Winners Gallery
1st place Fine Art Photographer of the Year
Marcia Riederer Australia
"Dwarf minke whales are known to visit the northern Great Barrier Reef during the winter, making it the only known predictable aggregation of these whales in the world," says Riederer. "These curious giants approach swimmers with an almost playful curiosity. Floating in the turquoise water, watching a sleek, dark body glide effortlessly towards you, its eye meeting yours in a moment of connection. The whales, seem to acknowledge your presence, circling and interacting with you. It's a humbling experience, reaffirming the wonder of the ocean and its inhabitants, and the urgent need to conserve it."
BEHIND THE LENS
Marcia Riederer Australia
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Overcast
- Calm conditions
- Evening shoot
- 20m visibility
Marcia Riederer is a Brazilian-born wildlife and underwater photographer based in Australia. A biologist by training, she developed a love for photography over 30 years ago, which deepened when she began bringing her camera underwater. Her passion for the ocean, inspired by childhood documentaries and National Geographic images, now drives much of her life. Marcia spends countless hours diving and snorkeling, capturing marine creatures and chasing underwater light. She also enjoys traveling to explore new dive sites, combining her scientific background with artistic storytelling to share the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.
