Welcome to the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year collection for 2022.
It marks the 10th year of our partnership with the South Australian Museum, and it’s gratifying to see the competition flourish with yet another record year for entries.
Photography is critical to how we communicate at Australian Geographic. The power of images to tell stories or focus on issues transcends traditional linguistic and cultural barriers. They can act as attention grabbers that allow us to follow up with more complex ideas and information. They have the power to pull us in, whet our appetite and stimulate our curiosity. They can also shock us or sadden us – maybe even galvanise us into action.
The wildlife conservation movement relies heavily on the impact of strong imagery to move people to care enough to advocate, donate funds or become involved in practical ways. Nature photography was once the preserve of an elite group of professional photographers, but technology has revolutionised the business of both photography and publishing.The sophistication of cameras, including those on our smartphones, plus the endless possibilities to share your photos via social media, provide many good reasons why photography is such a rapidly growing recreational activity.
Our involvement with this competition is very much part of our wider mission to encourage photography of our region’s landscapes and wildlife. Our region offers so much for any would-be photographer, and not just in our wild and remote areas.The flora and fauna in our backyards and city parks are all worthy subjects too. Photography encourages you to look carefully at the world around you. It increases knowledge and understanding, and raises awareness. Nature photographers are active conservationists, and that is the real power of this competition. Some of us will be looking carefully at the f-stop number or the lens type, but for most, it’s a chance to be inspired by the beauty of nature.
We commend all those who entered. The wonderful judges have done a superb job. It’s never easy. We thank Museum Director Brian Oldman, Tim Gilchrist and all the staff of the South Australian Museum for their excellent and diligent stewardship of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, and extend our gratitude to ReAmped Energy and all the sponsors for their support.
