Western Australian photographer Nathan Watson’s ‘Hang Time’ captures the fleeting moment of a tiny honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus) dangling between the twin blooms of double-headed scarlet banksia (Banksia coccinea).

Nathan said the shot was the “culmination of patience and persistence”. “After spending several mornings across multiple weekends sitting quietly in the bush staking out this beautiful native I was treated to this wonderful moment with a tiny honey possum.

“Instead of scurrying down the stem as is usually their habit, the possum paused its climb, hanging by its tail and gripping a leaf with its front paws for balance while licking up the last sticky drips of nectar from its whiskers.”

Usually weighing between 7 and 10 grams, the largely nocturnal honey possum punches above its weight as an important pollinator of native plants in habitats like Cheynes Beach on Western Australia’s southern tip, where Nathan took his winning photograph.

Nathan’s photograph was a finalist in the Animals in Nature category of the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, and has been exhibited alongside 95 other finalists at the South Australian Museum since August. As the publicly-voted People’s Choice winner, ‘Hang Time’ came first in a poll of 2,000 exhibition visitors, taking home a $500 cash prize.

Nathan was elated to hear his photograph had hit the sweet spot with the public. “To have an image connect so strongly with visitors to this year’s exhibition is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for capturing and sharing the breathtaking moments that nature offers.”

Dr David Gaimster, South Australian Museum Chief Executive, congratulated Nathan on his win. “We’ve been spoiled for choice with this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year finalists, with an extraordinary diversity of subject matter and photographic skill on display. From the moment finalists were announced, however, Nathan Watson’s winning image has proven a crowd favourite with its cute but determined subject clearly resonating with visitors.”

Visitors who cast a vote at the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition at the South Australian Museum went into the draw to win a one-night stay in King Room at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, along with breakfast for two at Market & Meander and an exclusive pasta-making or cocktail-mixing experience at Market & Meander and Merrymaker rooftop bar.

The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition and resulting exhibition is managed and produced annually by the South Australian Museum. The exhibition is on at the South Australian Museum until Sunday 29 October 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.

For further information and to view the winners, runners up and finalists, visit: https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/c/npoty/gallery

Image: ‘Hang Time’ by Nathan Watson, People’s Choice winner, Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2023