Nest of Silk by Oliver Lacey
Nature Photography shortlist shows off beauty of the natural world
Today the South Australian Museum will reveal the shortlist of stunning images running for the title of the 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.
For over 20 years, the competition has invited photographers of all ages, nationalities and experience levels to submit their best photos taken across the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea bioregion. In 2024 the competition, which is owned and produced by the South Australian Museum, drew 1,856 outstanding entries from 442 photographers across 12 countries.
Director of the South Australian Museum Dr. David Gaimster congratulated this year’s judges – Petra Leary, Andrew Meares and Chrissie Goldrick – on the enormous task of narrowing down the selection to only 92 finalists.
“From jaw dropping landscapes, curious creatures and celestial skies, this year’s shortlist captures nature in its rawest and most vulnerable form,” Dr Gaimster added.
“The competition has grown and evolved over the past two decades and this year we introduced the well-received aerial category capturing never before seen moments from above.”
From juvenile humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae) dancing in the waves shot by ACT photographer Tim Burgess to ethereal scenes taken in Manapouri, New Zealand, by William Patino, the Aerial category highlights moments captured from up high whether by drones or from aircraft.
Photographer William Patino reflected on his shortlisted image, “on this morning, I was confident in the emergence of a rainbow, which soon graced us with its presence not long after the sun made its ascent over the opposite horizon. Always in communication with my pilot, I positioned us just above the amazing curves of the river which led straight to the glorious scene unfolding before our eyes.”
This year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition comprises ten categories: Animals in Nature, Aerial, Astrophotography, Macro, Landscape, Threatened Species, Monochrome, Our Impact, Junior and Portfolio.
The Worlds Only Alpine Parrot by Jack Hinz
The 2024 finalists explored the region to capture raw and unique moments in time. Putting nature in focus and in some cases highlighting the fragility of our climate, the competition reminds us of the importance of preserving and caring for our natural world.
Junior entrant Oliver Lacey from Queensland has proven his talents with two images shortlisted in this year’s awards. His first image “Nest of Silk” depicts a female Green Jumping Spider (Mopsus mormon) weaving her silk into a nest and “Spotlight on Dieback” captures iconic snow gums enduring a harsh alpine winter.
“It is always exciting to see our up-and-coming photographers in the Junior category setting the bar high with their incredible photographs. I look forward to the announcement of winners and celebrating all photographers later in the year.” Dr. Gaimster said.
On Thursday 29 August 2024 the South Australian Museum will announce the overall winner, category winners, runners-up and the Portfolio Prize for 2024.
Australian Geographic spokesperson, Nicky Catley said,
“I always look forward to seeing how wildlife photographers can surprise us. Drone imagery, for example, has become such a common visual approach with certain landscapes showing a completely new view of the world from above. I can’t wait to see who the judges select as winners from the 2024 field of finalists.”
The resulting exhibition will open to the public at the South Australian Museum from Saturday 31 August 2024.
The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition is produced by the South Australian Museum.
Family by Charlie Macpherson Smith
For more information and all enquiries please visit the South Australian Museum website
What: 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.
When: Shortlist announced 21 June 2024 | Exhibition opens Saturday 31 August 2024
Where: South Australian Museum | North Terrace, Adelaide
Who: All ages
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
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