HIGHLY
COMMENDED
MACRO
LOUISE NOTT
-FESTOONS-
After mating, the female gloomy octopus (Octopus tetricus) finds a suitable den to lay her eggs, usually tucking herself into a crevice. She then braids the eggs together in strings, forming festoons. Just like ribbons or lights, the festoons are delicately attached to the surface of the den, hanging over the mother who spends the rest of her life caring for her young. As the eggs develop the chromatophores become visible, and the festoons of eggs begin to look like sparkling strings of lights.
You can see more of her work at
@louisenott_underwater
LOUISE'S UNDERWATER JOURNEY
I have always had a passion for photography and growing up I almost always had a camera in my hand. My love for underwater photography really started to develop after completing my Bachelor of Science and Open Water dive course. Armed with scuba skills, a deep scientific understanding of marine ecosystems, and my interests in photography, I was finally ready to start capturing the diverse and unique inhabitants of our oceans. My favourite subjects are cephalopods - I am mesmerised by their extraordinary intelligence and inquisitive nature! Through my photography, I aim to showcase the incredible marine ecosystems that surround Australia's coastlines and hope that my images both inspire people to jump in the ocean, and to take steps to protect it.