Rafael Fernández Caballero has been crowned Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024. His image stunned judges with his captivating image of a Bryde’s whale poised to devour a heart-shaped bait ball. Chosen from more than 15,000 submissions from top ocean photographers worldwide, Caballero’s shot stands out as a powerful example of the wonder and drama of the ocean.
His winning photograph showcases a rare and exhilarating moment—a Bryde’s whale caught just seconds before consuming a swirling mass of fish. Describing the experience, Caballero reflects, saying, “The image captures perhaps the most special – and craziest – moment of my life. It fills me with joy having lived this moment – and to have captured the image.”
Caballero expressed immense pride in being named Ocean Photographer of the Year, calling it a “dream come true.” He added, “Being a part of the best compilation of ocean photography this year – and receiving the toprecognition – drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean’s wonders.”
The 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition celebrated a stunning array of marine photography, from wildlife encounters to stark reminders of human impact. Among the awarded images were a bait ball being attacked from both air and sea, eels slithering over rocks at low tide, and a mahi-mahi fish caught mid-hunt.
These compelling shots reveal both the beauty and vulnerability of the ocean. Some images portray human connection—such as conservationists tending coral nurseries—while others, like an octopus sheltering in a plastic bag, emphasize the ongoing threats to marine life.
WINNER Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024
Rafael Fernández CaballeroBaja California Sur, Mexico
A Bryde’s whale about to devour a heart-shaped baitball.
2nd place
Jade HoksbergenIsle of Noss, Shetland Islands
A northern gannet, one of the largest seabirds in British waters, dives into the water to catch its prey.
3rd place
Thien Nguyen NgocVietnam
A fishing boat off Hon Yen as its long trail of smoke perfectly aligns with the shape of the green nets under the surface.
In addition to Caballero’s top prize, the Female Fifty Fathoms Award, created to recognize pioneering women in ocean photography, was awarded to Malaysian photographer Ipah Uid Lynn.
Lynn, reflecting on her achievement, said, “Receiving the Female Fifty Fathoms Award is an incredible honour and validation of the passion and dedication I’ve poured into my work over the years. It feels surreal and deeply gratifying. It’s a recognition that goes beyond personal achievement; it highlights the importance of storytelling through photography and the voices of women in this field. I’m truly humbled and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can capture and share with the world.”
Female Fifty Fathoms
WINNER: Ipah Uid Lynn
A whale shark surrounded by a swirling school of fish at night. The Maldives
A tiny goby perched on a delicate sea whip.Romblon Island, Philippines
A member of the Bajau holds a fishing spear in a traditional wooden boat.Selakan Island, Malaysia
A diver explores the underwater world of a mangrove forest.Selakan Island, Malaysia
A skeletal shrimp consumes its prey. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
A diver explores a cave system filled with intricate rock formations. Bau Bau, Indonesia
A close-up shot of a curious goby fish. Tenggol Island, Malaysia
A diver swims through a small cavern. Tenggol Island, Malaysia
A moray eel peeks out from its hiding spot within a coral. Selakan Island, Malaysia
A large school of batfish swim in unison.Koh Tao, Thailand
The Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, aims to shine a spotlight on the fragile beauty of the ocean and the photographers dedicated to showcasing its wonders. The event forms part of Blancpain’s broader Ocean Commitment, a program focused on raising awareness, supporting scientific research, and taking concrete conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas around the world.
The winning photographs, along with their captions and credits, will be showcased in the first Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 exhibition, which opens at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on November 28, 2024, with more exhibitions set to follow in early 2025. You can view all the winning images on the award website.
