First-Place Winner of the Wide Angle Ocean Art 2019: Nicholas More
In the heart of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, underwater photographer Nicolas Remy has captured a mesmerizing photograph titled "Blur of Sweetlips." The image, taken in November 2019, showcases a cloud of Convict Blennies swarming all over the reef, but it is the school of Yellow Ribbon Sweetlips at a depth of approximately 25m that steals the show.
The photograph, taken during a dive at Saundereck Jetty, was captured using a Nikon D500, paired with a Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens, Zen Dome Port, Nauticam Housing, and Dual Inon Z330 Strobes. To create the motion blur effect, a slow shutter speed and accelerated panning were employed.
Despite the blur effect, the image maintains the classic schooling behavior of the Ribbon Sweetlips, a nocturnal hunter that forms dense schools during the day on the reefs of Raja Ampat. The photograph has only undergone global adjustments including clarity, contrast, highlight adjustments, added vibrance, and a slight crop.
Nicolas Remy is renowned for his expertise in underwater photography, employing advanced gear and methods to capture such dynamic scenes underwater. The image was taken at Cape Kri, a famed dive site featuring photogenic rocky seabeds and diverse marine life, ideal for capturing motion effects like the blur in the sweetlips school photo.
The camera settings for the photograph were 1/8 sec, F16, ISO 200. The photograph was taken over a patch of hard corals. As a testament to his skills, Nicolas won a 9-night dive package and a 10% discount for a companion with Critters@Lembeh and Lembeh Resort.
This photograph serves as a stunning reminder of the beauty and dynamism hidden beneath the waves of Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
