Winners Gallery
Finalist Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Josh Blank Australia
“Arms of Connection” captures two octopuses during courtship on a shallow coral reef at Lady Elliot Island, part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The male extends his specialised mating arm, known as a hectocotylus, to transfer spermatophores to the female. The interaction continued for several minutes as the male approached and the female moved across the reef before eventually accepting him.
BEHIND THE LENS
Josh Blank Australia
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Photo taken while snorkelling
- Coastal walk-in
- Nikon Z8, 8-15mm fisheye lens, Ikelite underwater housing, Ikelite DS230 strobes
- ISO320, F/13, 1/160s
Joshua Blank is an Australian photographer dedicated to documenting the beauty and wonder of marine wildlife. Over the years, he has spent countless hours exploring the ocean in search of unique natural encounters, with the aim of capturing the beauty, unpredictability and importance of our oceans. While encounters with whales, sharks, rays and sea turtles remain a particular passion, he is equally drawn to photographing rare behaviours and the incredible moments that showcase the fascinating lives of marine species.
