HELL’S GATE

This geothermal spring at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park in Rotorua made me imagine a satanic summoning ritual with the smell of sulphur, the ominous circle of pine trees and the vast plume of volcanic gases rising to the sky. I felt excited to tell this story through the photo.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Nikon D750, Sigma 15–30mm f/3.5–4.5 EX DG, 1/500, f/18, ISO 200, handheld

DINING OUT WITH FRIENDS

AUSTRALIAN FUR SEAL, ARCTOCEPHALUS PUSILLUS; WEDGETAILED SHEARWATER, ARDENNA PACIFICA; LITTLE BELLOWFISH, MACRORAMPHOSUS GRACILIS

Free diving on bait balls is one of my favourite things, and I jumped at the opportunity to get in with this school of snipefi sh – an unusual deepwater species not often seen. After a few ID shots I focused on trying to capture both the seal and shearwater hunting together.

Inside of Montague Island, Narooma, New South Wales

Sony DSC-RX100M2, 28–100mm f/1.8–4.9, 1/320, ISO 100, handheld

I HAVE MY EYE ON YOU

VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER, HAEMATOPUS UNICOLOR

Walking along the track we came across this variable oystercatcher protecting the nest. As I approached, it loudly sounded the alarm. To ensure the oystercatcher remained calm I could not get any closer. Its eyes locked on to the camera and watched my every move.

Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sound, New Zealand

Sony ILCE-6000, 55–210mm at 136mm, 1/250, f/5.6, ISO 500, handheld

TRAVELLING

COMMON DOLPHIN, DELPHINUS DELPHIS

It doesn’t matter what we’re doing: whether we are heading out for a fi sh or dive, we can always make time for dolphins. Dolphins are just one of those animals that seem to spread happiness and put a smile on your face. It’s always a privilege sharing encounters like this.

Inside of Montague Island, Narooma, New South Wales

Canon EOS7D, EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 LIS II USM, 1/1000, ISO 125, handheld

THE GREEN TREE PYTHON

GREEN TREE PYTHON, MORELIA VIRIDIS

I photographed this beautiful, live green tree python at the Queensland Museum in Brisbane. Having an interest in snakes in particular, this python immediately caught my attention as I walked past. I love how the dark background contrasts with the green coloured scales of the python, creating a rather dramatic photo.

Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland

Canon EOS 7D Mk II, Canon EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 16000, handheld

STIRLING RANGES

With my baby brother on my back and my camera in hand, the family and I marched to the summit of Bluff Knoll, where we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the Stirling Ranges and the oncoming showers.

Stirling Ranges, Western Australia

Nikon D750, Nikon 70–200mm f/4G AF-S VR, 1/100, f/11, ISO 50, handheld

BLACK AND WHITE SWANS

BLACK SWAN, CYGNUS ATRATUS

We were on the way to Mt Field National Park when we pulled over to take photos of a big bunch of swans fi shing with their cygnets. My dad is so old that he used to take photos on fi lm, so he suggested that we do this one as a black and white.

Bridgewater, Tasmania

Canon Powershot SX 540 HS, 24–1400mm (full frame sensor equivalent) at 350mm equivalent, 1/2000, f/8, ISO 400

RUNNING WOMBAT

COMMON WOMBAT, VOMBATUS URSINUS

I came across a wombat while hiking, and as soon as it saw me it ran between my legs and off into the distance. Fortunately, I was able to take a photo as it ran past me. The slower shutter speed helped to highlight the running wombat and added a sense of movement to the image.

Cradle Valley, Tasmania

Canon 5D Mk III, Canon 17–40mm f/4L, 1/40, f/4, ISO 1600, handheld

WEB OF JEWELS

SPIDER, UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES

What I captured in this image is a beautiful spider resting on its web waiting for a meal. I like the way the water droplets cling to the spider’s legs and its web, looking like jewels have been entangled in its complex system.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Nikon D3000, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55–200mm 1.4–5.6G ED, 1/100, f/5.6, ISO 400, handheld

SUNSET SKY

As the sun set over the mountains of the Great Dividing Range, a golden glow was cast across the clouds and the entire landscape. I sat below a large eucalypt tree and utilised a wide-angle lens to showcase the incredible landscape from a diff erent perspective.

Great Dividing Range, Queensland

Canon EOS 5DSR, Canon EF 8–15mm f/4L USM fi sheye, 1/250, f/4, ISO 1250, handheld

SMILE…IT’S CONTAGIOUS!

PERON’S TREE FROG, LITORIA PERONII

It is amazing the wildlife that you can find right under your nose when you take the time to look for it. I came across this gorgeous Peron’s tree frog ‘smiling’ up at me from a bucket in our garden. The encounter made my day and I could not stop smiling!

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Sony A57, Sigma 18–250mm f3.5–6.3, 1/25, f/9, ISO 200, tripod

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