Here Are The Winners Of The Close-Up Photographer Of The Year Awards (49 Pics)

We contacted Daniel Sly, the photographer behind the ‘Potbellied Seahorse’ image, who kindly shared with us the story behind his remarkable shot: “During an early morning dive in Sydney’s Botany Bay, I encountered this potbellied seahorse seeking shelter at the centre of a cluster of sea tulips. The seahorse was resting quietly as the sea tulips swayed around it in the surge. 

These seahorses are reasonably common in the waters surrounding Sydney and are a popular subject to photograph, so on this cloudy morning, I wanted to capture something a little different. To capture the subtle movement of the sea tulips while keeping the seahorse in focus, I chose a slightly longer shutter speed. This allowed the gentle motion of the water to blur slightly, giving a sense of movement to the underwater environment. To ensure the seahorse remained the focal point of the image, I used a snooted strobe to direct light specifically onto it, highlighting its details while keeping the surrounding area in softer focus. The result was an image that clearly depicted both the seahorse and the dynamic setting it inhabited.”

When asked what initially inspired him to specialize in underwater photography, Daniel responded: “I’ve been passionate about photography for quite some time, initially focusing on terrestrial wildlife and birds. However, it wasn’t until I completed my open-water diving course that I truly discovered the wonders hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. Growing up by the coast, it felt like a natural evolution to start exploring and photographing the often-overlooked underwater world.”

The photographer went on to say: “What truly drew me to underwater photography was the ocean’s incredible biodiversity. There’s something captivating about exploring a realm so different from our own, filled with vibrant, almost alien-like creatures. Diving in Sydney, I began by simply enjoying the experience, but it wasn’t long before I felt compelled to capture and share the beauty of this hidden world with others. The challenge of getting that perfect underwater shot adds an exciting layer of complexity to photography, pushing me to constantly refine my skills. Over time, it has become not just a way to document marine life but also a way to advocate for the conservation of these fragile ecosystems.”

Capturing underwater images presents unique challenges. With that in mind, we asked Daniel about the biggest obstacles he faces when photographing marine life. Sly shared: “Underwater photography comes with a host of challenges. The biggest one is often lighting. Light behaves very differently underwater, I’ve had to experiment with various lighting techniques, especially when photographing critters like the potbellied seahorse.

Another challenge is the ever-changing conditions—visibility can often be particularly murky with lots of suspended particles, especially around Sydney’s coastline. Marine life is also incredibly dynamic, and you can’t exactly ask a fish or an octopus to stay still for a shot! Patience is key, along with a good understanding of the behaviours of different species so I can anticipate their movements. Staying calm and adjusting my settings on the fly have helped me capture those fleeting moments when everything comes together.”

The photographer also shared with us his favorite location for underwater photography, which, in his opinion, stands out from others: “Kurnell on the southern side of Sydney’s Botany Bay is hands down my favourite spot for underwater photography. The diversity of marine life there is astounding, making every dive feel like a treasure hunt. It’s one of the few places where I can consistently find a variety of critters like seahorses, anglerfish, and sea dragons, each with their own unique colours, patterns and behaviours. The mix of rocky reefs, sandy areas, and seagrass beds creates a dynamic underwater landscape that attracts a wide range of species. I love how you can be photographing a tiny, camouflaged creature one moment and then suddenly be surprised by a larger visitor swimming by. The unpredictability and richness of Kurnell’s ecosystem keep me coming back—it’s a place where I know I’ll always discover something new.”

Lastly, we were eager to hear about the most memorable experience Daniel has had while photographing underwater. Here’s what the photographer shared with us: "One of my most unforgettable experiences happened recently while diving in the Maldives. We were all gathered for dinner on the boat when suddenly the crew rang a bell—there was a whale shark right off the back of the vessel. Everyone rushed to see, and there, just beneath the surface, was a magnificent 10-meter whale shark feeding in the glow of the boat’s lights.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity, so I quietly slipped into the water, camera in hand. As I swam closer, I found myself face-to-face with this gentle giant, its massive mouth opening and closing as it fed. It was a surreal and humbling moment, being so close to such a majestic creature in its natural habitat. The encounter was completely unexpected and felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that I was incredibly lucky to capture through my lens.”

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