The results for Wilderness Photographer of the Year, presented by Mountain Designs, are in!
Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024 attracted almost 600 entries – 20 per cent more than the year before – and we want to thank everyone who entered.
It can be a daunting prospect putting your beloved images into a competition for the world to see, so thank you. Of course, in the end there can only be three winners, one for each of the three categories – People, Places and our new category Nature.
You’ll shortly see the three winners and three runners-up, plus the next top eight from each category. Congratulations to all the finalists!
Thank you to our amazingly talented judges for their time and expertise: Julie Fletcher, Steph Vella, Janyne Fletcher, Mike Edmondson, Mike O’Connor and Brent McKean.
Of course, this competition couldn’t work without our amazing sponsors and the prizes they provide, so a big thank you to the good people at Mountain Designs for providing a full outdoor gear make-over for two people, Life’s An Adventure for providing a luxury pack-free guided walk for two, Inspiration Outdoors for also providing a luxury pack-free guided walk and GME for providing two personal locator beacons. We couldn’t have done any of this without you!
To view more entries, visit greatwalks.com.au/wpoty PLUS look out for announcements for Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2025!
And without further ado the winners of the Great Walks Wilderness Photographer of the Year presented by Mountain Designs are...
Winner, Places category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Benjamin Maze, Creatures in the Shadows. Winner Places category, Wilderness Photographer of the Year. “New Zealand’s alpine goblin forests are really something else. These stunted beech trees take on shapes, contours and proportions that are almost grotesque at times. This image was captured on the North Island in October 2023 during a very rainy and foggy day, which only further personified their alien forms.”
Judge’s comment: “This photograph was a favourite right from the start, and I just wanted to visit this ancient mystical natural forest that looks so beautiful and untouched. The composition of the photograph provides good depth as it draws your eye through the closer darker detailed trees and into the misty distance, like we are looking out of a forest cave. And the three-quarter height lower central branch also provides great detail and form with its curved wavered branches.” – Mike Edmondson
As winner of the Places category Benjamin takes home $1500 cash, an Inspiration Outdoors Cape to Cape Track guided walk for two valued at $6,080, a Mountain Designs Adventure Pack valued at $1000 and a one-year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Runner-up, Places category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Joe Hammond, Dawn Chorus. Runner-up Places category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year. “Dawn chorus was captured at sunrise in the far north of New Zealand, it was a rare combination of cold weather, and the proximity of being close to the Pacific Ocean. I think you could shoot dozens of sunrises and never get conditions lining up quite like that. The mist was acting like sea fog, fast-moving and ethereal. It was breathtaking. I am drawn to the image because of the unique yellow colours, and layers it created compositionally.”
Judge’s comment: “The gentleness and quietude of dawn are expertly captured by the photographer. The restrained colour palette, combined with the softness of the mist hanging in the valleys, is compositionally strengthened and anchored by the straight line of trees at the bottom of the frame. This image evokes feelings of warmth, tranquillity and peace.” – Janyne Fletcher
As runner-up of the Places category Joe takes home a GME MT610G PLB valued at $410 and a One year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Winner, Nature category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Bernard Shore, Welcome Swallow Symmetry. Winner Nature category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024. “The welcome swallows of Laratinga, SA are swift as they make their way around the water. Although staying airborne, ducking and weaving each other, they need to land sometime. I waited for the opportunity to photograph a welcome swallow as it came into land on a branch. As it did, its wings outstretched, and head turned to one side. I was proud of this image, with its rare, symmetrical beauty in nature.”
Judge’s comment: “A great capture of what I would imagine as being a difficult shot to nail. The unique composition with wings extended and great eye contact makes this a cracker. The colour palette of the bird and background work nicely together also. The distance between the subject and the background produces a nice soft depth of field so as not to detract from the bird. The shutter speed has frozen any movement and, most of all, accurate focus on the subject itself.” – Julie Fletcher
As winner of the Nature category Bernard take home $2000 cash, a Mountain Designs Adventure Pack valued at $1000 and a one-year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Runner-up, Nature category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Johnny Hendrikus, Wings of the Southern Alps. Runner-Up Nature category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024. “The New Zealand kea, the cheeky alpine parrot that soars the skies of the Southern Alps. Just moments before I captured this kea, a circus of these mischievous parrots were attacking our car’s windscreen and door rubbers. I captured this image using a 24-70mm lens at 70mm with a 1/2000s shutter speed. The previous day’s heavy rain gave way to clear skies, and these alpine parrots appeared on our drive home. Multiple attempts were needed to freeze this moment with precision.”
