Today in London, Spanish photographer Rafael Fernández Caballero has been named Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 for his striking image of a Bryde's whale feeding on a baitball, chosen from more than 15,000 ocean images across all disciplines, including underwater, surf and drone.
Caballero's winning image, along with all other finalist images, will be displayed in the Australian National Maritime Museum's Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, opening on November 28th.
Reflecting on being named Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024, Caballero says: "This is a dream come true. Spectacular. Being a part of the best compilation of ocean photography this year – and receiving the top recognition – drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean's wonders."
Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp has said, 'We are thrilled to once again be debuting this exhibition and showcasing the extraordinary talent of this year's Ocean Photographer of the Year finalists. This exhibition was one of our most popular last year and we're so excited for visitors to be able to experience it again.'
The Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, has a simple mission: to shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice. The competition is a cornerstone of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, which unites all the brand's efforts to protect the ocean. The program is composed of three interconnected pillars: raising awareness of the ocean's beauty, supporting scientific research on ecosystems and underwater phenomena, and taking concrete conservation actions, such as helping to create marine protected areas around the world.
