Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year 2023, GR - Oceanographic
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2nd place Adventure Photographer of the Year

Gergo Rugli Sydney, Australia

33°54'12.3"S 151°16'05.8"E

"This afternoon was one that I am never going to forget," says Rugli. "A big swell reached Sydney’s coastline with some waves reaching over 10 feet in height. Very few surfers had the courage to fight with these monsters. It was just before sunset, and the sky was covered with clouds. I didn’t expect any colours, but just before the sun reached the horizon, a gap opened up, and the setting sun painted the whole sky with mysterious red light. I wanted to create a dreamy feeling and started to shoot with a slow shutter speed to capture the unique scene."

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BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year 2023, GR

Gergo Rugli Hungary

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Taken from the shore
  • Stormy conditions
  • Big swell
  • Rare conditions - once every couple of years

Gergo is an ocean photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Originally from landlocked Hungary, his fascination with the sea began in childhood through stories his grandfather read about dolphins and sharks. After years of exploring nature through drawing, Gergo turned to photography two decades ago. Since relocating to Australia, his work has focused entirely on the ocean. Today, he is dedicated to capturing and helping protect the fragile beauty beneath its surface.

MORE IMAGES BY Gergo Rugli

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2025 Australia

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, GERRUG4

Fine ArtPhotographer of the Year

2022 Australia

Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2022, GR

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2021 Australia

2021 APoY finalist, Gergo Rugli

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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