LANDSCAPE SUNSET AT SQUARE LAKE

The craggy summit of Mount Procyon is reflected in the calm waters of Square Lake during a vibrant cloudless sunset in the Western Arthur Range.

Western Arthur Range, Southwest National Park, Tasmania

Sony A7R Mk II, 16–35mm, 1/13, f/9, ISO 100, tripod

EARLY ELATION

On arrival at Bluff Knoll there was a clear sky, so my expectations were low. Within minutes the peaks created their own clouds, as they areknown to do, and just in time for sunrise created this stunning scene.

Stirling Ranges, Western Australia

Sony A7rII, Zeiss 16–35mm, 1/100, f/8, ISO 500, Benro tripod

KIMBERLEY GOLD

Flying over the tidal flats at first light with the right tides turns these small creeks into rivers of gold. I have always been amazed by the patterns over these mud fl ats of the Kimberley, and getting all of the elements together made this one of my favourite images.

Derby, Kimberley, Western Australia

Canon 5D4, 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/1000, f/13, ISO 800, handheld out of a helicopter

TREE HUGS

I remember feeling excited when I awoke to fog and no wind. Having shot in the early morning for 20 years, I know how rare it is for all the elements to come together. I carefully considered the camera settings and tripod location, aiming to isolate the trees from the background.

Lake Tinaroo, Queensland

Pentax K-3 II DA 15mm, 1/160, F/9.0, ISO100, tripod

BALANCE

This image was taken during an overnight hike to Pouakai Hut, 1km away from this tarn. Pristine views of Taranaki are possible here during calm conditions and I waited for the clouds to clear for an hour with my tripod submerged in the tarn. As sunset approached, the clouds melted away revealing the beauty of Taranaki.

Pouakai Track, New Zealand

Canon 5D Mk III, Canon 16–35mm f/2.8II, circular polariser, three stop soft – edged GND, carbon fibre tripod

BROOME TIDAL FLATS

Flying over the tidal flats of Broome reveals the vibrant patterns and colours of the sandbank. With the right moon phase, tide and light, the water becomes crystal clear and is one of my favourite things to photograph in the Kimberley.

Broome, Kimberley, Western Australia

Canon 5D4, 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 640, handheld

BROKEN DREAMS

Broken Dreams was from one of my most rewarding but confronting shoots. After the Sampson Flat bushfires swept through the northern Adelaide Hills, I spent a lot of time shooting the aftermath and rebirth during the following year. This particular early morning shoot brought with it fog and an amazing mood.

Gumeracha, South Australia

Sony A7R, Sony 55mm, 1/5, f/10, ISO 100, tripod

DOUBLE RAINBOW AT YURAYGIR NATIONAL PARK

Camping in this national park is one of my favourite things to do. After a late afternoon storm came over I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. A quick run to the beach put me in the perfect position to shoot the most incredible rainbow I have ever seen.

Minnie Waters, Yuraygir National Park, New South Wales

Canon 1DX Mk II, 11–24mm f/4L USM, 1/200, f/6.3, ISO 400, handheld

TABULAR DAWN

Grease ice makes a snaking trail to a large tabular iceberg at sunrise near the entrance to Antarctic Sound in Antarctica. Grease ice is the first stage of the ocean starting to freeze and helps to lead the eye into the frame and the magnificent iceberg.

Near the entrance to Antarctic Sound, Antarctica

Canon EOS1DX Mk II, Canon 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS Mk II, 1/320, f/7.1, ISO 800, handheld

FLEETING

A fleeting moment at sunrise as a wave breaks and a spectrum of colour is created throughout its spray. I have visualised photographing this scene for years but the elements didn’t allow it until now.

Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, New South Wales

Sony A7R2, Sony 70–200mm f/4, 1/5000, f/4, ISO 400, FreeFly Alta 6 drone

The AG Nature Photographer of the Year Awards are sponsored by Coral Expeditions.