The exhibition features 100 exceptional award-winning images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. While inspiring curiosity and wonder, the images also remind us of the fragility of our planet and our responsibility to protect it.
Dr Tim Littlewood, Director of Science at the Natural History Museum and member of the competition’s judging panel, says, 'For more than fifty years this competition has attracted the world's very best photographers, naturalists and young photographers, but there has never been a more important time for audiences all over the world to experience their work in our inspiring and impactful exhibition. Photography has a unique ability to spark conversation, debate and even action. We hope this year's exhibition will empower people to think differently about our planet and our critical role in its future.'
Kevin Sumption PSM, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum said the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition held wide appeal across all ages, due to its rich material and strong environmental message. 'The popularity of the exhibition has grown each year at the museum, not only because of its stunning imagery, but because visitors share our commitment and interest in environmental issues – particularly ocean health.'
To coincide with the exhibition opening, one of the museum’s signature Ocean Talks, entitled Signals from the Ocean will be held on the evening of 5 March, featuring wildlife photographer, explorer and conservationist Michael Aw and coral scientist Dr Emma Camp. Michael Aw has been awarded in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competitions in 2000, 2006, 2010 and 2015.
Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence. Two Australians were highly commended finalists in the competition:
- Wayne Jones has a passion for the underwater world and runs an academy which strives for creativity and excellence in underwater photography. His striking composition features a juvenile argonaut, which is part of the octopus family, hitching a ride atop a small brightly coloured jellyfish.
- A marine scientist and photojournalist by trade, Justin Gilligan strives to combine his scientific background and artistic flare to create images that draw the viewer’s attention to the beauty of the natural world and issues therein. His image explores the colliding views of the abundance or pest of one of Australia’s most prominent symbols, the kangaroo.
Exhibition information
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 for over 50 years. Launched in 1965 and originally attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives over 48,000 entries from 100 countries, highlighting its enduring appeal to audiences across the world.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit is open 6 March – 11 October 2020. To find out more about Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Australian National Maritime Museum and to buy tickets, visit https://www.sea.museum/wildlife
Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for children, $15 for concession and $50 for families. Children (under 4) and museum members are free.
The Big Ticket is $35 for adults ($28 pre-sale), $20 for children ($16 pre-sale), $25 for concession ($20 pre-sale) and $89 for families ($71.20 pre-sale). The Big Ticket includes access to Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the Sea Monsters exhibition and entry to all vessels, permanent exhibitions and activities, Action Stations, play zone and 3D cinema. Pre-sale pricing valid online until 4 March 2020.
-ENDS-
Media Contact
Andrea Plawutsky
M: 0419 970 984
E: andrea@amplifyme.com.au
Notes to the Editor
All Australian photographers are available for interview by request.
We would love you to come check out the exhibition in person. Please get in touch to organise tours with a curator and museum media passes.
Media Assets
To download high res images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fuzghs8ab34lti5/AAAthrT6GrEDlKeV-9xN_UNWa?dl=0
YouTube: https://youtu.be/08hurGVQMfk
Australian National Maritime Museum
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