Winner, Wilderness, ANZANG 2012

Early whalers to the Antarctic Peninsula aptly named Paradise Bay as a place of splendour and respite

from the terrors of the Drake Passage. As we were leaving Paradise Bay for the challenges of the passage, we were treated to a brilliant sunset draped over this amazing landscape.

Paradise Bay, Antarctica

Nikon D3S, AF-S Nikkor 28–300mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR lens at 190mm, 1/4000, f14, ISO 500; B+W UV(0) filter; exposure compensation –1 EV; handheld

Runner-up, Wilderness, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Underwater, ANZANG 2012

It was a tricky situation for photography, as the vast school of Yellowtail Scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae) swarmed about in an unpredictable fashion. When the Grey Nurse Sharks swam into view, I only had time to take this single picture, before the fish engulfed the entire scene.

Broughton Island, New South Wales

Nikon D300, AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED, 1/200, f8, ISO 400; Ikelite underwater housing and twin DS160 strobes

Runner-up, Underwater, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Threatened Species, ANZANG 2012

With Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) inexorably marching through northern Australia, the Pilbara

population of Northern Quoll, isolated by desert, may just be the final stronghold for this enigmatic

marsupial. The quolls are abundant in some areas of the Pilbara but, with mining accelerating

irreversible habitat loss, for how long?

Port Hedland, Western Australia

Nikon D300, Tamron 90mm f2.8 SP Di Macro lens, 1/250, f16, ISO 160; two Nikon slave flashes; handheld

Runner-up, Threatened Species, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Our Impact, ANZANG 2012

Many Australian Pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus) and cormorants (Phalacrocorax sp.) were gathered

at the ‘governor’, fishing in water being pumped from Lake Alexandrina to Lake Albert. Here, fish were trying to escape by swimming against the artificial flow. The governor was an unpleasant necessity, and it was fascinating to watch nature’s reaction to this unnatural situation.

The Narrows, near Malcolm Point, Lake Albert, South Australia

Nikon D300, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED lens, 1/640, f9, ISO 200; polariser filter; Gitzo G1327 carbon fibre tripod with Induro gimbal head

Runner-up, Our Impact, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Junior, ANZANG 2012

On several successive mornings, I noticed this flock of Galahs coming down to feed on their favourite Dune Cabbage. One morning I placed myself behind a small dune, in front of where the flock was heading, and waited. The light became magic just as this individual moved close enough.

Albany, Western Australia

Sony A300, Sony 75–300mm f4.5–5.6 DT6 lens, 1/200, f5.6, ISO 100; handheld

Runner-up, Junior, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Interpretive, ANZANG 2012

A Pacific breaker rears up in a dragon-like form, a dissipating wave is rim lit by the morning sun and an Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) wheels behind the break. Such spectacular waves are common at The Backwash after heavy weather.

The Backwash, Port Macquarie, New South Wales

Olympus E-3, Olympus 50–200mm f2.8–3.5 Zuiko Digital ED SWD lens at 184mm, 1/180, f8, ISO 100; tripod and remote shutter release

Runner-up, Interpretive, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Botanical, ANZANG 2012

The regeneration of these large grass trees en masse after fire is a spectacular sight. I used a shallow depth of field to heighten the sense of space and direct attention onto just a few flower spikes.

Near Five Mile Road, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria

Canon EOS 400D, Sigma 70–300mm f/4.0–5.6 APO DG lens at 190mm, 1/800, f5.0, ISO 400; handheld

Runner-up, Botanical, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Black and White, ANZANG 2012

A race against time with the advancing tide heightened the experience of photographing this wild coast. Standing on the dark sand among the waves with the roar of the surf in my ears, there was no doubt that this must be rendered in black and white. A slow-shuttered wave provided textures that mirrored the formations in the sky.

