Entries for the 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition open Thursday 8 November, with Australia’s longest-running nature photography prize now entering its third decade of showcasing  the best and most breathtaking perspectives on the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea bioregion.

Established in 2003, this prestigious competition, which is owned and produced by the South Australian Museum, attracted 2,182 entries from 550 photographers across 10 countries in 2023 and continues to go from strength to strength.

The 2024 competition will include a new Aerial category in recognition of the continued rise of drones and the popularity of aerial photography. The new category also encompasses photos taken from an elevated position or high vantage point, including fixed structures or aircraft.

Aerial rounds out the 2024 competition’s field of 10 categories which includes a Junior category for aspiring shutterbugs under the age of 18. The Overall winner of the competition, to be announced in August 2024, will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Category winners will also receive $1,500, with the Junior winner receiving $500. Winners and finalists will all appear in the annual Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition at the South Australian Museum, Adelaide in late 2024 and will tour to venues across Australia in 2024 and 2025.

Dr David Gaimster, South Australian Museum Chief Executive, said the competition has become an important platform embraced by photographers and nature-lovers alike.

“Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year is more than a prize. It’s an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary ongoing survey of our unique bioregion, and a shared mission by generations of photographers to make visible the rich and precarious realities of our natural world as it faces existential threats.

“In a time when it’s tempting to look away from the realities of Climate Change, their eye-catching work has never been more vital.”

Australian Geographic have been the Principal Sponsor of the competition since 2013 and the Museum is thrilled to have their support once again.

Nicky Catley, Picture Editor of Australian Geographic, said the competition brought essential perspective to our place in the world.

“This competition matters because we know that photographs that celebrate nature play a vital role in creating awareness, shifting mindsets, and changing behaviour around environmental issues. New techniques and constant innovations such as the development of drone technology has enabled us to see nature in new ways and capture places that are impossible to humanly reach.

“This year the creation of a new aerial category reflects this ever-changing way we look at world. Seeing the world from above might make us feel small and help put us in our place – and that’s not a bad thing.”

Entries are open from today until 6 February 2024. To enter visit: samuseum.sa.gov.au/c/npoty/

The South Australian Museum will host the exhibition of all shortlisted finalists in 2024, before commencing a national tour.

Image: Tania Malkin, ‘Intricate’, Landscape winner, 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year