It is the perfect environment for taking stunning photos; our very own Great Barrier Reef. Newsport sat down with the photographers and asked about their inspiration behind their picture.

PROFESSIONAL PANEL’S CHOICE WINNER

With so many great pictures to choose from it was not easy for our professional panel to make a selection.

This month’s winning picture is a stunning drone picture of Agincourt Reef shot by Brodie Dehring of @aerial_perspectives_lab.

Professional photographer Tracey Jones said about this picture: “A stunning composition with an even split of sea and sky, both of which have their own unique interests. The clouds create a beautiful marbled pattern in the sky and the boat floating just off the reef draws our attention to how clear the water is giving an amazing sense of depth in the image.”

Mr Deehring told Newsport he loves taking photos of different parts of the reef.

“They are never the same with all the different shapes and colours,” he said.

“The optical illusion of the reef dropping away into the deep is particularly interesting in the photo.

“The thing I love most about taking photos up here would definitely be out at the reef. I just love the sand cays and islands and the reef in general just has the most amazing colours. It’s like nowhere else in the world.”

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER

A picture that went viral on social media, Chris Baker’s (@bubblemaker_baker) “Outer Reef Stormy Skies” is this month’s People’s Choice Winner as the post that received the most likes on our Instagram page.

When Newsport asked Mr Baker what inspired him to take this picture he answered: The impending doom surrounding the outer reef pontoon.”

“I was about to take a group in for a dive but the sky was just insane so I grabbed my camera and snapped a few shots,” he explained.

“With two world heritage sites right on our doorstep the Douglas Shire is an amazing place to take beautiful shots. There will always be something to grab a shot of all year round.”

OTHER PICTURES PRAISED BY THE PANEL:

Pebbly beach by @deborah28odonoghue

Tracey Jones: “The photographer has used a very fast shutter speed to freeze the movement in this image, so much so that the foam from the wave doesn't look liquid but actually like a soft cushion surrounding the shell. The small depth of field also helps to draw the viewer's attention to the shell and "foam cushion" around it.”

Staircase to heaven by @angelina_pilarinos

Tracey Jones: “The bottom half of this image is so clear that you almost forget you are underwater, but as you follow the staircase of coral to the lines of sunbeams and up to the surface you are reminded that this is underwater. Plus it is always great to see such a healthy looking reef.” 

‘Palm trees’ new theme for this month’s competition

Don’t worry if you didn’t win any of our prizes this time. You’ll have another chance to win in this month’s competition which has started right now.

We are delighted to announce that this month’s theme will be around “Palm trees”.

So send in your best shots taken on our wonderful Great Barrier Reef and who knows your next month’s winner! Tag us on Instagram: @newsport.daily.