Paparoa National Park, New Zealand

Canon EOS 5D MkII, Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM lens, 2.5 seconds, f13, ISO 100; Gitzo Explorer tripod

Runner-up, Black and White, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Animal Portrait, ANZANG 2012

This Weddell Seal, born within the previous 24 hours, survived the amazing feat of emerging from a cosy 37°C inside its mother to a bitter cold –25°C on the ice. With its dense fur and a belly full of warm rich milk, it begins to explore its world.

Sea ice near Mawson Station, Antarctica

Nikon D200, AF-S DX Nikkor 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR lens, 1/1600, f8.0, ISO 200; handheld

Runner-up, Animal Portrait, ANZANG 2012

Winner, Animal Behaviour, ANZANG 2012

While on a research cruise, we chanced upon an area with quite a few of these striking fish. The glassy, mirror-like sea and evening light provided a perfect opportunity. To capture the image, I positioned myself precariously on the bow, shooting back down the side of the vessel as the occasional fish fled the moving boat.

Off the Kimberley coast, Western Australia

Canon EOS 1D MkIV, 500mm f/4 IS L lens, 1/2000, f8, ISO 400; handheld

Runner-up, Animal Behaviour, ANZANG 2012

2012 Portfolio Prize Winner

Jenni Horsnell, New South Wales

Overall Winner, ANZANG 2012

A squid school (species not identified) feeds mid-water. Raja Ampat is recognised as the most

biodiverse marine region on the planet.

Fiabacet Reef, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Canon 5D MkII, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L macro lens, 1/125, f14, ISO 200, Nexus underwater housing,

twin Inon Z240 strobes with diffusers

2011 Portfolio Prize Winner

Alan Kwok, New South Wales

Winner, Junior, ANZANG 2011

Silky brown petals layering over long, feathery petticoats of soft white points. Nefertiti herself was not more finely adorned than this tiny flower.
Bradbury, South Australia
Canon Powershot TX1, 6.5mm (39mm equivalent to 35mm film), 1/200, f5, ISO 80

Runner up, Junior, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Our Impact, ANZANG 2011

Smoke clouds rise above a logging coupe that has been lit by napalm-like incendiaries dropped from a helicopter. Such ‘regeneration burns’ emit massive amounts of carbon pollution, on average 700 tonnes/hectare. Such logging and burning devastates the natural forest and its wildlife.
Weld Valley, southern Tasmania

Canon 5D, Canon 16–35mm f2.8L lens, 1/60, f11, ASA 100, tripod

Runner up, Our Impact, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Interpretive, ANZANG 2011

A 3-minute time exposure added a beautiful softness to what is one of the wildest beaches in Tasmania. The rainbow was a bonus.
South Cape Bay, Tasmania

Canon 1DS MkIII, 24mm lens, 3 minutes, f11

Runner up, Interpretive, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Black & White, ANZANG 2011

This was shot from a high viewpoint called Bennet’s Bluff, looking along Lake Wakatipu. There was a very strong north-westerly wind blowing, creating a lot of dust at the head of the lake. Combined with the contrasting light, I thought this would make an interesting black and white image.
Lake Wakatipu towards Pigeon Island, Otago, New Zealand

Nikon D700, Nikkor 70–200mm f/2.8 VR lens, 1/4000, f4.5

Runner up, Black & White, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Threatened Species, ANZANG 2011

After photographing the sunset, a couple of Yellow-eyed Penguins returned from the sea. I exchanged my wide-angle lens for a telephoto to capture some of their behaviour. The seabed they were standing on is petrified wood, remnants of an ancient forest. Who would have thought one could ever see a penguin on a tree?
Curio Bay, Catlins, New Zealand

Canon 5D MkII, Canon 300mm f/4L IS lens, 0.4 seconds, f5.6, ISO 800, Gitzo tripod

Runner up, Threatened Species, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Wilderness, ANZANG 2011

First light filters through an early winter’s mist, highlighting the shapes of the eucalypts. Behind lies the southern slopes of Mt Rufus, clothed in tall forest.
Navarre Plains, south of Lake St Clair, Tasmania
Ebony 5x4 View camera, Schneider 65mm lens, 2 seconds, f22, Fuji Velvia

