Winners Gallery
Finalist Conservation (Hope) Photographer of the Year
Kim Hyeon Min Indonesia
"In sunlit water, countless juvenile fish swirled around this dome-shaped coral, creating a mesmerising scene," says Hyeon Min. "The vibrant coral, untouched by bleaching, was teeming with encrusting organisms, forming a complex and harmonious ecosystem that felt like a miniature planet. I captured this moment in shallow water at the end of a dive. In a time when marine ecosystems are rapidly disappearing, this image is a reminder of what we still have - and a hopeful glimpse of what we must protect for the future."
BEHIND THE LENS
Kim Hyeon Min South Korea
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Calm conditions topside
- Moderate current
- Site accessed by boat
- F/14, 1/100S, ISO 200
Kim Hyeon Min is an underwater photographer based in South Korea, dedicated to capturing the quiet beauty of the ocean. His work focuses on the subtle, often overlooked details of the underwater world, revealing moments of stillness and wonder beneath the surface. Through his photography, Kim aims to inspire a deeper emotional connection to the ocean and raise awareness about the urgent need for marine conservation. His images serve as both artistic expression and a call to protect the fragile ecosystems that make up our planet’s blue heart.
