Winning Nudibranch Ocean Artwork of 2019 by Jenny Stock
In the picturesque Toilet Block, Queensland, Australia, photographer Jenny embarked on a four-month journey to capture the vibrant beauty of the Flabellina lotus nudibranch. The Mooloolah River, rich in nudibranch species, served as her playground.
Equipped with a Canon 5D Mark IV Camera, Canon 100mm F2.8L Macro Lens, Nauticam Housing, Nauticam SMC Diopter, and Dual Inon Strobes, Jenny dived into the river every weekend, determined to achieve an image where the nudibranch's vivid purple cerata would pop against a jet black background.
The Mooloolah River is home to over 350 species of nudibranchs, with the Flabellina lotus being Jenny's target subject. This nudibranch, known for its striking purple cerata, captivated her heart.
However, the search for unique nudibranch species exclusive to the Mooloolah River proved elusive. While no distinct species were specifically identified in the river, the Glossodoris vespa, an endemic species to Southern Queensland, is noted to be found on local reefs in the region, potentially including nearby coastal waters.
Jenny's perseverance paid off when she won a 7-night dive package at Villa Markisa. Her new location offered a fresh opportunity to continue her quest. With the dive package being a deluxe bungalow, she found comfortable accommodation for her underwater adventures.
The challenge remained to get a photograph that depicts the stunning form of nudibranchs. Using camera settings of 1/125 sec, F22, and ISO 320, Jenny continued her pursuit, hoping to immortalise the Flabellina lotus's vibrant colours against a dark background.
[1] Source: Marine Biodiversity Database (https://www.marinebiodiversity.org.au/)
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