The finalist have been revealed for the Nature Photographer of the Year competition

Now in its 20th year, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, produced by the South Australian Museum, searches for the best photographs taken across Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea regions.

The competition is open to photographers of all ages, nationalities and experience levels to submit their best shots. 

This year there were 2,182 high-calibre entries from 550 photographers across 10 countries, which have now been narrowed down to 95 images. 

Acting director of the South Australian Museum Justine van Mourik said it wasn’t easy for the judges. 

“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,” she said. 

“Building on the competition’s sustained growth and popularity over two decades, this year we introduced the well-received Macro category, with photographers submitting incredible larger-than-life-sized images of nature’s smallest scenes.” 

On Thursday, 24 August 2023, the South Australian Museum will announce the overall winner, category winners, runners-up and the Portfolio Prize for 2023. 

Until then, here’s a look at the shortlisted images in the Animals in Nature category.

For more information or to see the rest of the shortlisted images, visit the South Australian Museum website.

Shortlisted images in the Animals in Nature category