Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

I was deeply honoured to be named Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021, receiving the overall title in one of Australia's most respected and prestigious nature photography competitions.

To be recognised among such an exceptional field of photographers was both humbling and immensely rewarding. It remains one of the proudest milestones of my career.

While 2021 presented unprecedented challenges for photographers around the world, it also reminded us of the extraordinary natural beauty found in our own backyard. From our coastlines and coral reefs to rainforests, deserts and remote marine environments, Australia offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife that continues to inspire my work.

Conservation has always been at the heart of my photography, particularly the protection of our marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Leafy seadragons have long fascinated me, so it was especially meaningful that my image of this remarkable species was awarded the competition's overall prize.

Adding to the honour, I was also awarded Winner of the Endangered Species category for my photograph highlighting the vulnerability of the critically important grey nurse shark.

I am incredibly grateful to Australian Geographic, the judges and everyone who has supported my journey. Recognition like this reinforces the power of photography to inspire appreciation, understanding and conservation of the natural world.