Underwater
Category Winner
Bas van der Sanden (1)
Eastern Scheldt (Zeeland)
18mm; 1/200s at f/18; ISO 200
During an early morning dive in the Eastern Scheldt near the Zeeland Bridge, I swam over a bed of young mussels. A large number of common starfish were feasting on this abundant meal. Suddenly, a young butterfish emerged among the mussels, right next to a young starfish. The fish appeared for only two seconds before it scurried away—just enough time for this shot, as my camera was already properly set.
Runner-up
Luc Rooman (2)
Antwerpen (Belgium)
14mm; 1/125s at f/18; ISO 100
This photo of a pike was taken on a sunny day in May at recreation area Muisbroek, better known as the Ekeren Pit. In preparation for the Belgian Open Underwater Photography Championships, I had been diving here for weeks, until I encountered this cooperative pike that allowed me to photograph it extensively.
Honourable Mentions
Janny Bosman (3)
Grevelingenmeer (Zeeland / South Holland)
45mm; 1/80s at f/11; ISO 200
During a dive at the Frans Kok Reef in Dreischor, I noticed that the jetty posts were beautifully overgrown with colorful mussels, which were still open. A perfect subject for photography, and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing it. It never ceases to amaze me how stunningly the poles are covered with all kinds of marine life—a true feast for the eyes.
Edwin Rem (4)
Overveen (North Holland)
12mm; 1/2000s at f/4; ISO 3200
In March, the toads' mating season is in full swing. They seek out shallow bodies of water to lay their eggs. At Elswout Estate, the mating toads were particularly active. Using a waterproof bag, I was able to capture a couple on camera while a third toad lurked nearby, waiting for its chance.
Hans van Gemeren (5)
Grevelingenmeer (Zeeland / South Holland)
28mm; 1/50s at f/9; ISO 200
The dive at Nieuwe Kerkweg in Lake Grevelingen was a beautiful experience. I came across a crab that was going about its business and didn't notice me right away. Crabs eat everything from dead animals to crustaceans and other marine creatures. This encounter once again highlighted the diversity of marine life and how every dive brings new surprises.
Marleen Baas (6)
Grevelingenmeer (Zeeland / South Holland)
14mm; 1/80s at f/14; ISO 250
In autumn, jellyfish can be found all over Grevelingenmeer (Lake Grevelingen). Below the jetty, the wind had brought together many ear jellyfish and a cauliflower jellyfish. It was wonderful to swim among them. Fortunately, my diving suit provided protection from the stinging ear jellyfish. For this photo, I used flash to light the foreground, beautifully highlighting the cauliflower jellyfish. The green in the background is from natural light.
Thomas van der Puymbroeck (7)
Antwerpen (Belgium)
8mm; 1/125s at f/9; ISO 640
Every year, a kind of underwater cave of plants forms in the Ekeren Pit. This happens when aquatic plants reach the surface and continue growing over one another. The opening between the plants serves as a hiding place for fish. On a sunny day, I was lucky enough to encounter a beautiful school of fish here, just as the sun's rays perfectly illuminated the entrance.
