Reef Manta Ray – Lewis Burnett
SWIMMING serenely in seeming seclusion, superbly framed by crystal blue waters, these photographs of marine animals evoke a way of tranquillity and energy.
Capturing them from this dramatic perspective utilizing a drone was no imply feat for photographer Lewis Burnett. He spent months monitoring the creatures to create his assortment “Aerial Oceans”, a part of which is proven right here.
The photographs received the Portfolio prize within the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the 12 months competitors, which is produced by the South Australian Museum. Burnett hopes they are going to depart folks feeling the “similar awe of the ocean and its wild inhabitants” he feels after a day diving. “It’s unimaginable to not really feel a way of calm after experiencing the ocean’s wildlife, to not depart feeling small and insignificant on this world,” he says.
A reef manta ray takes centre stage in Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef in the primary picture. With a “wingspan” that may attain 4.5 metres, this species is among the many world’s largest rays. Additionally glimpsed in Western Australia, in Willie Creek, is the unmistakable form of a saltwater crocodile (pictured above). It took 5 months to snap the animal in blue ocean water – regardless of their title, saltwater crocodiles are typically present in freshwater habitats.
Lastly, pictured above, off the coast of Timor-Leste in South-East Asia, is a pod of Risso’s dolphins. This species, with its attribute blunt head, is often cautious round boats, so Burnett spent an enormous period of time getting shut to those dolphins, he stated in an announcement about his win.
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