Justin spotted these hungry blue dragons closing in on a by-the-wind sailor in a rock pool, and wanted to capture this ‘different layer of life in the ocean’. He used an underwater torch to light his shot from beneath, and framed their elaborate forms from above, against a galaxy of reflective particles.
Blue dragons are small sea slugs that float upside down buoyed by air bubbles in their stomachs. They feed on cnidarians, a group of marine animals that includes jellyfish and this by-the-wind sailor. Storing stinging cells from their prey in finger-like protrusions, the blue dragons use this venom to defend themselves against predators.
Australia
Justin is a natural history photographer, photojournalist and member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. His recent photojournalism work focuses on ecosystem-based conservation stories in Australia and he’s contributed to more than 23 feature articles for Australian Geographic magazine. Justin’s images have been awarded in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition on seven occasions, including three category wins.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
