The blue shark reared up barely half a metre from Richard Robinson's camera. Photo / Richard Robinson
The blue shark reared up barely half a metre from Richard Robinson's camera. Photo / Richard Robinson
Former Herald photographer Richard Robinson was looking for mako sharks near Little Barrier Island and not having much luck when he came face to face with this blue shark.
It was late afternoon and Robinson had been out much of the day when the fish reared up barely half ametre from his camera.
"Blues are the most beautiful of sharks in New Zealand," Robinson said. "I think they're really elegant."
His striking image is among finalists in the wildlife category at this year's New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year awards.
Herald photographer Alan Gibson is another finalist. His clever composition of sand artists on the beach at Tauranga Harbour is a contender in the society and culture category.
Photos ranging from jellyfish the size of dinner plates to muddy kids being hosed down after a fun run have been whittled down from thousands of entries.
The images go on display in Christchurch today, and the winners will be named after the exhibition moves to Auckland on October 3. The public can vote for the People's Choice Award at New Zealand Geographic.