Runner up, Wilderness, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Underwater, ANZANG 2011

Tube worms are common but often dismissed as photographic subjects given that they are shy and will retract if disturbed. With their delicate feather-like appearance, they can be quite spectacular up close. In this instance a dark blue sponge provides the backdrop, creating contrast and highlighting the worm’s bright colours.
Port Hughes jetty, South Australia

Canon Ixus 980, 2 stacked Inon macro lenses, 1/60, f16, ISO 100

Runner up, Underwater, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Botanical, ANZANG 2011

While photographing wildflowers in Kings Park, we noticed this Climbing Sundew (Drosera macrantha) eating a fly. The fly looked almost paralysed in its entrapped state, slowly being devoured by the carnivorous plant.
Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm lens, 1/200, f5, ISO 200

Runner up, Botanical, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Animal Portrait, ANZANG 2011

This is an opportunistic photograph – I was on the beach taking landscape scenes when I noticed this crab, a species I had not seen before, nor have I since. With a small camera I was able to show a crab’s view of the world.
Home Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Nikon Coolpix P4, 1/12, f6.8, ISO 50

Runner up, Animal Portrait, ANZANG 2011

Winner, Animal Behaviour, ANZANG 2011

While searching for a different species, I noticed a car coming towards thsi group of roosting Avocets. Knowing that the birds would flush, I positioned myself in the hope they would fly towards me. Seconds later I had this image, capturing the apparent chaos inside a wheeling flock of shorebirds.

Wester Treatment Plant, Victoria

Canon 20D, 500mm f/4L IS lens, 1/4x TC, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 200

Runner up, Animal Behaviour, ANZANG 2011

Overall Winner, ANZANG 2011

Grey-headed Flying Foxes drink in a unique way. They swoop low, skimming the water with their belly. They then lick the wet fur as they fly and continue licking when perched nearby. This behaviour usually occurs at dusk and night, but when the temperature reaches 35 degrees and above they will drink during the day. In order to get this image I stood in chest-deep water with the camera and lens mounted on a tripod.

Parramatta Park, New South Wales

Canon 1D MkIV, Canon 600mm f/4L lens, 1/3200, f5.6, ISO 1000

2010 People's Choice, ANZANG 2010

Mallee Emu-wrens spend virtually all their lives among clumps of Porcupine Grass. I captured this image after following a pair, occasionally being in a position to take a clear shot. This adult male was momentarily resting while the day's last few rays of sunlight filtered trhough the low mallee canopy.

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, north-western Victoria

2010 Portfolio Prize Winner

Chris Tzaros, Victoria

Overall Winner, ANZANG 2010

Elephant Seals are not a direct threat to Gentoo Penguins - unlike Sea Lions or Leopard Seals, they don't prey on them. Nonetheless, penguins can get understandably surly when a seal weighing several hundred kilograms decides to move through a creche with vulnerable chicks around.

Macquarie Island, Australia.

Winner, Junior, ANZANG 2010

On my way to Warriparinga Wetlands, I met and old man and we had a chat. He said to me, "it's three in the afternoon! You won't find any birds now. You see, it's a very hot day." I said, "you never know." Twenty minutes later I got my shot.

Warriparinga Wetlands, Sturt, South Australia.

Runner up, Junior, ANZANG 2010

Winner, Our Impact, ANZANG 2010

Unfortunately, I was unable to catch the Seagull, to save it from its uncertain fate.

Perth, Western Australia.

Runner up, Our Impact, ANZANG 2010

Winner, Interpretive, ANZANG 2010

Having spent most of the morning photographing this school of fish, I decided to take a new approach. Dialling down the shutter speed, I set the strobes to front curtain synch and spun the camera in my hands - resulting in a whirlpool of fish.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.

Runner up, Interpretive, ANZANG 2010