© Lara Westwood, 2010 Up Close and Spineless Category Winner, Goose Barnacles

Invertebrates - animals without a backbone - are the focus of Up Close + Spineless, the Australian Museum's unique annual photographic exhibition/competition.
Over 99% of all animal species are invertebrates including insects, crustaceans, spiders, coral, cockroaches, caterpillars…Found on land and sea, in backyards, beaches and the bush, entries highlight interesting animal behaviour, unusual/rare species, and photographic skills.

The Up Close & Spineless competition challenges amateur and professional photographers to capture spectacular images of invertebrates (animals without a backbone). Judging criteria will be based upon clarity of detail, interesting behaviour, aesthetics and composition. The Australian Museum also encourages participants to seek out unusual and rare species.

Entries for 2011 open 27 April - 9 September 2011 in four categories: Professional, Open, Primary school, Secondary school. The Prize is a cash value of $600.00. Please check the conditions of entry.

The Up Close + Spineless photography exhibition is free with general Museum entry.