A painterly, macro view of a cauliflower soft coral by Ross Gudgeon has taken out top prize in the Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year competition. The judges said: ‘This is an exceptional photograph that skews perception and leaves us questioning reality. Giving us a unique perspective on coral. There’s nothing fake here, but still we ponder, is this nature or a painting?’ Exhibition on now at the South Australian Museum
Main image: Overall winner: Fractal Forest
Inside-out view of a cauliflower soft coral. Named for its characteristic appearance that resembles a cauliflower, with numerous small, rounded, bump-like polyps that give it a puffy texture. Photograph: Ross Gudgeon
Sun 31 Aug 2025 02.00 CEST
Finalist – threatened species: Standing Watch
