Stunning wildlife snaps on display at QVMAG
Image: A juvenile southern right whale sizes up photojournalist Richard Robinson. The Right Look © Richard Robinson. Images taken under permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
How far would you go for the perfect photo?
Each year, photographers across the globe venture into far-flung corners of the globe to capture nature in its wildest form.
From deep sea adventures and secluded forest treks to urban environments; entrants in the annual Wildlife Photography of the Year competition actively seek out moments from the animal kingdom, showcasing the rare, jaw-dropping, and often unseen side of life on Earth.
Spanning 17 competition categories, thousands of entries are judged each year with the winning selection showcased as part of a global exhibition tour.
This June, Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will welcome the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to Launceston, as Tasmania's exclusive tour venue.
Developed by the Natural History Museum, United Kingdom, this exhibition shares an incredible display of nature photography from across the world, alongside the often-adventurous stories from behind the lens.
In the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner Richard Robinson captured his winning photograph of a juvenile southern right whale.
Shortly after appearing only feet away, the 11-metre male disappeared into the churned-up sea. This was an area known for great white sharks, and the terrible visibility created an eerie feel.
Within moments, a colossal shadow crept towards Richard across the ocean floor. The curious whale had returned for another inspection, flashing a love heart pattern on his belly.
This game continued for half an hour.
“I've done a lot of stuff with whales,” he says, describing often fleeting moments, “But this was just something else. The curiosity of this whale was phenomenal.”
Creative Arts and Cultural Services General Manager Shane Fitzgerald said it was brilliant to welcome this popular, global exhibition to QVMAG as the exclusive Tasmanian venue.
"Our team are very happy to be welcoming this incredibly popular exhibition to Launceston," Fitzgerald said.
"The photography within this touring exhibition is a brilliant showcase of life on Earth; each with an incredible story to match.
"This will be a fan favourite experience for all ages and interests. Everyone loves to explore the often unseen side of nature, and this exhibition provides the perfect window into the wild to do just that."
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk from 10 June — 20 August with free entry.
To see what’s coming up at QVMAG, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au
Issued 9 June 2023.