2021 OPoY third place, Matty Smith

3rd place The Ocean Photographer of the Year

Matty Smith Papua New Guinea

2°39'52.0"S 150°43'56.1"E

A Hawksbill turtle hatchling, just 3.5cm long, takes its first swim. “This turtle had emerged from an egg just minutes earlier with approximately 100 of its siblings,” says photographer Matty Smith. “They quickly made their way across the sand and into the ocean to disperse as rapidly as they could and avoid predation from birds and fish. I had to work quickly for this shot.”

BEHIND THE LENS

Matty Smith United Kingdom (UK)

ABOUT THE IMAGE

Late evening
Slight wind
Sunny conditions
Excellent underwater visibility

Matty Smith is an internationally acclaimed ocean and underwater photographer whose award-winning images reveal the beauty, mystery and fragility of the natural world. Originally from the UK and now based in Australia, he has spent decades documenting marine wildlife, from tropical reefs to the icy waters of Antarctica. His work has been featured by the BBC, National Geographic and leading international publications, and exhibited worldwide. A Nikon Australia and Aquatica ambassador, Matty is passionate about inspiring ocean conservation through powerful visual storytelling, while leading immersive photography expeditions that connect people with some of the planet's most extraordinary marine environments.