Shutterbugs push limits for best pics

TAKE a peek deep down beneath the surface to see life underwater as photographers showcase nature’s spectacular ocean existence.

Snappers from 67 different countries took part in the 2017 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, submitting more than 2500 images.

The first competition kicked off in 1965 and it has been growing ever since.

This year’s overall winner was French photographer Gabriel Barathieu, who stunned judges with his portrait of an octopus in the lagoon of the island of Mayotte.

“During spring low tides, there is very little water on the flats,” he said.

“Only 30cm in fact. That’s when I took this picture. I had to get as close as possible to the dome to create this effect.”

TOP SNAPS: Francis Pérez’s highly commended portrait of a sea lion playing with a starfish In Los Islotes, Mexico; and below, Gabriel Barathieu’s shot of a dancing octopus in the lagoon of Mayotte.