Captivating Whale Feeding Image Wins Ocean Photography Award

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

20 SEPTEMBER: A mesmerizing photograph of a rare Bryde’s whale about to devour a heart-shaped bait ball has earned Rafael Fernández Caballero the prestigious Ocean Photographer of the Year award.

Caballero’s breath-taking image stood out among over 15,000 entries submitted by both professional and amateur photographers from around the world. His photo captures the incredible moment a whale prepares to feed, with the unique shape of the bait ball adding to the visual impact. The photograph was praised for its composition, timing, and the way it highlights the wonders of marine life.

The competition, organized by Oceanographic Magazine in partnership with Blancpain, is designed to showcase the beauty and complexity of the ocean while raising awareness of its pressing environmental challenges. Each year, it brings together photographers who document the ocean’s splendour and the many threats it faces, from climate change to overfishing and pollution.

Through captivating imagery like Caballero’s, the competition hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and encourage global efforts to protect it. The winning photograph is a reminder of both the magnificence and fragility of the marine world as stated in BBC.