First-place winner in the Wide Angle Ocean Art Competition 2019, Nicholas More
In the crystal-clear waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, a breathtaking photograph was captured on the last morning of a live-aboard trip in November 2019. The photograph, titled "Blur of Sweetlips," features a school of Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips at a depth of approximately 25m.
The photograph was not significantly edited, with global adjustments such as clarity, contrast, highlight adjustments, added vibrance, and a slight crop being the only alterations made. The equipment used for the photograph includes a Nikon D500, a Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens, a Zen Dome Port, a Nauticam Housing, and Dual Inon Z330 Strobes.
The photograph was not taken in an attempt to capture the classic schooling behavior of Ribbon Sweetlips specifically, but it did manage to do so. The school of Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips was over a patch of hard corals, forming dense schools during the day to shelter from strong currents.
To capture the schooling behavior of these vibrant fish, photographers often employ several techniques. Underwater videography and photography from a stable position are common methods used to capture the smooth, flowing formation of the schooling fish. The use of natural light and ambient visibility is also crucial, as Raja Ampat offers good water clarity that supports vibrant color capture without excessive artificial lighting.
Close but non-intrusive approaches are necessary to avoid disturbing the fish, given their calm nature allows for relatively close observation and capturing fine details of their horizontal stripe patterns. Wide-angle lenses are used to frame the entire school, showing both individual fish and the collective formation, as ribboned sweetlips tend to school tightly.
The photographer used a slow shutter speed and accelerated panning to blur the background of the photograph, creating a stunning visual effect that highlights the school of Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips. This technique, along with the use of wide-angle lenses, emphasizes the fluid movement dynamics of the school.
As a result of this captivating photograph, the photographer was awarded a 9-night dive package and a 10% discount for a companion with Critters@Lembeh and Lembeh Resort. However, the photograph did not win any additional dive packages or discounts beyond this.
This photograph serves as a testament to the beauty and tranquility of Raja Ampat's underwater world and the skill of the photographers who capture its wonders.
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