The international competition of Underwater photographer of the year rewarded the Frenchman Gabriel Barathieu for his photo of "Dancing Octopus." This picture was taken in the Mayotte lagoon, in the Indian Ocean, during low spring tides, when there is only 30 cm depth, without flash thanks to the abundance of natural light.
"To take this picture, I had to get as close to the dome as possible to create this effect. The 14mm is an ultra wide-angle lens with very good close-up, which gives this large effect. The octopus looks bigger and so does the height of the water." explained the photographer.
The judges liked the subject matter." The way it moves is so different from any predator on earth... A truly memorable creature, beautifully photographed." as one of the judges, Alex Mustard, explained. But also the "bright, contrasting colors, delicate textures and perfect pose."
British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2017
Newcomer Photographer of the Year 2017
Most Promising British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2017
Wide Angle
Macro
Wrecks
Behavior
Portrait
Compact
Wide Angle in British waters
Macro in English waters
Compact in British waters
Underwater photographer of the Year is an international underwater photography competition, born in the United Kingdom. Photographers from all over the world can participate, in various categories (wide-angle, wrecks, macro, portraits...). In 2017, the judges received more than 4500 images (+ 35% compared to 2016) from 67 participating countries (+ 25% compared to 2016).
