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WINNERS GALLERY

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1st place The Ocean Photographer of the Year

Ben Thouard French Polynesia

17°51'48.6"S 149°15'02.3"W

The moment a surfer gets wiped out and worked by the turbulence of one of the heaviest waves in the world. "This is the unseen part of surfing," says photographer Ben Thouard. "I have so much respect for both the wave and the surfers - surfing such a heavy wave is a huge challenge."

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022, BT

Ben Thouard France

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ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • 6-foot swell
  • Mid-morning shoot
  • Taken while freediving
  • Site accessed by boat and then a swim

MORE IMAGES BY Ben Thouard

Fine ArtPhotographer of the Year

2022 French Polynesia

Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2022, BT

Community ChoiceAward

2021 French Polynesia

2021 Community Choice Award, Ben Thouard

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2021 French Polynesia

2021 APoY runner-up, Ben Thouard

AdventurePhotographer of the Year

2021 French Polynesia

2021 Adventure Photographer of the Year, Ben Thouard

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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