Judge’s comment: “Coming from New Zealand I’m familiar with the sight of a naughty kea eyeing a piece of chocolate that is popping out of the pocket of my backpack, but this image takes it to the next level! The bird has been frozen in time with a fast shutter speed of 1/2000s. It’s the reason Johnny has been able to capture so much detail. This type of photo should be in National Geographic. Well done, Johnny!” – Brent McKean
As runner-up of the Nature category Johnny takes home a GME MT610G PLB valued at $410 and a one-year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Winner, People category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Natalie Arber, Into the Unknown. Winner People category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year. “Into the Unknown, taken at Hawaii’s Lanikai Beach in 2022, candidly captures kayakers paddling into a rainstorm. Serendipitous timing revealed vibrant colours and dramatic skies which saw me depart from my usual black-and-white work. I’m drawn to the composition of this split shot including their poses and negative space, evoking a sense of adventure.”
Judge’s comment: “I was immediately drawn to this image by the striking contrast between the bright water and the threatening grey sky. My attention was further captured by the clever placement of the figures. The pair resemble explorers venturing into uncharted waters on a craft of uncertain capability, leaving us to wonder – what are they doing out there?” – Janyne Fletcher
As winner of the People cetegory Natalie takes home $1500 cash, a Life's An Adventure pack-free guided walk for two valued at $4,000, a Mountain Designs Adventure Pack valued at $1000 and a one-year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Runner-up, People category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
Daniel Vaughan, Cenote Kaleidoscope. Runner-up. People category. Wilderness Photographer of the Year. “Underwater, I typically focus on macro photography, but a trip to Mexico shifted my perspective. As we entered the cenote, the scene began as a wide, open pool, but soon transitioned into the cavern zone. It was dark, but there was always a hint of light in the distance. After taking a turn, the cavern opened up, and we were met with an extraordinary light display. The interplay of green algae, tannic acid, and early morning light filtering through the mangroves created a vivid, dynamic spectrum.”
Judge’s comment: “This image immediately caught my attention with its incredible play of light and shadow, creating an almost otherworldly scene. The vibrant green tones give it a unique, dreamlike quality, while the diver adds scale and a sense of adventure. It’s a breathtaking moment that perfectly captures the magic of underwater exploration.” – Stephanie Vella
As runner-up of the People category Daniel takes home a GME MT610G PLB valued at $410 and a one-year subscription to Great Walks magazine valued at $80.
Top 10 entries, Places category Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
3. Benjamin Maze, Moonlit Towers, Italy. Top ten Places Category. “The falling moon shines brightly upon the immense stone towers of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, as the surrounding snowy winter landscape sleeps under the stars.”
4. Levin Barrett, And a Sprinkle of Star Dust. Top ten Places Category. “With just four hours’ notice I raced down to the Great Ocean Road to capture the forecasted Aurora. It turned into the biggest aurora event in decades. While processing this panorama I suddenly realised that the Milky Way arch was perfectly aligned over the top of the Aurora arch. Nature had really delivered that night.”5. Craig Thomson, Kirkjufell Sunset, Iceland. Top ten Places Category. “Chasing the late-night summer sunset at Kirkjufell was a bucket list photo for me. Conditions couldn’t have been more perfect with the sky, the light, the flowing falls and the mountain itself all coming together.”6. Joy Kachina, Winterlight Tasmania. Top ten Places Category. “The beautiful, soft, misty sunlight illuminated the frosty morning in the alpine valley, revealing the colours and textures of the landscape. I still remember the feeling of awe as I watched this scene unfold.”7. Tom Putt, Ice Trees. Top ten Places Category. “Capturing a special moment in the heart of Yellowstone NP, USA, felt like a perfect convergence of artistry and timing – something so essential in landscape photography. I remember the frost encrusted on the trunks, the repetitive lines, and the soft, gorgeous light.”8. Julie Gill, Wild and Untamed Lofoten, Norway. Top ten Places Category. “Captured in the Lofoten Islands during the fierce Storm Inguun of January 2024, this scene showcases jagged peaks looming over Storvatnet Lake, their sharp silhouettes piercing the storm-laden sky. Menacing, snow-filled clouds churn above, casting an ominous shadow over the landscape.”9. Joy Kachina, Winter’s Embrace. Top ten Places Category. “Pencil Pine Lake in the highlands of Tasmania sits 1200m above sea level. Ancient pencil pines line the banks of the lake protecting them from bushfires. During winter these lakes freeze, creating a winter wonderland for adventurers.”10. Tom Putt, Iceland Highlands. Top ten Places Category. “Flying high over the highlands of Iceland, I was drawn to the light popping through the clouds to light up the green, moss-covered mountains in the foreground coupled with the dramatic rainstorm in the background.”
