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

Our Impact

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The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.

Winner

Neglect
Dave Sanderson, South Australia

Responsible building requires thinking beyond human use, creating spaces that allow wildlife to move, escape and survive. The death of this juvenile Koala on a construction site was not caused by nature, but by neglect. It became trapped in exposed rebar, where simple precautions could have prevented a life-ending mistake.

Judges' Comments

The most powerfully heart-breaking shot of such an iconic species. At a time when humans are having a greater impact on the world than ever before, it’s important to highlight the cost of our negligence – even if it’s hard to look at.

Runner-Up

The Earth Remembers
Paul Hoelen, Tasmania

Framed within a human-shaped landscape, an evaporation pond reveals a quiet tension between both beauty and consequence. Rich textures and bold colour offer striking visual appeal, yet the process within leaves a lasting imprint of toxic residue that will alter the very fabric of Country for many years to come.

Judges' Comments

Framed like a piece of modern art, this exquisitely detailed image highlights the scale of human impact using cracked earth and vehicles for reference. The negative impact of humans is presented as beautifully as possible.

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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
2026 Competition Judges
The 2026 competition judges are Mieke Boynton, Ross Gudgeon and Jake Wilton.
Stop 3
Portfolio Prize
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
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 7
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 8
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.
Stop 9
Animal Behaviour
This is an action shot: the subject(s) must be demonstrating natural behaviour. The subject(s) may be native or feral.
Stop 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 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
2026 Competition Judges
The 2026 competition judges are Mieke Boynton, Ross Gudgeon and Jake Wilton.
Stop 3
Portfolio Prize
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
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 7
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 8
Our Impact
The image must depict human impact on nature, be it terrestrial, aquatic or atmospheric. This impact may be positive or negative.
Stop 9
Animal Behaviour
This is an action shot: the subject(s) must be demonstrating natural behaviour. The subject(s) may be native or feral.
Stop 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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.

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