Wildlife & Nature Shortlist

Despite two thirds of the world being covered in seas and oceans, we know so little about this world. Our lack of understanding is partly driven by the remoteness and challenges in experiencing these environments. We are often content with near-shore sea life experiences: coral or rocks can bring some degree of reliable experience. But our deep oceans remain other worldly. I have been driven, and inspired, to photograph these places. To show the beauty that exists in the oceans and seas is our first step in connecting with wildlife that lives there. There are a plethora of conservation issues threatening the seas and oceans, but first we need to understand more: connect and then act. I hope this collection brings the beauty, the challenges of the oceans to the forefront of the viewer's mind. I hope we do more.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, my photography has been inspired by nature, wild animals and my love of the outdoors. More recently, I am driven to help protect our wildlife and wild places - driven to make images that connect viewers with nature, understand them and become inclined to take action. I feel my best work is achieved by going the extra mile, looking at wildlife from a different perspective and not following the crowd.