A QUICK BREATH

HUMPBACK WHALE
Megaptera novaeangliae

After a quick breath and a curious glance at me, a new-season male humpback calf returned to Mum’s protection 20m down. Her nurture and training are crucial to build the strength and endurance required
to survive his first summer migration to the krill-rich waters of Antarctica.

Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga

Canon EOS 5DS R, Canon EF8-15mm f4L fisheye USM at 18mm, 1/200, f/8, ISO 250,
Nauticam housing with 100mm Zen minidome port, natural light

FLUFFY EASTERN GREY

EASTERN GREY KANGAROO
Macropus giganteus

I captured this curious eastern grey kangaroo from a trail in Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve in Canberra, late on a winter’s day. I converted the image to monochrome to reduce the impact of colour noise from the high ISO and to highlight the texture of the kangaroo’s fur.

Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory

Nikon D7200, Sigma 150–600 Sport, 1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 6400, monopod

PHIL’S WORLD

COMMON WOMBAT
Vombatus ursinus

The snow was deep after a week of storms, and grass close to the
surface was hard to find. The world had little detail except for the dead, white, skeletal snow gums left over from the 2003 fires and the wombats. I took advantage of the white background to capture both subjects together.

Guthega, New South Wales

Nikon D850, Nikon 200–400 f4 VR2, 1/1600, f/4, ISO 250, handheld

SCALES

Photographing sand dunes fascinates me. Forever changing, the same system can provide endless possibilities.

Wedge Island, Western Australia

DJI Phantom, 1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 100

PLAYTIME

NEW ZEALAND FUR SEAL
Arctocephalus forsteri

These resident seal pups were photographed at Wharariki Beach, playing near a natural tidal pool that is only exposed at low tide. They soon became oblivious to my presence and slowly moved closer to where I was patiently waiting with my camera.

Wharariki Beach, Tasman Region, New Zealand

Nikon D-800, Nikon 70–200mm f2.8, 1/500, f/5.6, ISO 140, handheld

IN THE SPEAKER

NORTHERN LAUGHING TREE FROG
Litoria rothii

This northern laughing tree frog has decided that rather than a natural structure, this large outdoor speaker is a suitable and safe retreat from the heat and predators of the day. It sat comfortably in the morning sun, despite music being played and vibrating through the equipment.

Gaeta, Queensland

Canon 7D MkII, Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 macro, 1/125, f/7.1, ISO 250, Yongnuo 560 III flash, handheld, SMDV 60 speedbox diffuser, Yongnuo wireless controller

FACE OFF

FAMILY Antennariidae

A solemn-looking grey anglerfish (aka frogfish) lays still, moving only its eyes as it lies in wait for its next unsuspecting meal to swim past. This is an expert hunter that walks, swims very
little, and owns one of the fastest-moving set of jaws in the underwater world.

Gold Coast Seaway, Queensland

Nikon D810, Nikon 60mm AF-S micro, 1/320, f/18, ISO 100, Sea & Sea YS250 Pro flash, Sea & Sea MDX810 housing, subject top lit using a single strobe with a
Retra LSD (snoot) attached

EYE TO EYE

HUNTSMAN SPIDER
FAMILY Sparassidae

When I came across this huntsman spider, it slowly tiptoed out from a small branch, onto a leaf, and stopped on a spot where I watched it. Alarmingly, it looked me in the eye and it appeared to be observing me instead. I choose to freeze the moment.

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Nikon D750, Nikon 105mm macro f2.8, 1/400, f/4, ISO
400, handheld

KILLER INSTINCTS

FALSE KILLER WHALE
Pseudorca crassidens

False killer whales can be found in many of the world’s oceans.
A mystery of the cetacean world, these elusive encounters are very
rare. This one used loud clicks and whistles as it passed beneath
me, while letting out a stream of bubbles – intimidation tactics to
protect the young calf below.

Kingdom of Tonga

Canon 1DX MkII, Canon 8–15mm fisheye, 1/320, f/4, ISO 320

PYGMY CLENCH

SOUTHERN PYGMY LEATHERJACKET
Brachaluteres jacksonianus

Southern pygmy leatherjackets and other leatherjacket species bite and hold onto sponges and seaweed at night to anchor and avoid drifting in the current. This individual has attached itself to an encrusting ascidian species. The similarity of patterns caught my eye.

Chowder Bay, New South Wales

Sony NEX7 (mirrorless), Sony 30mm, 1/100, f16, ISO 200,
INON strobes, handheld, Nauticam underwater housing

ALONE

Kauri Creek’s mangrove-lined estuary was once used for rafting
timber to sawmills in Maryborough. It’s a beautiful place with many turtles, dugong, birds – my favourite camping spot! On the last day of this trip, the sun, wind and tide finally cooperated with my plans.

Kauri Creek, Tuan State Forest, Queensland

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Hasselblad L1D-20c, 10, 1/240, f/2.8,
ISO 100, CASA registered to fly sub 2kg RPA in standard
operating conditions