stop 1
Introduction
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
2026 Competition Judges
The 2026 competition judges are Mieke Boynton, Ross Gudgeon and Jake Wilton.
Stop 3
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 4
Threatened Species
The subject(s) depicted must be listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threatened Species Category is presented in memory of Katerina Gebrtova.
Stop 5
Overall Winner
Overall Winner of the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.
Stop 6
Botanical
This may be a portrait or habitat shot of vegetation, i.e. trees, plants and, for the purposes of this competition, fungi. Evidence of humans or animals can be present, however must not be the focus of the photograph.
Stop 7
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. Captive species are not allowed.
Stop 8
Macro
Intended to examine small elements of nature up close, with the subject to be presented larger than life size. Subject matter includes fauna, flora or natural formation. Note: this category does not include photographs taken through a microscope.
Stop 9
Monochrome
This category includes all monochrome photography including black and white, sepia-toned and infrared photographs. Entries must otherwise qualify for any of the other sections.
Stop 10
Junior
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.
Stop 11
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.
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
Animal Behaviour
This is an action shot: the subject(s) must be demonstrating natural behaviour. The subject(s) may be native or feral.

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