From photographs of vast landscapes to threatened species and close ups of the wonders of the natural world the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition managed and produced by the South Australian Museum has seen it all.

Entries for the 2022 competition will open today with photographers from around the world encouraged to submit their photos taken in the ANZANG bioregion which is made up of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and the New Guinea Region.

As the competition has continued to go from strength to strength over the past 18 years, the South Australian Museum has taken the opportunity to expand and revise the categories for in 2022. Three exciting new categories have been added and they are:

• Astrophotography

• Animals in Nature

• Urban Animals

Brian Oldman Director of the South Australian Museum explained how these new categories will strengthen the offering going forward.

“We’re really excited to announce the addition of three new categories Astrophotography will capture the beauty of the night sky, Animals in Nature will celebrate animals in their natural habitat and, Urban Animals will depict animals in a setting showing evidence of human activity and impact.  This year we’ve also revamped the Portfolio category so that photographers can submit six images on a shared theme as a single entry”.

This year the Museum is also thrilled to welcome ReAmped Energy as Presenting Partner for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition.

“We’re an independent electricity retailer with a focus on cheap prices, but a keen eye for detail when it comes to the environment and doing what we can to promote a more sustainable energy grid here in Australia,” said ReAmped Energy CEO Luke Blincoe.

“We believe in driving retail competition and are committed to topping price comparison tables as much as we possibly can. We’re also hugely supportive of the Greenpower initiative and ensure our customers can support the future development of renewable energy projects in addition to paying a fair price for power.

“We keep things simple so Aussie families can get on with following their passions and interests, including getting out and enjoying our amazing natural surroundings.

“We’re excited to support the 2022 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Competition and resulting exhibition and look forward to seeing the fantastic entries.”

Australian Geographic have been the Principal Sponsor of the Museum’s Nature Photographer of the Year competition since 2013.

Chrissie Goldrick, Editor-in-chief of Australian Geographic says,

“It’s great to see that the competition is responding to emerging ideas and themes in natural history photography with its new categories. We look forward very much to seeing how these are interpreted by the photo community. We are also thrilled to welcome our new presenting partner, ReAmped Energy.”

Entries are open from today until 28 January 2022. To enter visit: www.naturephotographeroftheyear.com.au.

The South Australian Museum will host the exhibition of all shortlisted finalists from 26 August – 30 October 2022.