Oceanographic: When did you first connect with the ocean?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “It all began in my childhood, even though there was no ocean where we lived. My grandfather and I watched documentaries together, his favourites were Jacques Cousteau and Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente. Those weekends spent rewatching old VHS tapes are some of my fondest memories. Seeing underwater life on a screen sparked something in me, a dream to one day experience it for myself. Years later, when we moved to Cabo de Palos in Spain, I found myself drawn to the local port, watching divers preparing for their adventures. To a 10-year-old, they looked so cool – like explorers from another world. Fast-forward to April 2018 and my girlfriend surprised me with a Open Water diving course for my birthday. I couldn’t wait to finally become one of those divers I admired as a kid. We certified in Monterey, California, and despite having only 1-metre visibility, it was incredible. Since that day, being underwater has felt like home. The ocean gives me peace, clarity, and a deep sense of calm.” 

Oceanographic: How did you get into underwater photography?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “At first, I was just like any tourist, with camera in hand, snapping memories without much thought. That changed in 2018 when I bought my first good lens before a safari trip. I became obsessed with capturing wildlife, and in April 2019, a whale-watching trip gave me my first real breakthrough. I captured a breaching whale, and the power of that moment hooked me. Photography stopped being a hobby and started feeling like something more.

Then came 2020. Stuck indoors during the pandemic, I rediscovered my love for documentaries, especially about underwater life. It sparked an idea: Could I capture these incredible underwater scenes myself? I was still a beginner scuba diver, but I invested in an underwater housing for my camera and, in September, escaped to French Polynesia. The first time I submerged my camera, I was mesmerised. Just capturing the smallest fish swimming around the reef felt surreal.

The moment that changed everything was when I took my son to Mo’orea to swim with humpback whales. I captured this image of him with a whale, and seeing the wonder in his eyes made me realise the impact these experiences can have. When I showed the photo to other kids, their curiosity was contagious. That’s when I knew I wanted to focus on underwater photography. I wanted to share these stories with the next generation.”

Oceanographic: How would you describe your style of photography?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “My style is still evolving, but it’s rooted in authenticity. I lean heavily on natural light and I use artificial light only when necessary to bring colours back to life at depth. For me, it’s about capturing moments that tell the story of what it feels like to be underwater, surrounded by these incredible creatures. I want my photos to inspire curiosity – especially in kids. When they see these images, I hope it sparks something in them, just like those documentaries did for me as a kid. I believe that if we can ignite this curiosity in children, they will inspire their parents to care about ocean conservation too. A quote by Chief Seattle that stays with me is: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

I think this is also what my grandfather left behind with me. He showed me the wonders of the natural world through documentaries, as we had no other means back then. My photography is an extension of those days with him.”

Oceanographic: Why did you decide to enter the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “I’ve admired the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition for years but always felt I wasn’t ready. In October 2023, I received my first underwater photography award, which was a massive boost to my confidence. The funny thing is, the winning image was taken in 2021, but I never thought it was good enough to submit it until years later! That recognition, combined with other awards and finalist spots in competitions, finally gave me the confidence to enter the Ocean Photographer of the Year. Being part of this prestigious contest is a dream come true, and I feel deeply honoured to have made it this far.”

Oceanographic: Tell us about the background behind your shot.

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “I took the mahi mahi shot in Baja California in Mexico, south of Magdalena Bay, in December 2023. I was leading an expedition, hoping to give the group a front-row seat to the raw energy of the ocean. We were up before dawn, heading out at 5am. to make the most of the day. The first day was long – we spent 12 hours at sea – but thrilling, even though the animals seemed to disappear every time we got in the water. On the second day, the water was calm and crystal clear, and we saw two bait balls merging into one, forming this tornado of fish. Then, suddenly, the mahi mahi appeared.

Watching them hunt was mesmerising – their speed and precision were unreal. I wanted to capture the moment one broke through the ball with its catch. It took over 16 hours in the water, finding the right light and angle, but I finally got it. The image captures the beauty and chaos of that moment, and it’s one of my proudest shots.”

Oceanographic: What makes mahi mahis such great photographic subjects?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “Mahi mahis, or dorados as they’re called in Mexico, are stunning. Their iridescent blue, green, and yellow colours are captivating – especially underwater. They’re fast, powerful swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 90 kmh, which makes photographing them a real challenge. What makes them even more special to me is how underrepresented they are. Most people only know them for their tasty meat, but when you see them in their element, they’re truly majestic. Capturing that beauty and sharing it with others is incredibly rewarding.”

Oceanographic: On a personal level, what makes the image so important to you?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “This mahi mahi image represents the essence of the 2023 expedition. It’s not just a picture; it’s a culmination of hours of effort, patience, and immersion in the ocean’s energy. It captures a moment that invites people – especially kids – to ask questions, to be curious, and to want to learn more about the ocean.”

Oceanographic: Any advice for aspiring underwater photographers?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “Share your work, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every journey is different, and every image tells a unique story. Most importantly, don’t spend all your time behind the camera. Clip it to your vest and take a moment to just be present in the experience. Sometimes, the best images come when you’re fully immersed in the moment, not just chasing the perfect shot. And remember, it takes thousands of photos to capture one truly great one. Keep evolving, and most of all, keep loving what you do.”

Oceanographic: Your favourite ocean moment to date?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “This is a tough question. I’ve been fortunate to experience many unique moments – whales locking eyes with me, dolphins playing nearby, curious sharks, and giant mantas engaging with me. But there’s one day in particular that still gives me goosebumps whenever I think about it. One of my most memorable moments was a Christmas night dive in Bonaire, where I witnessed the bioluminescent display of ostracods or seed shrimps. It was like being surrounded by Christmas lights underwater – a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. I’ll never forget the magic of that night.” 

Oceanographic: What’s the main aim behind your photography?

Manuel Castellanos Raboso: “My goal is to spark curiosity and wonder in the next generation. When kids look at my photos, I want their eyes to light up with questions, just like mine did when I watched documentaries with my grandfather. I hope to one day create a series of books filled with underwater photography and stories for kids and parents to enjoy together, fostering a love for the ocean and a desire to protect it. When kids listen to bedtime stories, they are curious, excited, and imaginative about the unknown. How incredible would it be for all that genuine wonder to stay with us throughout our lives?”

You can see all 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year category winners and finalist images here. Or for the latest updates on the entry process and more, go follow OPY on Instagram: @opy_awards