Our moniker as “the lucky country” may have been coined derisively, but every now and then, the sentiment feels sincere. Such is the case with the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (AGNPY) exhibition, which is set to open at Sydney’s Australian Museum.
Completely free to the public, this powerful showcase of the land’s natural beauty has been produced by the South Australian Museum; shining a light on the “astonishing array of flora, fauna, and landscapes” found not only here in Australia, but also in New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea.
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Featuring over 95 stunning finalist images selected from 2,882 submissions, one can expect everything from the exhibition’s overall winner My Country Burns by NSW photographer Samuel Markham — who snapped his acclaimed entry while defending his home from the 1,000°C flames of the devastating 2019 bushfires — to a rather curious predator depicted in Estuarine Crocodile by Lewis Burnett.
“With its strong environmental narrative, this exhibition offers visitors a new perspective by capturing powerful and profound moments in nature. Through these photographs we are asked to think more deeply about our natural world, and our footprint on the earth,” said Kim McKay AO, Director & CEO of the Australian Museum.
“As Australia’s first museum, and as the steward of our vast collection, the AM is a leader in natural history and scientific research. Not only are we devoted to exhibiting the natural beauty of our world, but we are also dedicated to highlighting environmental conservation, and raising awareness of the challenges the natural world is facing.”
McKay added: “In bringing this iconic exhibition to the Australian Museum, we hope the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year inspires visitors to connect to the importance of preserving and protecting wildlife and the environment.”
For those of you keen to get a little more hands-on, the Australian Museum is also hosting a series of Digital Wildlife Photography Workshops led by Angela Robertson-Buchanan — legendary nature photographer and Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year finalist.
Catering to both beginner and intermediate photographers, Robertson-Buchanan shares the “foundational and advanced techniques of ethical wildlife photography”; participants will even be provided an opportunity to apply their newfound skills with the AM’s taxidermy collection, along with a selection of live native animals.
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This component, however, will incur a cost: $140 for members, $175 for adults, and $157.50 for concession. So don’t rock up to half-ass this.
The 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (AGNPY) exhibition can be viewed at the Australian Museum’s Hintze Hall starting on June 22nd, 2024.
The Digital Wildlife Photography Workshops with Angela Robertson-Buchanan, on the other hand, will run on July 27th, September 7th, and September 8th (session times vary depending on whether you’re a beginner or intermediate photographer).
