Albany Pitcher Plant

Albany pitcher plant, Cephalotus follicularis

The insectivorous Albany pitcher plant (Cephalotus follicularis) is endemic to the southwest corner of Western Australia. The pitcher contains a liquid that attracts insects and the ribbed hairy runways make it easy for them to enter. Once trapped inside the pitcher, the insect drowns and is digested.

Northcliffe, Western Australia

Sun Orchid

Sun orchid, Thelymitra graminea

The morning sun filtered through the forest canopy, triggering this orchid’s buds to open. The burnt bark of a eucalypt tree provided a sharp contrast against the delicate blue orchid flowers and their yellow tipped columns. These orchids produce up to eight flowers measuring 20–30 millimetres.

Jarrahdale State Forrest, Western Australia

EOS Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 100 mm f.2.8L macro USM, 1/800, f/4, ISO 1250, handheld

Final Stand

Tasmania once had vast swathes of giant kelp forests. A rapid collapse has occurred due to the prolonged warming influence of the east Australia current. The very last forests are now restricted to the cool waters off the Actaeon Islands.

Actaeon Islands, Tasmania

Nikon D810, 15 mm f2.8, 1/125, f/20, ISO 400, two Ikelite DS161 strobes, Nauticam housing

Fungus Pair

Unidentified species

Too often we burn up time, carbon and inspiration in our search for the big subject. I am proud that my last six ANZANG winning entries were taken in my garden or after a short stroll down the road. The humble scenes at our feet can be epic.

Pomona, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Canon 5D Mk II, Canon 100 mm macro, 1/500, f/3.5, ISO 400, handheld

Unfurling brilliance

Weeping bottle brush, Callistemon viminalis

Australian native flowers are amazing viewed through the macro lens, showing detail barely seen with the naked eye. Callistemon flower spikes are brilliant viewed from a distance with a luminous crimson colour, but to look closely at the unfurling styles, filaments, stigmas and anthers is quite another wonder to behold.

Gymea Bay, New South Wales

Canon EOS 750D, Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 macro USM, 1/125, f/5.6, ISO 500, tripod

Duck Lagoon

The lagoon shrouded in fog creates an ethereal feel to the morning. There are many gum trees in this area but I chose to take a minimalistic approach and showcase a beautiful large low-hanging branch. Many bird species live in this area.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70 mm, 1/100, f/11, ISO 200, handheld

Look Up

This giant gum tree holds its own growing at the entrance of the chasm. I wanted to make this giant the hero so I took a very low point of view and creative composition getting in nice and close to the base of the tree.

Standley Chasm, Northern Territory

Nikon D800, Nikon 14-24 mm, 1/100, f/14, ISO 400, handheld

Sub-alpine wonderland

Myrtle beech, Nothofaguscunninghamii; king billy pine, Athrotaxis selaginoides; pandani, Richea pandanifolia

The sub-alpine and alpine regions of Tasmania host a stunning variety of endemic vegetation. Emerging from the rising mist are a stunted Myrtle Beech (Nothofaguscunninghamii), king billy pine (Athrotaxis selaginoides), and a number of the almost tropical-looking pandani (Richea pandanifolia).

South West National Park, Tasmania

Nikon D800, Nikon 16-35 f4 lens at 20 mm, ¼, f/16,             ISO 100, tripod

Aquatic Gardens

Ewen Ponds are a network of three limestone sinkholes with exceptional water clarity allowing for amazing amounts of plant growth found nowhere else in the world. This protected habitat is home to the endangered pygmy perch and Glenelg spiny crayfish.

Ewen Ponds Conservation Park, Eight Mile Creek, South Australia

Olympus OMD EM1 Mk II, Panasonic Lumix G fisheye 8 mm f3.5, 1/30, f/9, ISO 200, Two Sea and Sea YSD1 underwater strobes, Nauticam underwater housing and dome port