Nudes nominee

Intoxicated with the madness of social media people seem to be in love with their own sadness over the beauty of their own bodies. This image was photographed underwater, under natural light in the open ocean. The model was using no weight to stay on the ocean floor, which is extremely hard. This image represents the need and want to escape the outside noises and pressures of physical society, escaping to a place where one can be themselves in darkness without unneeded pressure. The softness of this image was created using a really slow shutter speed.

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.