Winners Gallery
Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year
Jake Wilton Western Australia
A manta ray, surrounded by a school of fish. “Freediving to the sand and laying as still as possible, the ray passed directly overhead as I captured this image,” says photographer Jake Wilton. “I believe this photograph conveys the message that a healthy ocean relies on all creatures, both large and small. People tend to focus on protecting the large iconic species while forgetting about the little guys which are just as, if not more, important to the ecosystem as a whole. If we are to save our oceans we must protect every species within it.”
BEHIND THE LENS
Jake Wilton Australia
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Sunny conditions
- Captured late morning
- Taken while freediving
- 500 hours to create this image
MORE IMAGES BY Jake Wilton
WildlifePhotographer of the Year
2024 Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea
Ocean Portfolio Award
2022 Australia
Reconnect. Immerse yourself. Be inspired.
Enjoy the vibrancy, beauty and impact of each year's finalist photography, celebrated in our Ocean Photographer of the Year coffee table book collection.