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Finalist Conservation (Impact) Photographer of the Year

Daniel Taylor Gulf of California, Mexico

23.380081° N 109.428569° W

Two silky sharks lie side by side after being landed for their fins and meat, their bodies marked by the final struggle of capture. Taken only hours after Mexico's seasonal shark fishing ban ended, this photograph confronts the complex reality where threatened wildlife and human livelihoods intersect. The image does not seek to condemn the fishermen, many of whom depend on sharks for income, but rather highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. The pale fluid on the left shark's face comes from its sensory organs, resembling tears.

BEHIND THE LENS

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, DANTAY26

Daniel Taylor Mexico

ABOUT THE IMAGE

  • Coastal walk-in
  • Taken on the shore
  • Canon 70D
  • ISO 100, F/ 10, 1/320 Sec

Born and raised in Mexico City, Daniel moved to Baja in 2017 to build a life centered around the ocean. Drawn to the underwater world from an early age, he combined his passion for sharks, freediving, and photography into a career dedicated to exploration, storytelling, and conservation. As a divemaster, freediver, underwater photographer, educator, and former hospitality professional, he created a project focused on offering immersive ocean experiences that inspire a deeper connection with marine life. More than an expedition platform, it is a vehicle for education, community, and meaningful conservation, bringing together local communities, scientists, and conservation organizations to help protect our oceans.

IMAGES BY Daniel Taylor