Perth photographer Donald Chin has been shortlisted for the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition. His image of a juvenile tawny frogmouth shielding its siblings at Herdsman Lake is among 100 finalists selected from 2,129 entries submitted by 501 photographers across 17 countries.
Selection Process and Competition Standards
The competition, which spans 10 categories, requires a rigorous judging process to narrow thousands of entries down to the final 100 images. Former winner and 2026 judge Ross Gudgeon stated that the high standard of entries made the selection process difficult. Mr. Gudgeon noted that while narrowing the field to 200 photos was manageable, the final selection required ruthless attention to detail.
Western Australian Representation
Mr. Chin is joined by a significant group of Western Australian finalists. Other photographers from the state shortlisted for the exhibition include Lewis Burnett, Nathan Watson, Georgina Steytler, Beth Baker, Elizabeth Oxnam, Brooke Pyke, Matt Deakin, Kendra Campbell, Sharon Jones, Scott Portelli, and Francois Brassard. Mr. Chin, who has entered the competition for three consecutive years, described the current quality of work as “pristine.”
What Happens Next
The overall and category winners are scheduled to be revealed through a video announcement on Thursday, August 27. Following the announcement, the exhibition will open at the South Australian Museum on Saturday, August 29. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, while category winners are set to receive $1,500. Additionally, a People’s Choice award, determined by public voting, is expected to be announced in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many entries were submitted this year?
The competition received 2,129 entries from 501 photographers across 17 countries.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced via a video on Thursday, August 27, with an exhibition opening at the South Australian Museum on Saturday, August 29.
What is the prize for the grand winner?
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize, while category winners will receive $1,500.
What do you think is the most important quality for a nature photograph to have to stand out in a competition of this size?
Worth a look