Winners Gallery
Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year
Ben Yávar Philippines
A freediver amidst a shoal of sardines. “As a freediver and photographer, I'm always mesmerised by the dance of sardines,” explains Yavar. “On this dive, I found myself beneath a swirling ring of sardines, forming a perfect circle above me. The sunlight piercing through the water created a stunning contrast, highlighting the intricate patterns of the fish and the diver. It felt like every movement was in perfect harmony. Capturing this moment was a blend of luck and timing. This shot captures the harmony between human and marine life, showcasing the serene beauty of the underwater world.”
BEHIND THE LENS
Ben Yávar Chile
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Water temperature of 27 degrees Celsius
- Calm and no waves
- Taken while freediving
- Early morning
Originally from Chile and now based in the Philippines, Benjamín Yávar is an underwater photographer. Defined by a clean, high-end editorial aesthetic, his work focuses on capturing the ocean's raw beauty while strictly prioritizing responsible, non-disruptive marine life interactions. From documenting elite freediving competitions to shooting global tourism campaigns, Benjamin approaches the marine world through a fine-art lens.
IMAGES BY Ben Yávar
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.