Jordan Robins has won an award for capturing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

AWARD-WINNING photographer Jordan Robins has won a prestigious award thanks to his breathtaking photos of the Great Barrier Reef.

THREE years ago Jordan Robins picked up his first underwater camera — this week he was crowned Photographer of the Year for his breathtaking photos of the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian Photography magazine announced the 24-year-old Jervis Bay snapper as the overall winner for their annual award for 2017, which is the largest amateur photography competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mr Robins, a Science graduate, beat out more than 2000 entries to take the top spot, thanks to his package of four images titled ‘Tale of the turtle.’

One of the award-winning images. Picture: Jordan Robins.

He spent a week in the Great Barrier Reef in September last year capturing the photos, which showcase the ‘over under’ style of underwater photography, where you can see above and below the water.

“With those photos I can capture the atmosphere above the water, paired with the marine life below the water,” he said.

“I think my images give people insight into the beauty of the marine world so for those who aren’t fortunate enough to live near the coast or have a fear of water, through underwater art I can express to them what a beautiful place the ocean is.

“I thought the images were something a little different and unique, and being underwater photography and using the over under style I think the judges really like that.”

Mr Robins spent a week capturing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Jordan Robins

He said growing up in the coastal town of Jervis Bay helped him adopt a love for the water, and he found his passion for capturing it when he was gifted an underwater camera for his 21st birthday, three years ago.

“I became such a water baby. My days living here I’ve just always been immersed in the water,” he said.

“When I got my first underwater camera I enrolled in a photography subject and absolutely loved it.

“And a lot of my subjects at Uni were heavily marine involved which gave me a further understanding of marine environments that I’m now shooting in.

This technique is called ‘over under’ photography, which captures views both below and above the ocean. Picture: Jordan Robins

“So that’s important to me too, trying to express to people to become more aware about the ocean and how they can do their bit to help the conversation about marine environment and limiting impact on it.”

Mr Robins, who won a camera kit valued at $4000 and $2000 cash, plans to explore the coastlines of Western Australia this year, which will be new territory for the rising photographer.

Originally published as Jordan Robins has won an award for capturing the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef