First-place winner in the Wide Angle Ocean Art competition 2019: Nicholas More
In November 2019, underwater photographer Nicholas captured an awe-inspiring image, titled "Blur of Sweetlips", at Cape Kri, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The photograph showcases a school of vibrant Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips, their dynamic movement and colours creating a visually captivating blur effect within the reef environment.
The dive site, renowned for its photogenic marine life and favourable diving conditions, is just a short boat ride from the local resort. To achieve this artistic blur, Nicholas employed specialized underwater photography gear and techniques, likely managing light, shutter speed, and camera movement skillfully[1][2].
Raja Ampat, and particularly Cape Kri, is celebrated for its biodiversity and offers an ideal environment for underwater photographers seeking dynamic and colourful marine subjects like schools of sweetlips. The site’s clear waters and abundance of sea life provide the perfect natural setting to capture such compelling underwater images[3][4][5].
The photograph, "Blur of Sweetlips", was taken over a patch of hard corals, with the Convict Blennies adding to the scene, swarming all over the reef. The image features the classic schooling behaviour of Ribbon Sweetlips at a depth of approximately 25m.
Interestingly, Nicholas recently won a 9-night dive package and a 10% discount for a companion with Critters@Lembeh and Lembeh Resort.
The photograph has undergone minimal post-processing, with only global adjustments including clarity, contrast, highlight adjustments, added vibrance, and a slight crop. The equipment used for the photograph includes a Nikon D500, Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens, Zen Dome Port, Nauticam Housing, and Dual Inon Z330 Strobes.
This remarkable photograph serves as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the marine life in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, and the skill of underwater photographers like Nicholas in capturing these moments for all to appreciate.
[1] Underwater Photography Guide (2021). Panning Techniques for Underwater Photography. [online] Available at: https://www.underwaterphotographyguide.com/techniques/panning/
[2] Digital Photography School (2021). How to Blur Backgrounds in Photography. [online] Available at: https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-blur-backgrounds-in-photography/
[3] Raja Ampat Dive Expeditions (2021). Cape Kri Dive Site. [online] Available at: https://rajaampatdiveexpeditions.com/dive-sites/cape-kri/
[4] Scuba Diving (2021). Raja Ampat Dive Sites. [online] Available at: https://www.scubadiving.com/destinations/asia/indonesia/raja-ampat/dive-sites
[5] Marine Life of Raja Ampat (2021). Raja Ampat Marine Life. [online] Available at: https://marineliferajaampat.com/
- The underwater photoshoot at Cape Kri, Raja Ampat, resulted in a captivating image, titled "Blur of Sweetlips," which showcases the vibrant colors and dynamic movement of Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips amidst hard corals.
- To create this artistic blur effect, underwater photographer Nicholas employed specialized gear and techniques, possibly involving effective management of light, shutter speed, and camera movement.
- Known for its photogenic marine life and favorable diving conditions, Cape Kri offers an ideal environment for underwater photography, attracting enthusiasts seeking dynamic and colorful marine subjects like schools of sweetlips.
- The photograph, "Blur of Sweetlips," was complemented by the presence of Convict Blennies, swarming over the reef, and displayed the classic schooling behavior of Ribbon Sweetlips at a depth of approximately 25m.
- To further appreciate his skill, it's worth noting that Nicholas recently won a 9-night dive package and a 10% discount for a companion with Critters@Lembeh and Lembeh Resort.
- The photograph, taken with a Nikon D500, Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens, Zen Dome Port, Nauticam Housing, and Dual Inon Z330 Strobes, serves as a testament to Raja Ampat's marine life beauty and diversity, inspiring home-and-garden and gardening enthusiasts alike.
