I am always amazed by the beauty of the natural mineral
malachite, with its swirling patterns of striking light and dark green marbling. With its concentric, eye-like rings of green that mimic a peacock feather, this stone has captured the imagination of many cultures. It’s been described by poets as spring grass under the sun, swaying in the wind.
Adelaide, South Australia
Sony a6000, Sony E-Mount 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 zoom lens, 1/80, f/5.6, ISO 250, handheld
Photo Credit: Josephine Oehler, South Australia, aged 16
SONG THRUSH
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
In the Catlins, on New Zealand’s South Island, I noticed a song
thrush that would come and sing on the same branch every day.
Late one afternoon, the sunset created a fantastic silhouette of
the bird in full song.
The Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
Nikon D3400, 18–300mm, 1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 400, handheld
Photo Credit: Aidan Cimarosti, New South Wales, aged 15
GRACEFUL AND GREEN
DAINTY GREEN TREE FROG, Litoria gracilenta
I photographed this dainty tree frog whilst spotlighting in far north Queensland. I was lucky this petite frog caught my eye, as they’re hard to spot due to their size.
Photo Credit: Tess Poyner, New South Wales, aged 17
BRIGALOW BEAUTY
WOMA PYTHON Aspidites ramsayi
This woma python found in the southern Brigalow Belt in Queensland is part of a geographic population often referred to as the Brigalow woma. This picture was taken on the Australia Zoo conservation property, where the habitat is protected and past research was aided by radio tracking of individual snakes.
St George, Queensland
Canon EOS 7Dii, Tamron 90mm macro, 1, f/6.3, ISO 640
Photo Credit: Noah Jackson, Queensland, aged 14
CAMOUFLAGED SCAVENGER
LACE MONITOR Varanus varius
I came across this lace monitor feeding on a kangaroo carcass on the New South Wales south coast. As I approached, it darted up a tree and watched as I photographed from a distance.
Potato Point, New South Wales
Nikon D610, NIKKOR AF-S f/1.8G, 1/2000, f/1.8, ISO 100,
handheld
While on a research expedition to the remote bush of Cape York, I spotted this scrub python coming down out of the canopy, probably looking for the best spot to sun.
I climbed up onto its level and captured this photo just as it flicked out its tongue toward the camera.
Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Canon EOS 1DX MkII, Canon EF 8–15mm f/4L fisheye, 1/250, f/8.0, ISO 200, Canon Speedlight 600EX II RT flash + transmitter film, handheld
Photo Credit: Robert Irwin, Queensland, aged 16
GORGEOUS GECKO
SOUTHERN LEAFTAILED GECKO Phyllurus platurus
This southern leaf-tailed gecko is a survivor. It was growing a new
tail and it was covered in mites and spider webs – but what I was
really drawn to were those incredible eyes. Taking care not to disturb it, I positioned myself low to the ground to take this image.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Sony A57, Sigma 18–250mm f3.5–6.3, 0.4, f/11, ISO 400, no flash, handheld
Photo Credit: McKinley Moens, New South Wales, aged 14
ORANGE FAN
ORANGE FAN Anthracophyllum archeri
I photographed this beautiful orange fan fungus while walking a local rainforest track. This particular species grows on dead wood and branches, in dark, moist environments.
Photo Credit: Tess Poyner, New South Wales, aged 17
GREEN SEA TURTLE
GREEN SEA TURTLE Chelonia mydas
This endangered green sea turtle appeared to be searching for food along a coral bed when I spotted her while on a morning snorkel. Diving down to her level, I wanted to capture a closer perspective. I was delighted to see how the bright rays of sunshine filtered through the water in this shot.
Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Canon EOS 5DsR, Canon EF 16–35mm f/4L IS USM, 1/500, f/4.0, ISO 250, Aquatech Elite underwater housing, handheld
Photo Credit: Robert Irwin, Queensland, aged 16
HomeTopicsWildlifeAG Nature Photographer of the Year 2020: Junior shortlist
AG Nature Photographer of the Year 2020: Junior shortlist
By AG STAFF•26 June 2020
SCRUB PYTHON. AUSTRALIAN SCRUB PYTHON (Simalia kinghorni) While on a research expedition to the remote bush of Cape York, I spotted this scrub python coming down out of the canopy, probably looking for the best spot to sun. I climbed up onto its level and captured this photo just as it flicked out its tongue toward the camera.Image credit: Robert Irwin, Queensland, aged 16
This shortlist showcases the finest nature photography from entrants under the age of 18. The beauty of the shots contained is indicative of the talent in our budding Australian photographers. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide from Friday 28 August until Sunday 15 November 2020.