THESE stunning underwater images taken from around the British coastline helped a Worcester scuba diver scoop a top photography award.
Sea slugs, anemones and shrimps are just some of the species caught in the frame by Trevor Rees, a member of the Worcester branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club which is based at the city’s swimming pool in Sansome Walk.
His work has now been celebrated at the British Wildlife Photography Awards and by the British Society of Underwater Photographers and adds to a long list of accolades he has received on his way to becoming one of Britain’s top underwater photographers.
His photos of a long-spined sea scorpion, taken in Loch Fyne in Scotland, and a male lumpsucker hiding in kelp, photographed in Loch Eribol, were both highly commended in the coast and marine category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards.
And his portfolio of images won the award for Best of British competition in the British Society of Underwater Photographers ceremony.
Mr Rees, who has been a BSAC scuba diver for three decades, said he liked to concentrate on what is commonly found in UK waters.
“My aim is to photograph what may be a common subject but to try and do it better than anyone else,” he said.
“I used to enjoy landscapes and was always snapping away above water. But once I’d started diving I wanted to record what I saw. However, underwater cameras were so much more expensive then.
“I tend to stick to marine life and usually quite common species to be honest. I don’t go out thinking I need to find some particularly rare fish to photograph.
“Instead, I don’t ignore what may be a very common species but endeavour to photograph it in a different way. I’m always looking to capture my subjects better than any image I’ve seen of them before.
Mr Rees has been a member of Worcester Divers for many years holding two club management positions along the way.
He added: “It’s a friendly club and there is always lots going on both socially as well as on the diving side.
“There is always plenty of opportunities for anyone interested in taking up diving to tackle a try dive.
“Diving has given me so much and I would never have had the opportunity to pursue my love of photographing British marine life without it.”
