One hundred photos were selected from 43,000 entries of the best wildlife photography from 2013. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 exhibition is now showing at the Australian Museum. The competition is owned by the Natural History Museum, London and BBC Worldwide.
The fifteen person jury from twelve countries including art editors as well as photographers sifted through the professional and amateur photos in various categories. The categories covered were:-
Youth Competition:
1. 10 Years and Under
2. 11-14 Year
3. 15-17 Years
The Winner of the Young Photographer of the Year shot a cluster of baby crocodiles frolicking on their mother’s head.
Adult competition – Adult 18 years and over
The Winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year shot a dramatic photo showing movement of elephants at the water.
Earth’s Diversity – photographers could use any narrative style (portrait, action, behaviour) and creative technique.
1. Mammals
2. Birds
3. Amphibians and Reptiles
4. Invertebrates
5. Plants and Fungi
6. Underwater Species
Images included curious lions, fighting vultures and a myriad of dolphins surfing.
The judges received many photos of bears, but the distinctive polar bear under ice caught the bear in a position perhaps too precarious for most photographers to attempt.
Pictures of Dugongs in Egypt were entered by the same photographer in several categories.
The rare sight of a turtle eating won the Underwater category. Colour and shape are fascinating here.
7. Earth’s Environments
Earth’s environments – Submitted images should depict dramatic physical spaces, atmospheric vistas, imposing weather fronts, fresh interpretations of the environment on land, underwater or in the skies
Creativity and technique – Capture conceptual or experimental representations of nature’s shapes, colours and patterns, either abstract or figurative
8. Black and White
9. Natural Design
The winner in the black and white section showed a distant shore with elephants engaged with each other and the dramatic reflection of trees in the lake.
Creative Visions was won by a photo of a monkey amidst what appears to be stars.
10. Documentary – Explore the complex relationships between humans and the natural world through these categories asking for images that depict positive or negative stories. Newsworthy or graphic, symbolic or creative, your submissions will remind us how our attitudes, decisions and actions impact the natural world.
11. World in Our Hands
12. Special award: Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year
Two finalists in the Photojournalism category were displayed. They show that no words are needed to elicit emotional and political reaction.
The exhibition is included in the general admission price at the Australian Museum. It runs until 1 June 2014. Come to see it to experience awe and joy. Well worth the visit.
For more about Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013, visit http://australianmuseum.net.au