LONE GUM

Exploring the rugged beauty of Ormiston Gorge in the Northern Territory reveals the struggle that native plants experience daily to survive in such harsh conditions. This lonesome young gum tree on the side of a cliff is determined to grow and shine.

Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory

Nikon D810, 70–300mm at 300mm, 1/320, f/8, ISO 400, handheld

TRUNCATED

BLUE MOUNTAINS ASH, EUCALYPTUS OREADES

This image is from one of my favourite places, in conditions I love, just a short walk from my home. I tried to capture the grace and independence of this Blue Mountains ash (Eucalyptus oreades) growing on an exposed cliff -top – which this species seems to like.

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Canon EOS 5D Mk IV, Canon 40mm, 1/10, f/16, ISO 100, tripod

REFLECTED VEGETATION

The spring-fed limestone ponds of the Ewens Ponds Conservation Park are a sight to behold. These crystal-clear waters enable unusual plant species to grow under water to a depth of about 6m. Some species are not found growing fully submerged anywhere else in the world.

Ewens Ponds Conservation Park, South Australia

Nikon D800, Nikon 10.5mm, 1/160, f/9, ISO 200, Ikelite underwater housing and two Ikelite DS161 strobes

SAND BOTTLEBRUSH

SAND BOTTLEBRUSH, BEAUFORTIA SQUARROSA

I found myself in a photographic rut, where I believed that to take good botanical images I needed a large amount of equipment and perfect conditions. However, I found a new freedom in using a handheld, fast 50mm lens and a set of extension tubes.

Kings Park Botanic Gardens, Western Australia

Nikon D810, Nikon 50mm f/1.4 plus 36mm Kenko extension tube, 1/250, f/2.2, ISO 800, handheld

PANDANI IN THE MIST

PANDANI, RICHEA PANDANIFOLIA

The almost tropical-like Richea pandanifolia dominates this ancient subalpine landscape deep in the heart of Tasmania’s South-West National Park wilderness.

South-West National Park, Tasmania

Nikon D800, Nikon 16–35 f/4 at 22mm, 0.5, f/16, ISO 100

PANDANI IN BLIZZARD

PANDANI, RICHEA PANDANIFOLIA

At the age of 51, I lost my falling snow virginity at Waldheim. I was so overwhelmed by frozen feet, crusted spectacles and the unbearable beauty that I could not take a coherent photo. I returned the next day prepared: car heater cranking and camera pointed at a sublime composition. Just add blizzard.

Waldheim, Cradle Valley, Tasmania

Canon 5DII, 100mm macro f/2.8, 1/15, f/14, ISO 400, beanbag on car window frame

INTERTIDAL WATERCOLOUR

The rugged limestone coastline of South Australia’s south-east supports a widely diverse biosphere, with an estimated 100 types of seaweed found around the coastal town of Beachport alone. At low tide, large intertidal rock platforms are exposed, displaying the full technicolour gamut of this diversity.

Beachport, South Australia

Nikon D800, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 art series, 30, f/4, ISO 800, Lee Big Stopper fi lter, Manfrotto tripod

TANGLEFOOT

FAGUS, NOTHOFAGUS GUNNII

Australia’s only native winter-deciduous tree, Nothofagus gunnii, commonly known simply as fagus, crawls across the quartzite rocks and demonstrates the origin of its earlier known nickname of tanglefoot.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania

Nikon D800, Nikon 16–35 f/4 at 16mm, 2.5, f/13, ISO 100

SUNDEW

SUNDEW, DROSERA SP.

The beauty of this plant belies its carnivorous nature. I wanted to make the delicate droplets stand out so I chose a sunlit plant with a background in the shadow. I then deliberately underexposed the image to complete the eff ect.

Albany, Western Australia

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/640, f/11, ISO 1600, handheld

THE REFUGE

RED MANGROVES, RHIZOPHORA STYLOSA

Red mangroves (Rhizophora stylosa) grow in a sheltered corner of Lizard Island Lagoon. Their tangled roots provide shelter to many species of fi sh from the nearby coral reefs, including this school of tropical anchovies that streamed past my camera.

Mangrove Bay, Lizard Island

Canon Powershot G10, 28–140mm f/2.8–4.5, 1/20, f/4, ISO 80

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