EUCALYPT DAWN. Early sunlight is streaming across the eucalypt forest creating a scene full of contrast when a surface inversion traps cloud at ground level in the valley. This meteorological event occurs when there is radiation cooling of the ground and the air immediately above it after a clear and dry night. Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains, New South Wales. Canon EOS 5D Mk III, Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens, 1/400, f/5.6, ISO 160, handheld

BATFISH, EPHIPPIDAE. Batfish like to hang around vertical structures. During the seven years I lived in Exmouth this school of batfish could be found in most summer months hanging around the mooring at Bundegi Reef inside Exmouth Gulf. Bundegi Reef, Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Canon EOS 50D, Tokina 10-17 Fisheye at 17mm, 1/125, f/13, ISO 200, 2 x Inon Z240 underwater strobes, handheld, Subal C40 underwater housing

DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL.The Devil’s Punchbowl is located where the southern alps divide the west and east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It receives over one metre of precipitation a year. Arthur’s Pass, South Island, New Zealand. Nikon d750, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, 1/250, f/2.8, ISO 250, UV filter, Gitzo mountaineer tripod with a Really Right Stuff ball head 

GREEN TURTLE, CHELONIA MYDAS.Diving in the Gili Islands in Indonesia it is common to see turtles on every dive. Although my camera was set up for macro, this turtle swam so close to me that it was possible to capture a portrait as the turtle cruised by. Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia. Nikon D80, Nikon 105mm f2.8, 1/200, f/6.3, ISO 160, Ikelite underwater housing, with flat port and a single Ikelite 160 strobe

BLACK SCALLOP.While scouring the shoreline of Mayfield Bay I came across this old worn scallop shell. I wondered how long this shell had been part of the beach and how long it had been submerged. Between waves, I captured this shot as sand was being moved around the shell.Mayfield Bay, Tasmania. Panasonic DMC FZ 100, 12.3mm, 1/2000, f/4, ISO 100, handheld

WHALE SHARK, RHINCODON TYPUS. The whale shark is the largest fish on the planet and spends its time in nutrient-rich waters filter-feeding on small plankton and fish. Late afternoon in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua they congregate close to local fishing platforms, called bagans, anticipating an easy meal as small fish escape the fisherman’s nets.Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua. Canon 5D Mk II, Canon 15mm fisheye, 1/125, f/9, ISO 320, 2 x 161 Ikelite strobes

AUSTRALIAN RAVEN, CORVUS CORONOIDES.The stare. Although brazen while scavenging in public places Australian ravens can be incredibly nervous elsewhere. Holed up in the corner of my balcony this guy landed without realising my presence. After the first shot it looked to see what had made the noise. A brief face-off ensued and then it was gone. Crows Nest, New South Wales. Camera Nikon D300, Nikon 300mm f4, 1/800, f/4, ISO 320, handheld

FLYING FISH, EXOCOETIDAE. Fish outta water. Flying fish don’t actually fly, but glide above the surface of the water using updrafts for lift and their tail for propulsion. Often while sailing through the tropics these fish are disturbed by the boat, causing them to glide along the surface and scuttle off to safety. Timor Sea. Canon EOS 7D, Canon 100-400mm, 1/640, f/7.1, ISO 250

WHITE-BELLED SEA EAGLE, HALIAEETUS LEUCOGASTER. Sea eagle. I had been paddling and drifting down the creek for two hours when I came across this sea eagle diving again and again trying to pick something up. The sea eagle did eventually get it. I’m still not sure what is was, but it was a very special moment. Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff, New South Wales. Canon EOS-1D Mk 1V, EF70-200mm F2.8L is USM +1.4x, 1/1600, f/8, ISO 3200, handheld from canoe

GREY-HEADED FLYING FOX, PTEROPUS POLIOCEPHALUS. Massed grey-headed flying foxes. An infra-red view of threatened grey-headed flying foxes in their summer camp along the Yarra River. These megabats, the largest in Australia, were once found in vastly greater numbers. At dusk thousands head off to feed, several enjoying these figs in my backyard. Yarra Bend Park, Kew, Victoria. Olympus E-PM2 with 720nm infra-red modification, Olympus M.ZUIKO ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 E, 1/100, f/8, ISO 320, handheld