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The Last Secret

Deep within New Zealand's rainforest lies a secluded waterfall hidden from the usual trails and absent from most maps. Reaching places like this takes patience, persistence and a willingness to wander, but moments like these remind us that true wilderness still exists for those prepared to seek it.

Awards

Photographer of the Year Contest

2026

Nominees

Nature

Non Professional

The Last Secret

Deep within New Zealand's rainforest lies a secluded waterfall hidden from the usual trails and absent from most maps. Reaching places like this takes patience, persistence and a willingness to wander, but moments like these remind us that true wilderness still exists for those prepared to seek it.

About Artist

Dave Sanderson

Dave’s work has taken him across every state and territory in Australia, much of it spent in remote and regional areas. Somewhere between the red dirt, endless roads and wild landscapes, he developed a fascination with the natural world that eventually turned into a fairly serious obsession with wildlife and nature photography. His photography has earned international recognition, including multiple distinctions in the International Photography Awards (IPA), reFocus, Exposure One awards, along with three consecutive finalist appearances in the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition. In 2026, that recognition culminated in winning the Our Impact category, with an image highlighting the often confronting consequences of human activity on wildlife. Drawn to moments that are honest rather than manufactured, Dave’s work explores the connection between wildlife, landscapes, isolation and the human footprint on the natural world. From the vast, unforgiving Australian outback to the quiet, fleeting behaviours of its wildlife, his photographs seek to capture more than simply what something looks like. They aim to reveal a story, evoke curiosity and occasionally challenge how we see the world around us. He believes the most meaningful photographs rarely come from chasing perfection. They come from patience, persistence, curiosity and a willingness to venture beyond the familiar. His philosophy is simple: get outside, put in the hours, pay attention and let nature do what it does best. The extraordinary is often hiding in plain sight. You just have to be there to notice it.

Dave Sanderson

Photographic Areas of Focus

Abstract, Aerial, Landscapes, Nature, Photojournalism, Wildlife

Location

Australia

Explore Other Winners

View All
Nominees
Chandresh Kedhambadi

Chandresh Kedhambadi

Storytelling

Honorable Mentions
Christopher Roedemeier

Christopher Roedemeier

Nature

Nominees

RC

Raymond Chao

Nature

People’s Vote Award
Nominees
Ais Huiyi Yin

Ais Huiyi Yin

Nature

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