Winners Gallery
Finalist Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Matty Smith Falkland Islands
Southern elephant seal pups explore shallow rock pools on Sea Lion Island in the Falkland Islands, testing their first movements in the water after being weaned by their mothers. These young seals must quickly learn to swim and survive independently. As they climb over one another and investigate their surroundings, this scene captures a key moment in their journey from land-bound pups to ocean explorers.
BEHIND THE LENS
Matty Smith United Kingdom (UK)
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Coastal walk-in
- Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm F4 S lens, Aquatica Digital housing, Matty Smith Dome Port, Ikelite DS230 Strobes
- ISO200, F/16,1/60s
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.
MORE IMAGES BY Matty Smith
Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year
2024 Sydney, Australia