Our original category, the winning image will be featured on the cover of the 2024 Summer Edition of Crikey! Magazine. Photographs submitted to this category had to be portrait orientated and feature an animal, photographed anywhere in the world.

Crikey! Magazine Cover – Winning Image:

Winner: Ren Schiffer

‘Enduring Spirit: The Heart of a Tusker’

Being in the presence of such a majestic elephant rendered me speechless. Craig, the elephant, is one of approximately 25 super tuskers left in the world, and a reminder of the spirit of the wild that is so essential to preserve.

Location: Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya, Africa
Camera/Lens: NIKKOR Z, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens

Highly Commended: Michael Lun

‘Enchanted Harmony: A Blue Damselfly’s Pink Fantasy‘
It was a late and warm afternoon in Yanchep National Park. As I went for a stroll in the warm afternoon sun, I stumbled across this incredible scene; perched elegantly on this pink flower was an electric blue damselfly recharging his wings in the afternoon sunlight.

Location: Yanchep National Park, Western Australia, Australia
Camera/Lens: Olympus EM1 MK3, 60mm macro lens f2.8, Godox v3500 with Cygnustech diffuser

Finalist: Michael Stavrakakis

‘Bear Hug‘

This photo captures a tender moment between a mother polar bear and her cub, playfully embracing on the pack ice north of Svalbard. There is always a deep bond between polar bear mother and cub, who spend two to three years inseparable from each other.

Location: North of Svalbard on the pack ice
Camera/Lens: Sony A7 IV, Sony 200-600mm lens

Finalist: Nina Bowles

‘Play Fight‘

Two eastern grey kangaroos fight playfully in the late afternoon summer sun, whilst their mob continue to graze peacefully nearby. This image showcases the mischievous nature of young kangaroos and how they interact with their mothers.

Location: Mitchell Shire, Victoria, Australia
Camera/Lens: Nikon Z8, Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens

Finalist: Zachary Lee

‘Patterns of the Wild‘
On a morning game drive, we spotted a young leopard lounging gracefully under the trees. The soft dawn light illuminated its stunning rosette spots, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. Protecting habitats like this ensures these magnificent creatures thrive for future generations.

Location: Sabi Sabi Sands, South Africa
Camera/Lens: Canon EOS R3, Canon RF 70-200 F2.8 lens