Stunning images are on show from the 57th Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at the Australian National Maritime Museum on April 8. The collection reveals a spectacular array of plant and animal species and a breathtakingly diverse view of the natural world.
The arresting power of the photographic medium shines a light on places, plants and creatures from around the world, inspiring audiences and fostering connections toward a future of advocating for the planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world's most astonishing and challenging sights. Launched in 1965 with an initial 365 entrants, today the competition draws over 50,000 entries from all over the world. This year's award-winning images are shown to more than a million people, on its international tour.
Judges of the 57th Wildlife Photographer of the Year had the challenging task of reviewing a recordbreaking number of entries from 95 countries. Each entry is anonymously assessed by an international panel of industry experts, applying complex criteria - including creativity, originality, and technical excellence.
Tanya Bush, Interim Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum, says, 'The museum is thrilled, once again, to host this extraordinary exhibition. Part of the joy of these images is the microcosmic perspective they give, into an astonishing and beautiful natural world.
'When we are brought so close to these creatures and plants, we are reminded of both the diversity and vulnerability of life on Earth. These photographers have each captured something wonderful and powerful; it is up to each of us as to how we are moved to respond.'
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. The exhibition opens at the Australian National Maritime Museum from April 8.
