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Celebrate Australian biodiversity with the Nature in Focus Photography Competition

 

The Nature in Focus Photography Competition is an annual showcase of Australia’s amazing biodiversity and sustainability efforts.

Last year’s entries came from all across Australia, showcasing the extraordinary nature, wildlife, and conservation efforts around our vast country.

Now in its third year, we want to see how you keep Nature in Focus!

The Nature in Focus Competition opens on June 24th and is proudly supported by Chevron Australia.

ENTER HERE

Get your camera out!

At CVA, we want to educate others about Australia’s unique species and ecosystems, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Whether it’s taking a snap of coastal mangroves at sunset, spotting an echidna during a morning walk, or capturing a blue-tongue lizard crawling through the outback, we want to see the vastness of Australia’s biodiversity and species.

We’d also like to highlight sustainability practices, celebrating those efforts made in caring for this vast land we call home.

 

Themed Categories

Ocean, Wetlands & Rivers

Dive into the diverse ecosystems of Australia’s aquatic environments. From the depths of the oceans teeming with marine life to the tranquil beauty of wetlands and meandering rivers, this category celebrates the vital role these environments play in our world.

We’re looking for photographs that capture:

• The rich biodiversity of oceans, wetlands, and rivers (coral reefs, mangroves, rivers), and the species that call them home
• The natural beauty of aquatic landscapes, from a serene wetland at dawn to the majestic flow of a river

Human interaction with these environments, including conservation efforts, sustainable practices, or traditional knowledge and practices from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Judging Criteria

 

Sustainability

In an era where Nature Stewardship is crucial for the health of people and the planet, this category invites photographers to explore and capture the essence of sustainable living, practices, and innovations. We’re looking for photographs that capture:

• Creative solutions and innovations that promote sustainability — renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies, or circular economy practices
• The beauty of natural ecosystems and the conservation efforts protecting them
• How communities are integrating sustainability into everyday life, including traditional cultures and local initiatives

Judging Criteria

 

Species and Habitats

Celebrate the remarkable diversity of life on Earth through this category, which invites photographers to explore the beauty, uniqueness, and importance of Australian native species and their habitats.

We’re looking for photographs that capture:

• Native species in all their variety — endangered or lesser-known animals, everyday favourites, and species that have adapted to urban environments
• Diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, oceans, and urban spaces
• Conservation challenges and the efforts aimed at addressing them, such as habitat restoration and wildlife recovery programs

Judging Criteria

 

Judging Criteria

Entries will be assessed on three criteria:

• Relevance to theme: How well does the photograph capture the theme? Is the connection to the theme clear and compelling?
• Visual impact: The aesthetic quality and visual appeal of the photograph, including consideration of composition, lighting, colour, and overall artistic expression.
• Narrative and storytelling: Does the photograph and its accompanying caption tell a story or convey a message related to the theme?

Age groups:

• K – Year 2: using any camera.
• Year 3 – Year 6: using any camera.
• High School (Years 7 –12): for those under 18 years of age and using an SLR or smart phone.
• Adult Smartphone: for those 18 years old and over and using a smartphone.
• Adult Professional: for those 18 years old and over and using an SLR or professional camera.

Enter via the link below to get started!

The competition closes at 5:00pm AEST, 7 September 2026

ENTER HERE

 

Submission Guidelines

• Each entrant may submit one (1) photograph per themed category (i.e. Oceans, Wetlands and Rivers; Sustainability; Species and Habitats) in their chosen Age Category.
• Entrants will not be allowed to submit more than one (1) photograph per themed category.
• We will not accept email submissions.
• No changes or alterations once a submission has been made.
• Photographs must be submitted in digital format.
• Submissions should not be digitally altered beyond standard optimisation (e.g., colour correction, cropping).
• Photos must have been taken in Australia. If photos are taken of plants or animals, they must be native to Australia.
• Photos must not contain images of native wildlife being fed by people or from bird feeders. Images of native animals at bird baths/water troughs are permitted.
• Animals must not be handled or stressed in any way for the purpose of this competition.
• Any person who is clearly identifiable in your photo must have granted you consent to be photographed.

Prizes

Category	K–2	Yr 3–6	Yr 7–12	Adult Smartphone	Adult Professional
Ocean, Wetlands & Rivers	$200	$200	$300	$500	$500
Sustainability	$200	$200	$300	$500	$500
Species and Habitats	$200	$200	$300	$500	$500

Awards

• The People’s Choice Award will be decided by a vote on the PollUnit competition platform. Prize value: $500.
• The Lyn Beazley* Encouragement Award acknowledges students who demonstrate a connection with Australia’s biodiversity and show promise in their ability to express themselves through photography. Prize value: $400.

 

*Students who identify with a disability or learning difficulty are eligible for this award.

*Lyn was Western Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2013 and has been a long-time ambassador and judge in the Chevron Focus Environment Competition. She believes that the photographic lens can help inspire people to protect Australia’s precious environment.

The Nature in Focus Photography Competition is proudly supported by Chevron Australia.

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