'Awe-inspiring' regional landscapes, sombre moments from bushfires and cheeky animal photos are on show at the Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year competition.
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The shortlist has been revealed for the prestigious annual competition showcasing nature photos taken in Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
The competition, owned and operated by the South Australian Museum, received 2182 entries from photographers of all ages, experience levels and nationalities.
"From cute creatures and captivating celestial skies to unflinching scenes that capture the reality of humanity's impact on nature, the 2023 shortlist showcases a wide variety of images that illustrate the beauty, fragility, and power of our natural world," South Australian Museum acting director Justine van Mourik said.
Macro: the new category
Photographers could enter their photos into ten categories: animals in nature, astrophotography, urban animals, macro, landscape, threatened species, monochrome, our impact, junior, and portfolio.
"This year we introduced the well-received macro category, with photographers submitting incredible larger-than-life-sized images of nature's smallest scenes," Ms van Mourik said.
First-time finalist, 12-year-old Coco Moens submitted a macro photo of an enamelled spider (Plebs bradleyi).
"I love macro photography because it allows me to get up close and capture details that are hard to see with the naked eye," Coco said.
Coco and her 17-year-old sister McKinley submitted entries that explore the flora and fauna of urban and regional NSW.
The nature photography competition is a partnership between the South Australian Museum and Australian Geographic.
"Nature has never been at greater risk than now and the talented photographers who participate in the Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year have a golden opportunity to help focus attention on the precious things we stand to lose," Australian Geographic editor-in-chief Chrissie Goldrick said.
The overall winner, category winners, and runners-up will be announced by the South Australian Museum on August 24, 2023.
The exhibition will then be available at the museum from August 26.