Winners Gallery

Clouds of white spawn billow from a giant barrel sponge, a rare and fleeting event that breathes new life into the reef. Surrounding the sponge, a frenzy of Midnight Snappers, feast upon the rising plumes. Mouths agape these opportunistic feeders take turns consuming the nutrient-rich spawn, plunging into the white clouds, gorging themselves.  

"Capturing this image was no simple task," says Sanders. "The Midnight Snappers, initially wary of my presence, kept their distance, hesitant to approach the sponge while I was nearby. I had to remain perfectly calm and still, patiently waiting for them to grow comfortable enough to circle the sponge. Over time, my presence became just another part of their environment, and they began to feed freely, allowing me the opportunity to frame this intricate feast."