Both of my entries were Commended in the 2026 Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers

11 June

Head profile of an Australian Pelican
Canon EOS R5 Mk II with a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom [ISO 2000, 500mm, f/8.0 and 1/2500])

I am very happy to say that both of my entries were Commended in the Animals category of the 2026 Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers. Many thanks to the judges of the 2026 Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographers and a big congratulations to the winners who took some stunning photographs that have inspired me.

As part of my entry, I made sure to purchase the printed magazine edition with the results of the competition so that I could thoroughly examine the photographs that won the categories, as well as the runners up. It must have been so hard to be a judge, with all the amazing images entered. I found studying the images in the Animals category to be both educational and inspiring. For me, it is not just about seeing the incredible photographs and trying to capture a similar image, but also having a similar experience with wildlife. A photograph is recording what the photographer saw, and I would love to have similar experiences with wildlife that those photographers had, even if I don’t have the skill or aptitude yet to capture the moment like they did. Honestly, the incredible images I saw in the magazine have further motivated me to get out and see nature at its best.

My two entries, of three photos each, are below.

Narooma's splendid pelicans