Marine fauna is often forgotten when we think of African wildlife, but the continent is home to some phenomenal creatures, such as this oceanic whitetip shark. “In recent years, [they] have become rarer in the Red Sea but they are back around the off shore reefs of Egypt,” said French photographer Greg Lecoeur. “Diving with these magnificent predators is a privilege and offers incredible photographic opportunities to witness the symbiosis with pilot fish. Curious, confident and inquisitive, they do not hesitate to approach the divers while on a decompression stop.” Peter Rowlands, one of the judges, commented on the image: “An excellent shot of an iconic creature. Well lit and framed. The small fish bottom right and the faint sunlight top right all contribute.”
THIS PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG LECOEUR WAS HIGHLY COMMENDED IN THE ‘PORTRAIT’ CATEGORY OF THE UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2018 COMPETITION. TO SEE MORE AMAZING IMAGES FROM THE CONTEST, VISIT UNDERWATERPHOTOGRAPHEROFTHEYEAR.COM.
GREG LECOEUR / UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR