Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean 2023, RC - Oceanographic
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Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean

Renee Capozzola French Polynesia

17°32'19.7"S 149°49'46.2"W

"This paddleboarder was enjoying the sunset and when he came by in the background, I decided to incorporate him into my shot as the stingray was in a good position," says Capozzola. "I figured if I waited for the paddleboarder to move, I wouldn’t get another close pass of the stingray. It was a good decision. The human in the frame now portrays the successful co-existence of marine animals and people in this well-protected marine ecosystem."

BEHIND THE LENS

Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean 2023, RC

Renee Capozzola

  • Follow Renee On Instagram

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • No wind
  • Early evening shoot
  • Taken while snorkelling
  • Site access by kayak

Renee Capozzola is a conservation-oriented underwater photographer who has received over fifty prestigious international awards for her work. Renee’s work has been featured by multiple news outlets such as CNN, USA Today, BBC News, People, the Today Show, and France 2. When she is not in the water, Renee enjoys speaking at various events, judging photo competitions, and educating others about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

MORE IMAGES BY Renee Capozzola

Fine ArtPhotographer of the Year

2024 Tahiti, French Polynesia

Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2024, RENCAP14

Ocean Portfolio Award

2023 Hawaii

Ocean Portfolio Award 2023, Renee Capozzola

WildlifePhotographer of the Year

2023 Maui, Hawaii

Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023, RC

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2023 Maui, Hawaii

Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope) 2023, RC

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2022 Philippines

Ocean Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year 2022, RC2

Conservation (Hope)Photographer of the Year

2022 Hawaii

Ocean Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year 2022, RC

Female Fifty FathomsAward

2021 French Polynesia

Female Fifty Fathoms Award 2021, Renee Capozzola

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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