Winners Gallery
Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
Max Holba Indonesia
"A local fisherman from Alor, Indonesia, leans over the side of his boat," says photographer Max Holba. "With the help of his hand-crafted wooden goggles he peers into the abyss looking for his 'bubu' - a hand-woven bamboo fish trap and traditional fishing method."
BEHIND THE LENS
Max Holba Austria
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Sunny conditions
- Flat seas
- Morning
- Taken while scuba diving
Max is an Austrian underwater photographer and dive resort manager whose passion for the ocean began at age 10. Despite growing up in a landlocked country, his early fascination with the underwater world led him to pursue SCUBA diving and eventually photography to share its beauty. Now based in Indonesia as a co-owner of Alami Alor, Max founded the Alor Photo Academy to teach underwater photography and tell ocean stories. Through his imagery and education work, he aims to inspire a deeper connection to the sea and empower the next generation of ocean advocates.
MORE IMAGES BY Max Holba
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2025 Indonesia
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 Cebu, Philippines
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
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.
