Winners Gallery
2nd place Fine Art Photographer of the Year
Rafael Armada South Georgia Island
"My short time on South Georgia Island was intense," says Armada. "On the final morning, just hours before departure to Gough Island, I wandered along the beach with no intention of photographing, only observing. I noticed how the waves left behind ephemeral mirrors on the black sand, disappearing as fast as they appeared. A lone penguin stood still in the calm, and for a moment, the reflection was perfect. The cold air, changing clouds, and fleeting light made everything feel transitive. I raised the camera almost instinctively, knowing that this stillness wouldn’t happen again."
BEHIND THE LENS
Rafael Armada Spain
ABOUT THE IMAGE
- Shot on the beach
- Small waves
- Morning shoot
- Location accessed by zodiac
Rafael is a wildlife photographer, author, and guide based in Barcelona, with over 35 years of experience photographing birds. In recent years, his focus has shifted toward seabirds and oceanic environments, where he combines conservation, storytelling, and field documentation. Rafael’s work often takes him to remote and challenging locations, capturing the lives of marine wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Through his imagery and guidance, he aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the urgent need to protect it.
