Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year 2024, BENYAV31 - Oceanographic

Subscribe today from as little as £2 / $2.70 a month! Find out more

Subscribe from £2 / $2.70 a month! Find out more

  • News
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Storyteller in Residence
  • Ocean Photographer of the Year
  • Shop
  • LOG IN
  • Search
Digital bookshelf
Oceanographic Logo
  • Conservation
  • Adventure
  • Exploration
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • News & stories
    • News
    • Stories
    • Storyteller in residence
  • Videos
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Ocean Photographer of the Year

Winners Gallery

<< Back to WINNERS GALLERY
  • Previews
  • 1st
  • 2nd
  • 3rd
  • 01
  • 02
  • 03
  • 04
  • 05
  • 06
  • 07
  • 11
  • 12
  • Next

Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year

Ben Yávar Philippines

9°37'03.7"N 123°46'20.2"E

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

Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year 2024, BENYAV31

Ben Yávar Chile

  • Follow Ben On Instagram

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

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2026 Philippines

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, BENYAV6

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.

Shop_otherproductsHEADER_OPYbook2024
Add to cart Buy now

Newsletter

Receive the latest from Oceanographic and get 10% off your first order.

footer Photographer logo
  • Home page
  • OPY
  • Stories
  • Magazine
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Shop
  • News
  • Faqs
  • Legal
  • Read for free
  • Stockists

Copyright © 2026 CXD MEDIA LTD.

All rights reserved

10% off your first order!

Enjoy 10% off your first order with Oceanographic.

Choose from subscriptions, print magazines, books & photography prints – or bundle them together!

Use code WelcomeAboard10 at checkout.

Get 10% off