Winners Gallery
Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
Max Holba Indonesia
A handwoven bamboo basket, called “Bubu” in the local language, descends into the depths of Alor’s waters. "The locals of this Indonesian region use this traditional fishing technique as an efficient method to catch fish," says Holba. "The basket stays underwater for some time, and through a funnel-shaped opening, fish find their way in, but not out. After a few days, when sea conditions allow, the locals free dive - without fins and equipped only with handmade wooden goggles - to retrieve their “Bubu” and claim their catch."
BEHIND THE LENS
Max Holba Austria
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Morning shoot
- Shot while scuba diving
- Site accessed by boat
- F/22, 1/250s, ISO 200
Max is an Austrian underwater photographer and dive resort manager whose passion for the ocean began at age 10. Despite growing up in a landlocked country, his early fascination with the underwater world led him to pursue SCUBA diving and eventually photography to share its beauty. Now based in Indonesia as a co-owner of Alami Alor, Max founded the Alor Photo Academy to teach underwater photography and tell ocean stories. Through his imagery and education work, he aims to inspire a deeper connection to the sea and empower the next generation of ocean advocates.
MORE IMAGES BY Max Holba
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 Cebu, Philippines
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2023 East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean
2022 Indonesia
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.