Top 10 entries, Nature category Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
3. Top Ten Nature category: Tegan Book, Into the Deep. “An adult humpback whale glides through the winter ocean at Hervey Bay, Queensland.”4. Top Ten Nature category:. Genny May, Looking Out. “A trek to find the golden monkeys in Rwanda was rewarded by a few wonderful moments when I was able to capture these amazing animals.”5. Top Ten Nature category: Alistair Drew, Feast. “On a visit to photograph Wallaman Falls in North Queensland I noticed the striking blue flashes of the Ulysses butterfly as it flitted between the grass trees searching for nectar. It was not the only one on the hunt, as the tiny native bees got in for their share too.”6. Top Ten Nature category: Alistair Drew, Damn Rain. “The incessant tropical rain in the Daintree region in Far North Queensland appears to be just too much for this rainbow bee-eater, I know exactly how it felt.”7. Top Ten Nature category: Alison Lee Rubie, The Pearls of Africa. “Uganda is regarded as The Pearl of Africa. And it’s no wonder, with these incredible mountain gorillas calling Uganda home, they certainly are the gem of the country.”8. Top Ten Nature category: Barend Becker, Weddell Seal and Her Pup. “Came across this Weddell seal and her pup while walking on the sea ice at the Swain Group of Islands just north of Casey Station, Antarctica. 21 October 2022.”9. Top Ten Nature category: Peter O Leary, Humpback Halo. “As the sun was setting over these northern NSW hills, we were greeted with endless breaches from a pod of humpback whales until the sun had set and the last light faded away.”10. Top Ten Nature category: Benny Chia, Honeycombs. “Favolaschia claudopus are very photogenic subject matter, especially when you find a great cluster growing at a strategic position with ample natural light.”
Top 10 entries, People category Wilderness Photographer of the Year 2024
3. Joy Kachina, Frozen in Time. Top ten People category. “While exploring the Central Highlands of Tasmania, we came across the haunting sight of the bleached skeletal remains of the endangered miena cider gums. Our journey was made even more surreal by a sudden snow shower. The extreme weather caught us off guard as heavy snowfall lasted for just a few minutes, with my husband captivated by this impressive gum.”4. Tegan Book, Dune Trek. Top ten People category. “A camel caravan passes through undulating dunes of the golden Gobi Desert at sunset. Mysterious against the golden glow, a Mongolian rider can be seen perched upon the saddle, guiding his way into the sunset.”5. Mark Daffey, Komodo Capers. Top ten People category. “Lookout view over Padar Island in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Like many others who visit this region, I visited the island during a cruise – in my case, with Coral Expeditions.”6. Terrance O’Hagan, The Lone Camper. Top ten People category. “It was the scale and abstract beauty of this scene in the Alaskan wilderness that immediately connected with me. I felt honoured to capture someone’s special moment, surrounded by the wonders of Mother Nature. Thank you, whoever you are.”7. Miranda Fittock, Hiking in Balance. Top ten People category. “Caitlyn confidently balances across a fallen log on our way to Larapinta Falls, in southern Lamington National Park, SE Qld. A few leeches, some stinging tree encounters, but all smiles at the end of the day.”8. Maxwell Tooby, Amongst the Mountains. Top ten People category. “After an arduous hike up the rugged terrain of the mountains, I was rewarded with a breathtaking and ephemeral sunset. NZ’s majestic Aoraki Mountain stood resplendent, bathed in a golden glow, towering over the serene Hooker Valley below.”9. Paul Harrison, A Night Under the Stars. Top ten People category. “The night skies of Western Australia are some of the darkest on the planet. I set my alarm for 0200 and worked through to the end of astronomical twilight to capture the arc of our galaxy across the Yenyening salt lake.”10. Riley Bensteadd, Golden Glow, Dandahra Crags. Top ten People category. “Best seat in the house! A hike up the granite outcrop to Dandahra Crags to enjoy the golden sunset light and stunning views over Gibraltar Range NP, northeast NSW. A spectacular walk for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers alike.”
