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Captions from the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition Stop8of 13

Macro

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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.

Winner

Insect Trails
Georgina Steytler, Western Australia

I took this image under a streetlight using a long lens and slow shutter to capture the flight trails of a myriad of insects. The patterns formed by the interweaving trails of insects, big and small, trace a story of their life and show a beauty unseen by human eye.

Judges' Comments

Utterly unique and beautifully seen by the photographer, this slice of nature is also a breathtaking piece of abstract art. The creative use of street lighting is great, and the rainbow of colours work well together to tell this story. Hectic without being overwhelming, it’s easy to find beauty and peace in this chaos.

Runner-Up

Surrounded by Foes
François Brassard, Western Australia

Spider ants surround and immobilise a Pony Ant on the rainforest floor. They will carry their unfortunate prey to their nest, where they will feed it to their sister larvae.

Judges' Comments

The drama of this life-or-death battle has brought emotion to the ant world, with perfect depth of field and sharp focus. The leaf hole on the right, which could easily be seen as a distraction, reinforces the story, as the ant uses it to anchor itself and pull the victim.

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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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