Ocean Art Competition: 3rd Place Awarded in Wide Angle Ocean Photography Category, Submerged Beneath the Ocean's Surface
## A Conservationist's Winning Shot: Edwar's Photograph of a Whale Shark
Edwar, an accomplished underwater photographer, has recently made waves in the ocean photography community with his winning entry in the Safe Under The Sea competition. His captivating image of a whale shark, the largest fish species on the planet, has been recognised for its striking beauty and powerful message about marine conservation.
### The Encounter: Whale Shark at Cocos Island The photo was taken during a shark tagging expedition to Cocos Island, Costa Rica - a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich biodiversity and a haven for marine life enthusiasts. The expedition, in collaboration with SharkWater, an internationally recognised conservation organisation, provided a unique opportunity to witness and document the majesty of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
### The Equipment: Nikon D850 and f/20, 1/125, ISO 800 Edwar utilised the Nikon D850 camera, a high-resolution DSLR renowned for its exceptional image quality and dynamic range, to capture the intricate details of the whale shark. The camera settings for the shot were f/20, 1/125, and ISO 800, a combination that ensured the subject was sharply focused while retaining the vibrant colours of the underwater environment.
### The Vessel: SharkWater and Its History The expedition was conducted aboard the SharkWater, a boat that formerly served as a Japanese fishing vessel but has since been repurposed for conservation efforts. The boat's name, SharkWater, reflects its mission to protect sharks and marine ecosystems, making it an ideal vessel for this important work.
### The Impact: A Call to Preserve Marine Life Edwar's image not only showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the whale shark but also underscores the importance of marine conservation efforts in fragile ecosystems like Cocos Island. The wide-angle perspective of the photo captures the scale and grace of the whale shark within its ocean environment, inviting viewers to appreciate and protect these magnificent creatures.
In recognition of his achievement, Edwar was awarded a dive trip from Atlantis Dive Resorts, further fueling his passion for underwater photography and ocean conservation.
- Edwar, now on a dive trip courtesy of Atlantis Dive Resorts, aims to continue capturing mesmerizing underwater imagery to promote home-and-garden and gardening awareness about marine conservation.
- Being at home with his Nikon D850 camera, Edwar can effortlessly blend photography and lifestyle, using the camera's ability to achieve high-resolution, vibrant images to document his marine exploration.
- As he delves deeper into the ocean's mystery, Edwar seeks to inspire others to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle, appreciating the beauty of wideangle photography and the diverse marine life it captures.
- Edwar's candid portrait of the whale shark not only is a testament to his masterclass in photography but also serves as a powerful guide to fostering an appreciation for the rich biodiversity of home-and-garden and gardening, starting with our oceans.
- Following his love for adventure and marine conservation, Edwar hopes to influence his followers' lifestyles, encouraging them to play a role in preserving shark populations and the health of our planet's waters.
