The second stage of the Australian Photographic Prize in the Wildlife category has now been run and judged. This was the primary category I chose to enter into this year’s awards (I also have one photograph in the Natural Landscape Category and two in the Birds category yet to be judged), and I was absolutely thrilled to have all five of the photographs I entered be selected as part of the ‘Top 30‘ in the category. The competition this year was particularly solid, with some really superb photographs, so even making the top 30 was a great result.
The second and final stage of the judging was online and livestreamed to YouTube just a few days ago. Just click the link above if you want to watch the judging for the scores and judges’ comments. I always find it fascinating to listen to experienced judges discuss photographs. While we won’t necessarily agree with every comment or score, there is invariably something to learn from hearing how different judges respond to an image and what they value in the judging process. One of the highlights for me was hearing Matt Palmer’s comments on my Reindeer photograph. It was especially rewarding because he connected so closely with the mood and story I had hoped to communicate when I made the image. As photographers, we often wonder whether what we’re trying to express is actually reaching the viewer, so hearing that feedback was incredibly encouraging.
Four of the five photographs I entered went on to earn highly coveted Gold Awards, with two of those Gold Awards advancing to the loftiest Gold with Distinction category. A category reserved only for the most powerful photographs that showcase the highest levels of technical prowess, artistry, and emotional impact. I am blown away to have the four highest-scoring images in the entire category! With my fifth image still achieving a very strong Silver with Distinction.
The overall Wildlife category winner will be announced on 13 August. Although my photographs received very high scores during the public judging, the category winner is selected separately during a final private deliberation by the judging panel, with each finalist considered again on its own merits. Whatever the outcome, I already feel enormously fortunate with the results so far, and I’m simply grateful to have had my work recognised alongside so many outstanding photographs. The final scores for each photograph are included below:
www.WILDNATUREPHOTOTRAVEL.com 