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WINNERS GALLERY

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1st place Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Rafael Fernandez Caballero Strait of Gibraltar, Spain

35°57'00.0"N 5°36'00.0"W

A pod of pilot whales pose for a family portrait. "Pilot whales are incredibly special and intelligent beings that enjoy tight family bonds," says photographer Rafael Fernandez Caballero. "They are curious and territorial, so most encounters involve them coming close to see what you want. With love and respect most moments are about a unique interaction, playful moments with different members of each family. This particular picture represents one of the first encounters of that day. A whole family came together to welcome me and to make sure I wasn't a threat."

BEHIND THE LENS

2022 Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, RFC

Rafael Fernandez Caballero Spain

  • Follow Rafael On Instagram

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Warm day, no wind
  • Excellent visibility
  • Midday shoot
  • Taken while freediving

MORE IMAGES BY Rafael Fernandez Caballero

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year

2022 Spain

Ocean Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year 2022, RF2

Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year

2022 Mexico

Ocean Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year 2022, RF

WildlifePhotographer of the Year

2022 Bermeo, Spain

Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022, RFC2

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.

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