Entry Title: " Light and the Dragon"
Name: Richard Wylie, Australia
Category: Non-Professional, Underwater


Entry Description: Weedy and Leafy Seadragonas are unique to the temperate and subtemperate waters of Australia. Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN's Red List they are at risk from habitat destruction and pollution.

Their fantastic camouflage protects them in the wild but their invisibility means that very few people know about them. I chose this series of photos for the beauty of the animals themselves but also for the light that allowed me to see and share these wonderful creatures with the wider world.

I'm a Marine biologist, Lecturer, Director and wildlife photographer. While I'm a relatively recent convert to the art of photography, after 22 years as a marine biologist and with over 4000 dives I know where to look for inspiration. My photos have won or been placed in numerous international and national photography competitions and used in publications ranging from online journals, articles in magazines, books and exhibited in galleries. I'm a passionate conservationist and believe that photography is an incredibly powerful communication tool for any conservation campaign. My photography is deeply personal and feel that my genuine love of, admiration for, and wonder I have for the animals I encounter - both under and above the water - is clear in all my work.