1st Place Wide-Angle and Best of Show

Matty Smith

"Blue Lasso"

Matty won an 11-day Cocos Island cruise on the Sea Hunter

The story: The Physalia Utriculus also known as the Pacific Man of War or Bluebottle uses it's deadly blue tendril to paralyse prey of small pelagic fish and crustaceans. Once its meal has been immobilized the tentacle is quickly retracted to draw the victim up the stomachs where it will be digested.  There are often hundreds of these animals washed into the bays near my home over night during the correct wind and current conditions. A lucky composition and beautiful illumination highlights the beauty of this elegant predator. It was one of those rare moments when it all came together for me, the fortunate photographer, I knew I had just witnessed something very special.

Location:  Bushrangers Bay, NSW Australia

Camera:  Nikon D810 Camera, Nikkor 16mm F2.8 Fisheye Lens and 2 x Inon Z240 Strobes and Snoots.

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