Fine Art nominee

Spotted Eagle rays are my favourite animal to photograph. They have the most distinguishable facial features almost resembling a dog. Interacting with these creatures from the front takes a lot of patience and relaxed behaviour from the photographer. As well as the defined face, they have these amazing spots, like stars of the night. I really wanted to produce an image that showed their amazing spotted patterns. These adult rays had the cleanest markings I have ever seen making the perfect image. I completely blacked out the entire background on Photoshop. Photogaphed under natural light while free diving.

Internationally acclaimed photographer Matt Draper uses his images as a way to spread awareness about environmental issues, as well as foster love for the ocean by replacing fear with fascination.

Self-taught, Matt spends countless hours learning how to better understand and interact with the individual species he photographs. Focusing on distinctive characteristics and behaviour allow people to see the raw beauty behind each animal photographed in their natural state, while in their natural environment. Matt prides himself in using only ambient light. This, combined with his free diving capabilities, makes for minimal disturbance when photographing marine life.

From humble beginnings, Matt’s photography continues to grow in an organic way, and he surrounds himself with positive, like-minded people who share similar goals.