WINNERS GALLERY

"Nazaré is widely known for its big waves, attracting hundreds of people worldwide to contemplate this amazing and beautiful demonstration of ocean power," says photographer Joao Pompeu. "I knew about the swell for big waves just two days before it. I managed to pick up a car in Northern Spain and drove 15 hours through the night, arriving at 6am in Nazaré. It was still dark, but I mounted my tripod where I found the composition and waited. The moment of three giant waves breaking with a perfect light lasted less than one minute, but was worth all the effort."