Andrew Hutchings, Jumbaal (ANIMAL & NATURE 2024)

Jumbaal is the Gumbaynggir name for the carpet python. All these wild reptiles and amphibians were encountered and photographed on the NSW coast using a 15mm lens. Gumbaynggir Country, on the NSW North Coast is where I developed a fascination with herpetology early in life. This collection of shots is a celebration of these animals, which unfortunately, in a nation that likes to take opportune pride in our rugged land, can still conjure a negative sensation in the Australian psyche. Learning the cultural significance and traditional names of the wildlife and environment I explore has become an important part of my pursuit.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.