Ballintoy dolphin photo wins British Wildlife Photography award
An underwater photo of a bottlenose dolphin surfing a wave at Ballintoy, County Antrim has won the top prize at the 2013 British Wildlife Photography Awards.
The winning photo, called In the Living Room, was taken by photographer George Karbusa, a professional free diver originally from the Czech Republic, who now lives in Ireland.
George described the experience of watching a surfing dolphin as "one of the most incredible sights you can see in the ocean".
"This photograph was taken in the most intimidating and surf-heavy spot on the north coast of Ireland, called Ballintoy," he said.
"I encountered this playful dolphin that suddenly started to surf the deep tube inside the waves.
"Each time he got into the wave, I dived underneath the water, held my breath and waited for the moment when he would swish through a silver barrel close enough to my lens.
"Water visibility is always very limited in Ireland, and I was very lucky to get a shot like this."
George's winning image will be exhibited as part of an exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London from 2 September, before the it tours the UK.
The image can also be seen in a book featuring images from the awards to be published later in September.
The British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of wildlife photographers working in Britain and highlight the diversity of Britain's natural history and the need for its protection.