An enduring legacy of this annual photo competition will be its role in inspiring photographers to embrace the latest technical innovations while developing an increasingly sophisticated artistic language to powerfully tell the story of our natural world.
Over two decades it’s built an unparalleled visual record of the flora, fauna and landscapes of the broad biogeographical region that encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. This year’s collection of shortlisted photographs adds beautifully to that legacy.
Once again, our photographers have journeyed far and wide to capture the awe and beauty of nature. They have surprised and delighted us with fresh perspectives on familiar subjects and, through their artistry, they have challenged us to reflect on our impact, take responsibility for our actions and seek ways to protect the unique natural environment that defines our corner of the globe.
Our biota is unlike anywhere else. Our geographical isolation and distance from more densely populated regions have helped preserve much of our natural environment – which is not to say it’s in good shape overall.
Well done to all whose work has been shortlisted and will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum and Australian Museum.
Heartfelt thanks to the excellent judges – wildlife photographer and ecologist Jasmine Vink, overall competition winner in 2021 and 2024 Scott Portelli, and professional photographer David Stowe. They are each part of the legacy of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition.
We are proud of our long-running association with the South Australian Museum through this competition and its exhibitions, and we would like to specifically acknowledge the dedication of Tim Gilchrist to the success of this annual celebration of nature over so many years. We also thank Coral Expeditions for their generous contribution to the prizes.
The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition is owned and produced by the South Australian Museum.
The winners will be revealed on Thursday 28 August.
Take a look at all the spectacular shortlisted images for each category:
Aerial
Birds of Lake Eyre by Ignacio Palacios 
Winter Mountain by Craig McGowan 
Tidal Orchid by Scott Leggo 
Glacial Blue by Stuart Chape 
Complete by William Patino 
Parched by Paul Hoelen 
Pattern in the Mud by Neil Vincent 
Waves of Influence by Dylan de Haas 
The Chase by Craig Parry 
Jabiru Leaf by Charles Davis 
Pygmy Blue Whale by Ashley Sykes
Animals in Nature
Making a Splash by Etienne Littlefair 
Too Cold Out by Nicholas Cullen 
Down the Hatch by Tess Poyner 
The Meeting Place by Paul Jarvis 
Forest Gardener by Jake Wilton 
Catch of the Day by Lawrence Chan 
Chinstraps on Ice by David Sinclair 
Highway Carnage by Chris Young 
Incoming by Chris Young 
Above and Below by Charles Davis 
The Leap by Charles Davis 
PJ and Crabs by Charles Davis 
Rainbow Lorikeet on a Grass Tree by Brandon Pasowicz 
Rifleman Stare by Bernie Shore
Astrophotography
Junior
Landscape
Macro
Blue-Banded Bedtime by Tara Luck 
Peppermint Stick Insect byJakub Hodáň 
Spiders in Disguise: The Ant-ics of Mimicry by Francois Brassard 
Feather Horns by Damien Esquerre 
Feeding by Franco Tulli 
Fractal Forest by Ross Gudgeon 
Bonnets by Hugh Percival 
Blue-line Dancer by Peter McGee 
Game of Thrones Porcelain Crab by Ian Patterson 
Liftoff by Talia Greis 
Red Pygmy Seahorse by Mary Gudgeon 
Priscilla by Peter McGee
Monochrome
Transpiration by Joy Kachina 
Double Leopard Sharks by Jordan Robins 
Look of Love by Claire Greenwell 
Early Morning Songster by Michael Snedic 
Attentive Gaze by Adam Edwards 
Dragonfly by Roaul Slater 
The Giants by Julien Parrot 
Party Streamer by Rachelle Mackintosh 
Couple Life by Franco Tulli 
Inquisitive Currawong by Justin Gilligan
Our Impact
Anguish by Kim Wormald 
Tree-Less Kangaroo by Jake Wilton 
Oilfields in Bloom: A Paradox of Progress by Dave Sanderson 
Felled Forest by Craig McGowan 
Metal Only by Joanna Kelly 
Skink in a Tight Spot by Sara Corlis 
A Toxic Crisis by Netra Chetty 
Sub-Urban Echidnas by Adam Edwards 
The Rewilding Revival by Cheng Kang 
Cleaner Waters by Matthew Blagden
Threatened Species
Stream Wanderer by Alex Pike 
At the Peak of His Game by Steffen Foerster 
Synchronised Plovers by Nathan Watson 
One in a Million by Jake Wilton 
Leaping for Joy by Tim Nallipogu 
Ouch Mum by Charles Davis 
En Pointe by Claire Greenwell 
Reduce Speed Now by Emma Parker 
Red Dawn by Etienne Littlefair 
Standing Watch by Lewis Burnett 
Braving the Conditions by Michael Eastwell
