Winners Gallery
Finalist Adventure Photographer of the Year
Julia Ochs Norway
“The storm raged all night with howling winds, the temperature far below zero,” remembers Ochs. “By morning, it was suddenly quiet. I set out for the beach, trudging through the deep snow, breathing in the freezing air. As I arrived at the lineup, the fog lifted, revealing perfect little longboard waves against a majestic mountain backdrop. I swam out, and light snow began to fall, adding to the surreal beauty. Very few surfers in thick neoprene suits braved the icy waters, their faces beaming with joy. In the solitude of this breathtaking landscape, I was rewarded with the opportunity to capture this unforgettable encounter with nature's raw beauty.”
BEHIND THE LENS
Julia Ochs Germany
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Fog and light snowfall, -10 °C
- Coastal walk-in
- Taken while swimming
- Midday
Julia Ochs is a German ocean photographer and environmental advocate dedicated to revealing the beauty and vulnerability of marine ecosystems. Through powerful imagery, she documents both the majesty of the ocean and the destructive impact of human activity, such as overfishing. Beyond her photography, she moderates expert panels, works closely with NGOs, and champions the role of individual action in driving environmental change. She is also the founder of OCEAN GALLERY, an exhibition space that uses art and culture to spark deeper engagement with ocean conservation.
IMAGES BY Julia Ochs
Conservation (Impact)Photographer of the Year
2025 Spain
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.