Winners Gallery
Finalist Fine Art Photographer of the Year
Luis Arpa Toribio Indonesia
"This is an image of a juvenile Pinnate Batfish captured using a slow shutter speed, snooted light, and deliberate camera panning to create motion and drama," says Arpa Toribio. "Juveniles are known for striking black bodies outlined in vibrant orange — a coloration lost within months. I encountered this restless subject in the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Capturing the image required patience and persistence over two dives, as these active young fish constantly dart into crevices for cover, making the shot particularly challenging to execute without interfering with the fish’s natural behaviour."
BEHIND THE LENS
Luis Arpa Toribio Spain
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- No current or swell
- 28 degrees Celsius water temperature
- Site accessed by boat
- Early morning shoot
Luis is a Barcelona-based biologist and photographer with a lifelong passion for capturing nature. His journey began in childhood with his father’s old Praktica and took shape during his college years, photographing wildlife. Over time, he explored various genres—from commercial shoots to book illustration—but has now devoted himself almost entirely to underwater photography. Luis uses his images as both creative expression and a tool for raising awareness about the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems. His work has earned recognition in several wildlife photography competitions, reflecting his commitment to both artistic excellence and environmental conservation.
