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2006: Underwater Worlds - Highly Commended

Ross Armstrong Enlarge image Pigfish in kelp

Ross Armstrong (New Zealand)

Pigfish in kelp

Viewed from above, dense kelp beds appear full of menace, hiding any number of fearsome creatures. Ross, though, loves to explore these mysterious habitats. Ecklonia-kelp-coated reefs occur around the Poor Knights Islands off northeast New Zealand. 'I tried to find an exposed reef edge so I could get below the kelp,' says Ross. 'Looking upwards gives the feel of being in an underwater forest.' A curious female red pigfish swam back and forth, keeping an eye on the underwater intruder: 'It was the perfect contrast for my composition.'

Nikon D70 with Nikkor 12-24mm DX zoom lens; 1/250 sec at f8; 200 ISO; Nexus housing and two strobes.

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