Winners Gallery
Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year
James Ferrara Dominica
A sperm whale and sargassum weed. “It is exhilarating being in the water with a 40 ton adult sperm whale barreling past you,” says photographer James Ferrara. “The bubble trail left behind by the whale’s head is a testament to its speed and power. The awkward elegance of his oversized head, minuscule eye, and non-proportional pectoral fins are framed beautifully by the sporadic sargassum weed drifting in the currents of the Caribbean.”
BEHIND THE LENS
James Ferrara United States (US)
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Captured mid-afternoon
- Windy conditions
- Taken while snorkelling
- Site accessed via boat
James Ferrara is an underwater photographer based in South Florida. For the past 19 years, he has served as a career firefighter/paramedic while pursuing his passion for exploring the world's oceans. His adventures have taken him to remote destinations in search of extraordinary marine life and unforgettable natural moments. Through striking imagery, James seeks to inspire a deeper appreciation for the underwater world while promoting marine conservation. His work combines technical precision with artistic vision, capturing intimate encounters that showcase both the beauty and fragility of our oceans.
MORE IMAGES BY James Ferrara
Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year
2026 Raa Atoll, Maldives
AdventurePhotographer of the Year
2023 Ontario, Canada
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.