A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness. The annual Torgya Festival in Tawang, in north-eastern India, is full of colourful dancing, music and theatre. The three day festival is held in the courtyard of the Tawang monastery, which is nestled on top of the hill overlooking the town. The vibrant event was attended by Australian photographers Stephen Axford and Catherine Marciniak.
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
SURROUNDED by a snowstorm, these young polar bears battle the elements - as well as each other .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .
A BUMPER season of births has left zoo with three of the cutest exotic kittens you're likely to see .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .